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Weighted preference data search system and method

  • US 6,714,929 B1
  • Filed: 04/13/2001
  • Issued: 03/30/2004
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/13/2001
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A computer-implemented method for weighted preference data searching comprising:

  • determining weighted preference information including a plurality of search criteria and a corresponding plurality of weights signifying the relative importance of said search criteria and allowing tradeoffs expressed as a plurality of normalized fixed sum weights wherein determining weighted preference information includes;

    a) determining whether there should be user input;

    b) providing at least one of default and automatic heuristically determined weighted preference information if there is not to be user input;

    c) determining whether the user should be able to select criteria;

    d) providing at least one of default and automatic heuristically determined criteria selections if the user is not able to select criteria;

    e) inputting user selection of criteria if the user is allowed to select criteria;

    f) determining whether the user should be able to adjust weights;

    g) providing at least one of default and automatic heuristically determined weights if the user is not able to adjust weights;

    h) inputting user selected weights if the user is allowed to adjust weights;

    i) determining whether the user should be able to input subjective ordering;

    j) providing at least one of default and automatic heuristically determined subjective ordering if the user is not able to subjectively order;

    k) inputting user subjective ordering if the user is allowed to subjectively order; and

    querying a data source and ranking the results based upon said weighted preference information.

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