User interface mechanisms for query refinement
First Claim
1. A method, performed by one or more computing devices, for processing queries, comprising:
- receiving an input query, corresponding to a complete query or a yet-to-be-completed query;
matching the input query against query-detection grammars defined by respective rule modules, with reference to a structured knowledge base, to generate a matching result;
generating a first set of one or more synthetic query suggestions based on the matching result;
presenting the first set of synthetic query suggestions;
in response to the input query, or a later modification of the input query, further generating a query refinement tool, the query refinement tool specifying a plurality of refinement options;
presenting the query refinement tool;
receiving a selection of a refinement option identified by the query refinement tool; and
in response to the selection, presenting a second set of one or more synthetic query suggestions, the second set of synthetic query suggestions being more refined compared to the first set of synthetic query suggestions,each synthetic query suggestion in the first set and the second set;
being predicated on one or more matching query-expression grammars,being formed as an expressive natural language modification of an input query, andpertaining to at least one information item contained in the structured knowledge base.
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Abstract
A query processing system (QPS) for generating query suggestions to a user by matching the user'"'"'s input query against a set of query-detection grammars defined by respective rule modules, and with respect to a structured knowledge base. In response to the matching operation, the QPS may generate a set of synthetic query suggestions to the user, representing refinements of the user'"'"'s input query. The QPS can also present a refinement tool that conveys refinement options to the user. The QPS may also present one or more preview items to the user upon the user'"'"'s selection of one of the synthetic query suggestions. Each synthetic query suggestion and each preview item is guaranteed to having a matching counterpart information item in the structured knowledge base.
45 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method, performed by one or more computing devices, for processing queries, comprising:
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receiving an input query, corresponding to a complete query or a yet-to-be-completed query; matching the input query against query-detection grammars defined by respective rule modules, with reference to a structured knowledge base, to generate a matching result; generating a first set of one or more synthetic query suggestions based on the matching result; presenting the first set of synthetic query suggestions; in response to the input query, or a later modification of the input query, further generating a query refinement tool, the query refinement tool specifying a plurality of refinement options; presenting the query refinement tool; receiving a selection of a refinement option identified by the query refinement tool; and in response to the selection, presenting a second set of one or more synthetic query suggestions, the second set of synthetic query suggestions being more refined compared to the first set of synthetic query suggestions, each synthetic query suggestion in the first set and the second set; being predicated on one or more matching query-expression grammars, being formed as an expressive natural language modification of an input query, and pertaining to at least one information item contained in the structured knowledge base. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A computer readable storage medium for storing computer readable instructions, the computer readable instructions performing a method, when executed by one or more processing devices, that comprises:
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receiving an input query, corresponding to a complete query or a yet-to-be-completed query; matching the input query against query-detection grammars defined by respective rule modules, with reference to a structured knowledge base, to generate a matching result; generating a first set of one or more synthetic query suggestions based on the matching result; presenting the first set of synthetic query suggestions; in response to the input query, or a later modification of the input query, further generating a query refinement tool, the query refinement tool specifying a plurality of refinement options; presenting the query refinement tool; receiving a selection of a refinement option identified by the query refinement tool; and in response to the selection, presenting a second set of one or more synthetic query suggestions, the second set of synthetic query suggestions being more refined compared to the first set of synthetic query suggestions, each synthetic query suggestion in the first set and the second set; being predicated on one or more matching query-expression grammars, being formed as an expressive natural language modification of an input query, and pertaining to at least one information item contained in the structured knowledge base. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A device comprising:
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a processor; and executable instructions operable by the processor, the executable instructions comprising a method for processing queries, the method comprising; receiving an input query, corresponding to a complete query or a yet-to-be-completed query; matching the input query against query-detection grammars defined by respective rule modules, with reference to a structured knowledge base, to generate a matching result; generating a first set of one or more synthetic query suggestions based on the matching result; presenting the first set of synthetic query suggestions; in response to the input query, or a later modification of the input query, further generating a query refinement tool, the query refinement tool specifying a plurality of refinement options; presenting the query refinement tool; receiving a selection of a refinement option identified by the query refinement tool; and in response to the selection, presenting a second set of one or more synthetic query suggestions, the second set of synthetic query suggestions being more refined compared to the first set of synthetic query suggestions, each synthetic query suggestion in the first set and the second set; being predicated on one or more matching query-expression grammars, being formed as an expressive natural language modification of an input query, and pertaining to at least one information item contained in the structured knowledge base. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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Specification