US5893087A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method and apparatus for improved information storage and retrieval system
Assignee: Enfish Inc
•
Filing: 1996-04-10
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Granted: 1999-04-06
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Expires: 2016-04-10
Abstract
Abstract The information management and database system of the present invention comprises a flexible, self-referential table that stores data. The table of the present invention may store any type of data, both structured and unstructured, and provides an interface to other application programs. The table of the present invention comprises a plurality of rows and columns. Each row has an object identification number (OID) and each column also has an OID. A row corresponds to a record and a column corresponds to a field such that the intersection of a row and a column comprises a cell that may contain data for a particular record related to a particular field, a cell may also point to another record. To enhance searching and to provide for synchronization between columns, columns are entered as rows in the table and the record corresponding to a column contains various information about the column. The table includes an index structure for extended queries.
Inventors
- 👤 Scott Wlaschin
- 👤 Robert Gordon
- 👤 Louise J. Wannier
- 👤 Clay Gordon
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 10:13
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F16/00; G06F16/20; G06F16/22; G06F16/221; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S707/00; Y10S707/912; Y10S707/917; Y10S707/953; Y10S707/954; Y10S707/99931; Y10S707/99933; Y10S707/99934; Y10S707/99941; Y10S707/99943
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 106
Claim 1
Independent Claim
114 words
A method for operating a computer system including a memory configured according to a logical table, a central processing unit and a display, said method including the steps of: configuring an extensible logical table to include: a plurality of rows, each said row including an object identification number (OID) to identify each said row, each said row corresponding to a record of information; a plurality of columns intersecting said plurality of rows to define a plurality of cells, a cell being basic unit of storage, each said column including an OID to identify each said column; and wherein at least one row includes a fields cell having references to a plurality of labeled columns.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
114 words
A method for operating a computer system including a memory configured according to a logical table, a central processing unit and a display, said method including the steps of: configuring an extensible logical table to include: a plurality of rows, each said row including an object identification number (OID) to identify each said row, each said row corresponding to a record of information; a plurality of columns intersecting said plurality of rows to define a plurality of cells, a cell being basic unit of storage, each said column including an OID to identify each said column; and wherein at least one row includes a fields cell having references to a plurality of labeled columns.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said fields cell further includes information related to each of said labeled columns.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of performing an operation on data within said labeled columns according to said at least one row.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 3 wherein said operation comprises at least one of the following: an editing operation, a printing operation, a searching operation or an exporting operation.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said at least one row comprises a template for a structured e-mail message.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
138 words
A method for storing and retrieving data in a computer system including a memory, a central processing unit and a display, said method including the steps of: configuring said memory according to an extensible logical table, said extensible logical table including: a plurality of rows, each said row including an object identification number (OID) to identify each said row, each said row corresponding to a record of information; a plurality of columns intersecting said plurality of rows to define a plurality of cells, a cell being basic unit of storage, each said column including an OID to identify each said column, at least one cell in a particular row including a definition, said definition including a reference to at least one column; automatically adding to said one cell a reference to a first row according to said definition.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
138 words
A method for storing and retrieving data in a computer system including a memory, a central processing unit and a display, said method including the steps of: configuring said memory according to an extensible logical table, said extensible logical table including: a plurality of rows, each said row including an object identification number (OID) to identify each said row, each said row corresponding to a record of information; a plurality of columns intersecting said plurality of rows to define a plurality of cells, a cell being basic unit of storage, each said column including an OID to identify each said column, at least one cell in a particular row including a definition, said definition including a reference to at least one column; automatically adding to said one cell a reference to a first row according to said definition.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 6 wherein said definition includes a reference to every row that includes a valid value in a certain column.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 6 wherein said definition includes a query that results in references to a plurality of rows that satisfy the query.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 5 wherein said particular row comprises a folder type row.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
130 words
A method for storing and retrieving data in a computer system including a memory, a central processing unit and a display, said method including the steps of: configuring said memory according to an extensible logical table, said extensible logical table including: a plurality of rows, each said row including an object identification number (OID) to identify each said row, each said row corresponding to a record of information; a plurality of columns intersecting said plurality of rows to define a plurality of cells, a cell being basic unit of storage, each said column including an OID to identify each said column, at least one of said columns including information to indicate an indexing method corresponding to said column; and indexing said at least one column according to said indexing method.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
130 words
