FR3054762A1 - PERFORMING SEARCHES IN AN ELECTRONIC DATA SET - Google Patents

Abstract

Systems, methods and computer program products for searching electronic data sets. A search request for the electronic data set is received by a client device. In response to receiving the search request, the results of the search query are determined, each of the results including data from the electronic data set. Subsequently, each of the results is selected for display by the client device and is then transmitted to the client device for display. After the result selected and transmitted to the client device, a user refusal of the selected result is received including a justification for the denial. In response to receiving the denial of the selected result, another result is selected for display by the client device based on the justification of the denial. The other result is then transmitted to the client device for display.

Description

Holder (s): Amadeus S.A.S ..

Extension request (s)

Agent (s): SAMSON & PARTNER PATENTANWALTE MBB.

FR 3 054 762 - A1 (54) PERFORM SEARCHES IN AN ELECTRONIC DATA SET.

©) Systems, methods and computer program products for searching electronic data sets. A search request for the electronic data set is received by a client device. In response to receiving the search request, the results of the search request are determined, each of the results including data from the electronic data set. Thereafter, each of the results is selected for display by the client device and is then transmitted to the client device for display. After the selected result is transmitted to the client device, a refusal by a user of the selected result is received including a justification for the refusal. In response to receiving the rejection of the selected result, another result is selected for display by the client device based on the justification for the rejection. The other result is then transmitted to the client device for display.

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PERFORMING SEARCHES IN AN ELECTRONIC DATA SET

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to electronic data sets and more particularly to systems, methods and computer program products for performing searches and providing results from data sets electronic.

BACKGROUND On receipt of a search request from a user, a conventional search engine typically examines an electronic data set to determine the elements of the data set that correspond to the search request. . The search engine then displays the elements identified for the user in the form of a list on the user's electronic device. However, since the dataset in which the search is carried out is often very large and therefore often includes several elements which correspond to the user's search query, the list of elements displayed on the device of the user also tends to be very broad. Consequently, the volume of data transmitted and stored on the user's device for displaying the list is large, without taking into account the fact that several elements in the list may not be of any interest to the user. In addition, some of the elements which interest the user can be displayed further in the list, after several elements for which the user has no interest; in this case the user is overwhelmed and stops browsing the list before reaching the interesting elements. In addition, depending on the space available on the screen on the user's device, the displayed list can occupy the screen surface or be displayed in very small characters to accommodate the screen surface; in any case, scrolling through the list can be very difficult. These problems are particularly common on portable devices typically including a smaller screen.

Therefore, improved systems, methods and computer program products are required to search electronic data sets and to provide the user with increasingly relevant search results in a format easily readable.

SUMMARY In one embodiment, a method for performing searches in an electronic data set includes the reception of a search request for said electronic data set by one or more processors and coming from a client device. . In response to receiving the search request, the method includes determining by one or more processors, results for the search request. Each of the results includes data from the electronic dataset. Subsequently, the method includes the selection, by one or more processors, of a first result for display on the user's device and the transmission, by one or more processors, of the first result to the client device for display by the client device. After the transmission of the first result to the client device, the method includes the reception, by one or more processors and coming from the client device, of a refusal of the first result from the user. The refusal includes a justification for the refusal of the first result. In response to receiving the refusal of the first result, based on the justification for the refusal, the method includes the selection, by one or more processors, of a second result for display by the client device and the transmission, by one or more multiple processors, from the second result to the client device for display by the client device.

In response to receiving the search request, the method may also include determining an initial reference point of the data based on the search request. Therefore, selecting the first result for display by the client device may include determining the result closest to the initial data reference point and selecting the result that is closest to the initial data reference point as the first result. . Furthermore, the selection of the second result for display by the client device based on the justification of the refusal may include, in response to receipt of the refusal, the adjustment of the initial reference point of the data on the basis of the justification, the determination of the result closest to the adjusted reference point of the data, not yet transmitted to the client device for display and selection of the result, not yet transmitted to the client device, for display, which is closest to the benchmark adjusted data as second result.

[0006] After the transmission of the second result to the client device, the method can also include the reception, from the client device, of an indication that the user is interested in the second result. In response to receiving the indication that the user is interested in the second result, the method may further include adding the second result to a cache of results that interest the user, determining the results that have not yet been transmitted to the client device and the transmission of the result has not yet been transmitted to the client device for display, which is closest to the initial reference point of the data.

The initial data reference point can include first values which are each associated with a different category among two or more categories and each of the results can include attributes which are each associated with a different category among the categories. Therefore, determining the results of the search query may include assigning second values to each of the results, in which each of the second values may be associated with a different category among the categories and may be based on the attribute of the result related to the associated category. Furthermore, the determination of the results closest to the initial reference point of the data may include, for each of the results, the calculation of a first weighted quadratic distance between the initial reference point of the data and the result based on first values. from the initial data reference point and second values assigned to the results, and selecting the result with the lowest weighted first quadratic distance as the result closest to the initial data reference point.

The method can also include assigning a third value to each of the categories. The third value assigned to each category can indicate the importance of the category to the user. Consequently, the calculation of the first weighted quadratic distance between the initial reference point of the data and each of the results can, moreover, be based on the third value assigned to each of the categories.

The justification for the refusal can be linked to one of the categories. Consequently, the selection of the second result for display by the client device based on the justification of the refusal may include the increase of the third value assigned to the category to which the justification of the refusal relates and the selection of the second result for display by the client device based on the third increased value. In addition, the justification for the refusal may indicate that one of the second values assigned to the first result is too low. Consequently, the selection of the second result for display by the client device, on the basis of the justification of the refusal, may include the adjustment of the initial reference point of the data by increasing the first value associated with the category which is associated with the second value indicated as being too low by the justification, the calculation of a second weighted quadratic distance between the adjusted reference point of the data and each of the results not yet transmitted to the client device for display, and the selection of the result whose second weighted quadratic distance is the lowest as a second result.

