Methods and apparatus for entity search
First Claim
1. A method of searching for records, comprising:
- receiving a first query from a user;
deriving an industry sector from the first query;
using sector information to determine additional information to be used in deriving a second query, wherein the additional information is other than a hierarchical classification;
requesting the additional information from the user; and
deriving the second query from at least a portion of the first query and at least a portion of the additional information wherein the second query includes at least one section parameterized by an (attribute, value) pair used to direct at least two of the following actions;
searching, breaking a tie in ranking results, describing relationships among sections of the second query, and expressing confidence measures.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatus that deliver a searching experience that is substantially akin to consultation with a human expert, and that satisfies a user'"'"'s information need in fulfilling projects such as purchasing, shopping, procurement, bartering, requesting for quotes, in online retail, traditional retail, wholesale, health care, travel, real estate, restaurant-going, entertainment, logistics, and sourcing are disclosed. Search results often contain entities that provide services and products. Records being searched are associated with industry sectors in a broad sense. Industry sector information is first derived from a user query; and is used in determining relevant and adequate additional questions for a searcher, and in matching, ranking, and presenting search results.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of searching for records, comprising:
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receiving a first query from a user; deriving an industry sector from the first query; using sector information to determine additional information to be used in deriving a second query, wherein the additional information is other than a hierarchical classification; requesting the additional information from the user; and deriving the second query from at least a portion of the first query and at least a portion of the additional information wherein the second query includes at least one section parameterized by an (attribute, value) pair used to direct at least two of the following actions;
searching, breaking a tie in ranking results, describing relationships among sections of the second query, and expressing confidence measures. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification