Concept knowledge base search and retrieval system

A method for processing queries in a search and retrieval system, said method comprising the steps of:

• storing a plurality of themes for documents available in said search and retrieval system, wherein a theme for a document identifies subject matter contained in a corresponding document;
• processing a query to identify at least one document relevant to said query;
• selecting themes corresponding to said document identified;
• and
• displaying said themes to respond to said query, wherein said themes provide contextual information to respond to said query.

A computer readable medium comprising a plurality of instructions, which when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform the steps of:

• storing a knowledge base comprising a plurality of categories, wherein said categories depict subject matter used for classification of information in said search and retrieval system;
• processing a query, which includes at least one query term, to identify categories of said knowledge base relevant to said at least one query term;
• and
• displaying, in response to said query, said categories relevant to said at least one query term, wherein said categories displayed provide a profile of subject matter relevant to said query that shows how information, organized in said search and retrieval system, relates to said query.

A computer system comprising:

• memory for storing a knowledge base comprising a plurality of categories, wherein said categories depict subject matter used for classification of information in said search and retrieval system;
• processor unit for processing a query, which includes at least one query term, to identify categories of said knowledge base relevant to said at least one query term;
• and
• an output display for displaying, in response to said query, said categories relevant to said at least one query term wherein said categories displayed provide a profile of subject matter relevant to said query that shows how information, organized in said search and retrieval system, relates to said query.