Multi-Domain Search Query Routing and Structuring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current search algorithms face challenges in returning relevant results due to the ambiguity of search queries, the vastness of available information, language and cultural nuances, and the complexities of personalization while respecting privacy.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a method for managing search queries that interact with multiple domains, where an unstructured query is received, identified for relevant domains, and transformed into structured queries using domain-specific models. These structured queries are then processed by knowledge sources to generate results, which are aggregated and filtered before being displayed to the user.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a search engine processes vast amounts of data from multiple sources to improve result relevance, then the quality of search results improves, but the computational resources and time required increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesearch result relevanceVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the search process into distinct modules: query understanding module, domain identification module, structured query generation module, and result aggregation module. Each module handles specific tasks independently, allowing parallel processing and reducing overall processing time while maintaining comprehensive data analysis for result relevance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-identifying relevant domains and generating structured queries before executing full search operations. This preliminary structuring of the search process enables more efficient data retrieval and processing, reducing the time required for comprehensive search while maintaining result quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If a search engine attempts to interpret ambiguous search queries to provide relevant results, then the accuracy of results improves, but the complexity of the search algorithm increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequery interpretation accuracyVSAvoidsearch algorithm complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary structured query generation module that translates ambiguous natural language queries into precise structured queries. This intermediary layer simplifies the interpretation process by converting vague user intent into specific, domain-oriented search parameters, reducing the complexity of direct query interpretation while improving accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes parameters by transforming unstructured query parameters into structured parameters with defined schemas and data types. This parameter transformation enables more precise query interpretation through standardized formats while reducing the complexity of handling diverse, ambiguous input parameters directly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a search engine routes queries to multiple domains and aggregates results, then the comprehensiveness of results improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-domain coverageVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal structured query generation module that can adapt to multiple domains through configurable schemas and parameters. This single multi-functional module handles diverse domain requirements without requiring separate complex processing systems for each domain, reducing overall system architecture complexity while maintaining comprehensive multi-domain coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs a nested architecture where domain-specific processing logic is embedded within the broader unified search framework. This nesting allows the system to maintain simple overall structure while incorporating specialized domain handling capabilities, reducing apparent complexity while achieving versatile multi-domain operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS20250165466A1Techniques for generating responses to search queries by interacting with multiple domains

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 APPLE INC

AI summary

Disclosed herein are techniques for managing search queries that require interactions with multiple domains. For example, a method implemented by a server computing device can include the steps of (1) receiving an unstructured query from a client computing device, (2) identifying one or more domains to which the unstructured query should be routed, (3) for each domain of the one or more domains: generating, based on (i) at least one respective model of the domain, and (ii) the unstructured query, a respective structured query, and providing the respective structured query to one or more knowledge sources to generate respective results, (4) aggregating the results to produce aggregated results, (5) filtering the aggregated results to produce filtered results, and (6) causing the client computing device to display at least a portion of the filtered results.