In response to receiving the first result, the client device can be configured to display a graphical user interface for the first result on a screen of the client device. The graphical user interface can include a plurality of icons, each of the icons possibly being associated with a different category among the categories. The graphical user interface can also be configured to allow the user to move one of the icons on one of two or more portions of the screen of the client device and the justification for refusing the first result can be determined according to of the part of the screen where the icon is moved.

The search query can include search criteria and the electronic data set can include databases of primary data objects, a cache database, and additional information databases provided by some thirds. Therefore, determining the results of the search query may include removing, from the databases of primary data objects, primary data objects based on the search criteria. After retrieving the primary data objects, the method may include removing, from the cache database, additional data for each primary data object from a first subset of primary data objects. The cache database can include additional data retrieved from one or more previous search queries. After the additional data for each primary data object of the first subset of primary data objects is retrieved from the cache database, the method may include removing from the supplementary information databases to each of the primary data objects for which additional data has not been retrieved from the cache database. The method may further include formulating results based on the primary data objects and on the additional data retrieved from each of the primary data objects. Each of the results can include at least a portion of one of the primary data objects and additional data retrieved for the primary data object.

In another embodiment, a method for performing a search in an electronic data set includes at least one processor and a memory storing instructions. In response to receiving a search request for the electronic data set from a client device, the instructions, executed by at least one processor, cause the system to determine results for the search request. Each of the results includes data from the electronic dataset. Thereafter, the instructions cause the system to select a first result for display by the client device and to transmit the first result to the client device for display by the client device. After the transmission of the first result to the client device and in response to the reception, coming from the client device, of a user refusal for the first result, the refusal of the first result including a justification of the refusal, the instructions bring the system selecting a second result based on the justification of the refusal, for display by the client device, and transmitting the second result to the client device for display by the client device.

In response to the reception of a search request, the instructions can, moreover, during execution, cause the system to determine an initial reference point of the data based on the search request. Therefore, the instructions may cause the system to select the first result for display by the client device by causing the system to determine which of the results is closest to the initial reference point of the data and to select the result closest to the point. initial reference data as the first result. Furthermore, the instructions may cause the system to select the second result for display by the client device on the basis of the justification of the refusal by causing the system, in response to the reception of the refusal, to adjust the initial reference point of the data. on the basis of the justification, to determine which of the results, which has not yet been transmitted to the client device for display, is the closest to the initial adjusted reference point of the data and to select the result, which has not yet been transmitted to the client device for display, which is closest to the adjusted datum point, as a second result.

After the transmission of the second result to the client device, and in response to the reception from the client device of a signal that the user is interested in the second result, the instructions, during execution, can, moreover, cause the system to add the second result to a cache of the results which interest the user, to determine which of the results, which has not yet been transmitted to the client device for display, is the closest to the adjusted reference point of the data and to transmit to the client device for display the result, not yet transmitted to the client device for display, which is closest to the adjusted reference point of the data.

The data initiation reference point can include first values, each of which is associated with one of two or more different categories, each being associated with a different category among the categories. Therefore, the instructions can cause the system to determine the results for the search query by causing the system to assign second values to each of the results. Each of the second values can be associated with a different category among the categories and can be based on the attribute of the result which is linked to the associated category. Furthermore, the instructions can cause the system to determine which of the results is closest to the initial reference point of the data by causing the system to calculate, for each of the results, a first weighted quadratic distance between the initial reference point of the data and the result based on the first values of the initial reference point of the data and the second values assigned to the result, and to select the result whose first weighted quadratic distance is the lowest as the result closest to the initial reference point of the data .

The instructions, during execution, can also cause the system to assign a third value to each of the categories. The third value assigned to each category can indicate the importance of the category to the user. Consequently, the instructions can cause the system to calculate the first weighted quadratic distance between the initial reference point of the data and each of the results on the basis of the third value assigned to each of the categories.

The justification for the refusal can be linked to one of the categories. Consequently, the instructions can cause the system to select the second result for display by the client device on the basis of the justification of the refusal by causing the system to increase the third value assigned to the category targeted by the justification of the refusal and to select the second result for display by the client device on the basis of the third increased value. In addition, the justification for the refusal may indicate that one of the second values assigned to the first result is too low. Consequently, the instructions can cause the system to select the second result for display by the client device on the basis of the justification for the refusal, causing the system to adjust the initial reference point of the data by increasing the first value which is linked to the category associated with the second value indicated by the justification as being too low, to calculate a second weighted quadratic distance between the adjusted reference point of the data and each of the results not yet transmitted to the client device for display, and to select the result with the lowest weighted second quadratic distance as the second result.

In yet another embodiment, a computer program product includes a durable computer-readable storage medium and instructions recorded on the durable computer-readable storage medium. The instructions, during execution by one or more processors of a system, cause the system, in response to reception from a client device, of a search request for a set of electronic data, to be determined results for the search query. Each of the results includes data from the electronic data set. Thereafter, the instructions cause the system to select a first result for display by the client device and to transmit the first result to the client device for display by the client device. After the transmission of the first result to the client device and in response to the reception from the client device of a refusal on the part of the user for the first result, the refusal including a justification for the refusal of the first result, the instructions cause the system to select a second result for display by the client device based on the justification of the refusal and to transmit the second result to the client device for display by the client device.

The above summary may provide a simplified overview of some of the embodiments of the invention in order to give a basic understanding of certain aspects of the invention discussed herein. The summary does not purport to provide an extensive overview of the invention and is not intended to identify any key or critical elements or to define the scope of the invention. The sole purpose of the summary is to simply present a few concepts in a simplified form as a preamble to the detailed description presented below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The embodiments of the present invention will be better understood and will be appreciated more fully by reading the detailed description below which completes the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary operating environment which includes a plurality of systems for searching a set of electronic data.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an exemplary computer system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an exemplary processing architecture which can be implemented by one or more of the FIG computer systems. 1.

FIG. 4 is a sequential diagram of an exemplary method for processing a search request for a set of electronic data which can be implemented by the FIG processing architecture. 3.

FIG. 5 is a sequential diagram of an exemplary method for displaying the results of a search request for a set of electronic data to a user which can be implemented by the processing architecture of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary graph including a reference point of initial data and results for a search query for a set of electronic data.

FIG. 7 and an exemplary graph including an adjusted reference point of the data and results for a search query for a set of electronic data.

FIG. 8 is a view of an exemplary graphical user interface which can be provided by one or more of the FIG computer systems. 1.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary interaction with the graphical user interface of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0030] Herein, methods and computer program products are described for performing searches in electronic data sets in order to determine results for a search query and to transmit these results to the user. However, rather than presenting, according to traditional practice, a large list of results to the user, which can overwhelm the user and cause relevant results to be overlooked, the embodiments described herein present a single result both to the user. For each result displayed, the user can indicate if he is interested in the result. If the user indicates that he is not interested in a given result, the user can then explain why the result is not satisfactory. The next result displayed for the user can then be adjusted according to the justification provided by the user. In this way each displayed result can be determined dynamically on the basis of the inputs received from a user, relating to one or more results previously displayed, which allows the embodiments to create an increasingly centered experience and to more and more relevant to the user during the search carried out in a large set of electronic data while achieving savings in computer resources and also reducing the volume of data transmitted to the user's device over the network. These embodiments can be particularly beneficial in situations involving devices with smaller screens, such as mobile phones and tablets, which by nature are generally not suitable for scrolling through long lists of results.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an operating environment 10 which may include a client device 12, a request processing system 14 and one or more data provider systems 16. Each of these systems can be activated in a communicative manner to interact with each other. others via a network 24, such as the Internet. In addition, two or more of the systems can be combined with each other. For example, the request processing system 14 can be hosted on one or more of the data provider systems 16.

The client device 12 can be an electronic device which allows a user to access information and services remotely via the Internet. In particular, the client device 12 can include a browser and / or one or more applications which allow the user to access the request processing system 14 and the data provider system 16. Examples, non-limiting, of client device 12 include a desktop computer, laptop, or mobile electronic device such as a mobile phone or tablet which may include a smaller screen limiting the user's ability to easily scroll through a large list results for a search query.

The request processing system 14 can be configured to allow a user, for example with the client device 12, to submit a search request for a large set of electronic data which can be hosted on one or more of the systems of the data provider 16. In particular, a user can use the client device 12 to access a graphical user interface (Graphie User Interface, or “GUI”) which can be stored on the request processing system 14 and / or on the client device 12, which can thus define and present the search request. The search query can include a plurality of search criteria defined by the user via the GUI. In response to receiving the search request, the request processing system 14 may transmit a search request to the data provider systems 16 for data associated with the search criteria of the search request. Thereafter, the request processing system 14 can generate a plurality of results for the search request based on the data received from the data provider systems 16.

Since the data set linked to the received search request can be very large, the number of results generated by the request processing system 14 can likewise be large. For example, when the search request concerns a plurality of travel recommendations, the request processing system 14 can generate close to eight hundred results approximately. Of course, the user is probably not interested in all of the eight hundred results generated by the request processing system 14 and the user will probably not want to browse the eight hundred results on the client device 12. This is particularly true when the screen of the client device 12 is of a limited size such that the display of the eight hundred results would produce a bulky graphical user interface and / or the task of browsing the eight hundred results would be difficult and considerable, which, as described above, could cause several interesting results to be overlooked. For this purpose, a conventional approach for displaying a large list of results for a user via a client device is to classify the results according to a predetermined criterion such as the price and then to display classified results. However, this approach still produces a large number of results that are difficult for the user to navigate, and some interesting, higher-priced results may still be overlooked by the user.

In addition, the conventional approach lacks mechanisms for dynamically reclassifying results based on user input relating to one of the results (eg, an entry indicating that a result is not of interest). 'user for a given reason), which means that the user will have to go through a long series of irrelevant and uninteresting results before reaching a result that interests the user.

In order to optimize the use of the screen of the client device 12 and to improve the relevance and the efficiency of the search, the request processing system 14 can be configured to transmit a determined result to a certain moment to the client device 12 for display More specifically, the request processing system 14 can transmit a particular result to a client device 12 which can then display the result for the user and allow the user to indicate whether the result displayed is of interest to the user. It is only after the user provides such feedback that the request processing system 14 transmits another result to the client device 12 for display. In this way, the user is not discouraged by the long list of results he has to go through and the screen of the client device 12 is not cluttered by the display of a large number of results at the same time. . In addition, because only one result is transmitted and displayed by the client device 12 at a time, the client device 12 is able to save resources. In particular, rather than receiving, recording and processing data representing a whole list of results for a search request, the client device 12 need only store and process data for each displayed result. Thus, even if several results are ultimately transmitted and displayed on the client device 12, the volume of global data recorded and processed by the client device 12 is always less than the volume of data which would have been processed and stored if all results determined by the request processing system was transmitted and displayed by the client device 12.

In addition, the request processing system 14 can use user input received for a displayed result, which can indicate, as explained above, whether the displayed result is of interest to the user, in order to determine the next result to be transmitted to the client device 12 for display. In particular, the user input can explain why the user is not interested in a given result and the request processing system 14 can dynamically select the next result to be transmitted to the client device 12 for display as a function of the justification given. In this way, the results supplied to the client device 12 for display become more and more relevant to the user as the user continues to provide entries via the client device 12.

The systems of the data providers 16 which are used to respond to the search request sent to the client device 12 can include the systems of one or more data providers. In particular, in response to receiving a search request from the client device 12, the request processing system 14 can communicate with the systems of the data providers 16 to determine the plurality of results for the search request. For example, in one embodiment, the search request may be a request for a plurality of travel recommendations. In this case, the data provider systems 16 may include a system which provides data regarding travel availability, such as a Global Distribution System (“GDS”) and may also include additional systems which collect and provide data in addition to travel availability data, such as systems including image search engines, map search engines and weather search engines.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the client device 12, the request processing system 14 and the data provider systems 16 of the operating environment 10 can be implemented on one or more computer devices or systems, such as the exemplary computer system 26. The computer system 26 may include a processor 28, a memory 30, a mass memory storage device 32, an input / output (I / O) interface 34, and a man-machine interface (HMI) 36. The computer system 26 can also be functionally coupled with one or more external resources 38 via the network 24 or the I / O interface 34. The external resources can include, but are not limited to, servers, databases, devices mass storage, peripheral devices, cloud network services (cloud), or any other appropriate IT resource that can be used with the computer system 26.

The processor 28 may include one or more selected devices:

microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, microcomputers, central processing units, programmable gate networks (arrays), programmable logic devices, state machines, logic circuits, analog circuits, digital circuits , or any other device used to manipulate signals (analog or digital) on the basis of the operating instructions stored in the memory 30. The memory 30 may include a single memory device or a plurality of memory devices comprising, in a manner not exhaustive, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), flash memory , cache memory, or any other device capable of storing information. The mass memory device 32 may include data storage devices such as a hard disk, an optical disk, a magnetic tape drive, a volatile or non-volatile solid state circuit, or any other device capable of to store information.

The processor 28 can operate under the control of an operating system 40 which resides in the memory 30. The operating system 40 can manage the resources of the computer so that the program code of the computer, integrated in the form of one or more application software, such as the application 42 which resides in the memory 30, can make the instructions execute by the processor 28. In another alternative embodiment, the processor 28 can run the application 42 directly and in this case, the operating system 40 can be omitted. One or more data structures 44 can also reside in memory 30, and can be used by processor 28, operating system 40 or application 42 to store or manipulate data.

The interface 34 can provide a machine interface which functionally couples the processor 28 to other devices and systems, such as the network 24 or one or more external resources 38. The application 42 can thus collaborate with the network 24 and / or external resources 38 by communicating via the I / O interface 34 to provide the various elements, functions, applications, processes, or modules making up the embodiments of the invention. The application server 42 can also have a program code which is executed by one or more external resources 38 or otherwise relies on the functions or signals provided by other systems or components of the network external to the computer 26. Indeed , in view of the almost infinite configurations of possible computer hardware and software, those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments of the invention may include applications located outside the computer 26, distributed to multiple computers and to other external resources 38, or provided by computer resources (hardware and software) which are provided as services on the network 24, for example a cloud computing service.

The HMI 36 can be operatively coupled to the processors 28 of the computer 26 in a known manner to allow a user to interact directly with the computer 26. The HMI 36 may include a video display or a unit character display, touch screen, speaker and any other visual and audio indicator capable of communicating data to the user. The HMI 36 can also include devices and controls such as an alphanumeric keyboard, pointing device, keyboards, push buttons, control buttons, microphones, etc., capable of accepting commands or input of the user and transmit them to processor 28.

The database 46 can reside on the mass memory storage device 32 and can be used to collect and organize the data used by the various systems and modules described herein. The database 46 can include data and the data structures that support it to store and organize the data. In particular, the database 46 can be arranged according to any database organization or structure including, but not limited to, a relational database, a hierarchical type database, a networked database, or combinations of those. A database management system, in the form of a software application which is executed in the form of instructions on the processor 28, can be used to access the information or data stored in the records of the database. data 46 in response to a query, wherein the query can be dynamically determined and can be executed by the operating system 40, other applications 42 or one or more modules.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary processing architecture 50 which can be provided by one or more of the systems of the operating environment 10. The processing architecture 50 can include a request processing engine 52 and a set of electronic data 53 which may include one or more primary data object databases 54 and one or more additional information databases 56. The processing architecture 50 may also include a reference point database 58.

During operation, the request processing engine 52 can receive a search request 62 from the electronic data set 53, for example from the client device 12. In response to the reception of the search request 62 , the request processing engine 52 can trigger interactions with all of the electronic data 53 or more particularly with the databases of primary data objects 54 and with the additional information databases 56 in order to determine a plurality of results 64 for the search query 62. In particular, each result 64 can include data from the electronic data set 53, or more specifically from the primary data object database 54 and databases additional information 56. Subsequently, based on the data stored in the reference point database 58, the processing engine request 52 can select one of the results 64 to display for the user, for example via the client device 12. The request processing engine 52 can then cause the selected result 64 to be presented to the user, for example by transmitting the selected result 64 at the client device 12 for display by the client device 12.

After the selected result 64 is transmitted and displayed by the client device

12, the user can provide an input 66 to the request processing engine 52, for example via the client device 12. As explained previously, the input 66 can indicate whether the user is interested in the displayed result 64. In response to upon receipt of the input 66, the request processing engine 52 can select another result 64 based on the input 66 and then cause the new selected result 64 to be presented to the user, for example by a transmission to the client device 12. The user can then provide another entry 66 relating to the new displayed result 64. This process of selecting a result 64 for presentation to the user and receiving an entry 66 can be repeated until the user instructs the request processing engine 52, for example via the client device 12, to stop the selection of additional results 64 for display. Additional details regarding the processing architecture 50 are discussed below with reference to FIGS 4 to 9.

FIG. 4 illustrates a process 100 for processing a search request 62 received in connection with the electronic data set 53. The process 100 can be implemented by the request processing engine 52 of l processing architecture 50.

In block 102, a search request 62 for the electronic data set 53 can be received, for example by the request processing engine 52. In particular, a user can access a GUI which can be generated by the client device 12 and / or the request processing engine 52 for defining and sending the search request 62 to the request processing engine 52. The search request 62 can include a plurality of search criteria defined by the user for perform searches in the electronic data set 53 which can be distributed between the databases of primary data objects 54 and the databases of additional information 56.

As previously mentioned, in an exemplary embodiment, the search request 62 can be for a plurality of travel recommendations. More particularly, the search request 62 can be a request for travel inspiration or, in other words, a request for suggestions of travel destinations for the user. In this case, examples which are not limiting of search criteria which can be included in the search query 62 include a date or a range of dates, a duration or a range of durations, an origin, a budget or a budgetary range , a temperature or range of temperatures, and a distance or range of distances.

In block 104, in response to the reception of a search request 62, a plurality of primary data objects can be retrieved, for example from the database of primary data objects 54, based on the search criteria of the search request 62. In particular, the request processing engine 52 can be configured to trigger a search in the databases of primary data objects 54 in order to retrieve a plurality of primary data objects which correspond to one or more of the search criteria of the search request 62. Each of the results 64 determined by the request processing engine 52 can include at least a portion of one of the primary data objects retrieved from primary data object databases 54.

When the search request 62 is a request for a plurality of travel recommendations, the databases of primary data objects 54 may include data representative of travel options. For example, the primary data object databases 54 may include one or more travel databases which store data indicative of planned flight segments and planned travel segments related to other modes of transportation, as well as availability data for each of the planned segments. In certain embodiments, the travel databases can be provided by one or more third party systems, such as a GDS, an online travel agent ("OTA"), a computer reservation system. (Computer Reservation System, or "CRS"), or other travel research sites.

Thus; in response to receiving a search request 62 for one or more travel recommendations, the request processing engine 52 may initiate a search in the travel databases. This search can be based on the relevant search criteria with the data stored in the travel databases. For example, relevant search criteria may include search criteria relating to a date or date range, duration or duration range, origin, and / or budget or budget range . In certain cases, the request processing engine 52 can send a search request, including the relevant search criteria, to the third party systems which supply the travel databases which can then proceed to the exploration of the travel databases. and returning the results of the travel options to the request processing engine 52. In addition, or alternatively, the request processing engine 52 can be configured to search directly in one or more of the travel databases using the relevant search criteria. Each travel option returned to the request processing engine 52 by the travel databases or third-party systems that feed the travel databases can be considered a primary data object and each result 64 determined by the processing engine 52 can include at least a portion of each travel option, such as a travel destination and a date or range of dates included in the travel option. In block 106, additional data can be recovered for each of the primary data objects recovered. In particular, the request processing engine 52 can trigger a search in the additional information databases 56 for the withdrawal of additional data relating to each primary data object which has been retrieved at block 104. When a result 64 including all or part of a given primary data object is presented to a user, additional data retrieved for this primary data object can also be displayed. Such additional data can assist the user in determining whether the displayed result 64 is of interest and can also be used by the request processing engine 52 to dynamically determine which result 64 to display for the user, as explained from in more detail below. For example, when the retrieved primary data objects represent a plurality of travel options, the supplementary information databases 56 may include additional data for the travel destinations included in the travel options. In particular, the additional information databases 56 may include a variety of climate information, images, uniform resource locators (URLs), maps, coordinates, and social network data (e.g., the number of “likes”) for each travel destination.

In some embodiments, the additional information from the databases 56 may include a plurality of databases, each including data related to a different aspect of the retrieved primary data objects. For example, when the primary data objects represent a plurality of travel options, one of the additional databases 56 may include an image for one or more destinations in the travel options, other information from the travel databases. additional information 56 may include climate information for one or more travel destinations in the travel options, and so on.

In addition, one or more of the additional information databases 56, similar to the primary data object databases 54, can be provided by third-party systems managed by a plurality of third parties. For example, an additional information database 56 including images of travel destinations can be provided by the image search engine of a third party system, an additional information database 56 including historical data on the weather for travel destinations can be provided by a third party system that collects and distributes weather data, and so on. In these cases, in order to obtain the additional data for the retrieved primary data objects, the request processing engine 52 can send search requests which include search criteria relevant to the systems which supply the information databases. supplementary 56 which can then search the supplementary information databases 56, and return the resulting additional data to the request processing engine 52. For example, in the case of the withdrawal of meteorological information for a destination given in a travel option, the request processing engine 52 can send a search request that includes the travel destination and date criteria or a date range to an online system that provides weather information, which can then resend weather information for the travel destination given for the date when the date range to the query processor 52.

In addition, or alternatively, the request processing engine 52 can be configured to search directly in one or more of the additional information databases 56 using the relevant search criteria. For example, in some embodiments, the additional information databases 56 may include a cache database containing additional information frequently or recently retrieved as part of one or more search queries 62 presented previously. In this way, after the primary data objects have been removed, but before searching the additional information databases 56 provided by third parties, the request processing engine 52 can trigger a search in the database. cache data to extract additional data relating to one or more, or to a subset of recovered primary data objects. Because the cache database can be relatively local and / or directly linked to the request processing engine 52, it can allow the request processing engine 52 to receive additional data for one or more of the primary data objects. faster than transmitting search requests to third-party systems. After performing searches in the cache database, the request processing engine 52 can then send search requests to third-party systems for the retrieved primary data objects for which no additional data was available or could not be retrieved from the cache database.

In block 108, a plurality of results 64 can be determined for the search request 62, for example by the request processing engine 52, or each of the results 64 can include data extracted from the data set electronic. In particular, the request processing engine 52 can formulate the results 64 on the basis of the retrieved primary data objects and additional retrieved data for each of the retrieved primary data objects, in particular by combining all or part of each retrieval object. primary data retrieved with additional data retrieved from this primary data object in result 64. In other words, each result 64 can include at least a portion of one of the primary data objects, such as the destination of trip and / or dates of a trip option and the additional data extracted for the primary data object. Each result 64 determined by the request processing engine 52 may also include one or more values assigned to it which describe the result 64 with respect to one or more categories. One or more categories may overlap with at least some of the search criteria included in search query 62. For example, when results 64 include travel recommendations, one or more categories may include a price category, a category of distance a duration category and / or a climate category.

More particularly, each of the results 64 may include one or more attributes, each being linked to a different category from the categories. For example, when the results 64 include travel recommendations, each travel recommendation may include a price that is linked to a price category, an average temperature for a travel destination on a particular date, or for a range of dates that are linked to the climate category and a distance for the travel destination, according to the original criterion included in the search query 62, which is linked to the distance category. The request processing engine 52 can assign a plurality of values to each of the results 64 based on the attributes of the result 64, where each of the values assigned to a given result 64 is associated with the category related to the attribute on which the value is based. For example, referring again to the example where results 64 include travel recommendations, if a given result 64 includes additional data indicating that a travel destination of result 64 has the attribute of having a very low temperature. high during the date, where the range of dates, specified by the user, the request processing engine 52 can assign a relatively high value to the result 64 for the climate category (eg, a value of 10/10 to results 64 for the climate category). Alternatively, if the additional data indicates that the attribute of a travel destination is to have very low temperatures on a date when during a range of dates specified by the user, then the request processing engine 52 may affect a relatively low value at result 64 for the climate category (eg, a value of 1/10 at result 64 for the climate category). Similar assignments can also be made to result 64 for other categories based on the other attributes of result 64.

In certain embodiments, for each of one or more categories, each value, in the range of possible values which can be assigned to a given result 64 for the category, can be associated with a potential attribute or a range of potential attributes. For example, for the price category, the range of possible values that can be assigned to a given outcome 64 can range from one to ten, or the number one is associated with travel options of less than $ 100, the number two is associated with travel options between $ 100 and $ 200, and so on. In addition, or alternatively, the value assigned to a result 64 for a given category can be equal to the attribute of the result 64 with respect to the given category. For example, if a result 64 indicates that the average temperature making a date where a specified date range for a travel destination is equal to a numeric value of 84 degrees Fahrenheit, then the query processor 52 can assign a value of eighty-four to result 64 for the climate category.

A weight value can also be assigned to each of the categories, for example by the request processing engine 52. In general, a weight value assigned to a category can indicate the importance of the category for the user. (e.g., the higher the weight value, the larger the associated category). For example, each weight value can be a percentage or a number. In some embodiments the user can define the weight value for one or more of the categories by creating the search query 62 so that the defined weight values can be included in the search query 62 when it is submitted to the request processing engine 52 which can then assign the weight values to one or more categories consequently. In addition, or alternatively, in response to the reception of the search request 62, the request processing engine 52 can automatically assign weight values to one or more of the categories, in particular based on the information included in the profile of the user associated with the user, initiator of the request. For example, the user profile may indicate that distance is an important factor for the user and that the distance category should therefore be associated with a low weight value, and that price is a rather important factor for the user. user and that the price category must therefore be associated with a high value. Alternatively, the user's profile can explicitly set, for the request processing engine 52, the different pitch values to be assigned to one or more of the categories.

In block 110, an initial reference point of the data can be determined, for example by the request processing engine 52. The initial reference point of the data can be based on the search request 62 and can represent more particularly the theoretically "perfect" result for the search query 62. Like the results 64, the initial reference point of the data can include one or more values relating to one or more categories which are assigned to it. Specifically, each of one or more values assigned to the initial data reference point can be associated with a different category from one or more categories. The query processing engine 52 can be configured to determine the initial reference point of the data based on one or more of the search criteria in the search query 62 and based on the data stored in the database of reference points 58.

Specifically, the reference point database 58 can include historical data linked to previous search requests 62 received and processed by the request processing engine 52. The historical data can indicate, for each of the requests for search 62, the results 64 for which a user has expressed an interest and / or which have led to a purchase. Thus to determine the initial reference point of the data, the query processing engine 52 can extract the historical data from the reference point database 58 linked to previous search queries 62 which are the same or similar to search request 62 being processed (eg, having the same or similar criteria). Subsequently, the request processing engine 52 can determine the initial reference point of the data on the basis of the values, in the retrieved historical data, which have been assigned to the interesting results and / or transformed into a purchase 64. For example, for each of one or more categories, the request processing engine 52 can calculate an average of the values assigned for this category for each of the results of interest and / or transformed into a purchase 64 and then assign the average to the data reference point for this category.

In certain embodiments, the request processing engine 52 can determine the initial reference point of the data before receiving the search request 62 under study. In particular once the query processing engine 52 has finished processing multiple search queries 62 having the same or similar criteria, the query processing engine 52 can be configured to calculate and record a data reference point based on the gestures executed by the users in the context of previous search queries 62, in particular by indicating that a result 64 is interesting and / or by making a purchase based on the result 64. Specifically, the request processing engine 52 can be configured to calculate averages from interesting results and / or transformed into purchase 64 and to define a data reference point based on these averages, as described above. The request processing engine 52 can perform this calculation several times before receiving the current search request 62, each time, in order to update a data reference point determined previously on the basis of the additional search requests 62 or to create a new data reference point based on a group of search queries 62 having the same or similar criteria for which a data reference point has not yet been calculated. Once a data reference point is created or updated, the query processing engine 52 can be configured to register the data reference point in the reference point database 58 so that it is associated with one or more of the search criteria on which the data reference point was based in the reference point database 58. In this way, when the current search request 62 is received by the processing engine 52, the request processing engine 52 can retrieve the relevant reference point from the data of the reference point database 58 based on the search criteria of the current search request 62 and can do this without need to compute the data reference point, which allows the request processing engine 52 to achieve an improved response time by reducing the latency of the sy stema.

