Search Apparatus Using Attribute Information for Consistent Results

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing search technologies require users to input complex and user-specific search conditions for each search objective, leading to inconsistent search results among multiple users inputting the same keyword and classification items.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and method that allows users to select a search objective target with attribute information, simplifying the input of search conditions by using attribute information to generate relevant search results based on multiple keywords associated with the target.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the same keyword and classification items are used for search, then the search results are consistent, but the search results are not appropriate for different users with different objectives

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesearch result consistencyVSAvoiduser-specific search appropriateness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary classification of search results according to multiple classification items before presenting them to users. This allows the search system to pre-organize results by different categories (such as product type, price range, specifications) so that users can quickly find results appropriate to their specific objectives without needing to modify their search conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the presentation of search results based on user selection. When users select specific classification items from the classified results, the system adapts by further filtering or reorganizing results according to the selected classification, making the search process flexible and tailored to individual user needs while maintaining the underlying consistent search criteria.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If user-specific keywords are added to perform search, then appropriate search results can be obtained, but the input of search conditions becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesearch result appropriatenessVSAvoidsearch condition input complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary classification of search results according to multiple classification items before presenting them to users. This allows the search system to pre-organize results by different categories (such as product type, price range, specifications) so that users can quickly find results appropriate to their specific objectives without needing to modify their search conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces classification items as an intermediary between the keyword search and the user. Instead of requiring users to formulate complex user-specific keywords, the system provides classification items that mediate between the general search results and user needs, allowing users to refine results through selection rather than through complex query formulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If detailed user-specific search conditions are input, then search accuracy for specific objectives is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesearch accuracyVSAvoidsearch condition input simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary classification of search results according to multiple classification items before presenting them to users. This allows the search system to pre-organize results by different categories (such as product type, price range, specifications) so that users can quickly find results appropriate to their specific objectives without needing to modify their search conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically classifies search results according to multiple classification items without requiring users to specify detailed search conditions. The classification process serves itself by autonomously organizing results based on predetermined classification schemes, and users simply select from the organized results rather than constructing detailed queries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12079234B2Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing program

Publication Date: 2024.09.03 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes at least one processor, in which the processor receives a search objective target selected as a search objective from among a plurality of objective targets which are objective target subjects or objective target objects capable of being the search objective for which attribute information indicating an attribute is set, receives a search condition designated by a searcher, and outputs a search result obtained by searching for a search target based on a plurality of keywords corresponding to the attribute information set for the search objective target and the search condition.