Patent ID: 8510330

Claim:
A data retrieval system including a configurable search engine, said system comprising: a processor; and a memory coupled to the processor, the memory configured to store instructions that when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: allow a user to select for a searcher, a set of configuration settings from a plurality of configuration settings; enable the searcher to personalize the search engine based on the set of configuration settings selected by the user, wherein allowing the user to select the set of configuration settings comprises allowing the user to: select, from a plurality of search engine related options, a set of search engine related options available for the searcher to personalize the search engine; and specify an extent to which the searcher can personalize the set of search engine related options, wherein the set of search engine related options comprises: options related to an appearance of the search engine and a function available to the searcher when performing a search; and an option to select a set of search fields and behavior of the set of search fields available to the searcher for the search; enable the searcher to perform the search using the search engine as personalized by the searcher, wherein the user has a first level of access and the searcher has a second level of access to the data retrieval system; and enable the user to select other configuration settings from the plurality of configuration settings for configuring the search engine, wherein the other configuration settings comprise one or more of: a setting to set security rules for the searcher; a setting for specifying whether a search section of the search engine is initially collapsed or expanded when a search page is opened; a setting for specifying whether the searcher is capable of accessing a basic or advanced search; or a setting for specifying a maximum number of visible rows from a search results grid that can be viewed at one time.