Search Tools and Techniques

Abstract

The invention provides tools and techniques for assisting searches of large information collections, such as the Internet or databases. An initial search from a given user A is used to help identify related productive searches by other users. Those searches (keywords and/or searched portions) are then used to focus the search effort of user A. Activities by other users in response to search results are tracked to help a search assistant automatically identify the results those other users deemed of greatest interest.

1 . A method of searching, comprising
 (a) receiving a primary search input;   (b) identifying, based on the primary search input, at least one prior productive search;   (c) determining that the at least one prior productive search is related to the primary search input if the at least one prior productive search includes at least one of the following:
 (i) a search request or search results comprising at least one keyword that is semantically linked to at least one term of the primary search input; 
 (ii) a search request or search results comprising at least one keyword that is lexically linked to at least one term of the primary search input; or 
 (iii) search results comprising at least a predetermined level of similarity to search results corresponding to the primary search input; and 
   (d) focusing a primary search corresponding to the primary search input based on (b) and (c).   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the identifying the at least one prior productive search comprises determining if a secondary search terminates with a click on the at least one keyword that is semantically linked to at least one term of the primary search input. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the identifying the at least one prior productive search comprises determining if a secondary search terminates with a click on the at least one keyword that is lexically linked to at least one term of the primary search input. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the identifying the at least one prior productive search comprises determining if a secondary search terminates with a purchase. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the identifying the at least one prior productive search comprises determining if a secondary search terminates with a click on an advertisement. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the identifying the at least one prior productive search comprises determining if a secondary search terminates with a document being displayed. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the identifying the at least one prior productive search comprises determining if a secondary search results in a user associated with the secondary search returning to a particular search result more than once. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the identifying the at least one prior productive search comprises determining if a secondary search results in an official site.