System, method and apparatus for electronically searching for an item

• US 10,437,891 B2
• Filed: 01/28/2013
• Issued: 10/08/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 12/28/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Your Command LLC
• Original Assignee: Your Command LLC
• Inventors: Peckover, Douglas
• Primary Examiner(s): Adams, Charles D
• Application Number:
  US13/752,024
• Publication Number:
  US 20130138625A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,444 Days
• Field of Search: None
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/3322 using system suggestions G06F16/3325 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/3338 Query expansion
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/951 Indexing; Web crawling techniques
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/9535 Search customisation based on user profiles and personalisation
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/9538 Presentation of query results

Abstract

The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for electronically searching for an item by receiving a search request comprising a requested category and one or more requested attributes of the item and storing the search request in a search index based on the requested category and the requested attribute(s). The search index includes one or more categories and each category is defined by a taxonomy of attributes. The search index is then searched for any previously stored search requests that match the requested category and the requested attribute(s), a result of the search is determined and a search response that includes the result of the search is sent.

Claims

1. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing a computer program for electronically searching for an item, the computer program comprising program instructions that when executed by a processor cause the processor to:

access a buyer/seller/item search index comprising a search table within a relational database, a user table linked to the search table, a category table linked to the search table, and an attribute table linked to the category table, wherein the search table contains a plurality of distinct and previously stored search requests from one or more buyers or one or more sellers or a combination thereof and a set of predefined categories, wherein each predefined category in the category table is defined by a taxonomy of attributes comprising a set of predefined attributes, wherein each predefined attribute in the attribute table is defined by at least one question and one or more answers to each question;

receive a search request for the item from a user, wherein the search request comprises a requested category for the item selected from the set of predefined item categories, and one or more requested attributes of the item selected from the set of predefined attributes by providing at least one of the answers to at least one of the questions defining the requested attribute of the item;

store the search request for the item in the buyer/seller/item search index based on the requested category for the item and the requested attribute(s) of the item by storing the search request in the search table, storing information regarding the user in the user table, storing the requested category in the category table, and storing the one or more requested attributes in the attribute table;

search the search table of the buyer/seller/item search index for any previously stored search requests from other buyers or sellers that match the requested category and the requested attribute(s);

determine a result of the search;

send a search response comprising the result of the search;

persistently search the buyer/seller/item search index for the item by monitoring the buyer/seller/item search index for a trigger event until the search request is terminated, the trigger event comprising at least one of;

storing a new search request submitted by a different user in the search table of the buyer/seller/item search index, storing a change to one of the previously stored search requests submitted by the different user in the search table of the buyer/seller/item search request, a specified time period has elapsed, receipt of an update request from the user for the stored search request, a change to the search table, the user table, the category table or the attribute table of the buyer/seller/item search index that would change the result of the search, and deleting a previously stored search request by the different user in the search table of the buyer/seller/item search index;

whenever the trigger event is detected, automatically search the search table of the buyer/seller/item search index for any stored search results that match the requested category and the requested attributes, and determining a new result of the search;

compare the new result with the result and only when the new result differs from the result, automatically sending an updated search response comprising the new result of the search;

determine a numerical relevancy score for each found stored search request;

wherein the numerical relevancy score for each found stored result is determined by summing the numerical relevancy scores for each requested attribute in the search request divided by the number of requested attributes in the search request; and

wherein the numerical relevancy score for each requested attribute comprises a first numerical value whenever the requested attribute is not specified in the stored search request, a second numerical value whenever the requested attribute matches the attribute of the stored search request and the requested attribute is Must Have, a third numerical value whenever the requested attribute that matches the attribute of the stored search request and the requested attribute is not Must Have, a fourth numerical value whenever the requested attribute that does not match the attribute of the stored search request and the requested attribute is Must Have, a fifth numerical value whenever the requested attribute does not match the attribute of the stored search request and the requested attribute is not Must Have, and wherein;

(a) the first numerical value, the second numerical value, the third numerical value, the fourth numerical value and the fifth numerical value comprise at least four different values within a range from a minimum numerical value to a maximum numerical value, (b) the second numerical value is equal to the maximum numerical value, (c) the fourth numerical value is equal to the minimum numerical value, and (d) the first numerical value and the third numerical value are each greater than the minimum numerical value and less than the maximum numerical value.

2. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 1, further comprising the step of create the search request by selecting the requested category for the item from the set of predefined item categories and selecting the requested attributes for the item from the set of predefined attributes for the item by providing the at least one answer to the at least one question defining the requested attribute of the item.

3. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 2, wherein the requested attributes are selected using one or more drop down boxes, one or more check boxes, one or more radio buttons, one or more thumbnail pictures or videos, voice recognition, a fuzzy logic algorithm, or a neural network.

4. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 1, wherein the search request is initiated from a presentation layer, a persistence layer, or a brand layer.

5. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one question and the one or more answers to each question that define each attribute differ based on a language, a culture or a region associated with the search request.

6. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 5, wherein the buyer/seller/item search index is capable of providing matches regardless of the language, the culture or the region associated with the search request by using a different taxonomy based on the language, the culture or the region associated with the search request.

7. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 1, wherein the search request further comprises a price, a price range, a description, one or more comments, one or more keywords, or a minimum feedback score for the other buyer or seller associated with any found stored search request.

8. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 7, further comprising store the price, the price range, the description, the comments, the keywords, the minimum feedback score or the combination thereof in the buyer/seller/item search index or in a data storage.

9. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 1, wherein the item comprises a product, a service, a topic, a classified-type advertisement, or a personal-type advertisement.

10. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 1, wherein one of:

each stored search request relates to an item posted for advertisement, exchange, lease, sale, trade or transfer by the buyer or seller that submitted the stored search request;

each stored search request relates to an item sought by the buyer or seller that submitted the stored search request for advertisement, exchange, lease, sale, trade or transfer;

each stored search request comprises information posted about an item provided by the buyer or seller that submitted the stored search request; and

each stored search request comprises information about an item sought by the buyer or seller that submitted the stored search request.

11. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 1, wherein one of:

the received search request relates to an item posted for advertisement, exchange, lease, sale, trade or transfer by the user that submitted the received search request;

the received search request relates to an item sought by the user that submitted the received search request for advertisement, exchange, lease, sale, trade or transfer;

the received search request comprises information posted about an item provided by the user that submitted the received search request;

the received search request comprises information about an item sought by the user that submitted the received search request;

the received search request comprises a search for posted items that satisfy one or more criteria;

the received search request comprises a search for sought items that satisfy one or more criteria;

the received search request comprises a search for sought attributes;

the received search request comprises a search for sought information;

the received search request comprises a bulk search;

the received search request comprises a search for close hits that satisfy one or more criteria; and

the received search request comprises a search for lost sales that satisfy one or more criteria.

12. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 1, wherein the search request is submitted by one of:

a buyer, a seller, a buyer/seller, a “

window shopper”

, a researcher, and an interested user.

13. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 1, wherein the categories are grouped into one or more subject areas.

14. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 13, wherein:

the subject areas comprise one of real estate, motor vehicles, employment, financial services, residential services, professional services, travel, vacation, computers, entertainment, dining, dating, hobbies, electronics, furniture, tools, home improvement, office supplies, household items, sporting goods, sporting events, recreation, or event tickets;

the categories within the real estate subject area comprise houses, apartments, land, farms, commercial, insurance, finance or moving/storage;

the categories within the motor vehicles subject area comprise cars, trucks, recreational, repairs, insurance or finance;

the categories within employment comprise administrative, professional, education, healthcare, retail or manufacturing;

the categories within financial services comprise mortgages, loans, brokerage accounts, mutual funds, small business or bill pay;

the categories within residential services comprise plumber, electrician, lawn &

garden, appliance repair, remodeling or cleaning; and

the categories within professional service comprise attorneys, accountants or computer services.

15. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 1, wherein the search request is terminated after one of:

a specified time period has elapsed, a specified number of searches are performed, the search request is changed, deleted or terminated by the user, the search request is changed, deleted or terminated by a system, and the search request is replaced.

16. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 1, wherein the search response is sent to a user specified device comprising one of:

a computer, a laptop, a handheld computer, an e-mail address, a personal data assistant, a telephone, a mobile telephone, a portable media player, a portable communications device, a facsimile device, and a Web-enabled device.

17. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 1, wherein the stored search request does not contain any personal information relating to the buyer or seller that submitted the stored search request or only contains personal information added by the buyer or seller that submitted the stored search request.

18. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 1, further comprising remove any personal information from the received search request relating to the user that submitted the received search request or providing a warning to the user that submitted the received search request before the received search request is stored in the buyer/seller/item search index.

19. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 1, wherein the stored search requests match the requested category and the requested attribute(s) whenever:

the attributes of the stored search requests are equal to or exceed the requested attributes;

the attributes of the stored search requests are substantially similar to the requested attributes;

the attributes of the stored search requests are within a range of the requested attributes;

or

a minimum required numerical relevancy limit for the stored search requests is satisfied.

20. The non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in claim 1, wherein searching the buyer/seller/item search index is halted after a specified number of matches have been found.

21. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 1, further comprising update the buyer/seller/item search index whenever a stored search request is added, changed or deleted.

22. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 1, further comprising display the numerical relevancy score graphically.

23. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 1, wherein the determination of the numerical relevancy score is based on one of:

one or more user preferences, a closeness of the requested attributes in the search request to the attributes of the stored search request, a distance between an item associated with a stored search request and a location of the user, and a user specified budget.

24. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 1, further comprising provide the numerical relevancy score to the user associated with the stored search request, or another interested user.

25. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 1, further comprising the step of receive one or more preferences associated with the user or the search request.

26. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 25, wherein the one or more preferences comprise one of:

an urgency, a results per screen, a minimum required numerical relevancy limit, a minimum required rating associated with the stored search request, one or more user devices that are to be used for communications, and one or more messaging limits.

27. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 1, further comprising send a notification to the user whenever:

the requested attributes of a received search request matches a stored search request associated with the user;

a received search request is changed that previously matched the stored search request associated with the user;

a received search request is changed that now matches the stored search request associated with the user;

an item associated with a stored search request is located within a specified distance from a location of the user;

the result of the search request by the user has changed;

the result of the search request by the user has not changed;

or

a minimum required numerical relevancy limit for the stored search requests is satisfied.

28. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 27, wherein the notification comprises one of:

a request to return to the stored search request or the result of the search, a link to return to the stored search request or the result of the search, a description of a reason for the notification, a message, and a new search request.

29. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 1, further comprising provide a messaging system between the user that submitted the search request and each buyer or seller associated with the stored search requests that matched the requested attributes.

30. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 29, wherein the messages within the messaging system are private between the user that submitted the search request and each buyer or seller associated with the stored search requests that matched the requested attributes and cannot be accessed by third parties.

31. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 29, wherein the messages within the messaging system do not contain any personal information about the user that submitted the search request and each buyer or seller user associated with the stored search requests that matched the requested attributes unless such personal information is added by the user or one of the buyers or sellers.

32. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 29, wherein the messages within the messaging system are not tied to a mail server or an e-mail address.

33. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 29, wherein the messages are logged and tied to the search request.

34. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 29, wherein the user that submitted the search request and each buyer or seller associated with the stored search requests that matched the requested attributes can specify a limit on the number of messages that another buyer or seller can send to them.

35. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 29, wherein the user can add an attachment or additional content to the messages within the messaging system if the attachment satisfies one or more criteria.

36. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 29, wherein the user can accept unsolicited offers, unsolicited messages, questionnaires, advertisements or a combination thereof if such offers, messages, questionnaires or advertisements satisfy one or more criteria.

37. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

receive feedback or comments regarding the user or a stored search request; and

associate the feedback or comments with the user or the stored search request.

38. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 1, further comprising authenticate the received search request.

39. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 1, wherein storing the search request, searching the buyer/seller/item search index, determining the result of the search and sending the search response are performed at a level of functionality associated with the user associated with the received search request.

40. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 1, further comprising resubmit a previously submitted search request.

41. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 1, further comprising link information contained in a legacy database to the buyer/seller/item search index.

42. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 41, wherein the information is linked via an XML or EDI index, loaded into the buyer/seller/item search index, or loaded and indexed into a data storage.

43. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium as recited in claim 1, further comprising delete a stored search request.

44. An apparatus for electronically searching for an item comprising:

a computer having a processor communicably coupled to a data storage;

a buyer/seller/item search index stored in the data storage, the buyer/seller/item search comprising a search table within a relational database, a user table linked to the search table, a category table linked to the search table, and an attribute table linked to the category table, wherein the search table contains a plurality of distinct and previously stored search requests from one or more buyers or one or more sellers or a combination thereof and a set of predefined categories, wherein each predefined category in the category table is defined by a taxonomy of attributes comprising a set of predefined attributes, wherein each predefined attribute in the attribute table is defined by at least one question and one or more answers to each question; and

a search engine executable by the processor that causes the processor to;

(a) receive a search request for the item from a user, wherein the search request comprises a requested category for the item selected from the set of predefined item categories, and one or more requested attributes of the item selected from the set of predefined attributes by providing at least one of the answers to at least one of the questions defining the requested attribute of the item;

(b) store the search request for the item in the buyer/seller/item search index based on the requested category for the item and the requested attribute(s) for the item by storing the search request in the search table, storing information regarding the user in the user table, storing the requested category in the category table, and storing the one or more requested attributes in the attribute table;

(c) search the search table of the buyer/seller/item search index for any previously stored search requests from other buyers or sellers that match the requested category and the requested attribute(s);

(d) determine a result of the search;

(e) send a search response comprising the result of the search;

(f) persistently search the buyer/seller/item search index for the item by monitoring the buyer/seller/item search index for a trigger event until the search request is terminated, the trigger event comprising at least one of;

storing a new search request submitted by a different user in the search table of the buyer/seller/item search index, storing a change to one of the previously stored search requests submitted by the different user in the search table of the buyer/seller/item search request, a specified time period has elapsed, receipt of an update request from the user for the stored search request, a change to the search table, the user table, the category table or the attribute table of the buyer/seller/item search index that would change the result of the search, and deleting a previously stored search request by the different user in the search table of the buyer/seller/item search index;

