Cross-language search system with synonym filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in searching electronic documents in languages other than their native tongue, as they need to translate search terms and results manually, which can be cumbersome, especially when dealing with specialized technical documentation.
Innovation Solution
A cross-language searching system that translates search terms from a user's native language into the language of the document database, using a database of synonyms and context information to filter and present relevant results, allowing users to search and retrieve documents in a language they are familiar with without needing to manually translate terms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If users manually translate search terms to search in foreign language documents, then search accuracy is improved, but user effort and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a translation service as an intermediary component that automatically translates search terms from the user's native language to the language of the document database. This mediator handles the language barrier automatically, eliminating the need for manual translation while maintaining search accuracy through professional translation capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the search system supports multiple languages, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The translation service acts as a mediator layer between the user interface and the search database, allowing the system to support multiple languages without increasing core system complexity. The translation intermediary handles language conversion externally, keeping the main search system simple and language-agnostic.
Solution Approach 2:
The search system is designed with universal language support through the translation service, enabling a single system to serve users across multiple languages. The database remains language-neutral, and the translation service provides universal access regardless of the user's native language or the document's language.
3Quantity of substance
If specialized technical documentation is searched in developer languages, then information completeness is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The translation service serves as a mediator that translates search terms from the user's native language into developer language terms, enabling users to access complete technical documentation without needing to understand the developer language. This maintains information completeness while significantly improving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, related to cross-language searching. Input characterizing search criteria in a first language may be received and a search may be performed on a database having records in a second language. The search may be performed on the database with synonyms of the search criteria that are in the second language. A user may be able to select or edit search criteria in the second language from suggested search criteria. Context information may be used to find search criteria in the second language or results that may be more relevant. The results may be translated for a user to the first language.