Keycom Electronic Publishing

Anthony B Kram

Peter M Winter

Neil L Holman

This specification describes an information retrieval system such as a videotext or teletext system in which data is stored in conventional tree format, and the user has the usual capability to move vertically through the tree structure, but also has a novel capability to browse horizontally therethrough. This capability is achieved by providing each page of information with a browse link page pointer. The browse feature can be operated on an automatic repeat basis at a selected repetition rate, yet such automatic operation suspended at any time. In addition the user can return to normal vertical search procedure whenever desired.

Method and apparatus for retrieving information distributed over

In information retrieval system includes a help feature, wherein a help key on a terminal can be actuated and a host computer responds by determining the identity of a page of basic information being transmitted at the time the help key is operated, determining the location of a page of subsidiary information associated with the currently transmitted page of basic information, and transmitting that associated page of subsidiary information to the terminal for display thereby. A system guide aspect enables the system to provide guide information adapted to assist in the use of other data subgroups. A bookmark facility involves the use of a mark request key on the terminal and a mark record device operable in response to the actuation of the mark request key to create a record of the storage location of the one of the pages being transmitted to the terminal for display thereby at the time of such actuation. A search request key on the terminal enable transmission of a search request to the host computer.

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Rolling Meadows, IL, United States of America

Anthony B Kram