(g) whenever the trigger event is detected, automatically search the search table of the buyer/seller/item search index for any stored search results that match the requested category and the requested attributes, and determine a new result of the search;

(h) comparing the new result with the result and only when the new result differs from the result, automatically send an updated search response comprising the new result of the search;

(i) determining a numerical relevancy score for each found stored search request;

wherein the numerical relevancy score for each found stored result is determined by summing the numerical relevancy scores for each requested attribute in the search request divided by the number of requested attributes in the search request;

wherein the numerical relevancy score for each requested attribute comprises a first numerical value whenever the requested attribute is not specified in the stored search request, a second numerical value whenever the requested attribute matches the attribute of the stored search request and the requested attribute is Must Have, a third numerical value whenever the requested attribute that matches the attribute of the stored search request and the requested attribute is not Must Have, a fourth numerical value whenever the requested attribute that does not match the attribute of the stored search request and the requested attribute is Must Have, a fifth numerical value whenever the requested attribute does not match the attribute of the stored search request and the requested attribute is not Must Have, and wherein;

(a) the first numerical value, the second numerical value, the third numerical value, the fourth numerical value and the fifth numerical value comprise at least four different values within a range from a minimum numerical value to a maximum numerical value, (b) the second numerical value is equal to the maximum numerical value, (c) the fourth numerical value is equal to the minimum numerical value, and (d) the first numerical value and the third numerical value are each greater than the minimum numerical value and less than the maximum numerical value.

45. The apparatus as recited in claim 44, wherein the search engine further creates the search request by selecting the requested category for the item from the set of predefined item categories and selects the requested attributes for the item from the set of predefined attributes for the item by providing the at least one answer to the at least one question defining the requested attribute of the item.

46. The apparatus as recited in claim 45, wherein the requested attributes are selected using one or more drop down boxes, one or more check boxes, one or more radio buttons, one or more thumbnail pictures or videos, voice recognition, a fuzzy logic algorithm, or a neural network.

47. The apparatus as recited in claim 44, wherein the search request is initiated from a presentation layer, a persistence layer, or a brand layer.

48. The apparatus as recited in claim 44, wherein the at least one question and the one or more answers to each question that define each attribute differ based on a language, a culture or a region associated with the search request.

49. The apparatus as recited in claim 48, wherein the buyer/seller/item search index is capable of providing matches regardless of the language, the culture or the region associated with the search request by using a different taxonomy based on the language, the culture or the region associated with the search request.

50. The apparatus as recited in claim 44, wherein the search request further comprises a price, a price range, a description, one or more comments, one or more keywords, or a minimum feedback score for the other buyer or seller associated with any found stored search request.

51. The apparatus as recited in claim 50, wherein the search engine further stores the price, the price range, the description, the comments, the keywords, the minimum feedback score or the combination thereof in the buyer/seller/item search index or in a data storage.

52. The apparatus as recited in claim 44, wherein the item comprises a product, a service, a topic, a classified-type advertisement, or a personal-type advertisement.

53. The apparatus as recited in claim 44, wherein one of:

each stored search request relates to an item posted for advertisement, exchange, lease, sale, trade or transfer by the buyer or seller that submitted the stored search request;

each stored search request relates to an item sought by the buyer or seller that submitted the stored search request for advertisement, exchange, lease, sale, trade or transfer;

each stored search request comprises information posted about an item provided by the buyer or seller that submitted the stored search request; and

each stored search request comprises information about an item sought by the buyer or seller that submitted the stored search request.

54. The apparatus as recited in claim 44, wherein one of:

the received search request relates to an item posted for advertisement, exchange, lease, sale, trade or transfer by the user that submitted the received search request;

the received search request relates to an item sought by the user that submitted the received search request for advertisement, exchange, lease, sale, trade or transfer;

the received search request comprises information posted about an item provided by the user that submitted the received search request;

the received search request comprises information about an item sought by the user that submitted the received search request;

the received search request comprises a search for posted items that satisfy one or more criteria;

the received search request comprises a search for sought items that satisfy one or more criteria;

the received search request comprises a search for sought attributes;

the received search request comprises a search for sought information;

the received search request comprises a bulk search;

the received search request comprises a search for close hits that satisfy one or more criteria; and

the received search request comprises a search for lost sales that satisfy one or more criteria.

55. The apparatus as recited in claim 44, wherein the search request is submitted by one of:

a buyer, a seller, a buyer/seller, a “

window shopper”

, a researcher, and an interested user.

