IP Library Granted Patent US 7,472,120
Granted Patent B2
US 7,472,120 · App. 11/471,238 · Granted Dec 30, 2008

Systems and methods for collaborative searching

Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,472,120
App. No.
11/471,238
Granted
Dec 30, 2008
Kind
B2
Abstract

Systems and methods for collaborative searching are described. In an embodiment of the present invention, a database stores previously executed queries and corresponding results. An application server compares an entered query with the previously executed queries. If the application server finds a query that is substantially similar to the entered query, the application server returns the results corresponding to the previously executed query. If no substantially similar result is found, the query is executed against one or more data sources. When results are returned, an embodiment provides the user with the ability to rate them. The ratings are used to determine the similarity of various queries.

Claims (15)

1. A computer-implemented method for searching information network-based content, comprising:

receiving a first query;

before executing the first query, searching a database for a second query, wherein the second query bears a predetermined substantial similarity to the first query;

upon finding the second query, retrieving the second query and a corresponding result of the second query from the database and presenting the corresponding result and the second query;

determining whether the corresponding result of the second query is an acceptable response to the first query;

if the corresponding result is not an acceptable response, executing the first query in an information network and presenting a new result based on the execution of the first query;

upon failing to find a second query, executing the first query in an information network and presenting an original result of the first query;

accepting a rating of the new result, the original result, or the corresponding result; and

storing the rating in the database.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first query comprises a voice query.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second query is identical to the first query.

4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising storing the original result in the database.

5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising monitoring an evolution of the second query.

6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising using a natural language engine to compare the first query and the second query.

7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising recommending a search strategy in response to receiving the first query.

Assignments (5)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jun 24, 2010
From: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
To: KNAPP INVESTMENT COMPANY LIMITED
Reel/Frame 024576/0669 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Nov 26, 2008
From: AT&T DELAWARE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.
To: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
Reel/Frame 021893/0305 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Nov 26, 2008
From: BELLSOUTH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION
To: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.
Reel/Frame 021893/0629 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Nov 26, 2008
From: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.
To: AT&T BLS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.
Reel/Frame 021894/0035 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Nov 26, 2008
From: AT&T BLS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.
To: AT&T DELAWARE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.
Reel/Frame 021894/0066 →
Continuity (2)
Continuation 1024426100 · Sep 16, 2002
Related Publication 20060242133A1 · Oct 26, 2006