WO2009108108A1

WO2009108108A1 - Search engine

Info

Publication number: WO2009108108A1
Application number: PCT/SE2009/050079
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anders Torelm; Jonas Bosson
Original assignee: Firstrater Ab
Priority date: 2008-02-25
Filing date: 2009-01-27
Publication date: 2009-09-03
Also published as: SE0800436L

Abstract

The invention relates to a search engine (26) running a program on a server computer and a client terminal, adapted to the ranking of service deliverers (34) announced by data provided through at least one server in a network of data and telecommunication, and a method therefore, Hereby, the invention provides a means of summation, to sum references from unstructured data provided through the at least one server in accordance with input search data (28, 30), to ranked structured service data (32) in the server computer, and a means of aggregating the structured data in the server computer to validate the ranked structure of service data providing suitable service deliverers (34). The static structured data from a specific set of search data comprises the same search result although altering search terms, thus providing that the search engine speeds up a search.

Description

SEARCH ENGINE

Technical Field

The present invention pertains to a search engine running a program on a server computer and client terminal, adapted to the ranking of service deliverers announced by data provided through at least one server in a network of data and telecommunication. Background art

There exists a problem on for instance the Internet in that it is easier to compare products and information found by a search engine then to compare services provided by service deliverers.

This notion relates to the relatively straight forward identification of products and the possibility to easily compare them. Services are not provided to be compared in the same manner as products when purchasing them. Additionally, it is hard for a purchaser and as well for a deliverer of services to recognize the extent of the service to be provided by the purchase.

Internet search engines do not attend to information about services, but only ranking documents. Those search engines handle all references in the same manner without an inherent understanding regarding the context of the found search links. See, for example, the US Patent 6,285,999 B1 to Page, titled "Method for Node Ranking in a Linked

Database". The rank assigned to a document according to this patent is calculated from the ranks of documents citing it. In addition, the rank of a document is calculated from a constant representing the probability that a browser through the database will randomly jump to the document.

Summary of the invention

The present invention aims to solve problems mentioned regarding search engine results for services provided by service deliverers through the World Wide Web such as for instance Internet. It thus, due to a static structured data provides the same search result although altering search terms, providing that the search engine of the present invention speeds up a search.

Hence, it sets forth a search engine running a program on a server computer and a client terminal, adapted to the ranking of service deliverers announced by data provided through at least one server in a network of data and telecommunication. The invention comprises: a means of ranking, to sum references from predetermined static structured and from unstructured data provided through the at least one server in accordance with input search data, to become ranked structured service data in the server computer;

SUBSTITUTE SHEE]JRULE^ a means of aggregating the structured data in the server computer to rank it by search parameters providing suitable service deliverers through static ranked structured

a means adapted to display the service deliverers to an end user through a display screen; and due to the static structured data a specific set of search data provides the same search result although altering search terms, thus providing that the search engine speeds up a search. in one embodiment of the present invention it provides the overview of the ranked data on the display screen, by utilizing a in-rnemory cache for summarization of database relations to locations and categories of services, whereby all available ranked results are displayed as categories, as oniy a fragment of ranked data is able to fit the screen.

Another embodiment provides a function of self adaption in the server computer, whereby an end-user of the client terminai and search engine associates input search data to areas of service deliverers to improve the associative vocabulary of free text

A further embodiment provides that the means of aggregating the structured data in the server computer validates ranked home pages providing service deliverers. A still further embodiment provides means of context descriptions in the server computer between lhe associated input search data and the service deliverers homepages, the description being dynamically updated in the server computer.

Yet one embodiment provides a means of mapping relations between service deliverers in the server computer, thus providing a ranking of service deliverers to an end- user of the client terminai.

Yet another embodiment provides the utilization of a fast memory map to quickly gain overview of ranked search options and efficiently dispiaying the options to the client terminal screen,

Ye! a still further embodiment provides that the engine tasks are accomplished in real time or near real time,

A still further embodiment provides a search pad interface, equipped with multiple pufl/sfide bars, which are utilized to sel the importance of preferences providing an unique flexible possibility to manage the weights of search preferences on a small space, and through a limited input greatly influence the a search result list, and speeding up a search.

Another embodiment provides that the ranking is provided through the formula: «*#*(*)^« £#;*/(*),

describing the process of the ranking.

Moreover, the present invention sets forth a method operated by a search engine running a program on a server computer and a cHent terminal, adapted to the ranking of service deliverers announced by data provided through at least one server in a network of data and telecommunication. The method comprises: ranking to sum references from predetermined static structured and from unstructured data provided through lhe at teas! one server in accordance with input search data, to become static ranked structured service data in the server computer; aggregating the structured data in the server computer to rank it by search parameters providing suitable service deliverers through static ranked structured data ; displaying the service deliverers to an end user through a display screen; and providing through the static structured data from a specific set of search data that W comprises the same search result aithough altering search terms, thus providing that the search engine speeds up a search.

Furthermore, the method provides embodiments conducted by lhe search engine as set forth through the attached independent method ciaims.

Henceforth, reference is had to the accompanied drawings and ils related text, whereby the present invention is described through given examples and provided embodiments for a better understanding of the invention, wherein:

Fig, 1 is schematically illustrating an embodiment of a diagram depicting a ranking of companies delivering services in accordance with the present Invention; Fsg, 2 Is schematicaily illustrating one embodiment of a connection design between parties and applications involved in a search according to the present invention; Fig. 3 is schematically iliustratiπg how service ranking, abilities and location data is stored in a lookup Sable for a better performance in search;

FIg. 4 is schematically illustrating how ranked search results are delivered selected by abilities and location using a tabie combined with a free-text search; and

Fig. 5 illustrates a search pad interface for advanced searches in accordance with the present invention.

As mentioned, there exists a problem when utilizing the Internet to conduct searches in that it is easier to compare products found by a search engine then to compare services provided by service deliverers. The present invention, due to static structured data provides the same search result in real time or near real lime although altering search terms, providing that the search engine of the present invention speeds up a search.

The present invention thus intends to solve problems related to find service providers/deliverers suitable and capable to assist a user that searches for specific services through for instance the Internet. Such services could be of any type such as catering, financial, health care, real estate, undertaker, craftsmanship, artisan, handyman, legal, automobile retailer, or any other service provided by a plurality of companies/firms/enterprises. It is thus appreciated that although the present description adheres to services provided by craftsmen and their associated firms almost every service providing firm/cornpany/enterprise and their customers could benefit from the findings of the

When a person would like to hire or is in need of a craftsman, there are plenty of details to take care of and decisions to make before deciding which firm gets the contract or being hired to provide the addressed craftsmanship, This involves for instance preparations such as blue prints and construction permit, and to answer question marks such as trade organisation member, tax permits, biack list, organisation number, state sheriff/enforcement authority, companies' registration office, guarantees, insurances, written offers, pricing model, certification, written agreements, inspection, and many other questions raised. What common consumer can take care of ai! these issues without guidance? The present invention internet search engine, rating services provided by companies solves these problems.

Hence, the present invention search engine and the method performed by it provides a unique independent ranking of craftsmen, as an example of a plurality of other business as mentioned above, according to predetermined criteria's such as type of company registration, address, number of employees, type of trade, and other useful information as mentioned above. Also, the search engine is adaptive and updates information on a real time or near real time basis. During registration of association to the databases operated by the search engine, and at purchase, the search engine catches consumer preferences and successively adjusts validations of search criteria's. It is the customer and user of the search engine that decides which craftsmen firms that are addressed, not the firms choosing among requests of services. The customer is supported all the way through the process of preparations, selection, ranking, inquires, and a closure regarding the choosing of a suitable craftsmen firm via Internet and the search engine. A knowledge database Wiki, like Wikipedia ® is provided in accordance with the present invention providing advices to the user of the search engine. Hence, the present invention provides a modern open powerful environment for development based on standards and modules, which are easily adapted, expanded, and integrated in existing technologies, and also reliable and scalable. It is developed on a platform, in one embodiment, comprising a Web 2,0 Ajax (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML), PHP (Personal HomePage tools), Eclipse (an open-source software framework written primarily in Java), Java, SQL (Structured Query Language), and XML (extensible Markup Language) operating in a Linux environment. A user of the search engine will find the search engine of the present invention comprised in web-readers such as for instance Expiorer, Firefox, and Opera or the like. The search engine of the present invention provides a combined algorithm for selection and ranking, thus summing references from unstructured data for search area restriction, an adaptive function where consumers/users associate search terms to service areas, aggregation of structured information to validate service deliverers properties, and context descriptions which are dynamically updated, Fig, 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a diagram depicting a ranking

{-5 to 100), x axis, of companies delivering services in accordance with She present invention. Depicted on the y axis as triangular and rectangular bodies 1O₅ 12, 14 18, 18 are available craftsmen firms, herein 100 000. Triangular company body 10 shows craftsmen firms not having a fax permit in contrary to rectanguiar bodies of firms 12, 14, 18, 18, having permits. As can be seen in Rg.1 , the 37 000 firms without tax permit achieved from ~5 to 10 on the ranking scale depicted on the x axis, or alternatively a crossed star or one star, by the present invention search engine, thus taking in consideration parameters important to a customer as mentioned above. They are also not being associated to a trade organization, and also non members of it. Rectangular body 12 depicts firms not being associated to a trade organization, and also non members of it, with a rating of maximum 10 or one star, Next rectangular body 14 represents firms that are associated to a trade organization, but non members of it, which are rated from 0 to 35 on the x axis, or through one to two stars. The body 16 depicts firms not being associated to a trade organization, but being members rated between 10 to 75, which encompasses one to four stars. Finally the body 18 depicts firms that are associated to a trade organization and being members of it, which firms are rated between 35 to100 on the x axis, resembling three to five stars. Bodies of firms 12, 16 make up 33 000 companies, and bodies 14, 18 count 30 000 on the y axis. The ranking utilized in Fig. 1 can of course be established with other symbols then those chosen herein. One embodiment of a ranking in accordance with the present invention provides a formula and a process described through the formula, Hence, the ranking process is depicted through the following formula: rank\k)"' ]|FY₍ i I

Hereby, the ranking process of a service/service deliverer [k] is the sum of ranked properties multiplied with the weight of respective ranking [I]. The function f(k) ™ an indicator of the service k^'s property I, whereby r, is a global indicator for the property L As can be derived from the formula a rank k equais the summation of properties i = 1...π of individual indexed rankings r times the function f(k). Fig, 2 is schematically iliustratiπg one embodiment of a connection design, depicted through modules 28 to 42, between parties and applications invoived in a search according to the present invention, ft depicts a user 24 or consumer of services provide by for instance the Internet. The arrows in Fig 1 depicl one embodiment of search communication provided by the present invention search engine 26. A user 24 looking for a service such as provided by a craftsmen firm/company 34 starts the search by describing 28 what kind of service wanted which results In a project 30 for the service in question. The search engine 28 canvases its database of registered companies through ranking 32 and finds the company 34, matching the service 36 required by the user 24, and the location of the company 34. There are mostly a muitipie of companies 34 presented to the user through a search, though only one shown in Fig, 2 for the sake of simplicity for the reader without departing from a real search.

The project 30 is provided the ranking 32 of the company 34, its services and location 38, for example, a city, part of a bigger city, or perhaps neighborhood, through the search engine 28. Thereafter, if the user 24 is satisfied with the rating 32 of the service 38 and location 38, a contact 40 with the company 34 is established through the project 30 by the will of the user 24. If both parties 24 and 34 agree to the intended provided service 36, She project 30 is prompted to issue a conlracf 42, delivered by the contact module 40 to the company 34 for signing and closure of a deal.

When the service 36 has been accomplished by the company 34, the user 24 provides the search engine 28 with parameters modifying the ranking 32 or establishing the former ranking provided to the user 24.

The present invention describes an embodiment to set forth the search engine of the present invention running a program on a server computer and a client termfnai, adapted to the ranking of service deiiverer firms/companies 34 announced by data provided through at least one server in a network of data and telecommunication. The invention comprises a means of summation, to sum references from unstructured data provided through al least one server on the Internet in accordance with input search data 28, 30, to ranked structured service data 32 in the server computer.

Moreover it comprises means of aggregating the structured data 32 in the server computer to validate the ranked structure of service data providing suitable service deliverers 34.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the overview of the ranked data on the screen of a user terminal, by utilizing an in-memory cache for summarization of database relations to locations and categories of services, whereby ail available ranked results are dispiayed as categories, as only a fragment of ranked data is able to fit the screen. Another embodiment provides a function of self adaption in the server computer, whereby an end- user 24 of the client terminal and search engine associates input search data to areas of service deliverers to improve the associative vocabulary of free text search. it is also provided that the means of aggregating the structured data in the server computer validates ranked home pages providing service deliverers 34, A further embodiment provides means of context descriptions in the server computer between the associated input search data and the service deliverers' homepages, the description being dynamicaϋy updated in the server computer. There is also provided a means of mapping relations between service deliverers 34 in the server computer for instance mapping carpenters and painters or other craftsmen's related to each other, thus providing a ranking 32 of service deliverers to an end-user 24 of the ciient terminal. A utilization of a fast memory map to quickfy gain overview of ranked search options and efficiently displaying the options to the client terminai screen is provided. The search engine tasks are accomplished in reai time such as updating new information and rankings in one embodiment. Now, with reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the advantages of the present invention are further explained. Fig.3 illustrates schematically how service ranking, abilities and location data is stored in a lookup table 80 for a better performance in search, The lookup table 80 is stored in a full text database 82 comprising ranked craftsmen companies through their id, location, and category 84 in this embodiment. Id refers to the identification of company/person. Location refers to where a company is situated, city, street, address etc., and category to a predefined set of service providers which offer similar businesses. A catalogue is a list, lookup table 80 providing all service providers in a ranked fashion in accordance with the present invention. In order to provide the lookup table Θ0, the database(-s) 82 contain structured, unstructured, and Wiki data about ranked service providers.

It is of importance to know how data relates to each other in real-time. Hence, the present invention utilizes structured predefined data about service providers such that being provided a specific search result, see Fig, 4, the ranked order of service providers will not be changed 84 when search terms are altered, Hereby, the search engine of the present invention utilizes predetermined static data of service providers, thus a search is predictable by not changing due to a change of search terms, and a search generates less information then conventional engines do, The Boolean search will be ranked in agreement with the user of the present invention search engine, as the ranked result does not change in a real time search when altering search terms for a further search. It thus provides an offer to users/customers of a predetermined static ranking.

The summation in accordance with the present invention is accomplished through a predefined summation of characteristics and a combination of a validation of parameters to a static ranking of service providers 84.

Hence, the static structured data, ranking service providers, does not rank data by the relation between search terms, A specific set of search data always provides the same search result. This makes the present invention search engine quicker then existing engines.

Fig. 4 schematically iilusf rating how ranked search results are delivered selected by abilities and location using a table 80 combined with a free-text search. A screen display 86 on a computer or a cellular device is depicted, where an end user 24 inputs a search 88 for service providers and gets a result overview 90 displaying search results 92 fitting in to the display screen 86 with for instance 10 search results 94 at the time, and being able to scroll further search results 98, A search in real time or near reai time will always display the same ranking of service providers 34 although alternating the search terms.

Fig. 5 illustrates an innovative search pad 100 interface, equipped with multiple pull/siide bars 102 which are utilized to set the importance of preferences 104, In this example preference 104 to be set by the pull bar 102 are credit worthiness, member of a trade organization, ISO9000 certified, environmental certified, union agreement, liability insurance, references, and years in business, With the pull bars 102 a user of the present invention search engine has a step less possibility to set the importance of each preference when conducting a search. Hence, the search pad 100 interface of the present invention provides an unique flexible possibility to manage the weights of search preferences on a small space and through a iimited input greatly influence the a search result list 92. It is also speeding up a search, Le,, it is faster then the current technology to control search engines. The attached set of daims provides further embodiments to a person skilled in the art; as such the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments and given examples.

Claims

1. A search engine running a program on a server computer and a client terminal, adapted to the ranking of service deliverers (34) announced by data provided through at least one server in a network of data and telecommunication, characterised in that it comprises: a means of ranking, to sum references from predetermined static structured and from unstructured data provided through said at ieast one server in accordance with input search data, to become ranked structured service data in said server computer; a means of aggregating said structured data in said server computer to rank it by search parameters providing suitable service deliverers through static ranked structured data; a means adapted to display said service deliverers (34) to an end user through a display screen (86); and whereby the server enables that due to said static structured data a specific se! of search data (92, 94, 98) provides the same search result aithough altering search terms, thus providing that said search engine speeds up a search.

2. A search engine according to claim 1 , wherein it provides an overview of said ranked data on said screen display (88), by utilizing an iπ-memory cache for summarization of database relations {82} to locations and categories of services, whereby all available ranked results are displayed as categories, as only a fragment of ranked data is able to fit the screen.

3. A search engine according to ciaim 1 , wherein it provides a function of self adaption in said server computer, whereby an end-user of said client terminal and search engine associates input search data to areas of service deliverers to improve the associative vocabulary of a free text search.

4. A search engine according to ciaim 1 , wherein said means of aggregating said structured data in said server computer validates ranked home pages providing service deliverers. 5. A search engine according to claim 3, wherein it provides means of context descriptions in said server computer between said associated input search data and said service deiiverers homepages, said description being dynamically updated in said server

8. A search engine according to claim 1 , wherein it provides a means of mapping relations between service deiiverers in said server computer, thus providing a ranking of service deliverers to an end-user of said ciient terminal.

7. A search engine according to claim 8, wherein it utilizes a fast memory map to quickly gain overview of ranked search options and efficiently dispiaying said options to said ciient terminal screen.

8. A search engine according to claim 1 , wherein it provides its tasks in real

9. A search engine according to claim 1 _t wherein it provides a search pad (100) interface, equipped with muitiple pull/slide bars (102) which are utilized to set the importance of preferences (104) providing an unique flexible possibility to manage the weights of search preferences on a small space, and through a limited input greatly influence the a search result list (92), and speeding up a search.

10. A search engine according to claim 1 , wherein said ranking is provided through the formula:

r««*(A)- ∑r, •/(*),

describing the process of said ranking.

11. A method operated by a search engine running a program on a server computer and a client terminal, adapted to the ranking of service deliverers (34) announced by data provided through at least one server in a network of data and telecommunication, characterised in that it comprises: ranking to sum references from predetermined static structured and from unstructured data provided through said at least one server in accordance with input search data, to become static ranked structured service data m said server computer, aggregating said structured data in said server computer to rank it by search parameters providing suitable service deliverers through static ranked structured data ; displaying said service deiiverers (34) Io an end user through a screen display (86); and providing through said static structured data from a specific set of search data that it comprises the same search result although altering search terms, thus providing that said search engine speeds up a search.

12. A method according to claim 11 , wherein it is providing an overview of said ranked data on said screen display, by utilizing an in-memory cache for summarization of database relations to locations and categories of services, whereby all available ranked results are displayed as categories, as only a fragment of ranked data is able to fit the screen,

13. A method according to claim 11, wherein it is providing a function of self adaption in said server computer, whereby an end-user of said ciiβni terminal and method associates input search data to areas of service deliverers to improve the associative vocabulary of free text search,

14. A method according to claim 11, wherein said aggregating of said structured data in said server computer vaiidates ranked home pages providing service

15, A method according to claim 13, wherein it is providing context descriptions in said server computer between said associated input search data and said service deliverers homepages, said description being dynamically updated in said server computer.

16. A method according to claim 11, wherein it is providing a mapping of relations between service deliverers in said server computer, thus providing a ranking of service deliverers to an end-user of said client terminal 17. A melhod according to claim 11 , wherein it is utilizing a fast memory map to quickly gain overview of ranked search options and efficiently displaying said options to said client terminal screen.

18, A method according to claim 1 1 , wherein it is providing its tasks in real time or near reai time. 19. A method according to ciaim 11, wherein it provides a search pad (100) interface, equipped with multiple puii/siide bars (102) which are utilized to set the importance of preferences (104) providing an unique flexible possibility to manage the weights of search preferences on a small space, and through a limited input greatly influence the a search result list (92), and speeding up a search. 20, A method according to claim 11 , wherein said ranking is provided through the formula:

describing the process of said ranking.