| 摘要 |
<p>A system for searching a distributed collection of databases (4, 5) comprising a number of databases connected to each other by a communications network system including: query entry means (7, 8) for entering a request for information on a subject, object or matter, or a group of subjects, objects or matters, a first memory (2, 6, 12) storing index entries, each index entry including a portion representing a subject, or a group of subjects, objects or matter, object or matter on which information might be sought and one or more locations entries indicating which of the databases may contain information in the respective subject, object or matter or group of subjects, objects or matters, and a second memory (3, 6) storing database interrogation modules, routines or sub-routines for converting a request for information received by the data entry means into a set of appropriate instructions for each of the databases.</p> |
