PCT
`WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ORGANIZATION
`International Bureau
`INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT)
`WO 00/39713
`(51) International Patent Classification 7 :
`G06F 17130, 17124
`
`(43) International Publication Date:
`
`6 July 2000 (06.07.00)
`
`(11) International Publication Number:
`
`Al
`
`(21) International Application Number:
`
`PCT/US99/30965
`
`(22) International Filing Date:
`
`23 December 1999 (23.12.99)
`
`(30) Priority Data:
`60/114,065
`60/ 160,639
`
`28 December 1998 (28.12.98)
`20 October 1999 (20.10.99)
`
`US
`US
`
`(71) Applicant: GEMTEQ SOFTWARE, INC. [US/US]; Suite 206,
`1450 Grant Avenue, Novato, CA 94945 (US).
`·
`
`(81) Designated States: AE, AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG,
`BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CU, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI. GB,
`GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP,
`KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LY, MD, MG, MK,
`MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG,
`SI, SK, TJ, TM, TR, TI, UA, UG, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZW,
`ARIPO patent (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, SD, SL, SZ, TZ,
`UG, ZW). Eurasian patent (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD,
`RU, TJ, TM), European patent (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK,
`ES, Fl, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), OAPI
`patent (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR,
`NE, SN, TD, TG).
`
`(72) Inventors: GULATI, Ashwin; 204 Redding Way, San Rafael,
`CA 94901 (US). BLACKBURN, William, J.; 488 Oak Published
`With international search report.
`Manor Drive, Faitfax, CA 94930 (US).
`Before the expiration of the time limit for amending the
`claims and to be republished i11 the event of the receipt of
`amendments.
`
`(74) Agents: DUBORD, Renee et al.; Fenwick & West LLP, Two
`Palo Alto Square, Palo Alto, CA 94306 (US).
`
`(54) Title: A METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PERFORMING ELECTRONIC DATA-GATHERING ACROSS MULTIPLE DATA
`SOURCES
`
`(57) Abstract
`
`A method and system for electronic data-gathering
`system allows a user to easily capture and archive elec(cid:173)
`tronic data without the need to interact with an additional
`application user-interface. The present invention stream(cid:173)
`lines the workflow ofpetforming research, and also ensures
`that information is easily traceable to its original source.
`The described embodiments of the present invention auto(cid:173)
`matically encapsulate user-selected sets of electronic data
`with a set of attribution, creation, and user-defined meta(cid:173)
`data. The system uses the captured data and metadata
`to create gem data objects. These gem data objects are
`then routed within the electronic data-gathering system.
`The gem data objects may be stored on a persistent stor(cid:173)
`age mechanism. The research system also includes a data
`viewer that allows a user to view and petform actions upon
`the gem data objects.
`
`80
`
`System Overview
`
`70
`
`78
`
`~
`~
`
`66
`
`10
`
`42
`
`46
`
`48
`
`100
`
`Graphics Module
`
`Speech-tl>text
`Module
`
`58
`
`60
`
`Oatiobject
`encoder/decoder
`SyS1Bm Oipboa-d
`Data Manager
`
`

