Faceted Web Search Category Matrix
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Solution Overview
Problem
Faceted searches on the web face challenges such as a large number of categories, hierarchical organization leading to multiple clicks, and cross-taxonomy interactions, making it difficult for users to quickly find desired categories and refine searches efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow users to define and save preferred categories based on past history or profiles, enabling searches within these categories in a single step across different taxonomies, thereby accelerating access to frequently used areas of interest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If categories are organized hierarchically with multiple levels, then the search can be more comprehensive and structured, but the user must click through multiple levels to access desired categories, increasing the number of clicks and reducing search speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hierarchical category structure into a flat, two-dimensional matrix of categories and sub-categories. Instead of requiring users to drill down through multiple hierarchical levels, the system presents all categories and sub-categories in a single organized list, allowing direct access without traversing intermediate levels. This segmentation transforms the one-dimensional hierarchical navigation into a two-dimensional accessible structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a one-dimensional hierarchical structure to a two-dimensional matrix. The category search interface displays categories and sub-categories side-by-side in a flat layout, enabling users to access any category in a single click rather than requiring multiple clicks to drill down through hierarchical levels. This dimensional transformation fundamentally changes the navigation paradigm.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of categories is increased to provide more comprehensive search options, then the search coverage is improved, but the complexity of navigating and finding desired categories increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large number of categories into an organized, flat structure where categories and sub-categories are presented in a systematic list. This segmentation allows the system to handle a comprehensive number of categories without increasing navigation complexity, as users can directly access any category through the organized list rather than navigating through complex hierarchical paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the complexity issue by changing from a one-dimensional hierarchical navigation to a two-dimensional flat matrix. This dimensional change allows the system to accommodate a large number of categories while maintaining simple, direct access. The two-dimensional layout organizes categories and sub-categories in a way that reduces cognitive load and simplifies navigation despite the comprehensive coverage.
3Stability of the object's composition
If users must drill down through multiple category levels to access sub-categories, then the hierarchical structure is maintained, but the ease of operation is reduced due to multiple clicks required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hierarchical category structure into a flat, accessible list that maintains the organizational integrity of categories and sub-categories while eliminating the need to drill down through multiple levels. The segmentation preserves the structured relationship between categories and sub-categories but presents them in a way that allows direct access in a single click, significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dimensionality change to transform the hierarchical navigation requirement into a flat, direct-access structure. By changing from a one-dimensional deep hierarchy to a two-dimensional flat matrix, the system maintains the stable category organization while making category access much easier. Users can access any category or sub-category in a single click rather than requiring multiple clicks to drill down through hierarchical levels.
4Adaptability or versatility
If faceted search displays all possible categories to provide comprehensive filtering options, then the search functionality is enhanced, but the user interface complexity and time to find desired categories increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the comprehensive category list into an organized, flat structure that presents filtering options in a systematic manner. This segmentation maintains the comprehensive filtering capability while reducing interface complexity through systematic organization. The flat structure allows users to quickly scan and access desired categories without navigating through complex hierarchical interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the interface complexity issue by changing from a one-dimensional hierarchical display to a two-dimensional flat matrix. This dimensional change allows the system to display comprehensive filtering options while maintaining a simple, easy-to-navigate interface. The two-dimensional layout organizes categories and sub-categories in a way that reduces cognitive load and simplifies the user interface despite the comprehensive search functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of web searching is provided. The method comprises defining one or more user preferred categories and conducting a search within the one or more user preferred categories based upon search criteria by comparing the search criteria to content information within each of the one or more user preferred categories. The method further includes displaying search results associated with each of the preferred categories which have matching criteria based on the conducted search.