Hierarchical-Free Topic Search Collections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information search systems lack the ability to share and view attachments created by specific users or groups, limiting the functionality of hierarchical topic-based searches and user-specific search results.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that allows users to define and share collections of topics and attachments within a group, enabling users to view and search only the attachments created by specific users or groups, and providing a mechanism for users to rate and favorite search results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users can view and search all attachments in the system, then search coverage is maximized, but users cannot distinguish or filter attachments created by specific users or groups
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments attachments into user-specific or group-specific collections, allowing users to organize and filter attachments by creator. Each user can create personal collections or join group collections, enabling them to view and search only attachments relevant to their interests while maintaining access to the broader system repository.
2Ease of operation
If a hierarchical topic structure is enforced, then search organization is improved, but flexibility in topic arrangement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic topic structure where the hierarchy is not fixed but adapts based on user needs. Users can traverse topics in hierarchical order for organized searching, or jump between topics freely based on their specific information needs. The system generates suggested topics dynamically during search based on attachments and user behavior, allowing flexible navigation while maintaining organizational benefits.
3Stability of the object's composition
If all users share the same topic classifications, then system consistency is maintained, but user-specific customization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows different users and groups to have their own customized topic classifications and attachments within their personal or group collections. While the system maintains a common topic framework for consistency, each user can create custom topics, attach relevant URLs, and organize content according to their specific needs and interests, enabling localized customization within the global system.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a carrier medium carrying computer code to execute a method. The method includes defining a set of topics for attachment to one or more information items by at least one user (a registered searcher), the defining the topics including accepting from at least one user at least one topic, and adding the topic to the plurality of topics. The topics do not necessarily have a hierarchical structure. Each topic is for attachment to one or more information item. The attached topics are for searching by a particular searcher for information item(s) according to search request information, including at least one topic of the set of topics, the searching including identifying at least one information item that has attachment to the topic(s) of the search request information. The method further includes defining a collection of attachments that can be viewed and searched by a corresponding group of at least one user, the corresponding group defined for the collection. Each attachment in the collection being between a topic and one or more information items.