Search Query Suggestion System with Local Relevance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Search engines fail to provide relevant query suggestions that reflect local user interests, as existing systems do not effectively differentiate between general and local query popularity, leading to suggestions that may not be specific to the user's geographic location.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines a user's general and specific location using IP address, GPS coordinates, or query history, and combines local and general query suggestions based on popularity metrics to present location-specific query suggestions before the user completes their search query.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the search engine provides query suggestions based on general query popularity from a large population base, then the reliability and statistical significance of suggestions is improved, but the suggestions fail to reflect local user interests and geographic specificity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the user base by geographic location, dividing the general population into local groups. It determines a user's location using IP address, GPS coordinates, or query history, then provides query suggestions tailored to that specific geographic segment rather than using a single general suggestion list for all users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by making query suggestions location-dependent. Different geographic locations receive different query suggestions based on local interests and search patterns. The system adjusts the quality and relevance of suggestions to match the specific local context of each user.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the search engine provides query suggestions based on local query popularity, then the local relevance of suggestions is improved, but the statistical significance and reliability decrease due to smaller sample sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges local query popularity data with general query popularity data to create a hybrid suggestion system. By combining these two data sources, the system maintains statistical significance from the larger general population while incorporating local relevance from geographic-specific search patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal query suggestion system that functions effectively across both local and general contexts. The same suggestion mechanism serves multiple purposes: providing locally-relevant suggestions when sufficient local data exists, and falling back to general suggestions when local data is insufficient, thus maintaining reliability across different geographic conditions.
3Measurement precision
If the search engine waits for the user to complete their query before providing suggestions, then the accuracy of understanding user intent is improved, but the user loses the benefit of predictive assistance and time-saving suggestions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by providing query suggestions as the user types, before the user completes their query. The system analyzes the partial query stem in real-time and provides predictive suggestions, allowing users to refine or select from suggested completions without having to type the entire query.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring user input as it progresses and dynamically adjusting query suggestions based on the evolving query stem. The system provides real-time feedback to the user about what they are typing and suggests relevant completions, creating an interactive suggestion process that adapts to user intent as it develops.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for presenting local query suggestions. In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods that include the actions of determining a general location and a specific location for a client device. Methods also include while receiving a query stem, and before receiving an input submitting a query to the search engine, obtaining general queries containing the query stem, each general query having a first quality measure. Methods also include obtaining local queries containing the query stem, each local query having a second quality measure. Methods also include combining at least one of the general queries and at least one of the local queries into combined queries, the combined queries having a presentation order based on the respective quality measures of the queries. Methods also include presenting the queries.