56. The apparatus as recited in claim 44, wherein the categories are grouped into one or more subject areas.

57. The apparatus as recited in claim 56, wherein:

the subject areas comprise one of real estate, motor vehicles, employment, financial services, residential services, professional services, travel, vacation, computers, entertainment, dining, dating, hobbies, electronics, furniture, tools, home improvement, office supplies, household items, sporting goods, sporting events, recreation, or event tickets;

the categories within the real estate subject area comprise houses, apartments, land, farms, commercial, insurance, finance or moving/storage;

the categories within the motor vehicles subject area comprise cars, trucks, recreational, repairs, insurance or finance;

the categories within employment comprise administrative, professional, education, healthcare, retail or manufacturing;

the categories within financial services comprise mortgages, loans, brokerage accounts, mutual funds, small business or bill pay;

the categories within residential services comprise plumber, electrician, lawn &

garden, appliance repair, remodeling or cleaning; and

the categories within professional service comprise attorneys, accountants or computer services.

58. The apparatus as recited in claim 44, wherein the search request is terminated after one of:

a specified time period has elapsed, a specified number of searches are performed, the search request is changed, deleted or terminated by the user, the search request is changed, deleted or terminated by a apparatus, and the search request is replaced.

59. The apparatus as recited in claim 44, wherein the search response is sent to a user specified device comprising one of:

a computer, a laptop, a handheld computer, an e-mail address, a personal data assistant, a telephone, a mobile telephone, a portable media player, a portable communications device, a facsimile device, and a Web-enabled device.

60. The apparatus as recited in claim 44, wherein the stored search request does not contain any personal information relating to the buyer or seller that submitted the stored search request or only contains personal information added by the buyer or seller that submitted the stored search request.

61. The apparatus as recited in claim 44, wherein the search engine further removes any personal information from the received search request relating to the user that submitted the received search request or provides a warning to the user that submitted the received search request before the received search request is stored in the buyer/seller/item search index.

62. The apparatus as recited in claim 44, wherein the stored search requests match the requested category and the requested attribute(s) whenever:

the attributes of the stored search requests are equal to or exceed the requested attributes;

the attributes of the stored search requests are substantially similar to the requested attributes;

the attributes of the stored search requests are within a range of the requested attributes;

or

a minimum required numerical relevancy limit for the stored search requests is satisfied.

63. The apparatus as recited in claim 44, wherein the search engine halts searching the buyer/seller/item search index after a specified number of matches have been found.

64. The apparatus as recited in claim 44, wherein the search engine further updates the buyer/seller/item search index whenever a stored search request is added, changed or deleted.

65. The apparatus as recited in claim 44, wherein the search engine further displays the numerical relevancy score graphically.

66. The apparatus as recited in claim 44, wherein the determination of the numerical relevancy score is based on one of:

one or more user preferences, a closeness of the requested attributes in the search request to the attributes of the stored search request, a distance between an item associated with a stored search request and a location of the user, and a user specified budget.

67. The apparatus as recited in claim 44, wherein the search engine further provides the numerical relevancy score to the user associated with the stored search request, or another interested user.

68. The apparatus as recited in claim 44, wherein the search engine further receives one or more preferences associated with the user or the search request.

69. The apparatus as recited in claim 68, wherein the one or more preferences comprise one of:

an urgency, a results per screen, a minimum required numerical relevancy limit, a minimum required rating associated with the stored search request, one or more user devices that are to be used for communications, and one or more messaging limits.

70. The apparatus as recited in claim 44, wherein the search engine further sends a notification to the user whenever:

the requested attributes of a received search request matches a stored search request associated with the user;

a received search request is changed that previously matched the stored search request associated with the user;

a received search request is changed that now matches the stored search request associated with the user;

an item associated with a stored search request is located within a specified distance from a location of the user;

the result of the search request by the user has changed;

the result of the search request by the user has not changed;

or

a minimum required numerical relevancy limit for the stored search requests is satisfied.

71. The apparatus as recited in claim 70, wherein the notification comprises one of:

a request to return to the stored search request or the result of the search, a link to return to the stored search request or the result of the search, a description of a reason for the notification, a message, and a new search request.

72. The apparatus as recited in claim 44, wherein the search engine further provides a messaging system between the user that submitted the search request and each user associated with the stored search requests that matched the requested attributes.

73. The apparatus as recited in claim 72, wherein the messages within the messaging system are private between the user that submitted the search request and each buyer or seller associated with the stored search requests that matched the requested attributes and cannot be accessed by third parties.

74. The apparatus as recited in claim 72, wherein the messages within the messaging system do not contain any personal information about the user that submitted the search request and each buyer or seller associated with the stored search requests that matched the requested attributes unless such personal information is added by the user or one of the buyers or sellers.

75. The apparatus as recited in claim 72, wherein the messages within the messaging system are not tied to a mail server or an e-mail address.

