Media Query Identification via Segmented Search Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current search engines face challenges in accurately identifying media-related queries, such as those for television and movie information, leading to irrelevant results and difficulty in presenting users with the information they need.

Innovation Solution

Implementing mechanisms that include flags like 'tv' or 'movie' prefixes, analyzing query formats for time ranges, and using whitelists and machine learning to identify media-related terms, allowing for the provision of media-specific search results and structured content.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If general search methods are used to handle media queries, then the search engine can process a wide variety of queries, but the relevance and accuracy of media-specific results deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequery processing capabilityVSAvoidmedia query identification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the search processing into two distinct paths: a general search path for non-media queries and a specialized media search path for media-related queries. This is achieved by implementing a classification mechanism that analyzes query characteristics (such as presence of media-specific keywords, time indicators, or format patterns) and routes queries to the appropriate processing channel, thereby maintaining both versatility and precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary classification layer between the general search interface and the media-specific search results. This intermediary component analyzes query features and determines whether media-specific processing is needed, acting as a mediator that connects general query input with specialized media search functionality without requiring users to know the distinction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If media-specific processing is implemented to improve result relevance, then the accuracy of media-related results improves, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemedia query identification accuracyVSAvoidsearch system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements partial action by applying media-specific processing only to queries that exhibit characteristics of media searches, rather than processing all queries through the complex media analysis pipeline. The system uses heuristics and pattern recognition to identify media queries and applies specialized processing only when needed, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precision for relevant cases

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary classification of queries based on easily detectable features (such as presence of media-specific keywords, time indicators, or known media titles) before committing to complex media-specific processing. This preliminary action filters out queries that don't require media processing, thereby reducing the complexity burden on the system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If multiple identification methods (whitelists, blacklists, machine learning) are used to improve media term detection, then the precision of media-related term identification improves, but the processing time and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemedia term detection precisionVSAvoidquery processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic action by implementing a hierarchical detection approach where quick, periodic checks for obvious media indicators (such as common media keywords or patterns) are performed first, followed by more intensive analysis only when initial checks suggest media relevance. This periodic filtering reduces average processing time while maintaining high detection precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary filtering using fast, low-computation methods (such as keyword matching or pattern recognition) before applying more computationally intensive techniques like machine learning classification. This preliminary action eliminates many non-media queries early in the process, reducing the number of queries that require extensive processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8713002B1Identifying media content in queries
Publication Date: 2014.04.29 GOOGLE LLC
  • US8713002B1 patent drawing
  • US8713002B1 patent drawing
  • US8713002B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A computer-implemented method includes receiving a query at a central information provider, identifying media-related terms in the query that indicate the query relates to one or more media-related objects, and providing media-specific results in response to the query associated with one or more programs or program staff.