A method for storing and retrieving data in a computer system including a memory, a central processing unit and a display, said method including the steps of: configuring said memory according to an extensible logical table, said extensible logical table including: a plurality of rows, each said row including an object identification number (OID) to identify each said row, each said row corresponding to a record of information; a plurality of columns intersecting said plurality of rows to define a plurality of cells, a cell being basic unit of storage, each said column including an OID to identify each said column, at least one of said columns including information to indicate an indexing method corresponding to said column; and indexing said at least one column according to said indexing method.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
64 words
The method of claim 10 wherein: at least one of said cells includes a pointer to an index record; and said indexing method includes the steps of: searching said table for at least two key words; and creating index records for at least two key words, said index records including one or more pointers to cells in said table that contain said key words.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method of claim 11 further including the step of querying said table, said step querying said table further including the steps of: locating one of said index records according to the query of a user; retrieving at least one cell in said table pointed to by said located index record.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 12 wherein said step of locating one of said index records further includes the steps of locating at least one of said index records pointed to by said at least one retrieved cell.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 13 further including the step of weighting key words and retrieved cells according to pre-defined search criteria.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 13 further including the step of filtering key words and retrieved cells according to pre-defined search criteria.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
135 words
A method for storing and retrieving data in a computer system including a memory, a central processing unit and a display, said method including the steps of: configuring said memory according to an extensible logical table, said extensible logical table including: a plurality of rows, each said row including an object identification number (OID) to identify each said row, each said row corresponding to a record of information; a plurality of columns intersecting said plurality of rows to define a plurality of cells, a cell being the basic unit of storage, each said column including an OID to identify each said column, at least one cell in a particular row including an annotation such that said annotation cell is fully integrated into said logical table; and performing an operation on said cell including said annotation.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
135 words
A method for storing and retrieving data in a computer system including a memory, a central processing unit and a display, said method including the steps of: configuring said memory according to an extensible logical table, said extensible logical table including: a plurality of rows, each said row including an object identification number (OID) to identify each said row, each said row corresponding to a record of information; a plurality of columns intersecting said plurality of rows to define a plurality of cells, a cell being the basic unit of storage, each said column including an OID to identify each said column, at least one cell in a particular row including an annotation such that said annotation cell is fully integrated into said logical table; and performing an operation on said cell including said annotation.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 16 wherein said operation comprises indexing.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 16 wherein said annotation cell includes hypertext.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
256 words
A method for storing and retrieving data in a computer system including a memory, a central processing unit and a display, said method including the steps of: configuring said memory according to a logical table, said logical table including: a plurality of rows, each said row including an object identification number (OID) to identify each said row, each said row corresponding to a record of information; a plurality of columns intersecting said plurality of rows to define a plurality of cells, each said column including an OID to identify each said column, at least one of said columns including information to indicate an indexing method corresponding to said column, at least one of said cells includes a pointer to an index record; indexing said at least one column according to said indexing method, said indexing method includes the steps of; searching said table for at least two key words; creating index records for at least two key words, said index records including one or more pointers to cells in said table that contain said key words; querying said table, said step querying said table further including the steps of: locating one of said index records according to the query of a user; retrieving at least one cell in said table pointed to by said located index record, said step of locating one of said index records further includes locating at least one of said index records pointed to by said at-least one retrieved cell; and weighting key words and retrieved cells according to pre-defined search criteria.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
256 words
A method for storing and retrieving data in a computer system including a memory, a central processing unit and a display, said method including the steps of: configuring said memory according to a logical table, said logical table including: a plurality of rows, each said row including an object identification number (OID) to identify each said row, each said row corresponding to a record of information; a plurality of columns intersecting said plurality of rows to define a plurality of cells, each said column including an OID to identify each said column, at least one of said columns including information to indicate an indexing method corresponding to said column, at least one of said cells includes a pointer to an index record; indexing said at least one column according to said indexing method, said indexing method includes the steps of; searching said table for at least two key words; creating index records for at least two key words, said index records including one or more pointers to cells in said table that contain said key words; querying said table, said step querying said table further including the steps of: locating one of said index records according to the query of a user; retrieving at least one cell in said table pointed to by said located index record, said step of locating one of said index records further includes locating at least one of said index records pointed to by said at-least one retrieved cell; and weighting key words and retrieved cells according to pre-defined search criteria.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
257 words
A method for storing and retrieving data in a computer system including a memory, a central processing unit and a display, said method including the steps of: configuring said memory according to a logical table, said logical table including; a plurality of rows, each said row including an object identification number (OID) to identify each said row, each said row corresponding to a record of information; a plurality of columns intersecting said plurality of rows to define a plurality of cells, each said column including an OID to identify each said column, at least one of said columns including information to indicate an indexing method corresponding to said column, at least one of said cells includes a pointer to an index record; indexing said at least one column according to said indexing method, said indexing method includes the steps of: searching said table for at least two key words; creating index records for at least two key words, said index records including one or more pointers to cells in said table that contain said key words; querying said table, said step querying said table further including the steps of: locating one of said index records according to the query of a user; retrieving at least one cell in said table pointed to by said located index record, said step of locating one of said index records further includes locating at least one of said index records pointed to by said at least one retrieved cell; and filtering key words and retrieved cells according to pre-defined search criteria.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
257 words
A method for storing and retrieving data in a computer system including a memory, a central processing unit and a display, said method including the steps of: configuring said memory according to a logical table, said logical table including; a plurality of rows, each said row including an object identification number (OID) to identify each said row, each said row corresponding to a record of information; a plurality of columns intersecting said plurality of rows to define a plurality of cells, each said column including an OID to identify each said column, at least one of said columns including information to indicate an indexing method corresponding to said column, at least one of said cells includes a pointer to an index record; indexing said at least one column according to said indexing method, said indexing method includes the steps of: searching said table for at least two key words; creating index records for at least two key words, said index records including one or more pointers to cells in said table that contain said key words; querying said table, said step querying said table further including the steps of: locating one of said index records according to the query of a user; retrieving at least one cell in said table pointed to by said located index record, said step of locating one of said index records further includes locating at least one of said index records pointed to by said at least one retrieved cell; and filtering key words and retrieved cells according to pre-defined search criteria.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
131 words
A method for storing and retrieving data in a computer system including a memory, a central processing unit and a display, said method including the steps of: configuring said memory according to a logical table, said logical table including; a plurality of rows, each said row including an object identification number (OID) to identify each said row, each said row corresponding to a record of information; a plurality of columns intersecting said plurality of rows to define a plurality of cells, each said column including an OID to identify each said column, at least one cell in a particular row including an annotation such that said annotation cell is fully integrated into said logical table; and performing an operation on said cell including said annotation wherein said annotation cell includes hypertext.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
131 words
A method for storing and retrieving data in a computer system including a memory, a central processing unit and a display, said method including the steps of: configuring said memory according to a logical table, said logical table including; a plurality of rows, each said row including an object identification number (OID) to identify each said row, each said row corresponding to a record of information; a plurality of columns intersecting said plurality of rows to define a plurality of cells, each said column including an OID to identify each said column, at least one cell in a particular row including an annotation such that said annotation cell is fully integrated into said logical table; and performing an operation on said cell including said annotation wherein said annotation cell includes hypertext.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
149 words
A method for storing and retrieving data in a computer system memory comprising the steps of: configuring said memory according to an extensible logical table having a plurality of intersecting rows and columns defining a plurality of cells, at least one of said cells includes a pointer to an index record; indexing at least one column by; creating index records for said at least two key words, said index records including one or more pointers to cells in said extensible logical table that contain said at least two key words; locating one of said index records according to the query of a user; retrieving at least one cell in said extensible logical table pointed to by said located index record; locating at least one of said index records pointed to by said at least one retrieved cell; and weighting key words and retrieved cells according to pre-defined search criteria.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
149 words
A method for storing and retrieving data in a computer system memory comprising the steps of: configuring said memory according to an extensible logical table having a plurality of intersecting rows and columns defining a plurality of cells, at least one of said cells includes a pointer to an index record; indexing at least one column by; creating index records for said at least two key words, said index records including one or more pointers to cells in said extensible logical table that contain said at least two key words; locating one of said index records according to the query of a user; retrieving at least one cell in said extensible logical table pointed to by said located index record; locating at least one of said index records pointed to by said at least one retrieved cell; and weighting key words and retrieved cells according to pre-defined search criteria.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
147 words
