Abstract: A document search and retrieval system and program product therefor. Search requests are provided to the system through a user interface. A document decomposer decomposes documents into individual document components. Document components and corresponding searchable indices for each are stored in a Component Library. A search unit searches stored document components responsive to search queries. A results validator compares document hitlists with a document type identified in a search query to select valid hitlists entries for a final hitlist. A document view assembly module collects identified document components and assembles them into a document for view at the user interface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a view of a document in a database of documents. The method includes receiving a request to crawl the documents, identifying a format for the document view, and providing the document view based on the identified format using components of the document.

Abstract: Techniques are presented for automatically selecting information sources that are most relevant to user queries. Results of searches returned by information sources for queries are analyzed and the information sources are ranked based on this analysis. The information sources that have high rankings for a query are subsequently used to search for relevant results. This process can be adaptive, as the returned results of old queries can be analyzed at a later date to update the ranking of the information sources, automatic searches can be performed to update the ranking of the information sources, new queries can be used for analysis and stored, new information sources added, and old information sources deleted. A linguistic library is used to store personal categories for one or more users. and general categories. Each category is associated with keywords and ranked lists of information sources. The library also contains general categories, taxonomies, and dictionaries.

Abstract: Search time is reduced with a search engine that includes a bi-directional inverted index facility which can be accessed with a keyword search in one of a number of languages and provide a listing of documents contained in all of those languages. The keywords in all supported languages are preferably stored in an inverted index lookup table cross referenced to documents in those language containing the keywords. Keywords with the same meaning in different languages are accessible together when that keyword in one of the languages is queried. The search engine containing the table can identify pertinent documents either in a selected language, a second language or in all supported languages, as determined by the user. Information about each document can include not only the identity of the document but also information used in ranking the documents such as the number of times that a keyword appears in that document, and the keywords proximity to other keywords.

Abstract: A system and method of searching a database in which documents of different languages are included. The system includes a synonym or keyword dictionary which is bidirectional and allows for translation of keywords between a first language and other languages. The translated words keywords for the document are stored in an inverted index which is then used for searching, either in a selected language, a second language or in all languages, as determined by the user. This use of multiple searching and a translated synonym dictionary avoids the need for translation of the entire document and avoids inaccuracies which may result from translations.