Dynamic Search Query Routing for Multi-Engine Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional search engines often require users to navigate multiple websites and enter the same search query multiple times to find different types of information, leading to inefficiencies and limitations in content retrieval due to varying indexing and algorithms, with metasearch engines failing to incorporate site-specific search engines and user control over query distribution.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines the type of information a user seeks based on their query and dynamically selects appropriate search engines to submit the query to, including site-specific engines, to provide customized and relevant results, while also offering a general-purpose search engine as a fallback for accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional search engines require users to navigate multiple websites and enter the same search query multiple times, then users can find different types of information, but user time and effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the search process by dividing it into distinct query types (informational, navigational, transactional) and routing each type to specialized search engines optimized for that category. This segmentation allows simultaneous handling of multiple search types without requiring users to manually navigate to different websites, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that acts as a smart router between the user's search intent and multiple search engines. This intermediary automatically analyzes the query, determines the appropriate search engine category, and submits queries in parallel, eliminating the need for users to manually switch between websites and significantly reducing the time and effort required.
2Productivity
If metasearch engines aggregate results from multiple sources, then content retrieval efficiency improves, but site-specific search engines and user control are excluded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic search engine selection system that adapts to user needs and query characteristics in real-time. Rather than using a static aggregation approach, the system dynamically determines which search engines to query based on the specific query type and user preferences, allowing flexible inclusion or exclusion of site-specific engines as needed while maintaining high retrieval efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary classification of search queries into categories (informational, navigational, transactional) before submission, allowing the system to pre-determine the most appropriate search engines for each category. This preliminary action enables efficient routing while maintaining user control over which engines are used, combining the benefits of automated efficiency with user versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If search engines process numerous queries from the same IP address, then service coverage increases, but abuse detection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the query submission process by distributing different types of queries to different search engines based on their specialization. This segmentation naturally limits the number of queries any single engine receives from a given IP address, reducing the appearance of abusive behavior while maintaining comprehensive service coverage across multiple engine types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by matching specific query characteristics to specific search engine properties. Each search engine receives queries that are locally optimized for its strengths (e.g., transactional queries to shopping engines, informational queries to general engines), which distributes the query load appropriately and reduces the risk of any single engine detecting abuse patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments relate to techniques for receiving a query from a device, the query comprising content; determining based at least in part on the content of the query that an application is to be launched on the device; and causing the device to launch the application using at least some information determined from the content of the query. Some embodiments relate to techniques for receiving a free-form query from a user; transferring a representation of the query to at least one computer; and receiving from the at least one computer at least one instruction to launch an application on the device.