In other embodiments, the initial reference point of the data can be set manually by the user (eg, each of the values assigned to the initial reference point of the data can correspond to the search criteria included in search query 62 and not be based on averages calculated from previous search queries 62). Alternatively, the initial data reference point can be defined by a system administrator. The request processing engine 52 can also use data from social networks (e.g., data retrieved with a connection to

FACEBOOK®or GOOGLE®), and / or data associated with the behavior of the user during previous search queries 62 presented by users, with similar characteristics, in order to determine the initial reference point of the data. For example, if social media and / or behavioral data indicate that people in a particular age group typically prefer low-cost travel options, then the initial data benchmark, determined for a search query 62 presented by a user in this particular age group, may include a value for the price category that is lower than the average value calculated for the price category from previous search queries 62 having the same search criteria or search criteria similar to search query 62 being processed.

In block 112, the result 64 closest to the data reference point can be determined, for example by the request processing engine 52. In particular, the request processing engine 52 can be configured to determine which of the results 64 is closest to the initial reference point of the data, in particular by comparing the values assigned to each of the results 64, for one or more categories, with the values assigned to the initial reference point of the data for one or more categories, and selecting the result 64 closest to the initial reference point of the data to display for the user. In certain embodiments, the request processing engine 52 can perform the comparison by calculating the weighted quadratic distance between each result 64 and the initial reference point of the data. This calculation can be based on the values of the initial reference point of the data and on the values assigned to each of the results 64 for one or more categories and can also be based on the weight values assigned to one or more categories which indicate the importance of each category for the user. The request processing engine 52 can then select the result 64 having the lowest weighted quadratic distance as being the result 64 which is closest to the initial reference point of the data. The request processing engine 52 can calculate the weighted quadratic distance for each result 64 using the following formula:

Ση _

M4 * 7 (14 - Ci) ² ii where n is the number of categories, is the value assigned to the initial data reference point for the category i'th, is the value assigned to the result 64 for the category i'th, and Wî is the weight value for the category i'th for the particular user who presented the search query 62.

In block 114 the selected result 64, identified as closest to the data reference pdint can be displayed for the user. In particular, the request processing engine 52 can cause the transmission of the selected result 64 to the client device 12 which can be configured to display the result 64 for the user when the result 64 is received.

FIG. 5 illustrates a process 200 for selecting the next result 64 for display to the user in response to receipt of an input 66 from the user regarding a result 64 previously displayed. The process 200 can be implemented by the request processing engine 52.

In block 202, after the first result 64 has been transmitted and displayed by the client device 12, an input 66 can be received, for example by the request processing engine 52, concerning the result 64 previously displayed. In particular, a user can use the client device 12 to generate and present the entry 66 to the request processing engine 52. The entry 66 can indicate whether the user is interested in the result 64 previously displayed or not. For example, entry 66 may include a refusal of the result 64 displayed previously and may include a justification for the refusal. Alternatively, entry 66 may include an indication that the user is interested in the result 64 previously displayed. In block 204, in response to the reception of the entry 66, it is possible to determine whether the entry 66 indicates an interest in the result 64 previously displayed or a refusal of the result 64 previously displayed. If entry 66 indicates that the user is interested in the result 64 previously displayed (“NO” branch of block 204), then in block 206, the result 64 previously displayed can be added to a cache memory. This cache can include each of the results 64 displayed for the user for which the user has expressed an interest. In this way, the user can, later, call on the cache memory to review the results 64 which are of interest to him and to, potentially, make a purchase on the basis of one or more of the results 64 set. in cache.

After the result 64 previously displayed is added to the cache memory, in block 208, the result 64 which has not yet been transmitted to the client device for display (ie, one of the results 64 “remaining”) and which is closest to the initial reference point of the data can be determined, in particular with the weighted quadratic distance formula described above, for display by the client device 12. In block 210, the result determined 64 can be displayed for the user, for example by transmitting the determined result 64 to the client device 12, which can then display the determined result 64 and receive another entry 66 concerning the determined result 64.

Alternatively if entry 66 indicates that the user is not interested and has refused the result 64 previously displayed ("YES" branch of block 204), in block 212, the result 64 previously displayed can then be eliminated . Thereafter, in block 214, the initial reference point of the data can be adjusted on the basis of the entry 66. In particular, the entry 66 can include a justification of the refusal of the result 64 previously displayed and the initial reference point data can be adjusted according to the justification. In one embodiment, the justification may indicate that an attribute of the result 64 previously displayed, associated with one of the categories (and therefore, the value assigned to the result 64 previously displayed for the category) is too high (or too low ) from the user's point of view. In response to receiving such justification, the request processing engine 52 may adjust the initial data reference point by decreasing (or increasing) the value assigned to the initial data reference point that is associated with the category associated with the attribute (and therefore the value) indicated by the justification as being too high (or too low).

For example, the justification may indicate that the average temperature for a proposed travel destination, which can be associated with the climate category, is too low (or too high) from the point of view of the user. Consequently, in response to the reception of an entry 66 comprising such a justification, the request processing engine 52 can adjust the initial reference point of the data by increasing (or decreasing) the value assigned to the initial reference point of the data. data for the climate category, for example with a fixed number (eg, 1.2, 5.10, etc.), a factor, or a percentage. As another example, the rationale may indicate that a travel recommendation includes a price that is too high or not high enough, or includes a travel destination that is too close to the search criteria for origin or not close enough, which may cause the request processing engine 52 to adjust the value assigned to the data reference point for the price category or for the distance category respectively.

