Report:DialogClassic and Classic Web/Search Interface/The Command Line Interface
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The Command Line Interface
Users who are familiar with the search syntax of the USPTO EAST system will find searching on Dialog to be recognizable. Search terms are searched in specific data fields by typing a slash and then an abbreviated code that represents the data field for that term to be searched in. For example, to search for the word 'cat' in the Title field, the user would enter the search command cat/TI. The TI code here tells Dialog to search for the term in the Title field only. See the screenshot below for an example.
After entering a search command in the Type Ahead Buffer at the question mark prompt (?), Dialog returns search results in the Retrieve Buffer broken down by term, as seen in the above screenshot. Following the term-by-term results, Dialog displays the final search result and a sequential "S" count denoting the result number such as S1, S2, or S3 for Search 1, Search 2, etc.
Editor's Note:While the DOS-like command line interface of Dialog Classic may be familiar to longtime STN, DOS, or EAST users, the learning curve is steep. Many users who are accustomed to user-friendly web forms and polished graphical user interfaces may find this type of interface intimidating. The command line interface makes the most sense for serious searchers who are willing to spend a significant amount of time to learn the most effective ways to use it. Luckily, Dialog offers their ONTAP® training databases which allow users to learn the system without incurring large costs. See the Training section for more details.
