RIASSUNTO
Durham Zoo is a design proposal for a collaborative-classification-based database and search engine for retrieving both the prior art, and solutions to problems. The design is simple and intuitive enough to empower input from the crowd. The inputted data can then be searched with a concept search engine. The design can import classification information from existing classification schemes, such as those operating in the different patent offices around the world, in a simple way. The combined collection of classification information is then searchable in one go via the Durham Zoo codes. Increased levels of computer intelligence could be incorporated into the design, progressing toward a combined classification-and-text search. We believe that a global authority, similar to the Wikimedia Foundation, could develop and operate the system for the benefit of all. The IEEE would appear to be an ideal candidate for this role. The paper is in two parts. The first part relates to the need for the system and to the broad design. For those that so desire, the second part provides supporting argument for the need, and more information as to functionality and operation of the system. We are not academics and this is not an academic paper. It has no peer review. It is intended as a proposal to kick-start a project.