Information repository and answering system

Abstract

Information repository and answering system. Memory structure stores computer-executable process steps and information input by a user in plain language. A processor executes the process steps to (1) store the user input information in a repository linked to the user; (2) to retrieve the user input information; and (3) to answer a query input by the user.

1 . Information repository and answering system comprising: 
 memory structure for storing computer-executable process steps and information input by a user in plain language; and    a processor that executes the process steps to (1) store the user input information in a repository linked to the user; (2) to retrieve the user input information; and (3) to answer a query input by the user.    
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1  further including means for specifying user names within different systems.  
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1  further including means for creating additional repositories.  
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1  further including means for allowing other users access to the information input by the user.  
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 4  wherein the access is read only.  
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 5  wherein the access includes write permission.  
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 4  further including giving other users permission to grant other persons access.  
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the repository is accessed through an instant messaging gateway.  
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the repository is accessed through a web gateway.  
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the repository is accessed through an SMS gateway.  
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 1  further including means for receiving a query in plain language and providing an answer.  
   
   
       12 . Information repository and answering system comprising: 
 memory structure for storing computer-executable process steps and information input by a user in plain language; and    a processor that executes the process steps to (1) recognize whether the user input is an information seeking query or a statement; (2) store the user input information in a repository linked to the user when the user input is recognized as a statement; (3) retrieve the user input information when the user input is recognized as an information seeking query.    
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 12  in which the information repository is a search index.  
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 12  in which the information repository is a question-answering system.  
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 12  wherein the repository is accessed through an instant messaging gateway.  
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the repository is accessed through a web gateway.  
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the repository is accessed through an SMS gateway.  
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 1  further including means for receiving a query in plain language and providing an answer.