U.S. patent application number 11/490263 was filed with the patent office on 2009-12-17 for multimedia search system.
Invention is credited to Norman J. Bastin, Greg Bestick, Ron Carlton, Stanley D. Frank, Dale Good, Carol Greenhalgh, Neil Holman, Carl Holzman, Ann Jensen, Harold Kester, Gail B. Maatman, Dave Meatman, Edwardo Munevar, Michael Reed, Derryl Rogers.
Application Number | 20090313301 11/490263 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26811674 |
Filed Date | 2009-12-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090313301 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Reed; Michael ; et
al. |
December 17, 2009 |
MULTIMEDIA SEARCH SYSTEM
Abstract
A database search system that retrieves multimedia information
in a flexible, user friendly system. The search system uses a
multimedia database consisting of text, picture, audio and animated
data. That database is searched through multiple graphical and
textual entry paths. Those entry paths include an idea search, a
title finder search, a topic tree search, a picture explorer
search, a history timeline search, a world atlas search, a
researcher's assistant search, and a feature articles search.
Inventors: |
Reed; Michael; (Chicago,
IL) ; Bestick; Greg; (Lacosta, CA) ;
Greenhalgh; Carol; (Austin, TX) ; Bastin; Norman
J.; (Chicago, IL) ; Carlton; Ron; (San Marcos,
CA) ; Frank; Stanley D.; (Chicago, IL) ; Good;
Dale; (Evanston, IL) ; Holman; Neil; (Buffalo
Grove, IL) ; Holzman; Carl; (Chicago, IL) ;
Jensen; Ann; (Austin, TX) ; Kester; Harold;
(San Diego, CA) ; Meatman; Dave; (Solana Beach,
CA) ; Munevar; Edwardo; (San Diego, CA) ;
Rogers; Derryl; (Carlsbad, CA) ; Maatman; Gail
B.; (Hollidaysburg, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DICKSTEIN SHAPIRO LLP
1825 EYE STREET NW
Washington
DC
20006-5403
US
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20070179977 A1 |
August 2, 2007 |
|
|
Family ID: |
26811674 |
Appl. No.: |
11/490263 |
Filed: |
July 21, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11150494 |
Jun 13, 2005 |
7082437 |
|
|
11490263 |
Jul 21, 2006 |
|
|
|
11150813 |
Jun 13, 2005 |
7085778 |
|
|
11490263 |
Jul 21, 2006 |
|
|
|
10103814 |
Mar 25, 2002 |
6978277 |
|
|
11150494 |
|
|
|
|
10103814 |
Mar 25, 2002 |
6978277 |
|
|
11150813 |
|
|
|
|
08202985 |
Feb 28, 1994 |
6546399 |
|
|
10103814 |
Mar 25, 2002 |
|
|
|
08113955 |
Aug 31, 1993 |
|
|
|
08202985 |
Feb 28, 1994 |
|
|
|
07848960 |
Jun 26, 1992 |
|
|
|
08202985 |
Feb 28, 1994 |
|
|
|
07426917 |
Oct 26, 1989 |
5241671 |
|
|
08113955 |
|
|
|
|
07426917 |
Oct 26, 1989 |
5241671 |
|
|
07848960 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 ;
707/999.107 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 16/532 20190101;
Y10S 707/99948 20130101; G06F 16/48 20190101; G06F 16/29 20190101;
G06F 16/3322 20190101; Y10S 707/919 20130101; G11B 2220/2545
20130101; G06F 16/54 20190101; G06F 16/332 20190101; Y10S 707/99943
20130101; Y10S 707/99945 20130101; G11B 27/34 20130101; G06F 16/58
20190101; G11B 27/105 20130101; G11B 2220/213 20130101; Y10S
707/99933 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
707/104.1 |
International
Class: |
G06F 7/00 20060101
G06F007/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 26, 1990 |
US |
PCT/US90/06098 |
Claims
1-79. (canceled)
80. A computerized map system, comprising: a computer readable
storage medium; computer software stored on the storage medium and
operable to: cause an image of at least a portion of a map to be
displayed on a display screen; change the portion of the map
displayed on the display screen in response to user input; display
a plurality of place indicators on the display screen, wherein a
specific place indicator indicates the position of a place on the
map and indicates that further information about the place is
available; display text information associated with one of the
plurality of place indicators in response to input from a user
indicating selection of the place indicator; and provide a text
search feature that allows the user to enter textual search
information to search for a place, receive a list of places in
response to the search, select a place from the list of places, and
display an image of a part of the map indicating the location of
the place.
81. A method of electronically using a map, comprising: causing an
image of at least a portion of a map to be displayed on a display
screen; changing the portion of the map displayed on the display
screen in response to user input; displaying a plurality of place
indicators on the display screen, wherein a specific place
indicator indicates the position of a place on the map and
indicates that further information about the place is available;
displaying text information associated with a one of the plurality
of place indicators in response to input from a user indicating
selection of the place indicator; and providing a text search
feature that allows the user to enter textual search information to
search for a place, receive a list of places in response to the
search, select a place from the list of places, and display an
image of a part of the map indicating the location of the
place.
82. A machine-implemented method for retrieving information,
comprising: storing textual information and graphical information
of any type on a computer-readable storage medium; providing a
plurality of entry paths for searching at least a portion of the
stored textual and graphical information, the entry paths
comprising: at least one textual search entry path configured to
enable entry of text to search for in at least a portion of the
stored textual information, and at least one graphics entry path
configured to enable graphical searching of at least a portion of
the graphical information; retrieving textual information based on
in the entry of text in the textual search entry path; providing a
first indicator related to the retrieved textual information
indicating associated graphical information; retrieving the
associated graphical information in response to activation of the
first indicator; retrieving graphical information based on an input
in the graphics entry path; providing a second indicator related to
the retrieved graphical information indicating associated textual
information; and retrieving the associated textual information in
response to activation of the second indicator.
83. Software for retrieving information, the software embodied on a
computer-readable storage medium and, when executed by a computer,
operable to: store textual information and graphical information of
any type; provide a plurality of entry paths for searching at least
a portion of the stored textual and graphical information, the
entry paths comprising: at least one textual search entry path
configured to enable entry of text to search for in at least a
portion of the stored textual information, and at least one
graphics entry path configured to enable graphical searching of at
least a portion of the graphical information; retrieve textual
information based on the entry of text in the textual search entry
path; provide a first indicator related to the retrieved textual
information indicating associated graphical information; retrieve
graphical information in response to activation of the first
indicator; retrieve graphical information based on an input in the
graphics entry path; provide a second indicator related to the
retrieved graphical information indicating associated textual
information; and retrieve the associated textual information in
response to activation of the second indicator.
84. A machine-implemented method for retrieving information,
comprising: storing textual information and images on a
computer-readable storage medium in at least one database;
providing a plurality of entry paths for searching at least a
portion of the stored textual and images, the entry paths
comprising: at least one textual search entry path configured to
enable entry of text to search for in at least a portion of the
stored textual information, and at least one graphics entry path
configured to enable review of one or more of the images and to
selection of one or more of the images; retrieving textual
information based on entry of text in the textual search entry
path; providing a first indicator related to the retrieved textual
information indicating one or more associated images; retrieving
the associated images in response to activation of the first
indicator; providing one or more images for review in the graphics
entry path; providing a second indicator related to one or more of
the provided images indicating associated textual information; and
retrieving the associated textual information in response to
activation of the second indicator.
85. Software for retrieving information, the software embodied on a
computer-readable storage medium and, when executed by a computer,
operable to: store textual information and images on a
computer-readable storage medium in at least one database; provide
a plurality of entry paths for searching at least a portion of the
stored textual and images, the entry paths comprising: at least one
textual search entry path configured to enable entry of text to
search for in at least a portion of the stored textual information,
and at least one graphics entry path configured to enable review of
one or more of the images and to selection of one or more of the
images; retrieve textual information based on entry of text in the
textual search entry path; provide a first indicator related to the
retrieved textual information indicating one or more associated
images; retrieve the associated images in response to activation of
the first indicator; provide one or more images for review in the
graphics entry path; provide a second indicator related to one or
more of the provided images indicating associated textual
information; and retrieve the associated textual information in
response to activation of the second indicator.
86. A machine-implemented method for retrieving multimedia
information, comprising: providing a textual search entry path
configured to enable entry of one or more terms to search for in at
least a portion of textual information stored on a
computer-readable storage medium, wherein the textual search entry
path is operable to access a stem index including a plurality of
stems that are each associated with textual information and one or
more related stems, the stems being concatenated in order to map
each stem to other stems and to textual information that express a
similar idea; and searching the textual information using the stem
index for textual information that closely resembles a search
inquiry comprising one or more terms entered in the textual search
entry path.
87. The method of claim 86, wherein the concatenation comprises
linking the stems together based on one or more of grammatical
linkages and thesaurus linkages.
88. The method of claim 86, wherein the textual search entry path
is further operable to eliminate one or more stop terms in a search
inquiry by comparing terms in the search inquiry to terms stored in
a stop term list and by eliminating any terms in the search inquiry
that match terms stored in the stop term list.
89. The method of claim 86, further comprising automatically
checking the spelling of terms in the search inquiry and providing
alternate versions of misspelled words.
90. The method of claim 86, further comprising automatically using
a thesaurus to provide alternate terms for terms in the search
inquiry.
91. The method of claim 86, further comprising ordering a plurality
of results of the search for textual information in order of
relevance to the search inquiry.
92. The method of claim 91, wherein the results are ordered based
on an exhaustivity coefficient and an exclusivity coefficient.
93. The method of claim 92, wherein all of the results ranked above
a predetermined exhaustivity and exclusivity threshold are
separately designated.
94. The method of claim 86, further comprising highlighting one or
more terms from the search inquiry in the results to set them off
from terms not in the search inquiry.
95. Software for retrieving multimedia information, the software
embodied on a computer-readable storage medium and, when executed
by a computer, operable to: provide the multimedia information from
independently accessible retrieval paths, the paths including: a
textual search entry path configured to enable entry of one or more
terms to search for in at least a portion of textual information
stored on a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the textual
search entry path is operable to access a stem index including a
plurality of stems that are each associated with textual
information and one or more related stems, the stems being
concatenated in order to map each stem to other stems and to
textual information that express a similar idea, and search the
textual information using the stem index for textual information
that closely resembles a search inquiry comprising one or more
terms entered in the textual search entry path.
96. The software of claim 95, wherein the concatenation comprises
linking the stems together based on one or more of grammatical
linkages and thesaurus linkages.
97. The software of claim 95, wherein the textual search entry path
is further operable to eliminate one or more stop terms in a search
inquiry by comparing terms in the search inquiry to terms stored in
a stop term list and by eliminating any terms in the search inquiry
that match terms stored in the stop term list.
98. The software of claim 95, further operable to automatically
check the spelling of terms in the search inquiry and providing
alternate versions of misspelled.
99. The software of claim 95, further operable to automatically use
a thesaurus to provide alternate terms for terms in the search
inquiry.
100. The software of claim 95, further operable to order a
plurality of results of the search for textual information in order
of relevance to the search inquiry.
101. The software of claim 100, wherein the results are ordered
based on an exhaustivity coefficient and an exclusivity
coefficient.
102. The software of claim 101, wherein all of the results ranked
above a predetermined exhaustivity and exclusivity threshold are
separately designated.
103. The software of claim 95, further operable to highlight one or
more terms from the search inquiry in the results to set them off
from terms not in the search inquiry.
104. A machine-implemented method for retrieving multimedia
information, comprising: providing separate and independently
accessible retrieval paths, at least one of said paths including: a
textual search entry path configured to enable entry of one or more
terms to search for in at least a portion of textual information
stored on a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the textual
search entry path is operable to access a stem index including a
plurality of stems that are each associated with textual
information and one or more related stems, the stems being
concatenated in order to map each stem to other stems and to
textual information that express a similar idea; and searching the
textual information using the stem index for textual information
that closely resembles a search inquiry comprising one or more
terms entered in the textual search entry path.
105. The method of claim 104, wherein the concatenation comprises
linking the stems together based on one or more of grammatical
linkages and thesaurus linkages.
106. The method of claim 104, wherein the textual search entry path
is further operable to eliminate one or more stop terms in a search
inquiry by comparing terms in the search inquiry to terms stored in
a stop term list and by eliminating any terms in the search inquiry
that match terms stored in the stop term list.
107. The method of claim 104, further comprising automatically
checking the spelling of terms in the search inquiry and providing
alternate versions of misspelled words.
108. The method of claim 104, further comprising automatically
using a thesaurus to provide alternate terms for terms in the
search inquiry.
109. The method of claim 104, further comprising ordering a
plurality of results of the search for textual information in order
of relevance to the search inquiry.
110. The method of claim 109, wherein the results are ordered based
on an exhaustivity coefficient and an exclusivity coefficient.
111. The method of claim 110, wherein all of the results ranked
above a predetermined exhaustivity and exclusivity threshold are
separately designated.
112. The method of claim 104, further comprising highlighting one
or more terms from the search inquiry in the results to set them
off from terms not in the search inquiry.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
Nos. 11/150,494 and 11/150,813, both of which were filed June 13,
2005 and are continuations of U.S. application Ser. Nos.
10/103,814, filed Mar. 25, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,978,277,
issued Dec. 20, 2005, which is a combination of U.S. application
Ser. No. 08/202,985, filed Feb. 28, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No.
6,546,399, issued Apr. 8, 2003, which is a continuation of
application Ser. No. 08/113,955, filed Aug. 31, 1993, now
abandoned, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.
07/426,917, filed Oct. 26, 1989, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,241,971, the
disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their
entireties. Attention is also drawn to U.S. application Ser. No.
11/150,812, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,051,018, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0002] the combination of search strategies to uncover graphical
and related textual information or visa versa. Other limitations
exhibited by some software products include the lack of interactive
search tools adapted for non-expert users, and the lack of
interactive search tool that fully explore and exploit the full
capabilities of a CD-ROM database.
[0003] An example of some of the above limitations is demonstrated
by the Grolier CD-ROM based encyclopaedia. The Grolier product
provides an interactive search tool that allows for the access of
textual data through four search modes. The first search mode
involves a Browse capability where the user types in the first few
letters or words of a particular topic and the software then
displays a menu listing the article titles that are closest in the
alphabet to the search terms. The user can then scan forward or
backward through the alphabetically arranged titles until an
article of interest is found.
[0004] The second search mode is known as the Browse Word Index. In
this mode, the user selects the word occurring in any of the
articles in the display. The software then sorts entries in
descending order of the words, based upon the number of times that
the specific search word occurs in the text. A third search mode
involves expanding the Browse Word Index Mode to combine Boolean
operators such as "and", "or", or "not", and the fourth search mode
involves linking terms appearing in the articles that are
designated by capital letters. In particular, by depressing the
RETURN key while the cursor is located on the linking word, the
search software will retrieve a menu of article titles centered on
that linked term.
[0005] However, the Grolier system only accesses textual data by
means of text-based entry paths. No facility exists for taking
advantage of the CD-ROM's capacity to store pictures, sound, or
video information.
[0006] This shortcoming of a full text/graphics interactive search
system is not overcome by those products that are directed to
searching graphical databases. That is because the graphics
oriented systems fail to either include any text-based entry paths
or text entry paths that would enable the user to employ the full
capacity of the CD-ROM.
[0007] For example, The World GeoGraph computer program provides a
graphics based atlas exploration program where a user can search
through multiple layers (each layer having a greater degree of
detail) of an on-screen map. The GeoGraph database is also
integrated with information relating to each country of the atlas
and the search program includes a feature for using plain English
selection rules contained in dialogs to search and sort information
pertaining to the maps. The World GeoGraph program, however,
pertains to a textual search of only that textual information that
explains the graphical database and the text information is
retrieved only by means of a single entry path. World GeoGraph
thereby does not appear to provide full textual search capabilities
of an entire textual database that is distinct from the graphical
database.
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In view of the foregoing, it should be apparent that a need
still exists for a database search system that retrieves multimedia
information in a flexible, user friendly system. It is, therefore,
a primary object of the invention to provide a search system in
which a multimedia database consisting of text, picture, audio and
animated data is searched through multiple graphical and textual
entry paths.
[0009] It is a further object of the invention to provide for a
search system wherein both the textual and graphical entry paths
are interactive.
[0010] It is yet an additional object of the invention to provide
for a search system where the textual and graphical entry paths are
interrelated such that textual information is fully accessible from
the graphical entry paths and graphical information is fully
accessible from the textual entry paths.
[0011] It is still an additional object of the invention to provide
for a search system where the graphical and textual information are
contained in a single database and the information consists of
words, phrases, numbers, letters, maps, charts, pictures, moving
images, animations and audio information.
[0012] It is yet an additional object of the invention to provide
for a search system which is stored on a CD-ROM disc.
[0013] It is yet a further object of the invention to provide for a
search system which is adapted to operate on a micro-computer in
either a stand-alone capacity or on a network.
[0014] It is still a further object of the invention to provide for
a search system where one of the graphical entry paths involves
interactively narrowing a search of graphical images to a point in
which related textual information about each image becomes
accessible.
[0015] It is still an additional object of the invention to provide
for a search system wherein the textual search can be narrowed to a
point where graphical information related to the uncovered text is
accessible.
[0016] It is a further object of the invention to provide for a
search system where both textual and graphical entry paths include
functions which enhance the efficacy of the searches and the
accessibility of information retrieved from those searches.
[0017] It is also an object of the invention to provide for a
search system in which an idea search entry path is provided which
can retrieve textual information stored in stem indexes in the
database.
[0018] It is yet a further object of the invention to provide for a
search system that compares misspelled search terms with
definitions stored in a database dictionary. The search system then
automatically suggests alternative spellings to the user.
[0019] It is an additional object of the invention to provide for a
new list function if the initial information uncovered by the
search does not meet the user's expectation. The system will then
suggest alternative terms for ambiguous search terms.
[0020] It is a further object of the invention to provide for a
search system where phrases, paragraphs or sentences can be entered
by the user to be searched. The entered search terms are then
compared to a list of stop words, and those stop words are then
automatically eliminated, such that a search is performed only on
particular terms occurring in the phrases, sentences or
paragraphs.
[0021] It is still a further object of the invention to provide for
a search system whereby phrases can be searched together rather
than being broken up as a group of individual searches for key
terms.
[0022] It is yet an additional object of the invention to provide
for a system whereby the graphical and textual information comprise
an encyclopaedia. The textual information of the database also
includes a dictionary, a thesaurus, a glossary and a stored fact
index.
[0023] It is still another object of the invention to provide for a
search system where one of the textual entry paths consists of a
title finder search.
[0024] It is a further object of the invention to provide for a
search system where one of the textual entry paths consists of a
topic tree program that divides all textual information into
topics, sub-topics and so on, in order to assist a user in finding
an article of interest.
[0025] It is yet a further object of the invention to provide for a
picture explorer entry path which enables a user to find pictures
and then retrieve related textual information for each picture.
[0026] It is yet a further object of the invention to provide for a
search system where one of the textual entry paths consists of a
history timeline search program.
[0027] It is an additional object of the invention to provide for a
search system wherein a portion of the graphical and textual entry
paths consist of a world atlas entry path.
[0028] It is still a further object of the invention to provide for
a textual entry path which highlights particular feature articles.
This entry path takes a user directly to one of a plurality of
articles located in the search system.
[0029] It is also an object of the invention to provide for a
search system where one of the textual entry paths consists of a
researcher's assistant program.
[0030] Briefly described, these and other objects of the invention
are accomplished by providing a search system for retrieving
information comprising multiple textual entry paths for searching
textual information and multiple graphical entry paths for
searching graphical information such that the search system
retrieves information through both the textual and graphical entry
paths.
[0031] The textual and graphical entry paths are made up of eight
separate and interrelated entry paths such that textual information
is fully accessible from the graphical entry paths and graphical
information is fully accessible from the textual entry paths. A
first textual entry path consists of the Idea Search entry path
which retrieves textual information stored in the stem indexes in
the database. Each stem is identified with a root and stems are
linked to each root so that they represent all related endings for
that root. Each stem is related to units of textual information in
the database. Stem terms are then concatenated by the Idea Search
in order to map the stems to the same idea. The concatenation step
involves linking the stems together based on grammatical linkages
and based on thesaurus linkages. Information retrieved from the
Idea Search is then ranked based upon two coefficients:
exhaustivity and exclusivity. Exhaustivity measures the number of
occurrences for that stem in the database. The exclusivity
coefficient measures the degree to which that stem is related to
the idea. The exclusivity and exhaustivity coefficients are then
calculated, combined with other stems and calculated for each
article. A list of articles is then ranked based upon the
coefficients in order of relevance to the search terms.
[0032] Another textual entry path consists of a title finder
search. The title finder assists the user in uncovering articles
stored in the search system. Those article titles are uncovered
either by moving through an alphabetical list of article titles
until a desired title is located, clicking a letter tab for the
first letter of the subject so that a list of article titles having
the first letter is provided, or typing in the article title name
such that the page listing the article title is then displayed.
[0033] One of the graphical entry paths consists of the picture
explorer which enables the user to find pictures and then retrieve
related textual information for the picture. In operation, the
picture explorer is provided in three modes: a picture tour mode
where pictures are presented in random order, a picture finder mode
which allows the user to select from a list of alphabetically
ordered pictured captions, or a picture search mode where the user
searches picture captions by entering search terms and having the
computer search those entered search terms. A further textual entry
path consists of a history timeline program. The timeline displays
events on a graphical timeline in order that a user may select an
event and retrieve further information about that event. The
timeline is divided into a year interval bar, major event boxes,
and a president's bar. Any one of the elements on the bars are
activated by a user in order to retrieve related textual
information.
[0034] A further entry path which is graphically and textually
based is the world atlas entry path. This program enables the user
to search maps of an atlas. The atlas can be searched by having the
user either identify a place name, or by scanning, or rotating the
atlas. If the place name search is implemented, the program draws a
corresponding map around the specified place. The atlas can then be
viewed at multiple levels of increasing detail for any part of the
atlas. Textual information related to any place labeled on the
atlas is then retrieved.
[0035] A further entry path consists of the researcher's assistant
program. The researcher's assistant contains subject matter
categories divided into topics and the topics are then divided into
assignments. Each assignment is then ranked by its level of
difficulty.
[0036] Finally, the invention includes a textual entry path which
highlights particular feature articles. This entry path is designed
to take the user directly to one of a plurality of articles located
in the database.
[0037] With these and other objects, advantages and features of the
invention that may become hereinafter apparent, the nature of the
invention may be more clearly understood by reference to the
following detailed description of the invention, the appended
claims and to the several drawings attached herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] FIG. 1 is a functional flow chart showing the logical
operations of the Main Menu program of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 2 is a flow chart of the logic operations of the Idea
Search entry path of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 3 is a first flow chart of the logic operations of the
Idea Search entry path;
[0041] FIG. 4 is a second flow chart of the logic operations of the
Idea Search entry path;
[0042] FIG. 5 is a third flow chart of the logic operations of the
Idea Search entry path;
[0043] FIG. 6 is a first flow chart of the logic operations of the
Article Display program;
[0044] FIG. 7 is a second flow chart of the logic operations of the
Article Display program;
[0045] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of the logic operations of the Tools
function;
[0046] FIG. 9 is a flow chart of the logic operations of the
Notebook function;
[0047] FIG. 10 is a flow chart of the logic operations of the
Research Path function;
[0048] FIG. 11 is a flow chart of the logic operations of the Last
Screen function;
[0049] FIG. 12 is a flow chart of the logic operations of the Back
function;
[0050] FIG. 13 is a flow chart of the logic operations of the Title
Search entry path;
[0051] FIG. 14 is a flow chart of the logic operations of the Topic
Tree entry path;.
[0052] FIG. 15 is a flow chart of the logic operations of the
Picture Explorer entry path;
[0053] FIG. 16 is a first flow chart of the logic operations of the
History Timeline entry path;
[0054] FIG. 17 is a second flow chart of the logic operations of
the History Timeline entry path;
[0055] FIG. 18 is a first flow chart of the logical functions of
the World Atlas entry path;
[0056] FIG. 19 is a second flow chart of the World Atlas entry
path;
[0057] FIG. 20 is a flow chart of the logical operations of the
Place Name subroutine for the World Atlas entry path of FIG.
18;
[0058] FIG. 21 is a flow chart of the logical operations of the
Researcher's Assistant entry path;
[0059] FIG. 22 is a functional flow chart of the logical operations
of the Feature Articles entry path; and
[0060] FIG. 23 is a plan view of the search system and related
hardware.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0061] In the context of this disclosure and the claims appended
hereto, references to an information database can apply to any type
of data, any type of data format, or any type of storage medium. A
preferred embodiment of this invention involves CD-ROM technology.
However, the system can also include DVI, CD-I, or any other
suitable optical memory devices. The system is adapted to run on
any computer device. As an example, the system may run on an IBM AT
or other 286, 386 or 486 based computer having similar
characteristics as a stand-alone unit . In a network environment,
for example,- the preferred embodiment can run on an IBM host and
on a Novell communications network. However, any computer having
sufficient processing speed and memory capability can be
employed.
[0062] That system also may include a VGA card and a VGA or
multi-sync type monitor, a 20 MB Hard Disk Drive, a Speech Adaptor
and Card and a mouse with related software. Other features for the
preferred hardware can include a computer with at least 1 MB RAM, a
DOS Version 3.3 (or later release) and a CD-ROM drive with a
controller card. Compatible CD-ROM drives include the CD V100 by
Sony Corp., or models by Hitachi or AMDEK. Any other compatible
CD-ROM drives must use the MS-DOS standards (CCD-ROM
extension).
[0063] Although the system forming the present invention can be
used for any application, a preferred embodiment is as a multimedia
encyclopaedia database and search system. The database for the
preferred embodiment consists of approximately 8.8 million words,
5,200 articles, 26,023 concise capsule articles, 63,503 entries in
a Fact-Index, 65,000 entries in a full database dictionary, 1500
glossary terms, and a thesaurus.
[0064] The database also consists of 15,000 graphics comprising
photographs/charts/diagrams and animations. Those graphics can
include low resolution images, depending on the capabilities of the
hardware. Supported graphic standards include VGA (640.times.480
.times.16 colors) and super VGA images (640.times.480.times.256
colors), though standards within or beyond these are also
envisioned for this product. Nothing contained herein precludes the
possibility of releasing this invention on computers which support
different graphics standards. The preferred embodiment includes 60
minutes of audio, including 1,500 glossary terms, and other audio
selections, and some 45 animation sequences. The amount of audio
and animation is expected to increase depending on the hardware and
software capabilities.
[0065] Referring to the Figures, wherein like references refer to
like elements, FIG. 1 illustrates a functional flow chart of the
logical operations of the Main Menu program 10. It is from the Main
Menu 10 that a user can enter the multimedia database in order to
view articles, pictures, illustrations and other special features
including sound and moving pictures.
[0066] There are eight entry paths available from the Main Menu
program 10 into the database. Those paths include the Idea Search
30, the Title Finder 40, the Picture Explorer 50, the Topic Tree
60, the Feature Articles 70, the World Atlas 80, the History
Timeline 90 and the Researcher's Assistant 100. Additionally, upon
turning on the Main Menu program 10, various functions become
available to the user. Those functions include a Notes function 25,
a Close command 28 and a Help function (not illustrated). Brief
descriptions of each of the entry paths are provided below.
[0067] The Idea Search entry path 30 assists the user in finding
information regarding any topic for exploration. In this entry path
30, the user types in words, questions or descriptions for the
search, causing the computer to search for any articles related to
that search request.
[0068] The Title Finder 40 provides the user with an alphabetical
list of all articles in the database. The user can then choose the
title of an article that he wants to review by either scrolling
through a title list, typing in a desired title or browsing through
the title list after choosing a letter tab.
[0069] The Picture Explorer entry path 50 allows the user to view
pictures that are stored in the database. The Picture Explorer
accesses information in three modes: (1) by allowing a user to
randomly browse through a collection of pictures, (2) by displaying
a list of captions and enabling a user to select corresponding
pictures or, (3) by allowing a user to enter a description of the
picture which then triggers the entry path to automatically search
the terms of that description for corresponding picture
captions.
[0070] The Topic Tree entry path 60 provides the user with both a
means for browsing through a list of topics and sub-topics and also
for iteratively refining the topical subject matter. Specifically,
Topic Tree divides all of the information in the database into
lists of topics and sub-topics so that by browsing through
successive lists, the user can iteratively narrow his search until
he finds an article of interest.
[0071] The Feature Articles entry path 70 provides a selection of
special interest or focus articles for the user. The user then
picks one of the article titles in the menu in order to be taken
directly to the article.
[0072] The World Atlas entry path 80 draws maps of the earth after
interactive selection by the user. The maps can be enlarged or
contracted, rotated or viewed along longitudinal and latitudinal
lines. Moreover, a place finder function is available which helps
the user choose a place on the map. Once that place name is
selected, the computer will then draw a map around the selected
location. By then clicking a place label with a mouse on the map,
an article corresponding to that label can be accessed from the
database.
[0073] The History Timeline entry path 90 enables the user to
browse through a timeline containing references to historical
events. Choosing any of those events will cause the system to
provide a summary of the event and then list articles related to
that event, historical person, etc.
[0074] The Researcher's Assistant entry path 100 contains a set of
research categories and sub-topics. Each topic, in turn, includes
three assignments which are classified according to level of
difficulty. The user may then choose one of those assignments which
then refers him to the Main Menu to complete his research.
[0075] The Main Menu 10 also includes several functions. The
functions are Notes 24, which allows the user to take notes; the
Research Path function 25 which opens a window on the screen
displaying a list of previous steps that the user has taken in his
searches; the Last Screen function 26 which backs-up along the
research path one step to return the user to the last screen he
saw; and the Getting Started function 27 which provides a
step-by-step tutorial that guides the user through the multimedia
database. A Close command 28 also is available in order to exit the
system.
[0076] When turning the system on, the Main Menu display 20 is
shown. The user may then select at step 22 any of the above
identified entry paths or functions. The selection activates the
designated function or entry path program.
[0077] Upon exiting from a selected entry path or function, the
user can return to the Main Menu display 20. Upon choosing the
Close command 28, the user exits the system at step 29. The Close
command 28 is always available as an option in the Main Menu
display. Hence, the program can always be exited at any time the
Main Menu display is available.
[0078] FIGS. 2-5 illustrate the Idea Search entry path 30. As
previously noted, the function of the Idea Search 30 is to aid the
user in finding information about any topic he wishes to explore in
the database. The Idea Search entry path 30 is based upon a term
based search that responds to user entered search information. The
computer then isolates "legal" search terms and searches through
the database. Following the search, a list of article titles
ordered by relevance to the search request are then provided by the
computer.
[0079] The Idea Search 30 is entered by clicking a mouse over an
associated icon in the Main Menu display 20 (FIG. 1). A call to the
Idea Search program 100 raises the Idea Search entry screen 102.
The Idea Search entry display 102 includes a number of functions
located on a prompt line at the bottom of the screen. Those
functions include Tools 106, Notes 24, Research Path 25, Last
Screen 26, New Search 116, Back 118 and Main Menu 120. Some of the
functions, as denoted by the letter "B", return the user directly
back to the search display when completed. Others, however, do not.
A description of each of the functions will be provided in more
detail below.
[0080] After the user has made a selection 104 to enter search
terms 112, the user then types in those terms in a window on the
display. The search terms can be entered as words, phrases, whole
sentences or entire paragraphs. The only limitation is that these
terms describe the topic or question to be searched. The user then
clicks the mouse on the icon for the Go On command 122 which tells
the computer to begin searching. If a search word is misspelled,
the computer will then access an internal dictionary and an
internal thesaurus stored in the database if it does not recognize
the misspelled word. A check for misspelling thus occurs in step
124. If the word is found to be misspelled at step 126, then the
Idea Search will display a list of other spellings 128 that closely
approximate the misspelled word. The user may then use a mouse, for
example, to click the proper word on the list which automatically
makes the correction 130. The user then actuates the Go On command
131 which causes the properly spelled word to be returned to the
list of search terms at step 132 and the system to execute the
search on the correctly spelled word. The correctly spelled term
will then be displayed in a list of the located items 136 following
their search at step 134. Details regarding step 134 are provided
in FIGS. 4-5.
[0081] Items on the displayed list, for example, can be titles to
articles containing the search terms. It is contemplated, however,
that any information representing the search term can be
represented in this list.
[0082] More particularly, in addition to the items of the list, the
display screen 136 shows search words that have actually been
searched. Those words are highlighted to set them off from the
non-searched terms. The Idea Search 20 entry path automatically
decides which terms to highlight and which terms not to search,
based on a review of stop terms stored in the database. Examples of
stop terms include "what", "the", "and", "or", punctuation, etc.
The items listed also are arranged in the display 136 in order of
relevance to the entered search terms. A further description of the
relevance ranking algorithm is provided.
[0083] Some of the items listed are preceded by one or more
asterisks. The asterisk(s) indicate that the adjacent item in the
list is likely to contain highly relevant information. In order to
choose the item, the user can then move through the list using Up
and Down arrow keys located on the display adjacent to the list.
When a user sees the article that he wants, he then clicks that
article that is likely to have the best information about the
search word.
[0084] Referring now to FIG. 3, further details regarding the Idea
Search 30 are shown. In particular, a screen 136 is presented along
with icons for several functions located on the prompt bar. The
user selects any one of the functions by clicking a mouse on an
appropriate icon representing that function. Those functions
include Tools 106, Notes 24, Research Path 25, Last Screen 26, Back
118 and Main Menu 120. A description for each function is provided
with reference to FIGS. 8-12.
[0085] If the user is interested in looking at the items on the
list at step 140, he can then move through the list of items, as
previously described, and click the mouse on a desired item at step
142. As a result, the user goes into the (article) program at step
144. If, however, the user does not see an item that he desires, or
wishes to search for different terms, he branches at step 146 to
select the New Search mode 148. If the user then decides to pursue
a new search he branches to the beginning of the Idea Search
program 150. If, however, the user is only interested in improving
his original search request, he then clicks the icon representing
the New List function 155.
[0086] The New List function 155 improves the original search
request by either providing non-ambiguous alternate search terms
158 or by suggesting alternate search strategies.
[0087] The ambiguous term check 158 acts like a thesaurus. For
example, should the user type in the word "rain," alternate search
terms for that word (e.g. "rainfall", "snow", "storm", "water",
"weather") would be listed on the display at step 160. The user may
then click the desired non-ambiguous terms in the list, or enter
the non-ambiguous terms in the Idea Search window 162, and then
search for non-ambiguous search terms 164 (see FIG. 2). Following
the ambiguous term search, the program then automatically returns
the user to a new display list of the located non-ambiguous terms
136 (see FIG. 2).
[0088] However, if none of the listed non-ambiguous alternate
search terms presents a viable alternative, the computer will then
display the original search request and will also suggest ways to
modify that request at step 166. To modify the search, the user
then retypes new search words 170, 173 that conform to the
alternate strategies. The Go On command 174 is then activated to
generate a new search 175 (see FIG. 2).
[0089] The ambiguity check feature operates as follows: suppose
this search involves different forms of "rainfall" and the user
types in the word "rain". The list generated from the Idea Search
might then include a list of articles entitled CLOUD, MISSISSIPPI,
TENNESSEE, ENGLAND and KANSAS. Although the search concerned
"rain", the last four articles were included on the list because
those articles contain sections on climate and weather. To improve
upon that search, therefore, the New List function 154 is
selected.
[0090] The original request for rain, will then reappear but will
not be highlighted. The user can then move the cursor over the "r"
in rain and click the mouse. As a result, non-ambiguous suggestions
for the term "rain" will be presented. To improve the search, one
suggestion would be to change "rain" to "forms of rain". Once the
mouse is clicked over this suggestion and then the Go On is
clicked, the computer will begin a search for new articles which
may relate more closely to "rainfall".
[0091] FIG. 4 illustrates further details of the Idea Search 30.
More particularly, FIG. 4 is an expanded logical flow chart of the
Execute Search step 134 shown in FIG. 2. When the terms are entered
onto the screen, as described previously, at step 200, the Idea
Search program then reviews those terms against a list of stop
words 202. As previously described, stop words consist of terms
such as "the", "a", punctuation and other terms normally deemed
non-essential. The existence of the stop list allows the user to
type in entire sentences or paragraphs of search information which
will then be reviewed and edited so as to avoid inefficient
searches.
[0092] If a term appears on the stop list in step 204, then that
term is deleted from the legal search terms actually searched by
the computer at step 206. The computer then determines if all of
the search terms have been reviewed by the stop list at step 207.
If not, it loops back for further stop checks at step 208. Once the
entire search inquiry is reviewed and all the stop terms removed,
then the search terms are appropriately highlighted for subsequent
display 210 (see FIG. 2, 136) If a search term is not found in the
stop list or in the database, an appropriate message is generated.
The non-existent term is also excluded from the search inquiry.
[0093] The entered search terms are then compared to a phrase list
211. The purpose of the phrase list is to avoid inefficient search
strategies for terms that have a unique meaning when combined in a
phrase. For example, if the user wishes to search the phrase
"German Shepherd" a database search of the individual terms would
bring up information on the country Germany, or men who watch
flocks of sheep. Articles involving dogs would likely be ranked
towards the bottom of the list. However, if the phrase itself were
searched, the search may be more efficiently accomplished and more
accurate results provided.
[0094] The phrase search is entered only when the software finds a
phrase that matches phrases stored in an internal phrase list. The
phrase search program then inquires; do you want this (display
phrase terms) phrase searched? If the user answers yes, then the
system internally links the terms together by placing hyphens
between adjacent phrase terms 213. Step 214 involves comparing the
linked terms to a phrase list. If the entered phrase is matched to
the phrase list 215, then the occurrences of that phrase are linked
to the articles in the database 216. A discussion of how articles
are linked and listed is provided with reference to FIG. 5. Once
the phrase search is complete, the program loops back 218 to step
211 to see if the user wishes to search additional phrases; if the
user does not 220, then the program skips down to step 224.
[0095] Although not illustrated, two other search modes are
available. The expert mode allows users to search literals without
having those literals subjected to the stop list or stemming
(discussed below). The expert mode is actuated when the user
surrounds literals by quotation marks.
[0096] Furthermore, the user also can designate priority search
terms by typing at least one "+" symbol next to a term. The
computer will then rank the terms by priority so that those terms
will be weighed in advance of the structured query. The user can
also order multiple priorities by placing more than one "+"
sign.
[0097] Step 224 involves the step of building the search inquiry
structure through stem indexing. The purpose of stem indexing is to
provide a search of not only the entered terms, but all related
terms. Accordingly, if the user types in the word "leaf" in the
search window at step 112 .(FIG. 2), stem indexing will link all
other stems to the root "leaf" that exist in that index, i.e.,
"leaves", "leafing". Following stem indexing, the stems are linked
to a Basic Receiving Unit ("BRU") 226 in order to map the stem to
the idea.
[0098] A BRU represents the lowest common denominator for the
database. BRU's are discrete data elements defined by subject
matter. Thus, the size of BRU's may vary depending upon the amount
of information for a distinct subject. In the encyclopaedia
embodiment, BRU's represent each of the subjects listed in the
table of contents for an article. Accordingly, when stems are
concatenated at step 228 to the BRU, those stems are thus linked to
a subject matter-based data entity. The linked stems for the root
are then concatenated at step 228.
[0099] Referring now to FIG. 5, the remaining steps of the Idea
Search algorithm are described. At steps 230 and 232 the
concatenated stems are measured using two coefficients. The first
coefficient 230 involves the measure of exhaustivity of the search
term. Exhaustivity represents a mathematical measure of the number
of occurrences-of the stem in the BRU's. The exclusivity
coefficient 232 involves the relatedness of the search term to the
idea being searched.
[0100] An example of the difference between exhaustivity and
exclusivity can be seen when comparing the term "small" to the term
"German". It is highly likely that "small" would have a high
exhaustivity coefficient but low exclusivity coefficient. "German"
would have the opposite result.
[0101] Once the coefficients are calculated they are then combined
to provide a score for each BRU at step 234. The BRU's scores are
then combined to provide article scores 235. The article titles are
then ranked by relevance in step 236. As previously noted, one or
more asterisks may be appended to article titles in the lists.
Asterisks denote articles whose combined coefficients scores exceed
a pre-set threshold 238. The list of article titles is then
displayed at step 240 (same as step 136, FIG. 2).
[0102] Referring now to FIG. 6 the program for displaying the
article is shown. The database of the instant invention, as
previously mentioned, is particularly applicable for use as
multimedia encyclopaedia. A large part of the encyclopaedia
database consists of articles which contain text, color
photographs, tables, charts and maps as well as audio and animation
data. The instant computer program is thereby designed so that the
user may easily access the various types of data without losing
track of his place in the encyclopaedia. Each screen is also set up
to give the name of the article that is being viewed and the page
number relative to that article. Side notes are available in the
articles to indicate the focus of particular paragraphs of
interest.
[0103] The text of the article is comprised of underlined and
non-underlined words. If the user places the mouse and clicks on
any of the non-underlined words an automatic dictionary definition
for that word is displayed. Upon clicking it closed, the dictionary
window will then disappear and the user returns to the article. The
underlined text designates glossary terms. By clicking an
underlined word with the mouse, a window appears showing the
definition of that word. An audio pronunciation of that word also
occurs. An audio sound icon is also displayed in the glossary
window prompt line. The icon leaves the user with the option of
hearing that word pronounced again.
[0104] Accompanying the text are numerous functions represented by
icons. The functions include a Picture display function, a More
About function, a Take Another Look function, a Moving Picture
display function, and an Audio function. Each of the functions will
be described in more detail below.
[0105] The article display program 250 is entered at 252 where the
text of the article is immediately displayed 254. In addition to
the previously mentioned text and functions represented by the
article display program 250, a plurality of functions are
represented on prompt line 252. Those functions include the Main
Menu function 120, Notes 24, Tools 106, Print 258, Research Path
25, Last Screen 26, Return to Entry Path 260 and the Table of
Contents 262. The user may select any of those functions at select
step 256. Details regarding the operation of the various functions
are discussed further in connection with FIGS. 8-12.
[0106] Should the user wish to read the article in step 264 he
moves the mouse and/or cursor to the Up/Down icons or keys. If in
reading the article, the user does not understand a word 266 or
wishes to receive a further definition of that word, he may then
click the mouse on the word in question in step 268. The definition
for that word is then automatically displayed at step 270.
[0107] The user may then choose a number of dictionary-related
functions in step 272, including Tools 106 and Notes 24. However,
should the user desire to return to the article, he activates the
Close command 28.
[0108] If the user wishes to obtain a glossary definition for an
underlined word at 274, he clicks the mouse on the underlined term
in step 276. The underlined term, as previously described, is then
displayed and the pronunciation of that term enunciated at step
278. The glossary window also provides the user with a variety of
functions including Tools 106, Notes 24, and Audio 280. By
actuating the Audio function 280, the user can replay the
enunciation of the glossary term. Activating the close command 28
returns to the article display 252.
[0109] Articles are organized so that by activating an icon showing
"a pair of eyes", the user calls the Take Another Look function
282. This function is used to explain a difficult concept through
pictures or language that is simpler than that used in the article
text. The prompt line in the Take Another Look function 282
includes the Tools function 106, Notes function 24 or the Close
command 28.
[0110] If a Picture icon (represented by a camera) is shown
adjacent to text 284, the user may activate an associated picture
by clicking the icon on step 284. The picture is then displayed.
Multiple pictures 292 can be reviewed by clicking the mouse on up
and down arrow icons 293.
[0111] The picture display mode 284 also includes a number of
functions to facilitate a review of the picture. The caption
function 288, for example, provides a window over the picture
describing the contents of that picture. The user is then presented
with several functions for manipulating, the caption. The move
caption function 290 moves the caption to the top of the screen so
that the user can see the portion of the photograph or picture
under the caption. By clicking the move caption icon again at step
290, the caption is returned to the bottom of the window.
Activating the Close command 28, closes the window, and the user
can then return by clicking close 28 again 254.
[0112] The scan function 291 enables the user to scan up, down,
left or right.
[0113] Finally, pictures can also be viewed using an up-close
function 296. When activated, the system enlarges the picture one
or more levels. Activation of the close command 28 will return the
user to the article display.
[0114] FIG. 7 illustrates additional logical operations of the
article display program. In particular, if an associated audio icon
exists adjacent to text at step 300, then the user can click the
icon, on causing a digitized audio selection to be played at step
302. The user can select the audio function 300 as many times as
desired.
[0115] If the text has an associated video icon 304, then the user
can activate a display of a still frame of that video at step 306
by clicking the video icon with the mouse. The animation sequence
commences by activation of the Go icon command 310, 311. The Go
command can be re-activated again to review the same video. Any
time the user wants to stop the animation, he can click the mouse
on an associated Stop icon 314. Once the animation has been
stopped-clicking the Go icon 310 causes the animation to start
again 311. Moreover, to see the animation in a step by step
sequence, the user can employ step options 320 which allow the
animation to move one frame at a time backwards or forwards 322.
Additionally, the user has the option of repeating the entire
animation. This occurs by clicking the Repeat icon 324. To exit the
video animation function 324 the user must activate the Go On
command 328 which returns him to the article display program entry
point 252 (FIG. 6).
[0116] The final function available in the article display program
is the See Also or Cross Word function 330. This function is
displayed when there is material related to the article being
displayed. If the user activates an appropriate icon for this
function, a list of related articles is displayed only if more than
one related article exists. Otherwise the function takes the user
directly to the related article 332. If the user then finds an
article of interest 334, he then calls that article 335.
[0117] Referring now to FIG. 8, a functional flow diagram of the
logical elements of the Tools function 350 is illustrated. The
Tools function includes five functions: Glossary 360, Bookmark 370,
Find-a-Word 380, Dictionary 390 and Cut and Paste 400. In addition,
a Close-Tools command 395 is available to close the Tool function
350. Brief descriptions of the Tools functions are set forth
below.
[0118] The Glossary function 360 operates in the same manner as
described in FIG. 6. The Glossary function 360 operates by first
prompting the user at step 362 to click on an underlined word Once
the word has been clicked, a window then opens at 363 and the word
is spoken 364. By activating the Close Tools command 395, the
window is removed.
[0119] The bookmark function 370 marks a specific place in the
database so that a user can return to that place at a later point
in his research. When the bookmark function 370 is clicked on, if
there are no bookmarks, the user is allowed to type in a bookmark
in the database. Otherwise the user is presented with a menu having
two choices 372: (a) add a bookmark to the section 373 or (2)
select a previously-stored bookmark 377. The first option opens a
window 364 which requests the user to type in the name of the
bookmark. Once that has been done, the user then must press the
enter key 375 to save the bookmark. Selecting the second option
causes the bookmark to display a list containing the names of all
the bookmarks that have been saved 376. Selection of a desired
bookmark 377 will cause associated articles to be displayed.
[0120] The Find-a-Word function 380 enables the user to look up the
next occurrence of a word found in the text of an article. The
Find-a-Word function 380 operates as follows: the user activates
the Find-a-Word function through, an appropriate icon. A window 382
is then opened which instructs the user to click a word in the
text. The computer display then jumps to the next page that the
user is currently viewing and displays that page 384. Each time the
subject word appears on that page, it is highlighted.
[0121] For example, suppose a user is on page 1 of the ASTRONOMY
article and wants to find the next occurrence of the word "sky".
Clicking Find-a-Word 380 and then clicking the word "sky" will take
the user to page 3 of the article where he can see the word "sky"
highlighted several times.
[0122] The Dictionary function 390 allows the user to look up the
meaning of any word he does not know or recognize. In operation,
when the Dictionary function icon 390 is clicked, a window 392
first opens. The window prompts the user to click the word that he
wants to look up in the dictionary. After selecting a word, a
dictionary display 394 is opened up. The display provides the
actual dictionary entries for that word as it would appear in a
published dictionary. An example of a dictionary that could be used
in such a database is the Merriam Webster Intermediate Dictionary.
To return to the text without using the dictionary again, the Close
Tools command 395 is activated.
[0123] The Dictionary may be scrolled up or down by clicking a
mouse over up arrows on the display (not shown). By clicking the up
arrow, the definition of the word that precedes the one just viewed
can be seen while the down arrow takes the user to the next word in
the dictionary. If the word definition covers more area than
available on the screen, clicking the down arrow then displays the
rest of the definition.
[0124] The Dictionary function 390 is available any time a mouse or
cursor is placed on a word 392 that does not activate a separate
function. The purpose of the Dictionary function 390 is, therefore,
to remind users that this feature is available.
[0125] The Cut and Paste function 400 lets the user copy part of an
article that he is viewing and place that information directly into
his Notes (see FIG. 9). When the Cut and Paste function 400 is
activated, the computer will ask the user to highlight words to cut
and paste 402. Highlighting the text involves moving a mouse and/or
cursor to the beginning of the place in the text that the user
wishes to underline. He then depresses one of the mouse buttons and
holds the button down while dragging the cursor to the end of the
text that he wants to cut-out. Words will be highlighted as the
mouse moves across that area. When the mouse button is released,
the computer will then ask whether the user wishes to save that
text 404. If the user clicks "yes" 405, then the computer will
transfer information into the Notebook 408.
[0126] If the Notebook is full, or if the user tries to cut and
paste too much text 406, then a message will appear on the display
410 instructing the user to either erase the Notebook or highlight
less information. If the user chooses not to save text 411, then by
activating the Close Tool command 412, the user returns to the
appropriate screen.
[0127] Referring now to FIG. 9, the Notes or Notebook function 24
is activated when the user wishes to take notes on information
appearing anywhere in the database. When the icon representing the
Notebook function 24 is activated, a window opens 422 which
provides an available space for the user to enter his notes. As the
user enters information in this window, letters will be added in
the box where a flashing line on the cursor appears. Text is
inserted by moving the cursor to where the user wants new text to
appear. The notes window 422 also includes up and down arrows for
scrolling the text up and down, one line at a time. The Notebook
window 422 is adapted to hold approximately 108 lines of text. If
the window 422 becomes full, some information will need to be
erased before any new text is added. Text is erased by depressing
the BACKSPACE key.
[0128] The Notebook window 422 is accompanied by a variety of
functions and commands. The Close function 424 queries the user
whether he wishes to save his changes that were made in the
Notebook window 426. If the user enters "yes" 427, then the
contents of the Notebook, along with any changes made in those
contents, will be saved. The user is then returned to the screen
from which he opened the Notebook. Clicking "yes" 427 also provides
a safety function. If the user accidentally clears information in
the Notebook, then by clicking "yes" 427 that information will be
restored. If the user does not want to save any changes, he enters
"no" 429 causing all of the changes made in the Notebook to be
erased. As a result, the original information that had been in the
Notebook before the changes were made will be available 430.
[0129] The Beginning of File function 435 lets the user move up to
the first line of the Notebook. The End of File function 437 takes
the cursor to the last line of text appearing in the Notebook
window.
[0130] The Move function 440 moves the Notebook window to the top
of the screen. Activating the function a second time, puts the
Notebook window back at the bottom of the screen. The purpose of
the Move function 440, therefore, is to place the window in an
appropriate area so that the user can still see information on the
screen.
[0131] The Size function 442 changes the size of the Notebook
window display. When activated, the size of the Notebook window 422
is doubled. By clicking the size function 442 again, the Notebook
window 422 is reduced to its original size so that more of the
underlying text is visible.
[0132] The Print function 444 activates printing of the contents of
the Notebook window 422.
[0133] The Clear function 446 removes all text from the Notebook.
When the Clear function 446 is clicked on, the computer will ask
the user at 448 whether he wishes to save his changes. If he
answers "yes" 449, then the contents of the Notebook, along with
any changes, are saved at step 450. If the user enters "no" 451,
whatever was originally in the Notebook is restored and the changes
are deleted at step 452.
[0134] FIG. 10 illustrates a flow chart of the logical operations
of the Research Path function 25. When entering Research Path 25,
the user clicks on the research path icon whereupon a display list
showing the major steps that the user has previously taken, is
displayed at step 470. The major steps listed on the display
include the entry paths previously taken, the title of the articles
that the user has previously reviewed and any headings or
subheadings of those articles that the user has seen.
[0135] For example, the following list represents a typical
research path for an encyclopaedia search: [0136] Science Feature
Articles [0137] ASTRONOMY [0138] Eclipses [0139] ANIMALS,
DOMESTICATED [0140] Title Finder [0141] Aardvark
[0142] The entry at the top of this list, "Science Features
Articles", represents the first entry path while the article
"Aardvark" is the last place the user was before his present
location. From this list, it also is clear what research has
already been done. The two entry paths, "Science Feature Articles"
and "Title Finder", were accessed and the articles on "Astronomy",
and "Domesticated Animals" were uncovered. The "Aardvark" and
"Eclipses" subjects within the articles were then specifically
accessed.
[0143] Should the user desire to return to a previous spot 472
listed on the Research Path display 470, the user employs his mouse
to click that item on the list 474 which will then return him to
the first page for that item 476. If, however, the user does not
wish to call any of the items on the Research Path, then he may
select at step 428 the Tools function 106, the Dictionary function
390, or exit by turning on the close command 28.
[0144] FIG. 11 illustrates the Last Screen function 26. This
function enables the user to take one step back, returning to the
last screen. The Last Screen 20 can, for example, be used to
retrace steps through a series of screens. Thus, if the user is
looking at page 3 of an article and wishes to click back to page 1,
the last screen can be clicked twice, retracing his steps back to
page 2 and then to page 1. The user can, therefore, activate the
last screen function 26 as many times as needed to retrieve an
earlier screen. However, those windows that have appeared on a
previous screen cannot be opened by using the Last Screen function
26. To operate this function, the user presses the Last Screen icon
whereupon a display of the last screen will occur at step 480.
[0145] Referring now to FIG. 12, a flow chart of the logical
operation for the Back function 118 is shown. When the user-selects
this function, the system automatically backs up to the screen
where a change in the decision had previously been made at step
482.
[0146] FIG.13 illustrates the Title Finder entry path 40. The Title
Finder 40 is activated from the Main Menu (FIG, 1) by clicking the
Title Finder icon located on the Main Menu display. A title list
screen is immediately displayed at step 500. At this point, the
user has a number of options for searching titles as well as a
number of functions he can activate 501 to assist his search. Those
functions include Tools 106, Notes 24, Research Path 25, Last
Screen 26 and Main Menu 120. The search for titles can be done in
three modes. In the first mode, the user enters the title in a box
on the display whereupon the Title Finder searches the title list.
The decision to enter the title occurs at step 502 and the user
then types in the title at step 504. The computer then searches the
title list. Whether or not the title is found, the computer will go
to that part of the title list that is the nearest match to the
typed title 506. The user may then go to the article by clicking
his mouse on the desired title 508, 510. The second method of
searching involves scrolling through the title list 512 by
activating up/down arrows 513 until the title of an article is
found. The user can then go to the article 514.
[0147] The third node of searching occurs when the user has a
subject in mind but is not sure of the exact title or spelling. He
can then click a letter tab shown in the display representing the
first letter of the subject that he wishes to search 516. The
computer will then move to the page of the alphabetical title list
518 for the identified letter. The user can then click the up/ down
arrows until he finds the article he wants, and then retrieves the
article at step 519.
[0148] FIG. 14 illustrates the Topic Tree entry path 60. As
previously noted (see discussion of FIG. 1), Topic Tree 60 is the
entry path that divides all of the articles in the database into
topics and sub-topics enabling a user to progressively narrow his/
her search through the tree. In operation, upon entering Topic Tree
60, a list of topics 522 is displayed along with a prompt line of
functions. The functions include Tools 106, Notes 24, Research Path
25, Last Screen 26, Back 118 and Main Menu 120. Should the user
decide to search through the Topic Tree, he moves the cursor over
the topic of interest and clicks his mouse on at step 524. A list
of sub-topics is then provided at 526.
[0149] Sub-topics exist in two forms. If the sub-topics are listed
with an initial capital letter, then that sub-topic covers further
sub-topics. Those additional sub-topics are shown on later screens.
However, if the sub-topic shown on the list is capitalized, then it
directly corresponds to an article. By clicking that sub-topic with
a mouse 527, an article is displayed at 528. Further sub-topics are
displayed at step 529 and the process loops down to further
sub-topic levels, at steps 530 and 531, until the desired article
is uncovered. If the user then decides to go back a level to return
to a previous menu screen, he may do so by clicking the Back
function 118. Actuating the Main Menu function 120 will, in turn,
return the user to the Main Menu so that he may choose another
entry path or exit the multimedia search program altogether.
[0150] FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the Picture Explorer entry
path 50. The purpose of Picture Explorer is to give the user three
ways to find pictures in the database. Once a picture is retrieved
that is of interest, the user can go directly to an article to
learn more about that picture.
[0151] To use, upon entering the Picture Explorer menu 50, the user
can select one of several options at step 540. Those options
include the three separate search paths: picture tour 550, picture
finder 570 and picture search 590. Additionally, a number of
functions are available including Tools 106, Notes 24, Research
Path 25, Last Screen 26, Tools 106 and Main Menu 120.
[0152] The picture tour search path 550 presents a randomly ordered
selection of pictures from the database. To move forward through
the pictures, the user moves the up/down arrows 552. If the picture
appears to be of interest, then the user can retrieve an article at
steps 553 and 554, display a caption for each picture at steps 555
and 556 or simply move down to the next picture at step 557.
Additionally, the caption can be moved at steps 558, 559 or the
user can return to the picture, to an article or to the Main Menu
of the Picture Explorer entry path at steps 560 and 561.
[0153] The picture finder entry path 570 lets the user read through
a list of picture captions which are grouped alphabetically. The
organization of the caption list and the method for searching that
list, is similar to the Title Finder entry path algorithm 40 (FIG.
13). In operation, upon entering the Picture Finder 570 a number of
functions become available for user selection, including Tools 106,
Notes 24, Research Path 25, Last Screen 26, Main Menu 120 or Back
118. As in title search, the picture finder provides three ways of
searching for picture captions. The first method 572 involves
typing in the picture name 573 whereupon picture titles closest to
that typed in are then displayed 514. If the user then wishes to
learn more about a picture 575, he can activate the caption 576.
The second method involves scrolling up or down through the picture
list at step 579 to review the desired picture 580. The third
method involves clicking a mouse on a letter tab 575 which will
then move to the page in which the picture titles, starting with
the tab letter, appear. The user may then move up and down that
page 582 until he finds the desired picture caption 583. Step 585
loops back to the first decision point for the picture finder
search path 570.
[0154] Picture search 590 operates in a manner similar to that
previously described with regard to the idea search (See FIGS.
2-5). Generally, the picture search program 590 operates when a
search term describing the picture caption is entered in the
picture search window. For example, should the user want to know
how automobile engines work, he types in the picture search window
"how do automobile engines work?" The user then activates the Go On
command (FIG. 2) to tell the computer to begin the search. When the
computer completes its search, search words are redisplayed as
highlighted terms. A list of pictures with captions also is
presented and the user can see the picture described by a caption
in the list by clicking the mouse on that caption. The user then
calls the associated article by activating the Go To Article
function.
[0155] The user also can scroll through the list to see adjacent
captions. Captions preceded by at least one asterisk most likely
contain information directly relevant to the search request. The
New List or New Search functions are also available in this
program. These functions operate in the same manner described
previously for Idea Search.
[0156] FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the logical operations of the
History Timeline entry path 90. This entry path contains numerous
events of historical significance organized along various
timelines. When a user clicks a mouse on the name of an event
appearing on a timeline, a window opens and summarizes that event.
Each window includes a list of articles that relate to the event.
clicking a mouse on a listed article will take the user directly to
the portion of that article involving that event. The History
Timeline is entered by activating an identifying icon in the Main
Menu (FIG. 1). As a result, a timeline display 600 is provided.
[0157] The timeline display 600 consists of a year bar marked in 5
year intervals. Each interval is expanded into a separate display.
Each display includes a plurality of major event boxes, event boxes
and a president bar. An era banner is also provided in the display
which groups dates and historical events into major periods. The
president bar operates to open a window that gives the full name
and dates the president was in office and a list of the major
legislation or other significant events of that president's
administration. Information is ordered by the years in which those
events occurred. By clicking the Go To Article function the user
can then view a particular article relating to that event.
[0158] When the History Timeline is entered through display 600.
That display will introduce the entry path and also display the
beginning period for the timeline. The user may then either click
the 5 year segment of the year bar, or click the mouse on an arrow
to move the timeline display ahead 121/2 years 602, 603. Once the
user has reached the desired timeline segment, he may then choose
among several ways to retrieve information. A number of functions
including Notes 24, Research Path 25, Last Screen 26 and Main Menu
120 are available on all timebar screens The first way to retrieve
information is by activating a major event box 604. Major Events
represent historical occurrences consisting of at least two events.
For example, if the user chooses the "Discovery and Exploration"
major event box, then a window will open 605 listing several events
that took place during the time period covered by the major event
(between the years 1490-1625). If the user then selects an event
appearing on the list at step 606, i.e., "1492--Christopher
Columbus discovers the New World", another window opens containing
a description of that event at step 607. The user may click the
mouse on the up/down arrows to read more about the event.
[0159] If the user then wishes to see articles relating to that
event 608, he then activates the Go On command 609. A window with a
list of article titles is then set forth. The user can then call a
related article e.g. "Columbus" by clicking the mouse over the
listed title 610 as previously described. When in reviewing the
article, the user is ready to return to the History Timeline 90, he
activates an icon representing the timeline.
[0160] A second search option in History Timeline 90 is the event
box 616. The event box operates in a similar manner to the major
event box, except that it only represents one event. Accordingly,
when clicking a mouse on the event box, a window opens 617
displaying information about the event. Often included in the event
window 617 is an audio feature 618 which is played by clicking an
audio icon 619. Articles can then be selected in steps 620-622 in
the same manner as for major events. The option for moving the next
display screen by the arrow icons is shown in steps 625-627.
[0161] Turning now to FIG. 17, the third method of searching the
History Timeline 90 is shown. This third method involves activating
the president's bar 628. To use, a user clicks on a display box
containing a president's name. A display listing significant events
during that president's administration 629 is then shown. If the
user wishes to see a related article 630, he clicks the Go To
Article command 632 which causes a display of the article at step
633. To exit from the article and return to the History Timeline
icon, the user must then activate an appropriate icon appearing in
the prompt line.
[0162] FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing the logical operations of
the World Atlas entry path 80. The purpose of this entry path is to
allow a user to see and use maps of the earth. The user can specify
a place he wants to see, then the computer can draw a corresponding
map. To find out more about places shown on the map, the user can
then retrieve articles relating to a desired part of the map.
[0163] The World Atlas program is entered by clicking the World
Atlas icon in the Main Menu (FIG. 1). Immediately upon entering
World Atlas, an atlas is displayed at step 650. There are seven
levels from which the user can display a map from the atlas. Each
level corresponds to the scale of the atlas. When the user first
enters World Atlas, he will see a map of the Western Hemisphere
drawn at level 1. The user may then choose to rotate, zoom-in, or
zoom-out of each level. By moving a cursor on the Atlas, the center
of the Atlas may be moved to correspond to the cursor's position.
The user also rotates the globe by clicking the mouse on a compass
direction icon at step 652 which will cause the atlas to pan in the
direction of the compass 653.
[0164] A further feature of the World Atlas entry path is the
labels function 654. Labels operates as follows: when the user
turns Labels on 655, place name labels are written onto the atlas.
If the user is interested in seeing an article that is related to a
place name label 656, he can click the cursor over the label 657
which will then display a list of articles related to the place
name 658. If an article of interest appears in the list 659 (FIG.
19), the user can then select that article 660. The user returns
from the article to the timeline by pressing a timeline icon, as
previously described.
[0165] Another viewing function for the World Atlas entry path is
the zoom-in and zoom-out feature. As previously mentioned, there
are seven levels from which the earth can be viewed. If the zoom-in
is initiated 662, the user can focus on one or more levels to see a
closer view of that area of the map 665. The map can be zoomed-in
all the way at steps 666 and 667 to level 7. When the lowest level
is reached, the zoom-in clickspot disappears and the user can only
zoom-out.
[0166] When the maps are displayed at levels 3 and 7, a mileage
scale appears on the lower right corner of the screen. Mileage
scales are not given for levels 1 and 2 because these levels give
two global views of the earth. In other words, measuring distances
between two points on the globe must take into account the
curvature of the earth. Mileage scales are most useful when
distances can thus be represented as straight lines. At levels 3
through 7, therefore, distances between two points can be measured
by a straight line. A further viewing function for the Atlas is the
latitude-longitude option 670. By clicking on the
latitude-longitude function, the computer adds lines 672 to the
Atlas indicating latitude and longitude markings. This will thus
give the user a better idea of the location of various places on
the map.
[0167] Step 674 relates to the Place Finder search path. This
feature enables a user to search the globe in three ways: (1) by
clicking a mouse on the up/down arrow and moving through an
alphabetical list of places, (2) by clicking a letter tab that
appears along the side of the list of places, or (3) by typing in
the first few letters of a place that the user wants to see. Once
the place is found on the list, by any of the above methods, the
user then clicks the mouse on that place entry, and that entry will
be immediately displayed on the globe. Operations of the place
finder program are shown in more detail in FIG. 20. Specifically,
the place name list is first displayed upon activating the place
finder icon 676. The user is then provided with a selection of
functions including Tools 106, Notes 24, Research Path 25, Last
Screen 26 and Main Menu 120. In addition to these functions, the
user may search the place name list at step.678.
[0168] If the user decides to search the place name list 678 by
name 680, he must first type in the name in the place box 682. A
search by the computer of the list of names 684 then occurs. If the
user then clicks the mouse on the place name 686 on the list, a map
having the place identified at its center is shown 688. Activating
the up/down icons 690 or selecting a letter tab corresponding to
the first letter of the place name list 692 and 694 also will turn
up place names for the list.
[0169] Returning to FIG. 18, the Atlas also may be rotated by
moving the mouse to a new place on the Atlas 700 and then clicking
on the mouse 702. As a result, the Atlas will be redisplayed with
the cursor positioned as it's center.
[0170] The World Atlas entry path 80 can be used to approximate the
latitude and longitude of many places. For example, whenever a map
is on the screen, the coordinates of the latitude and longitude of
that point in the center of the screen appear across the top of the
screen. Reference coordinates are available whether or not the
latitude and longitude lines appear on the map. Moreover, when the
place name search path is used in conjunction with the latitude and
longitude functions, the exact coordinates of that place are
thereby made available. However, if a place that does not have a
discrete location is searched (e.g., river, region) then the
computer draws a map around the center-point of the screen region
or area displayed.
[0171] For example, suppose the user accesses the place name search
path to draw a map of Shanghai, China. A circle representing the
geographic location of Shanghai then appears at the center of the
screen and the highlighted word "Shanghai" is displayed next to it.
The latitude and longitude of the city (31N 121E) also appear on
the display. If the user then clicks the mouse on the "Lat/Long On"
icon at step 670, the computer will add lines for the latitude and
longitude. This will then give the user a better idea of the
location of various places on the map.
[0172] Alternatively, if the user decides to see a rap of "Korea",
the computer will then re-draw the map so that Korea is at the
center of the screen. The latitude and longitude reading in the
title line (36N 127E) thereby represents the coordinates of the
approximate center of the country of Korea.
[0173] Another feature of the World Atlas entry path, is that when
a map is drawn, the arrow cursor remains in the prompt line and
cannot be moved up into the map area. Only after a map has been
completely drawn, shaded and labelled (if labels are turned on),
can the cursor be moved onto the map.
[0174] All cities that appear on the map have a circle next to
their labels. A circle indicates the geographic location of the
city. Cities that are capitals of countries are marked with a star
surrounded by a circle. Cities that are capitals of states have a
star located next to their labels. When the place finder is used,
the place label will be highlighted on the map that is drawn, and a
symbol will be located at the center of the screen.
[0175] FIG. 21 illustrates the logical operations of the
Researcher's Assistant entry path 70. The purpose of the
Researchers Assistant is to set-up research questions for users.
Researcher's Assistant contains numerous articles divided into
several categories. Each particular category consists of topics
containing three assignments. The assignments are marked according
to their level of difficulty for the user. To use the Researcher's
Assistant 100, a display 720 is provided to the user which allows
him to select from one of several available topic categories. A
number of other options are available on the display's prompt line
including Notes 24, Research Path 25, Last Screen 26, Tools 106 and
the Main Menu 120.
[0176] If a research category is selected 722 from display 720,
then a list of research topics appears 724. The user may then
select the research assignment after reviewing the displayed
description of the topic 728. The selection step 729 involves three
levels of difficulty 730, 732 and 734. An assignment is selected by
clicking a mouse on the chosen assignment. The user may then review
information about the topic and about the assignment. Once the user
makes a decision about which assignment to work on, he can then cut
and paste that assignment into his Notes 24 and then return to the
Main Menu through function 120. In the Main Menu, the user can then
choose an appropriate entry path for that assignment. The other
options include the ability to go back and view the last screen 26,
to go to another program from the Research Path list 25, to go back
to the last decision step through the Back function 118 or to
employ Tools 106.
[0177] For example, if the user is interested in doing research on
"spiders" he then selects "Living Things" from the research
categories at step 720. The term "spider" would then be selected
from the topic list at step 726. The user would then read the
screens of introductory text for that topic and move through those
screens using the down arrow at step 728. At the end of the topic,
three assignments would be available: [0178] Make That Four Pairs
Of Shoes Please [0179] Spiders Have Feelings Too [0180] Beautiful
But Deadly To make a selection 729, the user clicks the name of the
assignment 730, 732 and 734 so that the information on the
assignment will then be displayed. That information includes the
name of articles where the user will find the information for that
assignment.
[0181] Should a different assignment on the same topic be desired,
the Back function 118 returns the user to the screen where the
three assignments 730, 732 and 734 are listed. Should the user want
to then select a different topic from the same category, the Back
function 118 is activated again, returning to the topic menu 724.
Clicking Back 118 once more, returns to the menu of research
categories where the user can select a new category of topics.
[0182] Any time the user is looking at the introductory text for a
topic, the user can click the next topic function 736 which will
move them ahead 738 to the next topic in the same category without
having to return to the topic menu 740. To change a research
category, however, the Back function 118 must be employed as
described above.
[0183] Once the user has determined which assignment he wants to
search by clicking the Main Menu 120, the user is then prompted by
the display about whether or not he wishes to save that assignment
stored in his notes 24. If the answer is "no", the user will return
to the Main Menu at step 744.
[0184] As an alternative, the Researcher's Assistant path can be
designed to be played as a game. The goal of the game is to
encourage users to compete in obtaining information from the
database. The game is arranged as a competitive scavenger hunt.
Each user is asked to collect information about a question and is
encouraged to collect facts and store the collected facts in a
single storage area. The user then is scored on the time it takes
him to retrieve facts and the number of correct facts he collected.
The game is played at different levels of difficulty.
[0185] FIG. 22 illustrates the Feature Articles entry path 70. This
entry path takes the user directly to a number of the most
interesting articles in the database. All articles have been
enhanced with additional text, sound and pictures. In use, when the
user clicks on the entry path icon, a display of the feature
categories for Feature Articles are presented 750. The user then
selects an article 752 by moving a cursor over one of the titles
shown on the display screen 750 and by clicking the mouse. As a
result, the display will show page one of the article 754 that is
selected. The user then goes to the article display which includes
on its prompt line the Feature Articles 756. By clicking the icon
on at step 758, the user will return to the Feature Articles menu
70. Other functions available in the Feature Articles entry path 70
are Notes 24, Research Path 25, Last Screen 26, Back 118 and Main
Menu 120.
[0186] While a particular embodiment of the present invention has
been disclosed, it is to be understood that various different
modifications are possible and are contemplated as being within the
true spirit and scope of the claims. There is no intention,
therefore, of limiting this invention to the exact abstract or
disclosure presented herein. More particularly, it is contemplated
that this invention can be used with any information that can be
stored in a database. While the present invention has largely been
described with reference to an encyclopaedia, other databases of
published graphical or textual information could be included.
* * * * *