Search-result explanation systems and methods
Search-result explanation systems, methods, and computer-program products receive a user search query, expand the search query into a plurality of sub-queries, perform a database search using the expanded user search query, and determine which sub-queries of the plurality of sub-queries matched with a particular search result. Results from the database search are re-indexed in an index generated on-the-fly and in-memory, within which the results are searched using the sub-queries to determine matching fields and match types. A score is determined based on the type of match(es) with a particular search result based on one or more predefined weights and normalized using a denominator comprising a fictitious, on-the-fly record configured to receive a perfect score according to the received user search query. A user interface showing ranked results and explanations for the ranking, including a score for the result based on the expanded user search query.
1. A computer-implemented method of generating contextualized search-results from a user query of historical records, the method comprising:
receiving a set of search results from a database comprising historical records, the search results being based on a user query;
generating an index comprising the set of search results;
dividing the user query into a plurality of sub-queries, each sub-query comprising a component of the user query;
for each sub-query of the plurality of sub-queries:
searching the index using the sub-query to identify a corresponding historical record in the index, wherein the corresponding historical record matches the component of the sub-query;
identifying, within the corresponding historical record, a field that matches the component of the sub-query;
determining, from among a set of possible match types comprising exact matches, initial matches, and phonetic matches, a match type between the field and the component; and
calculating a score for the sub-query based at least on the match type for the sub-query.
2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising generating a total score for the search result corresponding to the historical record based on the score for each sub-query of the user query.
3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising applying a weight to the score based at least on the match type of the sub-query.
4. The computer-implemented method of claim 3 , further comprising generating a total score for the search result corresponding to the historical record based on the weighted score for each sub-query of the user query.
5. The computer-implemented method of claim 4 , further comprising:
generating additional total scores for additional results in the index based on respective sub-query scores; and
ranking the set of search results based on the total score and the additional total scores.
6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the index is generated in volatile memory.
7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising displaying the historical record, the score, and the match type for a search result.
8. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a computer system, cause the computer system to perform at least the following:
receive a set of search results from a database comprising historical records, the search results being based on a user query;
generate an index comprising the set of search results;
divide the user query into a plurality of sub-queries, each sub-query comprising a component of the user query;
for each sub-query of the plurality of sub-queries:
search the index using the sub-query to identify a corresponding historical record in the index, wherein the corresponding historical record matches the component of the sub-query;
identify, within the corresponding historical record, a field that matches the component of the sub-query;
determine, from among a set of possible match types comprising exact matches, initial matches, and phonetic matches, a match type between the field and the component; and
calculate a score for the sub-query based at least on the match type for the sub-query.
9. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 8 , wherein the instructions are further executable by the one or more processors to cause the computer system to generate a total score for the search result corresponding to the historical record based on the score for each sub-query of the user query.
10. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 8 , wherein the instructions are further executable by the one or more processors to cause the computer system to apply a weight to the score based at least on the match type of the sub-query.
11. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10 , wherein the instructions are further executable by the one or more processors to cause the computer system to generate a total score for the search result corresponding to the historical record based on the weighted score for each sub-query of the user query.
12. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 11 , wherein the instructions are further executable by the one or more processors to cause the computer system to:
generate additional total scores for additional results in the index based on respective sub-query scores; and
rank the set of search results based on the total score and the additional total scores.
13. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 8 , wherein the instructions are further executable by the one or more processors to cause the computer system to generate the index generated in volatile memory.
14. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 8 , wherein the instructions are further executable by the one or more processors to cause the computer system to display the historical record, the score, and the match type for a search result.
15. A computer system comprising:
one or more processors; and
a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the computer system to perform at least the following:
receive a set of search results from a database comprising historical records, the search results being based on a user query;
generate an index comprising the set of search results;
divide the user query into a plurality of sub-queries, each sub-query comprising a component of the user query;
for each sub-query of the plurality of sub-queries:
search the index using the sub-query to identify a corresponding historical record in the index, wherein the corresponding historical record matches the component of the sub-query;
identify, within the corresponding historical record, a field that matches the component of the sub-query;
determine, from among a set of possible match types comprising exact matches, initial matches, and phonetic matches, a match type between the field and the component; and
calculate a score for the sub-query based at least on the match type for the sub-query.
16. The computer system of claim 15 , wherein the instructions are further executable by the one or more processors to cause the computer system to generate a total score for the search result corresponding to the historical record based on the score for each sub-query of the user query.
17. The computer system of claim 15 , wherein the instructions are further executable by the one or more processors to cause the computer system to apply a weight to the score based at least on the match type of the sub-query.
18. The computer system of claim 17 , wherein the instructions are further executable by the one or more processors to cause the computer system to generate a total score for the search result corresponding to the historical record based on the weighted score for each sub-query of the user query.
19. The computer system of claim 18 , wherein the instructions are further executable by the one or more processors to cause the computer system to:
generate additional total scores for additional results in the index based on respective sub-query scores; and
rank the set of search results based on the total score and the additional total scores.
20. The computer system of claim 19 , wherein the instructions are further executable by the one or more processors to cause the computer system to cause a user device to display the historical record, the score, and the match type for a search result.