Expert Search Device Using Communication History Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users in expertise finding searches often encounter strangers, making it difficult for searchers to contact potential experts even if they possess the desired expertise, due to lack of personal connection.
Innovation Solution
A search device that analyzes communication tool use history to select candidate experts with a relationship to the searcher, presenting them based on expertise and relationship levels, and schedules to facilitate contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional expertise finding searches are conducted using user profiles and document management system information, then experts with the desired expertise can be identified, but the searchers are disinclined to contact these experts because they are complete strangers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism by analyzing communication tool use history to identify existing relationships between searchers and potential experts. This intermediary layer of relationship information bridges the gap between expertise identification and contact willingness, allowing searchers to connect with experts through established communication patterns rather than as complete strangers
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of communication history and relationship data before presenting expert recommendations. By pre-establishing the relationship context and communication patterns in advance, the system prepares the groundwork that makes subsequent contact more acceptable and less intimidating for searchers
2Ease of operation
If the search system expands to include relationship analysis of communication tool use history, then the likelihood of contact increases, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages existing communication tools and their use history data, making the system multi-functional by repurposing data from tools users already employ. This universal approach allows relationship analysis without requiring entirely new systems, thereby reducing overall complexity while still achieving the goal of increased contact willingness
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically analyzes communication history and calculates relationship levels without requiring manual input from users. This self-service mechanism handles the complex data processing internally, presenting simplified results to users and masking the underlying system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A search device includes a selecting unit, a calculating unit, and a presenting unit. The selecting unit analyzes use history of a communication tool and selects a candidate expert having a relationship with a searcher who wishes to search for an expert having some expertise in a specified category. The calculating unit analyzes expertise levels of users of the communication tool, the expertise levels being regarding the category. The presenting unit presents, as the expert, to the searcher, a candidate expert selected as one having some level of relationship with the searcher and having some level of expertise on the basis of the analysis by the selecting unit and the calculating unit.