Search query processing to provide category-ranked presentation of search results

Abstract

A search engine system displays the results of a multiple-category search according to levels of relevance of the categories to a user's search query. A query server receives a search query from a user and identifies, within each of multiple item categories, a set of items that satisfy the query. The sets of items are used to generate, for each of the multiple categories, a score that reflects a level significance or relevance of the category to the search. The scores may be based, for example, on the number of hits within each category relative to the total number of items in that category, the popularity levels of items that satisfy the query, a personal profile of the user, or a combination thereof. The categories are then presented to the user, together with the most relevant items within each category, in the order of highest to lowest category relevance.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 404,992, filed Mar. 31, 2003, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 528,127, filed Mar. 17, 2000, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Appl. No. 60 / 169,570, filed Dec. 8, 1999.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to the field of search engines. More specifically, the invention relates to techniques for facilitating viewing of search results that span multiple item categories, and for locating web pages that include offerings for products and other types of items. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] In the field of electronic commerce, it is common for online merchants to sell products within many different product-related categories. For example, Amazon.com, Inc., the assignee of the present application, sells products within the categories of books, music, video & DVD, toys & games...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides various features to assist users in conducting online searches. One feature involves displaying the results of a multiple-category search according to the levels of significance of the categories to the user's search query. The method involves receiving a search query from a user and identifying a set of items that satisfy the query, and then generating a score for each category based on the number of hits, popularity levels, or a combination of both. The results are then displayed in a descending order of significance. The system also assists users in locating web pages or pages from which user-specified products can be purchased by evaluating the content of web pages and storing them in a keyword index. The composite web page lists the products and relevant web pages based on the search query."

Problems solved by technology

One problem commonly encountered by online merchants is the inability to effectively present groups of related products that span the predefined categories.

Due to the large number of products and categories, and the organization of the web site, many relationships between products may be difficult for the user to ascertain.

Another problem in the field of on-line commerce is that of locating a web site from which a particular product can be purchased.

This problem may arise, for example, when the online merchants known to the consumer do not carry the product of interest.

The scope of such a general search is often large enough, however, that only a small fraction of a large number of located web sites actually offer the product for sale.

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