A method for storing and retrieving data in a computer system memory comprising the steps of: configuring said memory according to an extensible logical table having a plurality of intersecting rows and columns defining a plurality of cells; creating index records for at least two key words, said index records including one or more pointers to cells in said extensible logical table that contain said key words, at least one of said cells includes a pointer to an index record; indexing at least one column according to an indexing method; locating one of said index records according to the query of a user; retrieving at least one cell in said table pointed to by said located index record; locating at least one of said index records pointed to by said at least one retrieved cell; and filtering key words and retrieved cells according to pre-defined search criteria.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
147 words
A method for storing and retrieving data in a computer system memory comprising the steps of: configuring said memory according to an extensible logical table having a plurality of intersecting rows and columns defining a plurality of cells; creating index records for at least two key words, said index records including one or more pointers to cells in said extensible logical table that contain said key words, at least one of said cells includes a pointer to an index record; indexing at least one column according to an indexing method; locating one of said index records according to the query of a user; retrieving at least one cell in said table pointed to by said located index record; locating at least one of said index records pointed to by said at least one retrieved cell; and filtering key words and retrieved cells according to pre-defined search criteria.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
91 words
A method for storing and retrieving data in a computer system memory comprising the steps of: configuring said memory according to an extensible logical table having a plurality of intersecting rows and columns defining a plurality of cells, at least one of said columns including information to indicate an indexing method corresponding to said column, at least one cell includes an annotation such that said annotation cell is fully integrated into said extensible logical table; and performing an operation on said cell including said annotation wherein said annotation cell includes hypertext.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
91 words
A method for storing and retrieving data in a computer system memory comprising the steps of: configuring said memory according to an extensible logical table having a plurality of intersecting rows and columns defining a plurality of cells, at least one of said columns including information to indicate an indexing method corresponding to said column, at least one cell includes an annotation such that said annotation cell is fully integrated into said extensible logical table; and performing an operation on said cell including said annotation wherein said annotation cell includes hypertext.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
71 words
In a method for storing and retrieving information in a computer memory by configuring said memory according to a logical table having a plurality of rows, each said row corresponding to a record of information, and a plurality of columns intersecting said plurality of rows to define a plurality of cells, the improvement comprising: including references to a plurality of labeled columns in a fields cell in at least one row.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
71 words
In a method for storing and retrieving information in a computer memory by configuring said memory according to a logical table having a plurality of rows, each said row corresponding to a record of information, and a plurality of columns intersecting said plurality of rows to define a plurality of cells, the improvement comprising: including references to a plurality of labeled columns in a fields cell in at least one row.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 25 wherein said fields cell further comprises information related to each of said columns.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 25 further comprising the step of performing an operation on data within said columns according to said at least one row.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 27 wherein said operation comprises at least one of the following: an editing operation, a printing operation, a searching operation or an exporting operation.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 25 wherein said at least one row comprises a template for a structured e-mail message.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
92 words
In a method for storing and retrieving information in a computer memory by configuring said memory according to a logical table having a plurality of rows, each said row corresponding to a record of information, and a plurality of columns intersecting said plurality of rows to define a plurality of cells, the improvement comprising: including a definition in at least one cell in a first row, said definition including a reference to at least one column; automatically adding to said one cell a reference to a second row according to said definition.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
92 words
In a method for storing and retrieving information in a computer memory by configuring said memory according to a logical table having a plurality of rows, each said row corresponding to a record of information, and a plurality of columns intersecting said plurality of rows to define a plurality of cells, the improvement comprising: including a definition in at least one cell in a first row, said definition including a reference to at least one column; automatically adding to said one cell a reference to a second row according to said definition.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 30 wherein said definition includes a reference to every row that includes a valid value in a first column.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 30 wherein said definition includes a query that results in references to a plurality of rows that satisfy the query.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 30 wherein said first row comprises a folder type row.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
84 words
In a method for storing and retrieving information in a computer memory by configuring said memory according to a logical table having a plurality of rows, each said row corresponding to a record of information, and a plurality of columns intersecting said plurality of rows to define a plurality of cells, the improvement comprising: including information in at least one of said columns to indicate an indexing method corresponding to said column; and indexing said at least one column according to said indexing method.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
84 words
In a method for storing and retrieving information in a computer memory by configuring said memory according to a logical table having a plurality of rows, each said row corresponding to a record of information, and a plurality of columns intersecting said plurality of rows to define a plurality of cells, the improvement comprising: including information in at least one of said columns to indicate an indexing method corresponding to said column; and indexing said at least one column according to said indexing method.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
