Abstract: A Sort-on-the-Fly/Search-on-the-Fly search engine provides an intuitive means for searching databases, allowing a user to access data in the database without having to know anything about the database structure. A user selects a desired search term, and the search engine searches the database for all instances of the desired term, even if a specific file or table does not contain the instance. The database need not have a specific file (in a flat database) or a table (in a relational database) of names. The user may specify other criteria, or constraints to narrow the search results, or for other reasons. The search engine then conducts a further search using this criteria and produces a second search result. Further narrowing or broadening of the search are permitted, with the search-on-the-fly search engine returning results based on any new constraints.

Abstract: A Sort-on-the-Fly/Search-on-the-Fly search engine provides an intuitive means for searching databases, allowing a user to access data in the database without having to know anything about the database structure. A user selects a desired search term, and the search engine searches the database for all instances of the desired term, even if a specific file or table does not contain the instance. The database need not have a specific file (in a flat database) or a table (in a relational database) of names. The user may specify other criteria, or constraints to narrow the search results, or for other reasons. The search engine then conducts a further search using this criteria and produces a second search result. Further narrowing or broadening of the search are permitted, with the search-on-the-fly search engine returning results based on any new constraints.

Abstract: Sort-on-the-Fly/Search-on-the-Fly data retrieval or analysis provides an intuitive mechanisms for accessing databases, allowing a user to access or obtain information about data in the database without having to know anything about the database structure. A user selects a desired term, and the method or apparatus delivers all instances of the desired term, even if a specific file or table does not contain the instance. The database need not have a specific file (in a flat database) or a table (in a relational database) of names. The user may specify other criteria, or constraints to narrow the search results, or for other reasons. The method or apparatus then conducts further analysis or searching using this criteria and produces a second result. Further narrowing or broadening of the process is permitted, with search-on-the-fly returning results based on any new constraints.

Abstract: Sort-on-the-Fly/Search-on-the-Fly data retrieval or analysis provides an intuitive method and apparatus for accessing databases, allowing a user to access or obtain information about data in the database without having to know anything about the database structure. In embodiments, the thus obtained information is formatted according to a report template and is presented as a search report. In embodiments, the report template is saved so that subsequent search reports having a consistent format can be generated. The subsequent search reports represent the charging, dynamic content of the database. In embodiments, the search report is customized using fitters and plug-ins.

Abstract: Sort-on-the-Fly/Search-on-the-Fly data retrieval or analysis provides an intuitive means for accessing databases, allowing a user to access or obtain information about data in the database without having to know anything about the database structure. The thus-obtained information may be formatted according to a report template and may be presented as a search report. The report template may be saved so that subsequent search reports having a consistent format may be generated. The subsequent search reports represent the charging, dynamic content of the database. The search report may be customized using fitters and plug-ins.

Abstract: Sort-on-the-Fly/Search-on-the-Fly data retrieval or analysis provides an intuitive means for accessing databases, allowing a user to access or obtain information about data in the database without having to know anything about the database structure. A user selects a desired term, and the method or apparatus delivers all instances of the desired term, even if a specific file or table does not contain the instance. The database need not have a specific file (in a flat database) or a table (in a relational database) of names. The user may specify other criteria, or constraints to narrow the search results, or for other reasons. The method or apparatus then conducts further analysis or searching using this criteria and produces a second result. Further narrowing or broadening of the process is permitted, with search-on-the-fly returning results based on any new constraints.