Methods and systems for searching
US11586674B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 28, 2016 |
| Grant date | Feb 21, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 12, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F16/2237
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
This invention relates to methods and systems for searching. It is particularly applicable to methods of searching which enable efficient identification of compatible portfolios. Embodiments of the invention propose methods of searching which address the huge search space issue associated with identifying compatible portfolios. In particular, embodiments of the invention start their search operations simultaneously from both sides by both trying to form valid portfolios from candidate products until a valid solution is found and trying to find conflicts from the defined compatibility rules until a conflict is found which leads to the conclusion that no valid solution exists. A conclusion from either process will stop the whole searching process which can significantly reduce blind and unnecessary searching in the whole search space. In embodiments of the invention, the two sides of the search process are also connected in a way which permits two-way communications between the processes to share information about invalid search branches during the execution of the search. The shared information is then used to direct the current and later stage of search execution. Such exchange of …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.