64 words
The method of claim 34 wherein: at least one of said cells includes a pointer to an index record; and said indexing method includes the steps of: searching said table for at least two key words; and creating index records for at least two key words, said index records including one or more pointers to cells in said table that contain said key words.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method of claim 35 further including the step of querying said table, said step querying said table further including the steps of: locating one of said index records according to the query of a user; retrieving at least one cell in said table pointed to by said located index record.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 36 wherein said step of locating one of said index records further includes the steps of locating at least one of said index records pointed to by said at least one retrieved cell.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 37 further including the step of weighting key words and retrieved cells according to pre-defined search criteria.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 37 further including the step of filtering key words and retrieved cells according to pre-defined search criteria.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
89 words
In a method for storing and retrieving information in a computer memory by configuring said memory according to a logical table having a plurality of rows, each said row corresponding to a record of information, and a plurality of columns intersecting said plurality of rows to define a plurality of cells, the improvement comprising: including an annotation in at least one cell in a first row, said annotation cell being fully integrated into said logical table; and performing an operation on said at least one cell including said annotation.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
89 words
In a method for storing and retrieving information in a computer memory by configuring said memory according to a logical table having a plurality of rows, each said row corresponding to a record of information, and a plurality of columns intersecting said plurality of rows to define a plurality of cells, the improvement comprising: including an annotation in at least one cell in a first row, said annotation cell being fully integrated into said logical table; and performing an operation on said at least one cell including said annotation.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 40 wherein said operation comprises indexing.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 40 wherein said annotation cell includes hypertext.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
145 words
A device for storing and retrieving data in a computer system memory comprising: an extensible logical table having a plurality of intersecting rows and columns defining a plurality of cells; at least one row includes a fields cell having references to a plurality of labeled columns an index record for at least two key words, said index record including one or more pointers to cells in said extensible logical table that contain said at least two key words; means for locating one of said index records according to the query of a user; means for retrieving at least one cell in said extensible logical table pointed to by said located index record; means for locating at least one of said index records pointed to by said at least one retrieved cell; and means for weighting key words and retrieved cells according to pre-defined search criteria.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
145 words
A device for storing and retrieving data in a computer system memory comprising: an extensible logical table having a plurality of intersecting rows and columns defining a plurality of cells; at least one row includes a fields cell having references to a plurality of labeled columns an index record for at least two key words, said index record including one or more pointers to cells in said extensible logical table that contain said at least two key words; means for locating one of said index records according to the query of a user; means for retrieving at least one cell in said extensible logical table pointed to by said located index record; means for locating at least one of said index records pointed to by said at least one retrieved cell; and means for weighting key words and retrieved cells according to pre-defined search criteria.
Claim 59
Independent Claim
145 words
A device for storing and retrieving data in a computer system memory comprising: an extensible logical table having a plurality of intersecting rows and columns defining a plurality of cells; at least one row includes a fields cell having references to a plurality of labeled columns an index record for at least two key words, said index record including one or more pointers to cells in said extensible logical table that contain said at least two key words; means for locating one of said index records according to the query of a user; means for retrieving at least one cell in said extensible logical table pointed to by said located index record; means for locating at least one of said index records pointed to by said at least one retrieved cell; and means for filtering key words and retrieved cells according to pre-defined search criteria.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
145 words
A device for storing and retrieving data in a computer system memory comprising: an extensible logical table having a plurality of intersecting rows and columns defining a plurality of cells; at least one row includes a fields cell having references to a plurality of labeled columns an index record for at least two key words, said index record including one or more pointers to cells in said extensible logical table that contain said at least two key words; means for locating one of said index records according to the query of a user; means for retrieving at least one cell in said extensible logical table pointed to by said located index record; means for locating at least one of said index records pointed to by said at least one retrieved cell; and means for filtering key words and retrieved cells according to pre-defined search criteria.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
82 words
A device for storing and retrieving data in a computer system memory comprising: an extensible logical table having a plurality of intersecting rows and columns defining a plurality of cells; at least one row includes a fields cell having references to a plurality of labeled columns at least one cell includes an annotation such that said annotation cell is fully integrated into said extensible logical table; and performing an operation on said cell including said annotation wherein said annotation cell includes hypertext.
