Patent · US Active

Database search method and apparatus

US11561980B2 · kind B2 · utility

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20Claims
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Key dates

Filing dateNov 30, 2018
Grant dateJan 24, 2023
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 20, 2039

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG06F16/9035
  • WIPO fieldComputer technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A search apparatus (1) coupled to a database, the apparatus (1) comprising: a processor configured to execute instructions; a memory storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: search the database for items containing a search term, wherein items containing the search term are matched items; identify fields corresponding to attributes of the matched items; define a range of values for each field; divide the range of values for each field into a plurality of ranged field buckets; distribute the matched items between the ranged field buckets based on attributes of the matched items that are within the range of values for each ranged field bucket; calculate an effectiveness value for each field based on the number of matched items in each of the ranged field buckets; select one or more top fields, each top field having an effectiveness value that is greater than a predetermined effectiveness value; and provide an effectiveness indicator output which is indicative of the effectiveness of each top field such that a user can use the effectiveness indicator output to select a top field for use as a filter in a further search.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.