Methods and apparatus for entity search
US7483894B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 22, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jan 27, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 22, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S707/99935
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatus that deliver a searching experience that is substantially akin to consultation with a human expert, and that satisfies a user's information need in fulfilling projects such as purchasing, shopping, procurement, bartering, requesting for quotes, in online retail, traditional retail, wholesale, health care, travel, real estate, restaurant-going, entertainment, logistics, and sourcing are disclosed. Search results often contain entities that provide services and products. Records being searched are associated with industry sectors in a broad sense. Industry sector information is first derived from a user query; and is used in determining relevant and adequate additional questions for a searcher, and in matching, ranking, and presenting search results.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.