Claim 62
Independent Claim
82 words
A device for storing and retrieving data in a computer system memory comprising: an extensible logical table having a plurality of intersecting rows and columns defining a plurality of cells; at least one row includes a fields cell having references to a plurality of labeled columns at least one cell includes an annotation such that said annotation cell is fully integrated into said extensible logical table; and performing an operation on said cell including said annotation wherein said annotation cell includes hypertext.
Claim 63
Independent Claim
62 words
A method for operating a computer system memory comprising the steps of: configuring an extensible logical table to include: a plurality of rows, each row corresponding to a record of information; a plurality of columns intersecting said plurality of rows to define a plurality of cells; and at least one row includes a fields cell having references to a plurality of columns.
Claim 64
Independent Claim
62 words
A method for operating a computer system memory comprising the steps of: configuring an extensible logical table to include: a plurality of rows, each row corresponding to a record of information; a plurality of columns intersecting said plurality of rows to define a plurality of cells; and at least one row includes a fields cell having references to a plurality of columns.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 46 wherein said fields cell further includes information related to each of said referenced columns.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 46 further comprising the step of: performing an operation on data within said referenced columns according to said at least one row.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 48 wherein said operation comprises at least one of the following: an editing operation, a printing operation, a searching operation or an exporting operation.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 46 wherein said at least one row comprises a template for a structured e-mail message.
Claim 69
Independent Claim
95 words
A method for storing and retrieving data in a computer system memory comprising the steps of: configuring an extensible logical table in a computer system memory to include: a plurality of rows, each row corresponding to a record of information; a plurality of columns intersecting said plurality of rows to define a plurality of cells; at least one cell in a first row including a definition, said definition including a reference to at least one column; and automatically adding to said at least one cell a reference to a second row according to said definition.
Claim 70
Independent Claim
95 words
A method for storing and retrieving data in a computer system memory comprising the steps of: configuring an extensible logical table in a computer system memory to include: a plurality of rows, each row corresponding to a record of information; a plurality of columns intersecting said plurality of rows to define a plurality of cells; at least one cell in a first row including a definition, said definition including a reference to at least one column; and automatically adding to said at least one cell a reference to a second row according to said definition.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 51 wherein said definition includes a reference to every row that includes a valid value in a first column.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 51 wherein said definition includes a query that results in references to a plurality of rows that satisfy the query.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 51 wherein said first row comprises a folder type row.
Claim 74
Independent Claim
85 words
A method for storing and retrieving data in a computer system memory comprising the steps of: configuring an extensible logical table in a computer system memory to include: a plurality of rows, each row corresponding to a record of information; a plurality of columns intersecting said plurality of rows to define a plurality of cells; and at least one of said columns including information to indicate an indexing method corresponding to said column; and indexing said at least one column according to said indexing method.
Claim 75
Independent Claim
85 words
A method for storing and retrieving data in a computer system memory comprising the steps of: configuring an extensible logical table in a computer system memory to include: a plurality of rows, each row corresponding to a record of information; a plurality of columns intersecting said plurality of rows to define a plurality of cells; and at least one of said columns including information to indicate an indexing method corresponding to said column; and indexing said at least one column according to said indexing method.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
66 words
The method of claim 55 wherein: at least one of said cells includes a pointer to an index record; and said indexing method comprises the steps of: searching said extensible table for at least two key words; and creating index records for at least two key words, said index records including one or more pointers to cells in said extensible table that contain said key words.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 56 further comprising the steps of: locating one of said index records according to the query of a user; retrieving at least one cell in said table pointed to by said located index record.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 57 wherein said step of locating one of said index records further comprises the step of locating at least one of said index records pointed to by said at least one retrieved cell.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 58 further comprising the step of weighting key words and retrieved cells according to pre-defined search criteria.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 58 further comprising the step of filtering key words and retrieved cells according to pre-defined search criteria.
