Systems and methods for performing searches within vertical domains

Abstract

A graphical user interface stored in a memory of a client computer is provided. The interface comprises a prompt field for a vertical search query from a user. The interface further comprises a field for displaying a plurality of names. Each such name represents a vertical collection. The plurality of names is automatically populated, at a time when the user is still entering characters in the prompt field, as a function of one or more character strings in the prompt field. A computer comprising a memory storing instructions for receiving a vertical search query, communicating the query to a remote computer, and receiving a plurality of names from the remote computer. Each name represents a vertical collection having relevance to the vertical search query. The plurality of names is displayed at a time when the user is still entering additional characters into the vertical search query.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims priority to US Patent Application No. 11 / 404,687, filed April 13, 2006, entitled "Systems and Methods for Performing Searches within Vertical Dormain," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application also claims priority to US Patent Application No. 11 / 404,620, filed April 13, 2006, entitled "Systems and Methods for Ranking Vertical Domain," which is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. technical field [0003] The present invention relates generally to information search and extraction. More specifically, the present invention discloses systems and methods for improving Internet search using vertical domains. Background technique [0004] The web creates new challenges for information extraction. The amount of information on the web is growing rapidly. By taking advantage of new and easier-to-use web tools, websites can be accessed by users with ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Should you search for gardening questions in the "food category" or in the "home" category? Should you be searching for golf shoes in Fashion, Sports, or Apparel? Assuming there is a completely separate "Mutual Funds" category, does the "Financial" category cover mutual funds? Hence the likes of looksmart and Excite! The disadvantage of such a portal is that there is no efficient way to communicate to the portal which category to search before the actual search is performed

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