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Abstract

An information retrieval system and method translates a single search request or query across heterogenous databases independent of the database search grammar(s). A client uses a process to express the query in a powerful programming language, i.e., Generalized Query Language (GQL) which has a wide variety of operators to precisely specify the conditions of the query and enable a fused response to be provided by the databases to the query. The process translates the query into phrases contained in a GQL and constructs a complex search query which bridges the gap between the query and the low level of functionality provided in search engines associated with the databases. A search broker receives the GQL query and using a process (i) checks for syntax errors; (2), if correct, parses the complex query into individual search or partial queries and associated logical operations, and (3) forwards the partial queries and operations to the database search engines. Each search engines translates the partial queries into database search grammar for searching purposes and retrieves search information in the form of a 'HitList' related to the query. Each search engines combines the 'HitList' in accordance with the operations associated with the partial queries and any constraints specified in the query to generate a search result having a format common in appearance with other search engine results which serves as a fused response from the heterogenous databases.

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First Claim