Enabling searching on abbreviated search terms via messaging
US7966304B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 30, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jun 21, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 21, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F16/3343
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
System and method for processing a search query using partial indexing to enable use of abbreviated search terms in the query. A mobile device sends a search request (e.g. a text message) to a server over a network. Search request terms can include subsets of feature identifiers and function as partial indexes. The search request can include additional context (e.g. to indicate desired service such as restaurant or transportation, or additional geographic information). The server matches the terms to an interim search result such as one or more geographic locations, and then provides information regarding the interim result to the mobile device. Partial indexing of a database or of one or more tables of the database (e.g. for a geographic area) can be adjusted to balance a minimum term size (e.g. minimum number of characters) against an average, maximum, or median number of matching locations or services.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.