More efficient search algorithm (MESA) using alpha omega search strategy
First Claim
1. A method of searching and retrieving from a database, comprising the steps of:
- establishing a communication link between a requestor and a service provider, and the communication link originating from the requestor;
receiving requested database record information from the requestor, requestor inputting a search query that includes non-sequential first and last elements of a plurality of different terms in a single search field of a requested database record, wherein first and last elements are each a single alphanumeric character, and the search query omits a plurality of elements of the search field positioned between the first and last elements; and
executing the search query;
selecting at least one database record that matches the search query and supplying the requestor with information from the selected database record.
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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.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method of searching and retrieving from a database, comprising the steps of:
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establishing a communication link between a requestor and a service provider, and the communication link originating from the requestor; receiving requested database record information from the requestor, requestor inputting a search query that includes non-sequential first and last elements of a plurality of different terms in a single search field of a requested database record, wherein first and last elements are each a single alphanumeric character, and the search query omits a plurality of elements of the search field positioned between the first and last elements; and
executing the search query;selecting at least one database record that matches the search query and supplying the requestor with information from the selected database record. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of providing a database record retrieval service, comprising the steps of:
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establishing a communication link between a requestor and a service provider, and the communication link originating from the requestor; receiving requested database record information from the requestor; formulating a search query based on the requested database record information that includes non-sequential first and last elements of a plurality of different terms in a single search field, wherein first and last elements are each a single alphanumeric character, and the search query omits a plurality of elements of the search field positioned between the first and last elements;
executing the search query;selecting at least one database record that matches the search query; and supplying the requestor with information from the selected database record. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification