Trail-based exploration of a repository of documents
First Claim
1. A method for trail-based exploration by a user 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 each intermediate waypoint is associated with corresponding matching criteria;
wherein each trailend is associated with matching criteria;
wherein the ordered series includes a first waypoint and a second waypoint that immediately follows the first waypoint;
wherein the second waypoint is either an intermediate waypoint or a trailend;
wherein the second waypoint corresponds to a particular set of matching criteria and to a particular action;
establishing the first waypoint in the ordered series of waypoints as a current waypoint;
while the first waypoint is the current waypoint, performing the steps of;
when a user performs a search based on user-entered search terms against said repository, performing the steps of;
(a) comparing the user-entered search terms against contents of items in the repository to generate search results for the search based, at least in part, on which items within the repository match the user-entered search terms; and
(b) determining whether the search satisfies the particular set of matching criteria associated with the second waypoint;
in response to determining that the search satisfies the particular set of matching criteria associated with the second waypoint, establishing the second waypoint as the current waypoint and performing the particular action;
wherein at least the steps of comparing and determining 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.
37 Citations
48 Claims
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1. A method for trail-based exploration by a user 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 each intermediate waypoint is associated with corresponding matching criteria; wherein each trailend is associated with matching criteria; wherein the ordered series includes a first waypoint and a second waypoint that immediately follows the first waypoint; wherein the second waypoint is either an intermediate waypoint or a trailend; wherein the second waypoint corresponds to a particular set of matching criteria and to a particular action; establishing the first waypoint in the ordered series of waypoints as a current waypoint; while the first waypoint is the current waypoint, performing the steps of; when a user performs a search based on user-entered search terms against said repository, performing the steps of; (a) comparing the user-entered search terms against contents of items in the repository to generate search results for the search based, at least in part, on which items within the repository match the user-entered search terms; and (b) determining whether the search satisfies the particular set of matching criteria associated with the second waypoint; in response to determining that the search satisfies the particular set of matching criteria associated with the second waypoint, establishing the second waypoint as the current waypoint and performing the particular action; wherein at least the steps of comparing and determining 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, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing one or more sequences of instructions which, 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 each intermediate waypoint is associated with corresponding matching criteria; wherein each trailend is associated with matching criteria; wherein the ordered series includes a first waypoint and a second waypoint that immediately follows the first waypoint; wherein the second waypoint is either an intermediate waypoint or a trailend; wherein the second waypoint corresponds to a particular set of matching criteria and to a particular action; establishing the first waypoint in the ordered series of waypoints as a current waypoint; while the first waypoint is the current waypoint, performing the steps of; when a user performs a search based on user-entered search terms against said repository, performing the steps of; (a) comparing the user-entered search terms against contents of items in the repository to generate search results for the search based, at least in part, on which items within the repository match the user-entered search terms; and (c) determining whether the search satisfies the particular set of matching criteria associated with the second waypoint; in response to determining that the search satisfies the particular set of matching criteria associated with the second waypoint, establishing the second waypoint as the current waypoint and performing the particular action. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48)
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Specification