Structured Search Query Objects for E-Commerce Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current keyword-based search methods in e-commerce and mobile e-commerce are inefficient, leading to overwhelming results and inability to search for goods and services based on specific features, wasting server cycles and user time, as they require knowledge of model or brand names rather than technical characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for structured search using query objects to formulate queries against specially created and maintained databases or heterogeneous data sources, allowing users to locate specific goods and services by their technical features, resulting in a shorter list of relevant results and enabling faster identification of the best deals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If keyword-based unstructured search is used, then the search can be conducted with simple keywords, but it generates overwhelmingly voluminous responses and cannot search based on technical features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the search process into two distinct phases: (1) structured search phase where users define query objects with specific technical parameters and constraints to generate a shortlist, and (2) keyword search phase where users search within the narrowed-down shortlist using simple keywords. This segmentation allows the system to combine the precision of structured parameter-based searching with the simplicity of keyword searching, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and measurement precision.
2Ease of operation
If keyword-based search is used, then the search interface is simple, but it requires users to know model or brand names rather than technical characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic search system that adapts to user needs by providing two interchangeable search modes. Users can dynamically switch between structured search (when they know technical parameters) and keyword search (when they know brand names). The system dynamically adjusts the search approach based on the user's input type, making the interface simple while maintaining high adaptability to different search scenarios.
3Productivity
If unstructured keyword search is used, then the search process is straightforward, but it wastes server cycles generating vast amounts of unreviewed information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first executing a structured search that generates a filtered shortlist of relevant items based on technical parameters and constraints. Only after this preliminary filtering step does the system proceed to keyword-based searching within the shortlist. This preliminary action significantly reduces the data volume that requires full processing, thereby reducing server cycle waste while maintaining search productivity.
4Quantity of substance
If keyword search generates voluminous responses, then comprehensive results are provided, but users never end up seeing all search results and spend excessive time sorting through them
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes irrelevant information from the search process by using structured parameter-based filtering to eliminate items that do not meet the specified technical criteria before presenting results to users. This extraction of unnecessary data reduces the result volume to only the most relevant items, significantly reducing the time users spend sorting through irrelevant information while still providing comprehensive results within the filtered set.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for structured search of information, including but not limited to, search for goods and services in e-commerce and mobile e-commerce, is disclosed. In some embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of heterogeneously structured data sources, a plurality of query objects that represent queries to the data sources and that are independent of the structure of the data sources, and a user interface configured to query the plurality of query objects.