| 摘要 |
Computer search engines and databases operating in a network or in the Internet are operationally indifferent to whether the information which is searched, stored, or indexed to identify a web site is understandable by human users as text or as abstract or graphic information. Thus, the invention associates with each site on the network, or web site on the internet, one or more graphic images which connote the content of the web site, its owner, or some other characteristic associated with it which is of interest to those who search the network. An encyclopedia of graphic images is organized according to logical concepts or assigned to index the sites in a hierarchical structure. Graphic images displayed on a local search engine's input screen are then selected in conformity with the hierarchical structure to formulate a specific search request. The local search engine then searches a local database to find the multilevel, hierarchical graphic identification of the site. If found then the local search engine is connected to the site and is free to browse it. If not found, then the local search engine is connected via the network to a server search engine, which searches a much larger server database for the same specific graphic request. If found, the user accesses the site and is free to browse it. In this manner, a network can be searched without necessary recourse to any specific language, but based solely on conceptual structures. |
