Importance

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Abstract

An information retrieval system for retrieving information from multiple information sources. The information retrieval system provides for the building of dynamic queries through the use of query channels. A query channel permits the passing of attributes of the search results between different queries. The query channel can cause the automatic passing of the attributes, or it can be user controlled (breakpoints). Further, the query results may be transformed so that they are in the context of the target query (computational transformations). For example, the results may be translated or reformatted into a form utilized by the target query. Query channels are created based on graphical representations of queries and their attributes. A simple drag and drop operation, wherein an attribute is selected and dragged to the target query, is used to create the channel. A channel may be created while a query is running. Specification of breakpoints or computational transformations are made using a pop-up window interface that may appear when the channel is selected.

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First Claim