More efficient search algorithm (MESA) using virtual search parameters
US7792808B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 7, 2005 |
| Grant date | Sep 7, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 7, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F16/24522
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.