`

`ZW Slovenia
`
`Codes used to identify States party to the PCT onthe front pages of pamphlets publishing international applications under the PCT.
`ES
`LS
`Lesotho
`SI
`Albania
`FOR THE PURPOSES OF INFORMATION ONl, Y
`Spain
`Armenia
`FI
`LT
`SK
`Finland
`Lithuania
`Slovakia
`France
`Austria
`SN
`FR
`LU
`Luxembourg
`Senegal
`Codes used to identify States party to the PCT on the front pages of pamphlets publishing international applications under the PCT.
`Gabon
`LV
`Latvia
`Australia
`GA
`Swaziland
`SZ
`GB
`Monaco
`MC
`TD
`Chad
`Azerbaijan
`United Kingdom
`MD
`GE
`TG
`Togo
`Georgia
`Bosnia and Herzegovina
`Republic of Moldova
`Slovenia
`Spain
`Lesolho
`SI
`Albania
`LS
`Barbados
`GH
`Ghana
`MG
`TJ
`Madagascar
`Tajikistan
`Finland
`LT
`Lithuania
`Armenia
`Slovakia
`SK
`Guinea
`MK
`Turkmenistan
`TM
`GN
`Belgium
`The former Yugoslav
`France
`Senegal
`Austria
`GR
`TR
`LU
`Luxembourg
`SN
`Greece
`Burkina Faso
`‘Turkey
`Republic of Macedonia
`sz
`HU
`ML
`TT
`Mali
`Gabon
`Latvia
`Swaziland
`Australia
`LV
`Hungary
`Trinidad and Tobago
`Bulgaria
`IE
`MN
`UA
`Treland
`Ukraine
`Benin
`Azerbaijan
`TO
`United Kingdom
`MC
`Monaco
`Chad
`Mongolia
`Israel]
`Brazil
`IL
`MR
`Mauritania
`UG
`Uganda
`Georgia
`Republic of Moldova
`TC
`Togo
`Bosnia and llerugovi11a
`MD
`Iceland
`Belarus
`Is
`MW
`Malawi
`United States of America
`us
`Ghana
`Madagascar
`Tajikistan
`Barbados
`TJ
`MG
`IT
`MX
`Mexico
`Uz
`Uzbekistan
`Canada
`Italy
`Guinea
`Turkmenistan
`Belgium
`TM
`MK
`The former Yugoslav
`Viet Nam
`NE
`VN
`JP
`Japan
`Niger
`Central African Republic
`'l\trkey
`Burkina Faso
`Greeoe
`Republic of Macedonia
`TR
`NL.
`KE
`Netherlands
`YU
`Yugoslavia
`Kenya
`Congo
`Switzerland
`Zimbabwe
`NO
`KG
`Hungary
`Mali
`Trinidad and Tobago
`Bulgaria
`TT
`ML
`Kyrgyzstan
`Norway
`KP
`New Zealand
`NZ
`Céte d'Ivoire
`Ireland
`Benin
`MN
`Mongolia
`UA
`Ukraine
`Democratic People’s
`PL
`Poland
`Cameroon
`Israel
`Republic of Korea
`MR
`Mauritania
`Uganda
`Brazil
`UC
`China
`PT
`us
`Republic of Korea
`Portugal
`MW
`Belarus
`Iceland
`Malawi
`United States of America
`Kazakstan
`Romania
`Cuba
`RO
`uz
`Italy
`Mexico
`Uzbekistan
`Canada
`MX
`Saint Lucia
`RU
`Russian Federation
`‘Czech Republic
`Japan
`VN
`Central African Republic
`NE
`Niger
`Viet Nam
`sD
`Sudan
`Liechtenstein
`Germany
`Denmark
`Kenya
`Sri Lanka
`SE
`Sweden
`NL
`Netherlands
`YU
`Yugoslavia
`Congo
`zw
`Liberia
`Estonia
`8G
`Kyrgyzsmi
`NO
`Norway
`Zimbabwe
`Swit=land
`Singapore
`COle d'Ivoire
`Democratic People's
`NZ
`New Zealand
`Republic of Korea
`PL
`Poland
`Cameroon
`Republic of Korea
`China
`PT
`Portugal
`Kazakstan
`RO
`Romania
`Cuba
`Czech Republic
`Saint Lucia
`RU
`Russian Federation
`Liechtenstein
`Germany
`SD
`Sudan
`Sri Lanka
`Sweden
`Denmarlc
`SE
`Liberia
`Singapore
`Estonia
`SC
`
`FOR THE PURPOSES OF INFORMATION ONLY
`
`KR
`KZ
`Lc
`LI
`LK
`LR
`
`AL
`AM
`AT
`AU
`AZ
`DA
`DB
`DE
`BF
`BG
`BJ
`BR
`BY
`CA
`CF
`CG
`CH
`Cl
`CM
`CN
`cu
`CZ
`OE
`DK
`EE
`
`ES
`Fl
`FR
`GA
`GB
`GE
`CH
`GN
`GR
`HU
`IE
`IL
`IS
`IT
`JP
`KE
`KG
`KP
`
`KR
`KZ
`LC
`LI
`LK
`LR
`
`2 of 62
`
`

