Patent ID: 6230154
Filing Date: 2001-05-08
Classification: G06F,G16H,Y10S

Abstract:
A database element retrieval system comprising:(a) means for storing a plurality of elements, said elements having parameters defining characteristics of said elements, and said elements being stored and classified based on one or more of said parameters;(b) means for processing an external query, said means for processing including,(i) means for generating search parameters associated with said query,(ii) means for determining a classification measure for said query, said classification measure being based on the search parameters for said query, and said classification measure providing a measure of similarity between the search parameters for said query and the parameters associated with elements store din the database,(iii) means for setting a search range in the database for said query,(iv) means for establishing a search space in the database, said search space being based on said search range and said classification measure,(v) means for retrieving a plurality of elements from said search space in response to said query.