76. The apparatus as recited in claim 72, wherein the messages are logged and tied to the search request.

77. The apparatus as recited in claim 72, wherein the user that submitted the search request and each buyer or seller associated with the stored search requests that matched the requested attributes can specify a limit on the number of messages that another buyer or seller can send to them.

78. The apparatus as recited in claim 72, wherein the user can add an attachment or additional content to the messages within the messaging system if the attachment satisfies one or more criteria.

79. The apparatus as recited in claim 72, wherein the user can accept unsolicited offers, unsolicited messages, questionnaires, advertisements or a combination thereof if such offers, messages, questionnaires or advertisements satisfy one or more criteria.

80. The apparatus as recited in claim 44, wherein the search engine further:

receives feedback or comments regarding the user or a stored search request; and

associates the feedback or comments with the user or the stored search request.

81. The apparatus as recited in claim 44, wherein the search engine further authenticates the received search request.

82. The apparatus as recited in claim 44, wherein storing the search request, searching the buyer/seller/item search index, determining the result of the search and sending the search response are performed at a level of functionality associated with the user associated with the received search request.

83. The apparatus as recited in claim 44, wherein the search engine further resubmits a previously submitted search request.

84. The apparatus as recited in claim 44, wherein the search engine further links information contained in a legacy database to the buyer/seller/item search index.

85. The apparatus as recited in claim 84, wherein the information is linked via an XML or EDI index, loaded into the buyer/seller/item search index, or loaded and indexed into a data storage.

86. The apparatus as recited in claim 44, wherein the search engine further deletes a stored search request.

87. A system for electronically searching for an item comprising:

a network;

a buyer/seller/item search index communicably coupled to the network, the buyer/seller/item search index comprising a search table within a relational database, a user table linked to the search table, a category table linked to the search table, and an attribute table linked to the category table, wherein the search table contains a plurality of distinct and previously stored search requests from one or more buyers or one or more sellers or a combination thereof and a set of predefined categories, wherein each predefined category in the category table is defined by a taxonomy of attributes comprising a set of predefined attributes, wherein each predefined attribute in the attribute table is defined by at least one question and one or more answers to each question;

one or more user devices communicably coupled to the network;

a user interface executable by the user device communicably coupled to the network that causes the user device to enter a search request from a user and receive a search response, wherein the search request comprises a requested category for the item selected from the set of predefined item categories, and one or more requested attributes of the item selected from the set of predefined attributes by providing at least one of the answers to at least one of the questions defining the requested attribute of the item; and

a search engine executable by a processor communicably coupled to the user device and the buyer/seller/item search index via the network wherein the search engine causes the processor to;

(a) receive the search request for the item;

(b) store the search request for the item in the buyer/seller/item search index based on the requested category for the item and the requested attribute(s) for the item by storing the search request in the search table, storing information regarding the user in the user table, storing the requested category in the category table, and storing the one or more requested attributes in the attribute table;

(c) search the search table of the buyer/seller/item search index for any previously stored search requests from other buyers or sellers that match the requested category and the requested attribute(s);

(d) determine the result of the search;

(e) send the result of the search;

(f) persistently search the buyer/seller/item search index for the item by monitoring the buyer/seller/item search index for a trigger event until the search request is terminated, the trigger event comprising at least one of;

storing a new search request submitted by a different user in the search table of the buyer/seller/item search index, storing a change to one of the previously stored search requests submitted by the different user in the search table of the buyer/seller/item search request, a specified time period has elapsed, receipt of an update request from the user for the stored search request, a change to the search table, the user table, the category table or the attribute table of the buyer/seller/item search index that would change the result of the search, and deleting a previously stored search request by the different user in the search table of the buyer/seller/item search index;

(g) whenever the trigger event is detected, automatically search the search table of the buyer/seller/item search index for any stored search results that match the requested category and the requested attributes, and determine a new result of the search;

(h) comparing the new result with the result and only when the new result differs from the result, automatically send an updated search response comprising the new result of the search;

(i) determine a numerical relevancy score for each found stored search request;

wherein determining the numerical relevancy score for each found stored result comprises summing the numerical relevancy scores for each requested attribute in the search request divided by the number of requested attributes in the search request;

wherein the numerical relevancy score for each requested attribute comprises a first numerical value whenever the requested attribute is not specified in the stored search request, a second numerical value whenever the requested attribute matches the attribute of the stored search request and the requested attribute is Must Have, a third numerical value whenever the requested attribute that matches the attribute of the stored search request and the requested attribute is not Must Have, a fourth numerical value whenever the requested attribute that does not match the attribute of the stored search request and the requested attribute is Must Have, a fifth numerical value whenever the requested attribute does not match the attribute of the stored search request and the requested attribute is not Must Have, and wherein;

(a) the first numerical value, the second numerical value, the third numerical value, the fourth numerical value and the fifth numerical value comprise at least four different values within a range from a minimum numerical value to a maximum numerical value, (b) the second numerical value is equal to the maximum numerical value, (c) the fourth numerical value is equal to the minimum numerical value, and (d) the first numerical value and the third numerical value are each greater than the minimum numerical value and less than the maximum numerical value.

