I’ve gotten too busy to do my weekly software patent series, but if I were still doing it, this would be a great installment. Mike Masnick says this is the patent in question:
A database search system that retrieves multimedia information in a flexible, user friendly system. The search system uses a multimedia database consisting of text, picture, audio and animated data. That database is searched through multiple graphical and textual entry paths. Those entry paths include an idea search, a title finder search, a topic tree search, a picture explorer search, a history timeline search, a world atlas search, a researcher’s assistant search, and a feature articles search.
A search engine that lets you search using multiple types of media and multiple criteria? It’s no wonder Britannica is legendary for its innovative products.
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