More efficient search algorithm (MESA) using virtual search parameters

• US 7,792,808 B2
• Filed: 09/07/2005
• Issued: 09/07/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 09/07/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Robert O. Stuart, Scott P. Stuart
• Original Assignee: Robert O. Stuart, Scott P. Stuart
• Inventors: Stuart, Scott P., Stuart, Robert O.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ehichioya; Fred I
• Application Number:
  US11/221,194
• Publication Number:
  US 20060053107A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,826 Days
• Field of Search: 707/1, 707/2, 707/3, 707/4, 707/5, 707/6, 707/609, 707/705, 707/802, 707/831, 707/E17.111, 704/275
• US Class Current: 707/705
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/24522 Translation of natural language queries to structured queries
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/2455 Query execution

Abstract

A more efficient search algorithm introduces a variety of new tools and strategies to more efficiently search and retrieve desired records from an electronic database. Among these are a strategy that utilizes the first and last positional characters, or phonemes, to exploit the fact that often last positional character is nearly as important as a first positional character in distinguishing database records from one another. In addition, virtual search parameters, that are not a portion of the database records, can also be utilized in distinguishing database records, such as by identifying a number of characters in a search field for a requested database record as a way of distinguishing that record from all others with a different number of characters. The invention finds potential application in any database search application, but is particularly useful in delivering directory assistance services.

Claims

1. A method of searching an electronic database having a plurality of database records that each include at least one alphanumeric search field, comprising, one or more processors that implement the steps of:

inputting a search query that includes a virtual search parameter which is an attribute but not part of a requested database record, and the attribute being a characteristic of the requested database record but not unrequested database records;

executing the search query; and

selecting at least one database record that matches the search query but the attribute is not part of the at least one alphanumeric search field.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the attribute includes an alphanumeric character count in a search field of the requested database record.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the attribute includes an indication of a word count in a search field of the requested database record.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the attribute includes a syllable count in a pronunciation of an entry in a search field of the requested database record.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the search field includes a name search field.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the attribute includes an indication of whether a word in a search field is of a non-English origin;

and

the search field is a name search field.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the search query includes an indicator of a relative size of a portion of the requested database record.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the search query includes an indicator of relative pronunciation complexity.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein the attribute includes a relative rarity of a feature of the requested database record.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein the search query is directed to an address search field.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein the attribute is a relative characterization of the requested database record relative to at least one other database record;

and

the attribute is selected from a predetermined finite number of different characterizations.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the attribute is relative among a plurality of database records.

13. The method of claim 1 wherein the attribute is an objective attribute.

14. The method of claim 1 wherein the search query includes non-sequential first and last elements of a search field of a requested database record, and the search query omits a plurality of elements of the search field positioned between the first and last elements.

15. The method of claim 1 including a step of eliminating a portion of the selected database records at least in part by identifying an aspect of a database record that is absent from the requested database record.

16. The method of claim 1 wherein the inputting step includes a step of vocalizing at least a portion of the search query to a voice recognition system.

17. A method of providing a database record retrieval service of an electronic database having a plurality of database records with at least one alphanumeric search field, comprising, one or more processors that implement the steps of:

establishing a communication link between a customer and a service provider, and the communication link originating from the customer;

receiving requested database record information from the customer;

formulating a search query based on the requested database record information that includes a virtual search parameter which is an attribute but not part of the requested database record, and the attribute being a characteristic of the requested database record but not unrequested database records;

executing the search query;

selecting at least one database record that matches the search query but the attribute is not part of the at least one alphanumeric search field; and

supplying the customer with information from the selected database record.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the formulating step includes the steps of:

screening information supplied by the customer with a live screening agent; and

formulating the search query based upon at least one of, information from a speaker independent voice recognition system and information from the live screening agent.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the information from the speaker independent voice recognition originates from a customer utterance;

and

the information from the live screening agent includes an utterance processed by a speaker dependent voice recognition system associated with utterances specific to the live screening agent.

20. The method of claim 19 including a step of determining a confidence score based upon a determined accuracy of a result from the speaker independent voice recognition system;

the search query includes a portion from the live screening agent if the confidence score is below a first predetermined threshold, but includes only information from the speaker independent voice recognition system if the confidence score is above a second predetermined threshold.

21. The method of claim 17 wherein the selecting step includes selecting a subset of the database that includes a plurality of database records that match the search query, which is a first search query;

identifying an aspect of each of the database records of the subset that is unique to the respective database records;

formulating a second search query at least in part by requesting additional information regarding the aspect from the customer;

executing the second search query on the subset; and

retrieving, from the subset, at least one database record that matches the second search query.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein the additional information is derived from an utterance from the customer to the speaker independent voice recognition system;

and

the requesting step includes a step of selecting one of a plurality of predetermined questions to the customer based upon the identified aspect.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein the first search query includes portions of a name search field associated with the requested database record;

and

the supplying step includes a step of providing a telephone number to the customer.

24. The method of claim 23 wherein the second search query includes a portion of an address search field.