Unified Search Interface for Cross-Source Entity Linking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current search systems fail to efficiently connect and relate information across different content sources, requiring users to manually search and link related entities from multiple sources, and lack the ability to refine results dynamically, with facet-based approaches being limited to specific data sets.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that retrieve and display entities from multiple content sources using a computer processor, allowing users to group, select, and conjoin entities, update search results, and display related entities, using Boolean logic for filtering and refining search results across different content sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If users manually search through multiple content sources separately, then they can find information from different sources, but the time and effort required to connect and relate information increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of related informationVSAvoidtime to search and link entities

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple content sources into a unified search interface that simultaneously retrieves entities from different sources. The system combines search results from multiple content sources and automatically identifies related entities, eliminating the need for users to manually search each source separately while maintaining complete information retrieval.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary system that acts as a bridge between users and multiple content sources. This intermediary automatically extracts entities from different sources, identifies relationships between them, and presents unified search results, thereby reducing the time users would otherwise spend manually connecting information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If current search systems display entities from multiple content sources, then information from different sources is available, but users cannot efficiently select and relate specific entities across sources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to relate entities across sourcesVSAvoiduser effort to link results

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system monitors user selections and automatically updates the display to show relationships between selected entities. When users select entities from different content sources, the system provides feedback by highlighting connections and suggesting related entities, making it easier for users to relate information across sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a dynamic search interface that adapts based on user interactions. The system dynamically updates the display to show related entities and relationships as users select items, transforming a static list of results into an interactive exploration environment that facilitates easy connection of entities across sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If facet-based approaches are used to filter results, then users can refine search results within a specific data set, but the facets are not compatible across different data sets or content sources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of result filteringVSAvoidcompatibility across data sets

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal filtering system that works across multiple content sources and data sets. Instead of using separate facets for each data set, the system implements a unified set of filters that can be applied universally across all sources, enabling precise result filtering while maintaining compatibility across different data sets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of the filtering system from data-set-specific facets to universal search criteria that can be applied across different sources. The system transforms the filtering mechanism to use consistent parameters such as entity types, relationships, and contextual attributes that are applicable across all content sources, thereby achieving both precision and versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9607053B2Methods and systems for searching and displaying a plurality of entities within an interactive user interface

Publication Date: 2017.03.28 EXPERT SYST FRANCE

AI summary

Inventive systems and methods for retrieving and displaying a plurality of entities associated with a plurality of content sources in response to a search query is disclosed. In preferred embodiments of the systems and methods, the present invention addresses the need to search and relate a plurality of entities across a plurality of content sources, and then displaying the search results in an interactive user interface that simultaneously updates and modifies the display of associated entities and related content. Such searching and relationship generation for a plurality of entities across a plurality of content sources is designed to address and handle the continuing increases and growth in searchable content.