Patent ID: 6434546
Filing Date: 2002-08-13
Classification: G06F,Y10S

Abstract:
An information retrieval system for generating queries to one or more information sources, said information retrieval system comprising:a demand agent providing: a user interface for allowing a user to specify a search expression; a query specification interface for allowing a user to specify a dynamic channel between a first query and a second query wherein the search results for an attribute of said first query are provided as a search attribute of said second query, said dynamic channel specified and operational while said first query or said second query is being executed; a broker agent providing a search and retrieval element for processing a search expression and creating specific information source search requests; a channel element for associating the results of an attribute of said first query with said input attribute of said second query; a supply agent for receiving said search requests and requesting and obtaining documents from information sources responsive to said search requests.