DATA STRUCTURE AND METHOD FOR PUBLISHING ELECTRONIC AND PRINTED PRODUCT CATALOGS

摘要

The specification discloses a data structure and method for creating, maintaining,and publishing multiple renditions of both electronic and printed, single and multi-manufacturer catalogs using a single product database. Also disclosed is an electroniccatalog created using the data structure and methodology of the present invention. Thedata structure includes means for creating a product database and means for creating aKnowledgeBase, which includes a concept structure for at least one product realm and aglossary. The concept structure includes at least one concept frame for defining classesof product groupings, where the concept frames include a plurality of concept nodeshaving relationships based upon characteristics of the products within the product realm.The product database preferably includes a listing of SKUs, each SKU corresponding to aproduct or a component of a product. The product database further including productinformation for each associated SKU, and an identification of each concept node in whicheach SKU can be located. The glossary is used for searching for a particular product orgroup of products having desired characteristics, and includes a plurality of phrases, atleast one of which being a definer that links the phrase to one of the concept nodes.- 81 -