Rule Filter for Hierarchical Search Result Manipulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional information retrieval systems face challenges in scaling rules-based solutions for modifying search result content, leading to complex logic layers due to short-term and long-term event dependencies, making it difficult to manage and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for modifying search results in a hierarchical search and navigation system using a rule filter that evaluates metadata expressions to select and execute rules based on user queries, allowing for dynamic filtering and modification of search results through attribute-value pairs and user interface interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large set of rules is maintained to modify search results, then the ability to manipulate search result content is improved, but the complexity of managing and maintaining rules increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments rules into different categories based on their metadata (e.g., promotional rules, navigational rules, sorting rules). This segmentation allows the system to manage rules in organized groups rather than as a monolithic set, reducing management complexity while maintaining the ability to manipulate search results through diverse rule types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts relevant rule information into a standardized metadata structure that separates rule logic from rule purpose. By taking out metadata (such as rule category, priority, and activation conditions) from the rule body, the system can efficiently filter and manage rules based on metadata alone, reducing management complexity while preserving full rule manipulation capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rules are maintained over time to handle both short-term and long-term events, then the coverage of search result manipulation is improved, but the difficulty of maintaining rules increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic rule activation based on metadata conditions, allowing rules to be automatically activated or deactivated based on time, context, or other parameters. This dynamic behavior enables the system to handle both short-term events (promotional rules activated during specific periods) and long-term policies (permanent navigation rules) without manual intervention, reducing maintenance difficulty while expanding coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in rule metadata (such as status, priority, activation conditions) to manage rule behavior over time. By changing metadata parameters rather than modifying rule logic, the system can adapt to both short-term events and long-term requirements, maintaining comprehensive coverage while simplifying maintenance through parameter-based control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individuals manage rules, then the ability to implement diverse search strategies is improved, but the complexity of coordinating rule management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal rule management framework that handles multiple types of search strategies through a single standardized interface. By making the rule system multi-functional (supporting promotional, navigational, sorting, and filtering strategies through unified metadata structures), the patent enables multiple individuals to implement diverse strategies without increasing coordination complexity, as all strategies follow the same management protocol.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed for modifying the results of a search performed in a collection of items by a search and navigation system. The method includes receiving a query from a user interface and determining a navigation state, defined by expressions of attribute-value pairs, based on the received query. The user interface accepts both selecting and deselecting of any of the attribute-value pairs in an expression corresponding to a navigation state to obtain an expression corresponding to a different navigation state, and each selection and deselection forms a new query. The method further includes retrieving, from the collection, items associated with the navigation state to form a set of unmodified search results, the set of unmodified search results having an arrangement for presentation to the user. A rule filter that includes a metadata expression is applied to a set of rules, each rule having a trigger, an action, and metadata. The application of the rule filter to the set of rules includes evaluating the metadata expression of the rule filter based on the metadata of each rule and passing rules for which the metadata expression of the rule filter evaluates as logical true. The trigger of each rule passed by the rule filter is evaluated, and the action of each rule for which the trigger of the rule evaluates as logical true is executed to modify the unmodified search results to form modified search results.