Sub-topic Identification in Search Results Using Boundary Token Truncation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data search technologies are limited in identifying optimal sets of documents and related information based on a search query, failing to provide intuitive navigation and efficient sub-topic identification.
Innovation Solution
A method for sub-topic identification from search results involves receiving and processing search results, extracting snippets, truncating on boundary tokens, identifying and comparing phrases to determine optimal phrases, and presenting them in a navigable structure, using techniques like stemming and eliminating low-frequency or redundant phrases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional search result presentation is used, then all documents are returned, but users cannot efficiently identify specific information or navigate through large result sets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments search results into thematic clusters or groups based on shared characteristics, keywords, or content similarity. Each cluster represents a subset of results organized around a common topic, allowing users to navigate through organized groups rather than scrolling through individual results. This segmentation directly addresses the contradiction by improving ease of information identification through structured presentation while reducing time loss by enabling jump-to-cluster navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional organization to search results by adding thematic categorization as an additional navigation layer. Instead of only linear ordering by relevance score, results are arranged in a multi-dimensional space where one dimension is relevance and another is thematic category. This allows users to filter and navigate by topic dimension, significantly improving information identification efficiency in large result sets.
2Measurement precision
If clustering and query expansion techniques are used, then ability to identify specific information is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary clustering and theme extraction during the initial search result generation phase, before user interaction. By pre-organizing results into thematic groups using automated analysis of result content, the system establishes the precise information identification structure in advance. This preliminary action reduces the complexity burden during user interaction, as the heavy computational work of theme detection and clustering is already completed, thereby improving precision without proportionally increasing perceived system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If hierarchical faceted navigation is implemented, then user ability to navigate results improves, but implementation complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by providing different navigation approaches for different user needs and result contexts. Rather than forcing a single hierarchical faceted navigation structure on all searches, the system adaptively applies thematic clustering for exploratory searches, simple relevance ordering for precise queries, and hybrid approaches intermediate. This localized application of navigation strategies improves ease of operation for each specific use case while avoiding the universal complexity overhead of implementing all navigation features simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for sub-topic identification from a search result that matches a query, said method including the steps of receiving a search result, extracting snippets from said search result that contain said query, truncating snippets on an instance of a boundary token, identifying phrases within said snippets that include the query, comparing all said phrases to determine optimal phrases, and presenting said optimal phrases. The apparatus for sub-topic identification from a search result that matches a query may include a dedicated server or a proxy for processing the search and sub-topic query.