Search Query Provenance Visualization for Search Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional information retrieval systems provide little insight into the production of search results, making it difficult for users and administrators to understand how results are obtained and leading to inefficiencies in search algorithms.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that visually depict search query provenance, allowing users to investigate the chronology and contributing factors of search results through a programmable, rule-driven approach, enabling better understanding and improvement of search results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If search results are produced rapidly with high volume, then search turnaround time is improved, but insight into search result production is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The search process is segmented into multiple stages (query parsing, document retrieval, relevance ranking, result filtering), with each stage represented as a separate node in the visualization. This allows users to understand the rapid production process by examining individual segments while maintaining overall speed.
Solution Approach 2:
A provenance visualization interface acts as an intermediary between the search system and users. This intermediary layer provides detailed insights into search result production without interfering with the actual search performance, allowing users to investigate the black box while maintaining rapid results.
2Reliability
If search algorithms are made more complex to improve result quality, then search quality is improved, but ease of understanding and modification is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The complex search algorithm is divided into modular components represented as nodes in the provenance graph. Each node represents a specific processing stage or rule, making the complex algorithm transparent and easier to understand and modify without compromising search quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback mechanisms that allow users to see how changes in search parameters or algorithm rules affect results. This feedback loop enables users to understand and modify the search algorithm more easily by observing the direct impact of changes on search quality.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and arrangements for enhancing search quality. Query search results are displayed, and search query provenance related to the search results is graphically depicted. There is graphically accorded an investigative function to avail investigation of at least one aspect of the search query provenance.