APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING SEARCH RESULTS WITH A VARIETY OF DISPLAY PARADIGMS
A graphical user interface includes tabs representative of different classes of search results. The tabs are derived in response to the processing of a query. The different classes of search results group content by meaning, such that a query term with different meanings produces different classes of search results with different meanings. Further, stacks associated with each tab are derived. Each stack shares common attributes associated with a tab but has a refined meaning representing a different class of search results. Each stack includes text to characterize a class of search results.
1 . A graphical user interface, comprising:
tabs representative of different classes of search results derived in response to the processing of a query, wherein the different classes of search results group content by meaning, such that a query term with different meanings produces different classes of search results with different meanings; and
stacks associated with each tab, each stack sharing common attributes associated with a tab but having a refined meaning representing a different class of search results, wherein each stack includes text to characterize a class of search results.
2 . The graphical user interface of claim 1 further comprising configurable parameters to format search results.
3 . The graphical user interface of claim 2 wherein the configurable parameters include a configurable parameter to specify column configuration.
4 . The graphical user interface of claim 2 wherein the configurable parameters include a configurable parameter to specify textual summary length.
5 . The graphical user interface of claim 1 wherein the graphical user interface displays match indicia that directs a user to a web site without returning a search result page.
6 . The graphical user interface of claim 5 wherein the match indicia includes at least two of a destination URL, a destination icon and a trade name.
7 . The graphical user interface of claim 1 further comprising:
a scroll area displaying search results; and
a permanently displayed anchored area.
8 . The graphical user interface of claim 1 further comprising a menu of refining search terms that is dynamically derived in response to the processing of the query.
9 . The graphical user interface of claim 1 further comprising a menu of refining search terms grouped into categories.
10 . The graphical user interface of claim 1 further comprising:
a document retrieved by processing the query; and
an advertisement selected based upon the document.
11 . The graphical user interface of claim 1 further comprising an advertisement associated with a tab.
12 . The graphical user interface of claim 1 further comprising an advertisement associated with a permanently displayed anchored area.
13 . The graphical user interface of claim 1 further comprising an advertisement associated with a menu of refining search terms.
14 . The graphical user interface of claim 1 further comprising an advertisement associated with a menu of refining search terms grouped into categories.
15 . The graphical user interface of claim 1 further comprising an advertisement selected from an image, text and an icon.
16 . The graphical user interface of claim 1 wherein a tab sponsored by an advertiser has content organized in accordance with criteria specified by the advertiser.
17 . The graphical user interface of claim 1 wherein the tabs and stacks are dynamically derived in response to the processing of the query.
18 . The graphical user interface of claim 1 further comprising executable instructions to:
receive a search query; and
produce match indicia that directs a user to a website without returning a search result page, wherein the match indicia includes at least two of a destination URL, a destination icon and a trade name.
19 . The graphical user interface of claim 18 wherein the destination icon is retrieved without accessing a website landing page.
20 . The graphical user interface of claim 18 wherein the match indicia has a related advertisement.