Information Retrieval System Using Question Selection for Search Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in efficiently retrieving specific items from large collections, such as emails or files, on resource-constrained devices due to the need for advanced query syntax and the time-consuming nature of current search systems, especially when they cannot accurately recall relevant details.
Innovation Solution
An information retrieval system that uses a memory to store an index of items with associated features and questions, where a question selector chooses questions based on expected information gain and user answerability, allowing users to input simple yes/no or don't know answers to facilitate search without complex queries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If users employ advanced query syntax to search for specific items, then search precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring users to construct complex queries to specify search criteria, the system inverts the approach by presenting users with pre-formulated questions about item features and accepting simple yes/no or unknown answers. This inversion transforms the complex task of query construction into a simple answer-providing task, thereby maintaining search precision while dramatically improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary layer between the user and the search index: a question-generation component that translates user intent into structured questions about item features. This intermediary handles the complexity of query formulation internally, allowing users to interact through simple answers while the system manages the sophisticated search logic
2Reliability
If current search systems search through personal collections of items, then completeness of search is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-generating questions about item features and organizing the search space before user interaction. The question-generation component prepares a structured framework of potential search criteria in advance, allowing the search to proceed efficiently through targeted questions rather than exhaustive scanning, thus reducing search time while maintaining completeness
Solution Approach 2:
The search process is segmented into discrete question-answer pairs, each targeting specific item features. Instead of presenting users with a monolithic search interface or requiring them to review all items, the system divides the search into manageable segments (individual questions about specific features), making the overall process faster and more efficient
3Loss of information
If the system presents multiple questions to users, then information gain is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic question selection rather than presenting a fixed set of questions to all users. The question-generation component adaptively determines which questions to ask based on the specific search context, item features, and user responses, optimizing information gain while managing complexity through dynamic rather than static question sets
Data Source
AI summary
In various examples there is an information retrieval system which has a memory storing an index of items, each item having one or more features of a plurality of features. The index includes, for each item, an indication of the features of that item; and is configured at least according to the features. The memory stores a plurality of questions about the features of the items. The information retrieval system has a question selector that selects at least one of the questions on the basis of at least an expected information gain of the question with respect to the items. A search component searches the index using answers to the selected questions received from a user.