Search engine methods and systems for displaying relevant topics

Abstract

The present invention provides search engine methods and systems for displaying relevant and timely topics. In an embodiment, a method for displaying topics related to a search constraint entered by a user includes receiving a search constraint; identifying a first preliminary set of topics related to the search constraint, wherein the first preliminary set of topics are representative of a sample set of general data items; identifying a second preliminary set of topics related to the search constraint, wherein the second preliminary set of topics is representative of a sample set of current event data items; identifying a set of display topics that is a subset of the first preliminary set of topics and the second preliminary set of topics; and displaying the set of display topics. In other embodiments, other systems and methods are provided.

1 . A method for displaying topics related to a search constraint entered by a user to request search results that identify data items within a set of information that are related to the search constraint, comprising:
 (a) receiving a search constraint;   (b) identifying a first preliminary set of topics related to the search constraint, wherein the first preliminary set of topics are representative of a sample set of general data items;   (c) identifying a second preliminary set of topics related to the search constraint, wherein the second preliminary set of topics is representative of a sample set of current event data items;   (d) identifying a set of display topics that is a subset of the first preliminary set of topics and the second preliminary set of topics; and   (e) displaying the set of display topics.