Method and system for augmenting web-indexed search engine results with peer-to-peer search results
First Claim
1. A method for searching for information within a distributed data processing system, the method comprising:
- receiving, at a server, a search query message comprising a search query from a client;
performing a server-based index search in accordance with the search query;
initiating a server-based peer-to-peer search in accordance with the search query;
receiving, at the server, a search result message for the server-based peer-to-peer search;
merging result data from the server-based index search and result data from the server-based peer-to-peer search to generate result information;
generating a result message with the result information; and
returning the result message to the client.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and system for augmenting conventional search engine results with peer-to-peer search results. Rather than relying solely on an index search in a database that has only indexed a minor portion of the entire World Wide Web, a server-based, peer-to-peer search is initiated in conjunction with the index search. The results from both search processes can be combined so that the user receives an augmented search result with more information than a search result from either process by itself. The entities that are involved in the search can also establish financially rewarding relationships. The server operator agrees to share a percentage of its revenue with peer-to-peer nodes as an incentive to join its registered set of root nodes and expand its peer-to-peer connections. The identified sources of information that provided the search hits can be used by the operator of the search engine in a compensation transaction. While these compensation transactions may be monetary in nature, other compensation schemes may be used, such as reward program points, coupons, micropayments, cashbacks, rebates, frequent flyer miles, etc. The registered operator/owner can supply a indication as to the preferred type of compensation. In addition, information such as a bank account number, reward program account number, etc., may be needed to complete the compensation transaction.
223 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method for searching for information within a distributed data processing system, the method comprising:
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receiving, at a server, a search query message comprising a search query from a client;
performing a server-based index search in accordance with the search query;
initiating a server-based peer-to-peer search in accordance with the search query;
receiving, at the server, a search result message for the server-based peer-to-peer search;
merging result data from the server-based index search and result data from the server-based peer-to-peer search to generate result information;
generating a result message with the result information; and
returning the result message to the client. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. An apparatus for searching for information within a distributed data processing system, the apparatus comprising:
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first receiving means for receiving, at a server, a search query message comprising a search query from a client;
performing means for performing a server-based index search in accordance with the search query;
initiating means for initiating a server-based peer-to-peer search in accordance with the search query;
second receiving means for receiving, at the server, a search result message for the server-based peer-to-peer search;
merging means for merging result data from the server-based index search and result data from the server-based peer-to-peer search to generate result information;
generating means for generating a result message with the result information; and
returning means for returning the result message to the client. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A computer program product on a computer readable medium for use in a distributed data processing system for searching for information within the distributed data processing system, the computer program product comprising:
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instructions for receiving, at a server, a search query message comprising a search query from a client;
instructions for performing a server-based index search in accordance with the search query;
instructions for initiating a server-based peer-to-peer search in accordance with the search query;
instructions for receiving, at the server, a search result message for the server-based peer-to-peer search;
instructions for merging result data from the server-based index search and result data from the server-based peer-to-peer search to generate result information;
instructions for generating a result message with the result information; and
instructions for returning the result message to the client. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification