Trail-based exploration of a repository of documents
First Claim
1. A method for making a trail of a repository of documents, comprising the computer-executed steps of:
- receiving trail definition data that specifies a trail, wherein the trail includes an ordered series of waypoints and wherein the ordered series of waypoints include;
a trailhead,zero or more intermediate waypoints; and
one or more trailends;
wherein the trailhead is associated with a message;
wherein each intermediate waypoint is associated with matching criteria and a message;
wherein each trailend is associated with matching criteria and an action;
wherein the trail includes a particular waypoint that is associated with particular matching criteria;
wherein in the particular matching criteria associated with the particular waypoint are criteria that are satisfied when a user performs a search, against contents of documents in the repository of documents, that correctly responds to a previous waypoint that immediately precedes the particular waypoint in said trail; and
storing the trail definition.data in a database;
wherein the steps of receiving and storing are performed by one or more computing devices.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Techniques that support trail-based exploration by a user of a repository of documents are described herein. In one embodiment, trail definition data that specifies a trail is received. The trail includes an ordered series of waypoints including a trailhead, intermediate waypoints, and one or more trailends. In some embodiments, deadends may also be defined in the trial. A particular waypoint in the ordered series of waypoints is established as a current waypoint. Search terms can be received from a user to cause a search to be performed. It is then determined whether the search satisfies matching criteria associated with a waypoint that immediately follows the current waypoint in the ordered series of waypoints. If so, the user advances to the next waypoint. Otherwise, the user remains at the current waypoint. Finally, if a trailend is reached, then an action such as rewarding the user in some way may be performed.
30 Citations
30 Claims
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1. A method for making a trail of a repository of documents, comprising the computer-executed steps of:
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receiving trail definition data that specifies a trail, wherein the trail includes an ordered series of waypoints and wherein the ordered series of waypoints include; a trailhead, zero or more intermediate waypoints; and one or more trailends; wherein the trailhead is associated with a message; wherein each intermediate waypoint is associated with matching criteria and a message; wherein each trailend is associated with matching criteria and an action; wherein the trail includes a particular waypoint that is associated with particular matching criteria; wherein in the particular matching criteria associated with the particular waypoint are criteria that are satisfied when a user performs a search, against contents of documents in the repository of documents, that correctly responds to a previous waypoint that immediately precedes the particular waypoint in said trail; and storing the trail definition.data in a database; wherein the steps of receiving and storing are performed by one or more computing devices. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A computer readable storage medium for storing one or more sequences of instructions, when executed by one or more processors, cause:
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receiving trail definition data that specifies a trail, wherein the trail includes an ordered series of waypoints and wherein the ordered series of waypoints include; a trailhead, zero or more intermediate waypoints; and one or more trailends; wherein the trailhead is associated with a message; wherein each intermediate waypoint is associated with matching criteria and a message; wherein each trailend is associated with matching criteria and an action; wherein the trail includes a particular waypoint that is associated with particular matching criteria; wherein the particular matching criteria associated with the particular waypoint are criteria that are satisfied when a user performs a search, against contents of documents in the repository of documents, that correctly responds to a previous message of a previous waypoint that immediately precedes the particular waypoint in said trail; and storing the trail definition data in a database. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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Specification