Technique for effectively collecting and analyzing data in providing information assistance services

Abstract

A system for providing an information assistance service includes a communication interface for receiving a request for information. A search facility conducts a search using a first search criterion in response to the request, a second search criterion being provided in lieu of the first search criterion in conducting the search based on a correlation between the first search criterion and the second search criterion. The correlation is a function of the number of searches prior to the search where use of the first search criterion is followed by use of the second search criterion. The use of the second search criterion, but not the first search criterion, produces the desired results.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for providing an information assistance service comprising:
 a communication interface for receiving a request for information; and   a search facility for conducting a search using a first search criterion in response to the request, a second search criterion being provided in lieu of the first search criterion in conducting the search based on a correlation between the first search criterion and the second search criterion, the correlation being a function of the number of searches prior to the search where use of the first search criterion is followed by use of the second search criterion, and where use of the second search criterion, but not the first search criterion, produces desired results.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the request is communicated in a communication call. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the communication call is initiated from a mobile device.