88. The system as recited in claim 87, wherein the search engine further creates the search request by selecting the requested category for the item from the set of predefined item categories and selects the requested attributes for the item from the set of predefined attributes for the item by providing the at least one answer to the at least one question defining the requested attribute of the item.

89. The system as recited in claim 88, wherein the requested attributes are selected using one or more drop down boxes, one or more check boxes, one or more radio buttons, one or more thumbnail pictures or videos, voice recognition, a fuzzy logic algorithm, or a neural network.

90. The system as recited in claim 87, wherein the search request is initiated from a presentation layer, a persistence layer, or a brand layer.

91. The system as recited in claim 87, wherein the at least one question and the one or more answers to each question that define each attribute differ based on a language, a culture or a region associated with the search request.

92. The system as recited in claim 91, wherein the buyer/seller/item search index is capable of providing matches regardless of the language, the culture or the region associated with the search request by using a different taxonomy based on the language, the culture or the region associated with the search request.

93. The system as recited in claim 87, wherein the search request further comprises a price, a price range, a description, one or more comments, one or more keywords, or a minimum feedback score for the other buyer or seller associated with any found stored search request.

94. The system as recited in claim 93, wherein the search engine further stories the price, the price range, the description, the comments, the keywords, the minimum feedback score or the combination thereof in the buyer/seller/item search index or in a data storage.

95. The system as recited in claim 87, wherein the item comprises a product, a service, a topic, a classified-type advertisement, or a personal-type advertisement.

96. The system as recited in claim 87, wherein one of:

each stored search request relates to an item posted for advertisement, exchange, lease, sale, trade or transfer by the buyer or seller that submitted the stored search request;

each stored search request relates to an item sought by the buyer or seller that submitted the stored search request for advertisement, exchange, lease, sale, trade or transfer;

each stored search request comprises information posted about an item provided by the buyer or seller that submitted the stored search request; and

each stored search request comprises information about an item sought by the buyer or seller that submitted the stored search request.

97. The system as recited in claim 87, wherein one of:

the received search request relates to an item posted for advertisement, exchange, lease, sale, trade or transfer by the user that submitted the received search request;

the received search request relates to an item sought by the user that submitted the received search request for advertisement, exchange, lease, sale, trade or transfer;

the received search request comprises information posted about an item provided by the user that submitted the received search request;

the received search request comprises information about an item sought by the user that submitted the received search request;

the received search request comprises a search for posted items that satisfy one or more criteria;

the received search request comprises a search for sought items that satisfy one or more criteria;

the received search request comprises a search for sought attributes;

the received search request comprises a search for sought information;

the received search request comprises a bulk search;

the received search request comprises a search for close hits that satisfy one or more criteria; and

the received search request comprises a search for lost sales that satisfy one or more criteria.

98. The system as recited in claim 87, wherein the search request is submitted by one of:

a buyer, a seller, a buyer/seller, a “

window shopper”

, a researcher, and an interested user.

99. The system as recited in claim 87, wherein the categories are grouped into one or more subject areas.

100. The system as recited in claim 99, wherein:

the subject areas comprise one of real estate, motor vehicles, employment, financial services, residential services, professional services, travel, vacation, computers, entertainment, dining, dating, hobbies, electronics, furniture, tools, home improvement, office supplies, household items, sporting goods, sporting events, recreation, or event tickets;

the categories within the real estate subject area comprise houses, apartments, land, farms, commercial, insurance, finance or moving/storage;

the categories within the motor vehicles subject area comprise cars, trucks, recreational, repairs, insurance or finance;

the categories within employment comprise administrative, professional, education, healthcare, retail or manufacturing;

the categories within financial services comprise mortgages, loans, brokerage accounts, mutual funds, small business or bill pay;

the categories within residential services comprise plumber, electrician, lawn &

garden, appliance repair, remodeling or cleaning; and

the categories within professional service comprise attorneys, accountants or computer services.

101. The system as recited in claim 87, wherein the search request is terminated after one of:

a specified time period has elapsed, a specified number of searches are performed, the search request is changed, deleted or terminated by the user, the search request is changed, deleted or terminated by a system, and the search request is replaced.

102. The system as recited in claim 87, wherein the search response is sent to a user specified device comprising one of:

a computer, a laptop, a handheld computer, an e-mail address, a personal data assistant, a telephone, a mobile telephone, a portable media player, a portable communications device, a facsimile device, and a Web-enabled device.