`

`WO 00/39713
`
`WO 00/39713
`
`PCT /US99/30965
`
`PCT/US99/30965
`
`A METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PERFORMING ELECTRONIC DATA-GATHERING
`
`ACROSS MULTIPLE D ATA SOURCES
`A METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PERFORMING ELECTRONIC DATA-GATHERING
`
`ACROSS MULTIPLE DATA SOURCES
`
`INVENTORS
`INVENTORS
`Ashwin Gulati
`Ashwin Gulati
`William J. Blackbum
`William J. Blackburn
`
`5
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLJCATION
`
`This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No.
`This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No.
`60/114,065, "Virtual Gem", by Ashwin Gulati, filed December 28, 1998, and U.S. Provisional
`60/114,065, “Virtual Gem”, by Ashwin Gulati, filed December 28, 1998, and U.S. Provisional
`Patent Application Serial No. 60/160,639, “Method And System For Performing Electronic
`Patent Application Serial No. 60/160,639, "Method And System For Performing Electronic
`10
`Data-Gathering Across Multiple Data Sources”, by Ashwin Gulati and William J. Blackburn,
`10 Data-Gathering Across Multiple Data Sources", by Ashwin Gulati and William J. Blackbum,
`filed October 20, 1999, which subject matter is incorporated herein by reference.
`filed October 20, 1999, which subject matter is incorporated herein by reference.
`
`BACKGROUND
`BACKGROUND
`A. Technical Field
`
`15
`
`20
`
`A. Technical Field
`The present
`invention relates generally to electronic data-gathering, and more
`
`15
`
`particularly,
`to the automatic capture, storage and classification of selected portions of
`The present invention relates generally to electronic data-gathering, and more
`electronic data.
`particularly, to the automatic capture, storage and classification of selected portions of
`
`electronic data.
`
`B. Background of the Invention
`
`Researching a topic using digital sources has become a time intensive process due to
`B. Background of the Invention
`the vast quantity of data available.
`In addition, a researcher needs to track andattribute all
`
`20
`
`Researching a topic using digital sources has become a time intensive process due to
`such data used to its original source. Digital information may be collected from such varied
`sources as text and image files, network sources, and the Internet. The current process of
`the vast quantity of data available. In addition, a researcher needs to track and attribute all
`collecting such data involves a complex series of interactions with the source data itself, in
`such data used to its original source. Digital information may be collected from such varied
`addition to computer-based or manual filing systems, word processors, and other authoring
`sources as text and image files, network sources, and the Internet. The current process of
`tools and applications that make the process non-linearand difficult to manage.
`collecting such data involves a complex series of interactions with the source data itself, in
`Researchers using electronic media as sources for information and documentation can
`addition to computer-based or manual filing systems, word processors, and other authoring
`archive research data using file systems or indexing software solutions. The traditional
`tools and applications that make the process non-linear and difficult to manage.
`method for storing a copy of information found during research is to save the entire document
`
`25
`
`into such a file system for later retrieval, or alternatively to save a relevant section of a
`Researchers using electronic media as sources for information and documentation can
`
`archive research data using file systems or indexing software solutions. The traditional
`
`method for storing a copy of information found during research is to save the entire document
`
`into such a file system for later retrieval, or alternatively to save a relevant section of a
`
`3 of 62
`
`

