Patent ID: 6513033
Filing Date: 2003-01-28
Classification: G06F,G06Q,Y10S

Abstract:
A computer method for dynamically updating an on-line collection of reference materials in a database, which comprises the steps of:dynamically updating a collection of reference materials by incorporating input of new topics, definitions and votes from a plurality of users, without the need for an individual user's approval; wherein a topic is a term or subject to be defined; wherein a new topic is a topic created by a user; wherein a definition is one of a plurality of distinct descriptions of a topic; wherein a new definition is a definition created by a user; wherein a vote is an indication set by a user in favor or against a specific definition; wherein a new vote is a vote created by a user; wherein an existing definition is a definition of a topic created by a user as a unique definition for a given topic; wherein an establishment threshold is a set of metrics, wherein the total number of votes cast for a given definition, and a ratio of positive votes to negative votes, that automatically files definitions as fledgling definitions when definitions fall below the establishment threshold and as established definitions when definitions are above the establishment threshold; wherein a fledgling definition is an existing definition which has not passed the establishment threshold; wherein an established definition is an existing definition which has passed the establishment threshold; wherein an alternate definition is a definition of a topic that is created by a user for the purpose of replacing an existing definition; wherein an alternate definition dynamically replaces the intended existing definition only when the replacement threshold is passed; and wherein a replacement threshold is a set of metrics, wherein the total number of votes cast for a given definition, and a ratio of votes cast for the alternate definition versus the number of votes cast for the existing definition, which automatically replaces an existing definition with an alternate definition, when the replacement threshold is passed.