Search method and system and system using the same
First Claim
1. A method for searching a content database stored in computer storage, the database including a plurality of records each containing multiple fields of information, the method comprising the steps of:
- maintaining a structure database in computer storage in which each record is parsed into a plurality of categories containing multiple fields of information, each category having at least one sub-category, the sub-categories being structured in at least one sub-level based upon a relationship between the information in sub-categories, the structure database containing category structure information defining the data structure of each category;
receiving a search query containing a subset of the categories contained in a record, which subset may include all of the categories, the query containing selection information indicating those sub-categories that should be present in records being sought by the query;
for categories present in the query subset, performing a correlation between the selection information and information from the structure database representing the sub-category structure in a subset of the records, which subset may contain all of the records, to produce a relevance value for a record; and
as a response to the query, selecting information from records in the content database based upon the relevance value of the records.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Information regarding the structure of information in a content database is maintained in a structure database. The structure database is used to correlate the data structure of a query to the structure of the content database, in order to determine that information in the content database which needs to be provided to a searcher in response to the query. In one embodiment, this search method is used in an online forum, and the forum maintains a reputation score for users with respect to given subject matter. The reputation score is dependent upon the quality of a user'"'"'s participation in the forum. A user'"'"'s reputation score depends upon the evaluation by others of information he posts and upon the user evaluating information posted by others.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. A method for searching a content database stored in computer storage, the database including a plurality of records each containing multiple fields of information, the method comprising the steps of:
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maintaining a structure database in computer storage in which each record is parsed into a plurality of categories containing multiple fields of information, each category having at least one sub-category, the sub-categories being structured in at least one sub-level based upon a relationship between the information in sub-categories, the structure database containing category structure information defining the data structure of each category;
receiving a search query containing a subset of the categories contained in a record, which subset may include all of the categories, the query containing selection information indicating those sub-categories that should be present in records being sought by the query;
for categories present in the query subset, performing a correlation between the selection information and information from the structure database representing the sub-category structure in a subset of the records, which subset may contain all of the records, to produce a relevance value for a record; and
as a response to the query, selecting information from records in the content database based upon the relevance value of the records. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A system for searching a content database stored in computer storage, the database including a plurality of records each containing multiple fields of information, the method comprising:
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a structure database in computer storage in which each record is parsed into a plurality of categories containing multiple fields of information, each category having at least one sub-category, the sub-categories being structured in at least one sub-level based upon a relationship between the information in sub-categories, the structure database containing category structure information defining the data structure of each category;
a receiver for a search query containing a subset of the categories contained in a record, which subset may include all of the categories, the query containing selection information indicating those sub-categories that should be present in records being sought by the query;
a correlation device set performing a correlation between the selection information, for categories present in the query subset, and information from the structure database representing the sub-category structure in a subset of the records, which subset may contain all of the records, to produce a relevance value for a record; and
a unit responding to the query by selecting and providing information from records in the content database based upon the relevance value of the records. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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- 13. In an online user forum of the type permitting communication among a plurality of users and also permitting users to post information content for access by users, the improvement comprising a reputation module storing a reputation rating for a user in association with information content, a user'"'"'s reputation being a function of the degree his participation in the forum.
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24-58. -58. (canceled)
Specification