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Solution Overview
Problem
Current user search interfaces rely on query parsing and matching, leading to large, complex search results that burden users with irrelevant information, reducing search result accuracy and increasing time to find relevant data.
Innovation Solution
A user interface that utilizes a Table of Contents (TOC) to categorize search query terms into facets, allowing users to explore and refine their searches by selecting relevant categories and subcategories, maintaining the original search query state throughout the browsing session.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If query parsing and matching to large lists of potential results is used, then comprehensive search coverage is achieved, but users are burdened with sifting through large lists to obtain relevant information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large list of search results into organized categories or groups based on relevance, topic, or other criteria. This segmentation allows users to quickly navigate to relevant sections rather than sifting through an unstructured large list, thereby reducing time to find relevant data while maintaining comprehensive search coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (such as a table of contents, category navigation, or summary view) between the comprehensive search results and the user. This intermediary organizes and presents results in a more manageable format, enabling users to efficiently locate relevant information without being overwhelmed by the full volume of results.
2Measurement precision
If complex user queries are used, then specific information retrieval is improved, but the time required to generate search results increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of complex queries by pre-computing and storing organized result structures, category mappings, or summary data. When a complex query is submitted, this pre-prepared organizational framework is applied, significantly reducing the time required to generate and present results while maintaining the precision needed for specific information retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different processing qualities to different parts of the search result set. High-precision matching is applied to key query terms and most relevant results, while less critical results receive lighter processing. This local quality approach maintains search accuracy for important information while reducing overall processing time.
3Productivity
If traditional search interfaces are used, then simple queries are processed quickly, but users receive muddled results with strange amalgam of unrelated information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary organizational layer that sits between the raw search results and the user interface. This intermediary actively filters, categorizes, and refines results based on query intent and relevance signals, ensuring that users receive coherent, topic-focused results rather than muddled amalgams of unrelated information, while maintaining efficient processing through automated organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that analyze user interactions with search results and continuously refine the organization and filtering of results. This feedback loop improves result relevance over time by learning from user behavior patterns, ensuring that quickly processed results remain highly relevant and coherent across different search scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
Computer-implemented methods and a computing system are provided for presenting a new user interface paradigm which allows users to explore facets related to a search query term while maintaining the original state of the search query term or staying within the confines of the user defined topic. The methods and system present facets or categories of relevant topics of a user generated search query term. The user may then explore these facets in a number of embodiments while maintaining the state of the search.