Search Result Filtering via Selectable Term Exclusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in navigating through large and irrelevant search results due to the challenges in determining the relevancy of web pages, especially when search terms are widely used in various contexts, leading to the inclusion of unrelated and equally relevant web pages.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that provide a list of selectable terms based on the content of search results, allowing users to select terms to refine their search and exclude irrelevant results, thereby generating a more focused list of search results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automated ranking algorithms are used to rank search results based on relevancy, then search results are organized and presented to users, but the algorithms may not be effective in directing users to web pages containing desired information when search terms are widely used in various contexts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary filtering mechanism between the automated ranking algorithm and the user. This intermediary allows users to manually select and exclude specific categories or types of results from the search results list, thereby mediating between the algorithm's automated relevancy determination and the user's actual information needs. This resolves the contradiction by providing user control over result filtering while maintaining the automated ranking system.
2Quantity of substance
If search engines include all potentially relevant web pages in the search results listing, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but users face difficulty finding websites of interest due to the large number of results and pages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by allowing users to identify and remove specific categories or types of results from the search results list. Users can select terms or categories that represent unwanted content types and have those results extracted or filtered out from the listing. This reduces the quantity of results users must review while maintaining comprehensive coverage of relevant content, thereby reducing the time needed to find information of interest.
3Extent of automation
If automated ranking algorithms determine relevancy based on factors like web page content and number of links, then search results are generated automatically, but the inherent difficulty in determining relevancy leads to inclusion of unrelated yet highly relevant web pages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where user selections and exclusions are used to refine and improve the relevancy determination process. By allowing users to indicate which categories or types of results are unwanted, the system learns from user feedback and can adjust its ranking and filtering algorithms accordingly. This feedback loop enhances the precision of relevancy measurement over time while maintaining the benefits of automated result generation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of providing search results includes performing a search in response to a search request, providing a first list of results responsive to the search request, providing a list of selectable terms based on content included in the first list of results, receiving a user-selected term from the list of selectable terms, and providing a second list of results. The second list of results excludes results having content related to the user-selected term.