US6195652B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Self-evolving database and method of using same
Assignee: BSG TECH LLC
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Filing: 1999-10-28
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Granted: 2001-02-27
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Expires: 2019-10-28
Abstract
Abstract Self-evolving indexing systems and methods store and retrieve information on multiple types of items. Indices evolve at least in part by providing subsequent users with summary comparison usage information based upon the choices of previous users, and in part by permitting subsequent users to can add new add classifications, parameters, and values instead of being limited by those previously used by others. Summary comparison usage information is preferably communicated to users in the form of listings in which the choices are presented in order of descending usage. Contemplated systems and methods can be used to describe every conceivable type of product and service, as well as such diverse types of information as news items, historical facts, book reviews, questionnaires, opinion surveys, case law, and the topics discussed in various chat rooms. Preferred database structures include those having multiple tables for item classifications, parameters, values, and parameter-value pairs. It is especially contemplated that parameters and values can be cross-utilized across with respect to many different types of items.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert D. Fish
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 16:50
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F16/00; G06F16/90; G06F16/901; G06F16/95; G06F16/953; G06F16/9537; G06F16/907; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S707/00; Y10S707/99931; Y10S707/99932; Y10S707/99941; Y10S707/99943
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
87 words
A method of storing marketplace information for multiple types of items in a database having a structure, comprising: providing a user with a parameter list relating to at least a portion of the multiple types of items; providing a first data entry interface that allows the user to add an additional parameter to the parameter list without modifying the structure of the database; and providing a second data entry interface that allows the user to use the additional parameter to record additional data relating to the item.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
87 words
A method of storing marketplace information for multiple types of items in a database having a structure, comprising: providing a user with a parameter list relating to at least a portion of the multiple types of items; providing a first data entry interface that allows the user to add an additional parameter to the parameter list without modifying the structure of the database; and providing a second data entry interface that allows the user to use the additional parameter to record additional data relating to the item.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising: providing the user with an item list; providing a third data entry interface that allows the user to select the item from the item list.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising: displaying parameter usage information to the user for use in selecting the subset of parameters.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising: displaying value usage information to the user for assist in selecting a value to be used in conjunction with a particular parameter of the subset of parameters.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising: providing the user with a hierarchical access to the item list.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising: providing the user with an item list; providing a data entry interface that allows the user to select the item from the item list; and displaying parameter usage information to the user for use in selecting the subset of parameters.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 6 further comprising: providing the user with a hierarchical access to the item list.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 6 further comprising: displaying value usage information to the user for assist in selecting a value to be used in conjunction with a particular parameter of the subset of parameters.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
88 words
A self-evolving database system having a predefined structure, comprising: a data structure that stores goods and services as combinations of item classifications, parameters, and values, wherein at least some of the classifications, parameters, or values used to describe different items vary over time, where end users can add additional parameters without modifying the predefined structure of the database; and at least one data interface that guides the end users in their choices of the combinations by displaying summary comparison usage information derived from the choices of previous users.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
88 words
A self-evolving database system having a predefined structure, comprising: a data structure that stores goods and services as combinations of item classifications, parameters, and values, wherein at least some of the classifications, parameters, or values used to describe different items vary over time, where end users can add additional parameters without modifying the predefined structure of the database; and at least one data interface that guides the end users in their choices of the combinations by displaying summary comparison usage information derived from the choices of previous users.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
45 words
The self-evolving database system of claim 9 further comprising a data interface that allows the end users themselves to add at least one of new classifications, new parameters, and new values, which can then be list selected by subsequent users in describing their own items.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
44 words
The self-evolving database system of claim 9 further comprising a data interface that allows the end users themselves to add some combination of new classifications, new parameters, and new values, which can then be list selected by subsequent users in describing their own items.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
41 words
The self-evolving database system of claim 9 further comprising a data interface that allows the end users themselves to add new classifications, new parameters, and new values, which can then be list selected by subsequent users in describing their own items.
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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) | 2004-02-27 | 2004-08-28 | 2005-02-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-02-27 | 2008-08-28 | 2009-02-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-02-27 | 2012-08-28 | 2013-02-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |