Federated Search Portal for Multi-Repository Query Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in accessing and searching information across various content repositories, as not all sites can be indexed by web search methods, and some repositories require specific authorization and authentication, limiting direct querying capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An operating system-based search application allows selection of content repositories, modifies and submits queries through appropriate interfaces, and uses an internet search portal to access restricted locations with proper credentials, enabling federated search across multiple sites and databases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If web search indexing method is used, then searching is facilitated, but not all sites can be indexed (subscription sites, dynamically built pages)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a portal server as an intermediary between the search application and various content repositories. The portal server receives search requests, determines which locations to search based on user credentials and query analysis, and coordinates the searching process across multiple repositories. This mediator enables unified searching across diverse sites that cannot be directly indexed or searched by standard web search methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The search application is designed to perform multiple functions: it can search indexed web pages, query subscription sites that allow queries but not indexing, and access dynamically built product information pages. The portal server similarly performs multiple roles including authentication, authorization, and coordination of search operations across different repository types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If direct querying of all locations is allowed, then comprehensive searching is achieved, but security requirements prevent certain applications from accessing certain locations
Solution Approach 1:
The portal server acts as a secure intermediary that manages authentication and authorization between users and protected content repositories. It validates user credentials, determines appropriate access rights, and only allows searches on locations where the user has authorization. This mediator enables comprehensive searching while maintaining security by filtering access based on credentials.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements location-specific access controls where different locations have different security requirements and authorization rules. The portal server evaluates user credentials against the specific requirements of each location being searched, allowing fine-grained control over which users can access which repositories based on their credentials and the location's security policy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple search applications query multiple locations, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but query compatibility and interface differences create complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The portal server provides a universal interface that accepts search requests from multiple different search applications and translates them into location-specific queries. It handles the complexity of different query formats, authentication methods, and response structures, allowing diverse search applications to query multiple locations without each application needing to implement custom logic for every location.
Solution Approach 2:
The portal server mediates between the heterogeneous search applications and the diverse content repositories. It standardizes the communication protocol, handles credential management, and coordinates the search process, thereby reducing the complexity that would otherwise exist between multiple applications and multiple locations with different interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
Various techniques are disclosed to permit searching several locations with one query. Locations may include web search sites, subscription-only sites, line of business applications, or other searchable data repositories. The query may be modified to provide the required format or other information for each location to perform a search.