Patent ID: 6029165
Filing Date: 2000-02-22
Classification: G06F,Y10S

Abstract:
A system for search and retrieval of electronic objects, the objects including electronically encoded information, the system comprising:a searching subsystem comprisingone or more electronic lexicons in a memory within the system, wherein each lexicon is configured to provide predefined search elements designed to identify objects relevant to a specific community; anda format filter subsystem coupled to the searching subsystem comprising a plurality of format filter modules operable with the lexicon and configured to identify a format of an electronic object and to select a corresponding one of the format filter modules that will enable the system to search the object using the search elements within the lexicon;a profile management subsystem coupled to the lexicon comprising a community module, a profile module, and an atlas module, wherein the community module is configured to enable selection of a community lexicon, wherein each community lexicon includes a library of topics and search elements, wherein the profile module is configured to enable creation of a topic profile by selecting at least one topic from a library of topics, wherein each topic identifies a subject that is relevant to the information needs of the community, and wherein the atlas module is configured to enable creation of a user atlas by indicating at least one preferred data resource from a list of data resources from which objects may be retrieved;whereby potential sources of information can be easily searched and relevant information can be retrieved for a user.