Thesaurus Database for Targeted Information Retrieval

Solution Overview

Problem

Users, particularly novice researchers and international students, face difficulties in efficiently searching for information due to lack of recognition of appropriate search terms, inconsistencies in terminology, and complexity in existing electronic search systems, leading to inefficient and time-wasting experiences when using databases and the internet.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a thesaurus database with core concept terms and secondary related terms, accessible through a user interface, allowing users to select core concepts and conduct targeted searches across specific web domains or geographic areas, providing results and bibliographic references, while accommodating different English dialects and idioms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If users conduct broad internet searches using general search engines, then the volume of information retrieved increases, but the time required to sort through and identify relevant information increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolume of information retrievedVSAvoidtime to sort through information

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the search process by dividing it into two distinct phases: (1) a thesaurus-based phase that quickly identifies and organizes relevant core concepts and terminology, and (2) a targeted search phase that uses these organized concepts to retrieve information. This segmentation allows users to efficiently navigate the vast information landscape without manually sorting through irrelevant results.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-organizing vast amounts of information into structured thesaurus databases with core concepts, synonyms, and related terms before the user conducts their search. This pre-processing of information structures enables rapid retrieval and filtering during the actual search phase, saving users significant time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If users employ complex search methodologies to improve precision, then the accuracy of search results improves, but the complexity of the search system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of search resultsVSAvoidcomplexity of search system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a thesaurus database as an intermediary layer between the user's simple search query and the complex information retrieval system. This intermediary pre-organizes terminology, synonyms, and core concepts, allowing users to achieve precise results through simple interface interactions without needing to understand complex search methodologies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically managing the complexity of information organization and search strategy formulation. The thesaurus database autonomously handles term normalization, synonym expansion, and concept mapping, freeing users from the burden of learning complex search techniques while maintaining high precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If users manually identify core concepts and develop search strategies, then the quality of search results improves, but the time and effort required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequality of search resultsVSAvoidtime and effort for search preparation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-organizing vast amounts of information into structured thesaurus databases with core concepts, synonyms, and related terms before the user conducts their search. This pre-processing of information structures enables rapid retrieval and filtering during the actual search phase, saving users significant time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically managing the complexity of information organization and search strategy formulation. The thesaurus database autonomously handles term normalization, synonym expansion, and concept mapping, freeing users from the burden of learning complex search techniques while maintaining high precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8027991B2Enhanced searching using a thesaurus

Publication Date: 2011.09.27 REDFERN VICTORIA LESLEY

AI summary

A method of providing enhanced on-line computer searching capabilities comprises: (a) forming a thesaurus database including first core concept terms and a series of secondary related terms; (b) providing a user interface to said database for selection of first core concept terms by a user; (c) carrying out a search for information relating to the core concept terms and to the secondary related terms; and (d) returning the results of the search to the user.