The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 24, 2013
Filed:
Aug. 11, 2004
Jack S. Conrad, Egan, MN (US);
Joanne R. S. Claussen, Apple Valley, MN (US);
Jack S. Conrad, Egan, MN (US);
Joanne R. S. Claussen, Apple Valley, MN (US);
West Publishing Company, Eagan, MN (US);
West Services, Inc., Eagan, MN (US);
Abstract
Some information retrieval systems, such as the Westlaw™ system, empower users to search thousands of databases. One problem with some systems is that the large number of databases makes it difficult for some users to identify the right database(s) to search. Thus, the inventors devised, among other things, new options for helping users target searches on the right databases. One option enables users to search sample-based database profiles. Another enables users to navigate to a category or subcategory in an online database directory and search databases or database profiles associated with the category. And, yet another enables users to select a query-category and receive a list of relevant database choices, a list of links into a database directory, or a sequence of follow-up questions. One or more of these or other disclosed innovations enable users to execute more effective search strategies, while potentially reducing computational burdens on information retrieval systems.