Context-Based Search Engine Using Domain Context Vectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current search engines and directories are inefficient in locating relevant information due to the lack of context-based searching, leading to numerous irrelevant results and outdated information, requiring users to manually navigate through unorganized databases and portals.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that determine contexts for words and expressions by dividing the universe of communication into domains, creating macro- and micro-contexts, and indexing databases accordingly, allowing for context-based querying and presentation of relevant information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional keyword searching is used, then the search engine requires little user input and is easy to operate, but it returns a vast number of irrelevant hits and cannot reliably locate desired information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoidsearch accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the user's keyword query and the raw search results. This intermediary is the context-based filtering mechanism that uses domain models and contextual information to mediate the matching process, transforming simple keyword matching into context-aware information retrieval while maintaining ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of information retrieval from simple keyword frequency matching to context-based relevance scoring. By incorporating domain context, usage context, and document context as new parameters, the system improves search accuracy without requiring users to modify their input methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If conventional search engines return only home pages, then the output is simple and easy to process, but users must manually navigate through sites to find keywords and determine relevance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation retrieval efficiencyVSAvoiduser navigation burden
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-processing search results to identify and highlight relevant information locations within documents before the user needs to access them. The system anticipates user needs by using context to predict where keywords are likely to appear and presents this information in advance, reducing the user's navigation burden.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a simplified copy of the document structure that highlights relevant information locations. Instead of requiring users to navigate the complete document hierarchy, the system presents a condensed view that copies only the essential information paths, making it easier for users to locate and access relevant content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Ease of operation

If directories provide hierarchical organization, then information is grouped together and easier to navigate, but users must make multiple decisions to reach information and cannot easily search for specific topics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation organizationVSAvoidsearch time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the search system universal by enabling it to perform multiple functions: it can search using keywords, filter by context, navigate hierarchical structures, and locate specific information locations all within a single interface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for users to switch between different search paradigms and reduces overall search time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds new dimensions to information organization by incorporating context as an additional sorting and filtering criterion. Instead of organizing only by hierarchical structure, the system creates a multi-dimensional organization that includes contextual relevance, domain classification, and information location, allowing users to navigate through multiple dimensions simultaneously to find information faster.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Quantity of substance

If search engines return numerous hits, then the quantity of information is large, but most hits are irrelevant and require manual filtering

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of resultsVSAvoidrelevance accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by tailoring the search results to the specific context of each query. Instead of treating all results uniformly, the system analyzes the local context of the query (domain, usage situation, document structure) and adjusts the relevance scoring accordingly, ensuring that the most relevant results are highlighted while filtering out irrelevant ones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow the system to learn from user interactions with search results. By monitoring which results users access and how they navigate the information, the system refines its context-based filtering algorithms, improving the accuracy of relevance assessment over time and reducing the number of irrelevant hits in subsequent searches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9449105B1User-context-based search engine
Publication Date: 2016.09.20 GOOGLE LLC
  • US9449105B1 patent drawing
  • US9449105B1 patent drawing
  • US9449105B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and apparatus for determining contexts of information analyzed. Contexts may be determined for words, expressions, and other combinations of words in bodies of knowledge such as encyclopedias. Analysis of use provides a division of the universe of communication or information into domains, and selects words or expressions unique to those domains of subject matter as an aid in classifying information. A vocabulary list is created with a macro-context (context vector) for each, dependent upon the number of occurrences of unique terms from a domain, over each of the domains. This system may be used to find information or classify information by subsequent inputs of text, in calculation of macro-contexts, with ultimate determination of lists of micro-contests including terms closely aligned with the subject matter.