103. The system as recited in claim 87, wherein the stored search request does not contain any personal information relating to the buyer or seller that submitted the stored search request or only contains personal information added by the buyer or seller that submitted the stored search request.

104. The system as recited in claim 87, wherein the search engine further removes any personal information from the received search request relating to the user that submitted the received search request or provides a warning to the user that submitted the received search request before the received search request is stored in the buyer/seller/item search index.

105. The system as recited in claim 87, wherein the stored search requests match the requested category and the requested attribute(s) whenever:

the attributes of the stored search requests are equal to or exceed the requested attributes;

the attributes of the stored search requests are substantially similar to the requested attributes;

the attributes of the stored search requests are within a range of the requested attributes;

or

a minimum required numerical relevancy limit for the stored search requests is satisfied.

106. The system as recited in claim 87, wherein the search engine halts searching the buyer/seller/item search index after a specified number of matches have been found.

107. The system as recited in claim 87, wherein the search engine further updates the buyer/seller/item search index whenever a stored search request is added, changed or deleted.

108. The system as recited in claim 87, wherein the search engine further displays the numerical relevancy score graphically.

109. The system as recited in claim 87, wherein the determination of the numerical relevancy score is based on one of:

one or more user preferences, a closeness of the requested attributes in the search request to the attributes of the stored search request, a distance between an item associated with a stored search request and a location of the user, and a user specified budget.

110. The system as recited in claim 87, wherein the search engine further provides the numerical relevancy score to the user associated with the stored search request, or another interested user.

111. The system as recited in claim 87, wherein the search engine further receives one or more preferences associated with the user or the search request.

112. The system as recited in claim 111, wherein the one or more preferences comprise one of:

an urgency, a results per screen, a minimum required numerical relevancy limit, a minimum required rating associated with the stored search request, one or more user devices that are to be used for communications, and one or more messaging limits.

113. The system as recited in claim 87, wherein the search engine further sends a notification to the user whenever:

the requested attributes of a received search request matches a stored search request associated with the user;

a received search request is changed that previously matched the stored search request associated with the user;

a received search request is changed that now matches the stored search request associated with the user;

an item associated with a stored search request is located within a specified distance from a location of the user;

the result of the search request by the user has changed;

the result of the search request by the user has not changed;

or

a minimum required numerical relevancy limit for the stored search requests is satisfied.

114. The system as recited in claim 87, wherein the notification comprises one of:

a request to return to the stored search request or the result of the search, a link to return to the stored search request or the result of the search, a description of a reason for the notification, a message, and a new search request.

115. The system as recited in claim 87, wherein the search engine further provides a messaging system between the user that submitted the search request and each buyer or seller associated with the stored search requests that matched the requested attributes.

116. The system as recited in claim 115, wherein the messages within the messaging system are private between the user that submitted the search request and each buyer or seller associated with the stored search requests that matched the requested attributes and cannot be accessed by third parties.

117. The system as recited in claim 115, wherein the messages within the messaging system do not contain any personal information about the buyer or seller that submitted the search request and each buyer or seller associated with the stored search requests that matched the requested attributes unless such personal information is added by the user or one of the buyers or sellers.

118. The system as recited in claim 115, wherein the messages within the messaging system are not tied to a mail server or an e-mail address.

119. The system as recited in claim 115, wherein the messages are logged and tied to the search request.

120. The system as recited in claim 115, wherein the user that submitted the search request and each buyer or seller associated with the stored search requests that matched the requested attributes can specify a limit on the number of messages that another buyer or seller can send to them.

121. The system as recited in claim 115, wherein the user can add an attachment or additional content to the messages within the messaging system if the attachment satisfies one or more criteria.

122. The system as recited in claim 115, wherein the user can accept unsolicited offers, unsolicited messages, questionnaires, advertisements or a combination thereof if such offers, messages, questionnaires or advertisements satisfy one or more criteria.

123. The system as recited in claim 87, wherein the search engine further:

receives feedback or comments regarding the user or a stored search request; and

associates the feedback or comments with the user or the stored search request.

124. The system as recited in claim 87, wherein the search engine further authenticates the received search request.

125. The system as recited in claim 87, wherein storing the search request, searching the buyer/seller/item search index, determining the result of the search and sending the search response are performed at a level of functionality associated with the user associated with the received search request.

126. The system as recited in claim 87, wherein the search engine further resubmits a previously submitted search request.

127. The system as recited in claim 87, wherein the search engine further links information contained in a legacy database to the buyer/seller/item search index.

128. The system as recited in claim 127, wherein the information is linked via an XML or EDI index, loaded into the buyer/seller/item search index, or loaded and indexed into a data storage.

129. The system as recited in claim 87, wherein the search engine further deletes a stored search request.