Claim 81
Independent Claim
90 words
A method for storing and retrieving data in a computer system memory comprising the steps of: configuring an extensible logical table in a computer system memory to include: a plurality of rows, each row corresponding to a record of information; a plurality of columns intersecting said plurality of rows to define a plurality of cells; and at least one cell in a first row including an annotation such that said annotation cell is fully integrated into said extensible logical table; and performing an operation on said cell including said annotation.
Claim 82
Independent Claim
90 words
A method for storing and retrieving data in a computer system memory comprising the steps of: configuring an extensible logical table in a computer system memory to include: a plurality of rows, each row corresponding to a record of information; a plurality of columns intersecting said plurality of rows to define a plurality of cells; and at least one cell in a first row including an annotation such that said annotation cell is fully integrated into said extensible logical table; and performing an operation on said cell including said annotation.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 61 wherein said operation comprises indexing.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 61 wherein said annotation cell includes hypertext.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
160 words
A data storage and retrieval system for a computer having a memory, a central processing unit and a display, comprising: means for configuring said memory according to an extensible logical table, said extensible logical table including: a plurality of cells, each said cell having a first address segment and a second address segment; a plurality of attribute sets, each said attribute set including a series of cells having the same second address segment, each said attribute set including an object identification number (OID) to identify each said attribute set; and a plurality of records, each said record including a series of cells having the same first address segment, each said record including an OID to identify each said record, wherein at least one of said records has an OID equal to the OID of a corresponding one of said attribute sets, and at least one of said records includes a fields cell having references to a plurality of attribute sets.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
160 words
A data storage and retrieval system for a computer having a memory, a central processing unit and a display, comprising: means for configuring said memory according to an extensible logical table, said extensible logical table including: a plurality of cells, each said cell having a first address segment and a second address segment; a plurality of attribute sets, each said attribute set including a series of cells having the same second address segment, each said attribute set including an object identification number (OID) to identify each said attribute set; and a plurality of records, each said record including a series of cells having the same first address segment, each said record including an OID to identify each said record, wherein at least one of said records has an OID equal to the OID of a corresponding one of said attribute sets, and at least one of said records includes a fields cell having references to a plurality of attribute sets.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 64 wherein said fields cell further comprises information related to each of said referenced attribute sets.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 64 further comprising: means for performing an operation on data within said referenced attribute sets according to said at least one record.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 66 wherein said operation comprises at least one of the following: an editing operation, a printing operation, a searching operation or an exporting operation.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 64 wherein said at least one record comprises a template for a structured e-mail message.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
183 words
A data storage and retrieval system for a computer having a memory, a central processing unit and a display, comprising: means for configuring said memory according to an extensible logical table, said extensible logical table including: a plurality of cells, each said cell having a first address segment and a second address segment; a plurality of attribute sets, each said attribute set including a series of cells having the same second address segment, each said attribute set including an object identification number (OID) to identify each said attribute set; a plurality of records, each said record including a series of cells having the same first address segment, each said record including an OID to identify each said record, wherein at least one of said records has an OID equal to the OID of a corresponding one of said attribute sets; at least one cell in a first record including a definition, said definition including a reference to at least one attribute set; and means for automatically adding to said at least one cell a reference to a second record according to said definition.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
183 words
A data storage and retrieval system for a computer having a memory, a central processing unit and a display, comprising: means for configuring said memory according to an extensible logical table, said extensible logical table including: a plurality of cells, each said cell having a first address segment and a second address segment; a plurality of attribute sets, each said attribute set including a series of cells having the same second address segment, each said attribute set including an object identification number (OID) to identify each said attribute set; a plurality of records, each said record including a series of cells having the same first address segment, each said record including an OID to identify each said record, wherein at least one of said records has an OID equal to the OID of a corresponding one of said attribute sets; at least one cell in a first record including a definition, said definition including a reference to at least one attribute set; and means for automatically adding to said at least one cell a reference to a second record according to said definition.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 69 wherein said definition comprises a reference to every record that includes a valid value in a first attribute set.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 69 wherein said definition comprises a query that results in references to a plurality of rows that satisfy the query.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 69 wherein said first record comprises a folder type record.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