`

`WO 00/39713
`
`PCT/US99/30965
`
`WO 00/39713
`PCT/US99/30965
`document in a word processing or authoring type of computer application. These types of
`
`traditional computer applications for research storage include an underlying model describing
`document in a word processing or authoring type of computer application. These types of
`the nature of the persistent data used and the functions that are available to operate on that
`traditional computer applications for research storage include an underlying model describing
`data. The computer system will implement one or more views, typified in the modem GUI
`the nature of the persistent data used and the functions that are available to operate on that
`
`s
`
`data. The computer system will implement one or more views, typified in the modem GUI
`interface, allowing the user to interact with the model.
`interface, allowing the user to mteract with the model.
`For example, a user might want to save a selected portion of information from a web
`For example, a user might want to save a selected portion of information from a web
`page viewed using a web browser. The user could save the complete web page; however, this
`page viewed using a web browser. The user could save the complete web page; however, this
`would not only save the relevant information but would store the entire web page. Storing the
`would not only save the relevant information but would store the entire web page. Storing the
`entire web page would distract future users from focusing upon the relevant information
`entire web page would distract future users from focusing upon the relevant information
`10
`10 within the web page. Such storing of extraneous information is undesirable in a research
`within the web page. Such storing of extraneous information is undesirable in a research
`environment.
`environment.
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`The user could alternatively copy the relevant section of information from the web
`The user could alternatively copy the relevant section of information from the web
`browser view. Next,
`the user would open up another application view, such as a word
`browser view. Next, the user would open up another application view, such as a word
`processing application, and paste the document segmentinto the application. The user would
`processing application, and paste the document segment into the application. The user would
`then have to save the new documentas a new file. The user would also have to manually
`then have to save the new document as a new file. The user would also have to manually
`input creation and attribution information about the document into either the documentitself
`input creation and attribution information about the document into either the document itself
`or the file name of the document, so that the user could properly identify and attribute the
`information later. As used herein, creation information refers to information about the actions
`or the file name of the document, so that the user could properly identify and attribute the
`relating to saving the original data, such as the identity of the system user, the date and time of
`information later. As used herein, creation information refers to information about the actions
`20
`storage, and the source document from which the data was taken. Attribution information
`relating to saving the original data, such as the identity of the system user, the date and time of
`refers to bibliographic information such as the original author, date of publication,etc.
`storage, and the source document from which the data was taken. Attribution information
`Currently, multiple pieces of stored electronic data are most often viewed using the
`refers to bibliographic information such as the original author, date of publication, etc.
`application with which they were stored. A user might store entire web pages, portionsof text,
`Currently, multiple pieces of stored electronic data are most often viewed using the
`spreadsheet information, and graphics. Each of these types of documents could potentially be
`
`25
`stored in a different application format. When each piece of data is later retrieved,
`it is
`application with which they were stored. A user might store entire web pages, portions of text,
`necessary to open multiple different applications for data viewing, adding complexity to the
`spreadsheet information, and graphics. Each of these types of documents could potentially be
`process.
`stored in a different application format. When each piece of data is later retrieved, it is
`
`Traditional approaches to electronic data-gathering interrupt
`the workflow of a
`necessary to open multiple different applications for data viewing, adding complexity to the
`research project. For example, to save a current view, a researcher must stop interacting with
`process.
`30
`the current view of the programheis using to perform his research; interact with a view of the
`
`Traditional approaches to electronic data-gathering interrupt the workflow of a
`file system browser,
`indexing application, or word processing application required to view
`
`research project. For example, to save a current view, a researcher must stop interacting with
`
`30
`
`the current view of the program he is using to perform his research; interact with a view of the
`
`file system browser, indexing application, or word processing application required to view
`
`2
`
`4 of 62
`
`

`

`WO 00/39713
`
`PCT /US99/30965
`
`WO 00/39713
`PCT/US99/30965
`stored research information; and then return to the view he was accessing before. The
`
`preferred process would be to organize such research efforts into a stream where all relevant
`stored research information; and then return to the view he was accessing before. The
`research materials are collected from source documents at the beginning of the project. These
`preferred process would be to organize such research efforts into a stream whereall relevant
`collected materials would be processed to automatically retain creation and attribution
`research materials are collected from source documents at the beginning of the project. These
`
`5
`
`collected materials would be processed to automatically retain creation and attribution
`information about the materials, and then stored for future review. Furthennore, the data
`information about the materials, and then stored for future review. Furthermore, the data
`stored in this phase would be visible to other researchers working on the same, or even non(cid:173)
`stored in this phase would be visible to other researchers working on the same, or even non-
`related projects. Finally, the data could be withdrawn as needed, along with all proper creation
`related projects. Finally, the data could be withdrawn as needed, along with all proper creation
`and attribution infonnation, during the compilation of the final output document.
`and attribution information, during the compilation of the final output document.
`
`No conventional system allows for the automatic capture, storage, and classification of
`No conventional system allows for the automatic capture, storage, and classification of
`10
`less than an entire source document, including the acquisition and storage of creation and
`less than an entire source document, including the acquisition and storage of creation and
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`attribution metadata, packaged into a single, routable self-attributing format. Thus, there is a
`attribution metadata, packaged into a single, routable self-attributing fonnat. Thus, there is a
`need for a system that will allow a researcher to acquire and use important pieces of data
`need for a system that will allow a researcher to acquire and use important pieces of data
`gleaned from electronic files of various types without stopping his or her work to interact with
`gleaned from electronic files of various types without stopping his or her work to interact with
`an additional application user-interface. Such a system would provide a conduit for inserting
`an additional application user-interface. Such a system would provide a conduit for inserting
`15
`research data into a system model directly while negating or delaying the need to interact with
`research data into a system model directly while negating or delaying the need to interact with
`a view of the system.
`a view of the system.
`SUMMARYOF THE INVENTION
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`The electronic data-gathering system of the present invention allows a user to easily
`
`capture and archive electronic data without the need to interact with an additional application
`The electronic data-gathering system of the present invention allows a user to easily
`20
`user-interface. This streamlines the workflow of performing research, and also ensuresthat
`capture and archive electronic data without the need to interact with an additional application
`information is easily traceable to its original source.
`user-interface. This streamlines the workflow of performing research, and also ensures that
`The described embodiments of the present invention automatically encapsulate user-
`information is easily traceable to its original source.
`selected sets of electronic data with a set of attribution, creation, and user-defined metadata.
`
`The system uses the captured data and metadata to create gem data objects. These gem data
`The described embodiments of the present invention automatically encapsulate user(cid:173)
`25
`objects are then routed within the electronic data-gathering system. The gem data objects may
`selected sets of electronic data with a set of attribution, creation, and user-defined metadata.
`be stored on a persistent storage mechanism, and viewed or edited by a system user.
`The system uses the captured data and metadata to create gem data objects. These gem data
`
`objects are then routed within the electronic data-gathering system. The gem data objects may
`In one embodimentof the present invention, a user capturesaset of electronic data via
`25
`the system clipboard, drag and drop activity, manual type-in or a scanner. The datais input
`be stored on a persistent storage mechanism, and viewed or edited by a system user.
`into a data target, which does not necessitate opening an additional program view. However,
`In one embodiment of the present invention, a user captures a set of electronic data via
`the user may optionally choose to input data using a system data viewer. The research system
`automatically captures a set of metadata and creates an interim object by appending the set of
`the system clipboard, drag and drop activity, manual type-in or a scanner. The data is input
`
`30
`
`into a data target, which does not necessitate opening an additional program view. However,
`
`30
`
`the user may optionally choose to input data using a system data viewer. The research system
`
`automatically captures a set of metadata and creates an interim object by appending the set of
`
`3
`
`5 of 62
`
`

`

`WO 00/39713
`
`PCT /US99/30965
`
`WO 00/39713
`PCT/US99/30965
`metadata to the original captured data. This interim object is then passed to the main routine,
`
`where a gem data object is created.
`metadata to the original captured data, This interim object is then passed to the main routine,
`
`where a gem data objectis created.
`The research system also includes a data viewer that allows a user to perform actions
`
`upon the gem data objects. A user may perform a search for gem data objects using keywords
`The research system also includes a data viewer that allows a user to perform actions
`upon the gem data objects. A user may perform a search for gem data objects using keywords
`or other attributes of gem data objects. A user may view the gem object database in a
`or other attributes of gem data objects. A user may view the gem object database in a
`hierarchical manner, and create a storage hierarchy by placing gem data objects in various
`hierarchical manner, and create a storage hierarchy by placing gem data objects in various
`containers within the database. Additionally, a user may edit gem data objects using the data
`containers within the database. Additionally, a user may edit gem data objects using the data
`viewer.
`viewer.
`
`Advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows
`Advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows
`10
`and in part will be obvious from the description or may be learned by practice of the invention.
`and in part will be obvious from the description or may be learned by practice of the invention.
`The objects and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the
`The objects and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the
`elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims and equivalents.
`elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims and equivalents.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`15
`
`Fig.
`1
`is an example of an electronic data-gathering system in accordance with the
`Fig. 1 is an example of an electronic data-gathering system in accordance with the
`present invention.
`present invention.
`Fig. 2 is a flowchart of a research workflow methodofthe presentinvention.
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`Fig. 2 is a flowchart of a research workflow method of the present invention.
`Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a gathering phase for a research workflow
`method.
`Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a gathering phase for a research work.flow
`
`Fig. 4A is an illustration of an acquire data step using a data target as used in an
`
`method.
`20
`embodimentofthe present invention.
`Fig. 4A is an illustration of an acquire data step using a data target as used in an
`Fig. 4B is an illustration of an acquire data step using a gem data object graphical user
`embodiment of the present invention.
`interface view as used in an embodimentof the present invention.
`
`20
`
`Fig. 4B is an illustration of an acquire data step using a gem data object graphical user
`Fig. 5 is flowchart showing an example of a method for processing data into a gem
`interface view as used in an embodiment of the present invention.
`data object.
`
`Fig. 6 is a flowchart of an example of a method for creating an interim object.
`Fig. 5 is flowchart showing an example of a method for processing data into a gem
`
`data object.
`
`Fig. 7 is a flowchart of an example of a method for creating a gem data object.
`
`25
`
`Fig. 6 is a flowchart of an example of a method for creating an interim object.
`
`Fig. 7 is a flowchart of an example of a method for creating a gem data object.
`
`4
`
`6 of 62
`
`

`

`WO 00/39713
`
`PCT/US99/30965
`
`WO 00/39713
`PCT/US99/30965
`fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface window for a gem data
`
`object viewer with the "General" tab of the popup menu of a gem data object expanded.
`Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface window for a gem data
`
`object viewer with the “General” tab of the popup menuof a gem data object expanded.
`Fig. 9A is a diagram showing an example of a user interface window for a gem data
`
`object viewer with the "Bibliography" tab of the popup menu of a gem data object expanded.
`Fig. 9A is a diagram showing an example ofa user interface window for a gem data
`object viewer with the “Bibliography” tab of the popup menu of a gem data object expanded.
`Fig. 9B is a diagram showing an example of the "Bibliography" tab of the popup menu
`Fig. 9B is a diagram showing an example of the “Bibliography”tab of the popup menu
`of a gem data object expanded, with a scrolling menu displayed for the "Bibliography Format"
`of a gem data object expanded, with a scrolling menu displayed for the “Bibliography Format”
`option.
`option.
`
`Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface window for a gem data
`Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface window for a gem data
`object viewer with the "View" tab of the pop up menu of a gem data object expanded.
`object viewer with the “View”tab of the popup menu of a gem data object expanded.
`
`10
`
`Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a storage phase for a research workflow
`Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a storage phase for a research workflow
`method.
`method.
`
`Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a performing data actions phase for a
`Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a performing data actions phase for a
`research workflow method.
`research workflow method.
`Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a data analysis process.
`Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a data analysis process.
`Fig. 14 is an example of a root node as used in an embodimentofthe present invention.
`
`15
`
`Fig. 14 is an example of a root node as used in an embodiment of the present invention.
`Fig. 15 is an example of a container node as used in an embodiment of the present
`invention.
`Fig. 15 is an example of a container node as used in an embodiment of the present
`
`Fig. 16 is an example of a container node as used in an embodiment of the present
`invention.
`invention.
`
`Fig. 16 is an example of a container node as used in an embodiment of the present
`20
`Fig. 17 is an example of a gem data object as used in an embodimentofthe present
`invention.
`invention.
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`Fig. 17 is an example of a gem data object as used in an embodiment of the present
`Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a gem data object viewer with a “View”
`
`invention.
`popup menu expandedto show a text type gem data object.
`
`Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a gem data object viewer with a “View”
`Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a gem data object viewer with a "View"
`25
`popup menu expanded to show a text type gem data object.
`popup menu expanded to show a text type gem data object.
`
`Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a gem data object viewer with a "View"
`
`25
`
`popup menu expanded to show a text type gem data object.
`
`5
`
`7 of 62
`
`

`

`WO 00/39713
`
`PCT/US99/30965
`
`WO 00/39713
`PCT/US99/30965
`Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a gem data object viewer with a "View"
`
`popup menu expanded to show a file type gem data object.
`Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a gem data object viewer with a “View”
`
`popup menu expanded to showa file type gem data object.
`Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a gem data object viewer with a "View"
`
`5
`
`popup menu expanded to show a graphics type gem data object.
`Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a gem data object viewer with a “View”
`popup menu expanded to show a graphics type gem data object.
`Fig. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a gem data object viewer with a "View"
`Fig. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a gem data object viewer with a “View”
`popup menu expanded to show a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) type gem data object.
`popup menu expanded to show a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) type gem data object.
`
`6
`
`8 of 62
`
`

`

`WO 00/39713
`
`WO 00/39713
`
`PCT /US99/30965
`
`PCT/US99/30965
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
`Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of the present invention,
`
`examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever practicable, the
`Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of the present invention,
`
`examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whereverpracticable, the
`same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like
`same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same orlike
`
`parts.
`
`parts.
`
`A. System Overview
`A. System Overview
`
`Fig. I is an illustration of an embodiment of an electronic data-gathering system for
`Fig.
`1
`is an illustration of an embodiment of an electronic data-gathering system for
`use in research operations. System I 00 is used for creating, viewing, storing and using
`use in research operations.
`System 100 is used for creating, viewing, storing and using
`
`encapsulated packages of electronic data and metadata. These encapsulated packages of data
`encapsulated packages of electronic data and metadata. These encapsulated packages of data
`10
`and metadata are referred to herein as gem data objects.
`It should be understood that the term
`and metadata are referred to herein as gem data objects. It should be understood that the term
`“gem data object” refers not only to a Gem from the eGems ,,, software by Gemteq Software,
`"gem data object" refers not only to a Gem from the eGems ,." software by Gemteq Software,
`Inc. but also to other types of objects. Different formats for creating, storing, and using gem
`Inc. but also to other types of objects. Different formats for creating, storing, and using gem
`data objects will be evident to one of skill in the art.
`data objects will be evident to one of skill in the art.
`The system of Fig.
`1 is suitable for use with both data acquisition and data retrieval.
`The system of Fig. 1 is suitable for use with both data acquisition and data retrieval.
`First, the data acquisition functions will be discussed, followed by the data retrieval functions.
`
`15
`
`s
`
`10
`
`15
`
`First, the data acquisition functions will be discussed, followed by the data retrieval functions.
`The data acquisition functions of the electronic data-gathering system of Fig.
`1 will be
`
`presented by broadly tracing the path of a set of data that a user wishes to enter into the
`The data acquisition functions of the electronic data-gathering system of Fig. 1 will be
`system. First, electronic data must have a point of entry into a system 100. The system 100
`presented by broadly tracing the path of a set of data that a user wishes to enter into the
`contains a data target 10 through which electronic data may be captured by the system 100.
`system. First, electronic data must have a point of entry into a system 100. The system 100
`20
`Alternatively, electronic data may be captured using a data scanner 20. The captured data is
`contains a data target 10 through which electronic data may be captured by the system 100.
`then passed to an analyzer/conduit 30, which receives the captured data, captures additional
`20 Alternatively, electronic data may be captured using a data scanner 20. The captured data is
`metadata, and passes the data and metadata to a client module 40. The metadata captured by
`the analyzer/conduit 30 may be any data describingorreferring to the originaldata.
`then passed to an analyzer/conduit 30, which receives the captured data, captures additional
`
`metadata, and passes the data and metadata to a client module 40. The metadata captured by
`The client module 40 now contains both the original data and the captured metadata.
`25
`the analyzer/conduit 30 may be any data describing or referring to the original data.
`Within the client module 40, different processing modules operate on the data and metadata to
`
`create a gem data object, an encapsulated package of data and metadata, capable of being
`The client module 40 now contains both the original data and