Abstract: Disclosed is a method to generate data describing a product. The method includes the steps of comparing a digitized query image of the product to digitized pre-existing product images in a pre-existing product database. The pre-existing product database is organized using a taxonomy and an ontology. The pre-existing product images are linked to a corresponding node in the taxonomy and are also linked to attribute data and attribute value data in the ontology. At least one pre-existing product image is then retrieved that most closely matches the query image based on at least one matching criterion selected in whole or in part by a user. From the pre-existing product database is extracted the node in the taxonomy, the attribute data, or the attribute value data linked to the pre-existing product image retrieved earlier. In this fashion, product data relevant to the item depicted in the query image can be generated automatically from existing product data.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method to generate data describing a product. The method includes the steps of comparing a digitized query image of the product to digitized pre-existing product images in a pre-existing product database. The pre-existing product database is organized using a taxonomy and an ontology. The pre-existing product images are linked to a corresponding node in the taxonomy and are also linked to attribute data and attribute value data in the ontology. At least one pre-existing product image is then retrieved that most closely matches the query image based on at least one matching criterion selected in whole or in part by a user. From the pre-existing product database is extracted the node in the taxonomy, the attribute data, or the attribute value data linked to the pre-existing product image retrieved earlier. In this fashion, product data relevant to the item depicted in the query image can be generated automatically from existing product data.

Abstract: An automated process (and system) for facilitating the creation of a frame based knowledge tree for use with a configuration system is provided. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a database induction module interacts with a user interface and a vendor provided database containing product information in the form of database files. The user sets induction preferences via a graphical user interface, and the induction module accesses product information from the client database file and automatically generates a frame based product knowledge tree in light of the user's preferences, where the frame based product knowledge tree is intended for use with a configuration system for configuring certain desired products, services, or other assemblages.

Abstract: An automated process (and system) for facilitating the creation of a frame based Knowledge tree for use with a configuration system is provided. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a database induction module interacts with a user interface and a vendor provided database containing product information in the form of database files. The user sets induction preferences via a graphical user interface, and the induction module accesses product information from the client database file and automatically generates a frame based product knowledge tree in light of the user's preferences, where the frame based product knowledge tree is intended for use with a configuration system for configuring certain desired products, services, or other assemblages.

Abstract: An automated process (and system) for facilitating the creation of a frame based knowledge tree for use with a configuration system is provided. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a database induction module interacts with a user interface and a vendor provided database containing product information in the form of database files. The user sets induction preferences via a graphical user interface, and the induction module accesses product information from the client database files and automatically generates a frame based product knowledge tree in light of the user's preferences, where the frame based product knowledge tree is intended for use with a configuration system for configuring certain desired products, services, or other assemblages.

Abstract: An automated process (and system) for facilitating the creation of a frame based knowledge tree for use with a configuration system is provided. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a database induction module interacts with a user interface and a vendor provided database containing product information in the form of database files. The user sets induction preferences via a graphical user interface, and the induction module accesses product information from the client database files and automatically generates a frame based product knowledge tree in light of the user's preferences, where the frame based product knowledge tree is intended for use with a configuration system for configuring certain desired products, services, or other assemblages.