174 words
A data storage and retrieval system for a computer having a memory, a central processing unit and a display, comprising: means for configuring said memory according to an extensible logical table, said extensible logical table including: a plurality of cells, each said cell having a first address segment and a second address segment; a plurality of attribute sets, each said attribute set including a series of cells having the same second address segment, each said attribute set including an object identification number (OID) to identify each said attribute set, at least one of said attribute sets including information to indicate an indexing method corresponding to said attribute set; a plurality of records, each said record including a series of cells having the same first address segment, each said record including an OID to identify each said record, wherein at least one of said records has an OID equal to the OID of a corresponding one of said attribute sets; and means for indexing said at least one attribute set according to said indexing method.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
174 words
A data storage and retrieval system for a computer having a memory, a central processing unit and a display, comprising: means for configuring said memory according to an extensible logical table, said extensible logical table including: a plurality of cells, each said cell having a first address segment and a second address segment; a plurality of attribute sets, each said attribute set including a series of cells having the same second address segment, each said attribute set including an object identification number (OID) to identify each said attribute set, at least one of said attribute sets including information to indicate an indexing method corresponding to said attribute set; a plurality of records, each said record including a series of cells having the same first address segment, each said record including an OID to identify each said record, wherein at least one of said records has an OID equal to the OID of a corresponding one of said attribute sets; and means for indexing said at least one attribute set according to said indexing method.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
69 words
The system of claim 73 wherein: at least one of said cells includes a pointer to an index record; and said means for indexing further comprises: means for searching said extensible table for at least two key words; and means for creating index records for at least two key words, said index records including one or more pointers to cells in said extensible table that contain said key words.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
40 words
The system of claim 74 further comprising: means for locating one of said index records according to the query of a user; means for retrieving at least one cell in said extensible table pointed to by said located index record.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system of claim 75 wherein said means for locating one of said index records further comprises means for locating at least one of said index records pointed to by said at least one retrieved cell.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 76 further comprising means for weighting key words and retrieved cells according to pre-defined search criteria.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 77 further comprising the step of filtering key words and retrieved cells according to pre-defined search criteria.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
176 words
A data storage and retrieval system for a computer having a memory, a central processing unit and a display, comprising: means for configuring said memory according to an extensible logical table, said extensible logical table including: a plurality of cells, each said cell having a first address segment and a second address segment; a plurality of attribute sets, each said attribute set including a series of cells having the same second address segment, each said attribute set including an object identification number (OID) to identify each said attribute set; a plurality of records, each said record including a series of cells having the same first address segment, each said record including an OID to identify each said record, wherein at least one of said records has an OID equal to the OID of a corresponding one of said attribute sets, at least one cell in a first record including an annotation such that said annotation cell is fully integrated into said extensible logical table; and means for performing an operation on said cell including said annotation.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
176 words
A data storage and retrieval system for a computer having a memory, a central processing unit and a display, comprising: means for configuring said memory according to an extensible logical table, said extensible logical table including: a plurality of cells, each said cell having a first address segment and a second address segment; a plurality of attribute sets, each said attribute set including a series of cells having the same second address segment, each said attribute set including an object identification number (OID) to identify each said attribute set; a plurality of records, each said record including a series of cells having the same first address segment, each said record including an OID to identify each said record, wherein at least one of said records has an OID equal to the OID of a corresponding one of said attribute sets, at least one cell in a first record including an annotation such that said annotation cell is fully integrated into said extensible logical table; and means for performing an operation on said cell including said annotation.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
10 words
The system of claim 79 wherein said operation comprises indexing.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
11 words
The system of claim 79 wherein said annotation cell includes hypertext.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-04-05 | 2002-10-05 | 2003-04-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-04-05 | 2006-10-05 | 2007-04-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-04-05 | 2010-10-05 | 2011-04-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |