Carlos A Aponte

US Patent:

59567112, Sep 21, 1999

Filed:

Jan 16, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/784940

Inventors:

Walter J. Sullivan - Ft. Lauderdale FL
Carlos D. Aponte - Coconut Creek FL
Ivan K. Saltz - Plantation FL

International Classification:

G06F 1700

US Classification:

707 6

Abstract:

A system for use with a database selects keywords from a restricted keyword list for both updating and searching (i. e. bi-directional keyword translation). A keyword translator accepts a user entered keyword and selects a restricted keyword for use (e. g. , entry or search) with a database. The keyword entered may be chosen by the user based on the user's preference. The system compares the user-entered keyword with a list of restricted keywords to determine whether there exists in the list of restricted keywords a matching restricted keyword corresponding to the user-entered keyword. If there is a restricted keyword in the list of restricted keywords that corresponds to the user-entered keyword, the system selects the matching restricted keyword for use with the database. If there is not a matching restricted keyword in the list of restricted keywords corresponding to the user-entered keyword, the system compares the user-entered keyword with a list of synonyms to find in the list of synonyms a synonym that corresponds to the user-entered keyword. Each synonym in the list is associated with a restricted keyword.