When the justification for an entry 66 relates to one of the categories in particular, such as the price category, it can then be assumed that the particular category is important for the user, because this category is actively managed by the user . Consequently, in certain embodiments, upon receipt of an entry 66 including a justification relating to a given category, the request processing engine 52 can be configured to increase the weight value assigned to the category to which it relates. justification, including a fixed number, factor, or percentage. For example, if entry 66 indicates that the temperature associated with a travel recommendation is too low, the search query 62 can then be configured to increase the weight value assigned to the climate category before determining the remaining result 64 which is closest to the adjusted datum point. In this way, the climate category will have an additional influence when determining the remaining result 64 which is closest to the adjusted reference point of the data. In other words, the next result 64 for display by the client device 12 can be based on the increased weight value.

In block 216, after the initial reference point of the data has been adjusted, and possibly after the weight assigned to one of the categories has been increased, the result 64 which has not yet been transmitted to the client device 12 and which is closest to the adjusted datum point can be selected for display. In particular, the request processing engine 52 can calculate the weighted quadratic distance, as we have seen above, between the adjusted reference point of the data and each of the results 64 which have not yet been transmitted to the client device 12 for display, and select the result 64 whose weighted quadratic distance is the lowest as the next result 64 to display for the user. In this way, the request processing engine 52 can select the next result 64 for display on the basis of the justification for refusing the result 64 previously displayed.

After the result 64 closest to the adjusted reference point of the data is selected, in block 210, the selected result 64 can be displayed for the user, for example by the request processing engine 52 which transmits the result 64 selected at the client device 12 for display by the client device 12. The process 200 can then be repeated for each entry 66 supplied by the user for a displayed result 64.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show graphs illustrating an example of processes 100 and 200. In particular, FIG. 6 illustrates a graph 300a which includes an initial reference point of the data 302a and of the results 304, 306 and 308. Each of the results 304, 306 and 308, and the initial reference point of the data 302a, includes a value assigned to it for the "Category A" is a value assigned to it for "Category B". As seen previously, in block 112 of process 100, the result 64 closest to the initial reference point of the data 302a can be determined, in particular by using the weighted quadratic distance formula described above. Based on graph 300a, the result 64 closest to the initial reference point of the data 302a can be the result 304. Therefore, in block 114 of process 100 the result 304 can be displayed for the user, for example via a transmission to the client device 12.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary graph 300b which can represent the culmination of block 214 of the process 200. In particular, after the display of the result 304, the user can make an entry 66 indicating that an attribute of the displayed result 304 relating to the category A is too high. Therefore, as shown in Chart 300b, the initial reference point of the data 302a can be adjusted so that a lower value is assigned to it for Category A (i.e., the reference point adjusted from data 302b). Subsequently, in block 216 of process 200, it is possible to determine which remaining result 64 is closest to the adjusted reference point 302b. In the illustrated embodiment, the remaining result 64 closest to the adjusted reference point of the data 302b can be the result 308. Therefore, in block 210 of the process 200 the result 308 can be displayed for the user, for example via a transmission to the client device 12. It is noted that if the entry 66 had indicated that the user was interested in the result 64, the initial reference point of the data 302b could then not have been adjusted, and in block 208 of the process 200, the remaining result 64 closest to the original reference point of the data 302a could have been the result 306 instead of the result 308. In addition, differences between the weight values assigned to category A and category B may also affect the above result.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary GUI 400 which can be generated by the client device 12 and / or by the request processing engine 52 to display a selected result 64 for the user. In particular, the client device 12 can be configured to display a GUI 400 in response to the reception of a result 64 selected for display for the user on a screen of the client device 12. The GUI 400 can be configured to accept entries of the user indicating whether the user is interested or not, in the displayed result 64. In the illustrated embodiment, the displayed result 64 is a travel recommendation which includes Bangkok as a suggested travel destination.

The GUI 400 may include an image 510 (eg, a Bangkok image), which may be part of the additional data portion of the result 64, selected to be presented to the user. Image 510 may have been retrieved from one of the additional information databases 56 during process 100. The GUI 400 may also include interactive icons 504, each associated with a different category type among the categories for which values have been assigned to the result 64 selected for display. In the illustrated embodiment, the interactive icons 504 include an icon 504a which is associated with the climate category, an icon 504b associated with the distance category and an icon 504c associated with the price category. The interactive icons 504 can be used by the user to generate and supply an input 66 to the request processing engine 52 explaining why the user is not interested in the displayed result 64, which is described in more detail below. below.

The GUI 400 can also include other information included in the result 64 selected for display for the user. For example, when the result 64 is for a travel recommendation, the GUI 400 can also include a travel destination name 506 (e.g., Bangkok), a date or date range 508 (e.g., Mon 22 Jan Wed 05 Feb), a price 512 (eg, $ 255 / pers.), Information about the weather 514 (eg, an average temperature of 22 degrees and partial sunshine during the relevant date (s)), and social media data 516 (e.g., 123 people like the travel destination), and / or distance information 518 (e.g., the travel destination is 7207 km from the original criterion provided in search query 62). The GUI 400 may also include an interactive icon 520 (eg, the thumbs-up symbol) which, when selected, can generate and provide input 66 to the request processing engine 52 indicating that the user is interested in the displayed result 64. The interactive icon 520 may also include a number (eg, two) that represents the number of previous results 64 for which the user has expressed interest. In addition, or alternatively, at the interactive icon 520, the GUI 400 can be configured so that a tap on the image 510 generates and provides an input 66 to the request processing engine 52 indicating that the user is interested in the displayed result 64.

FIG. 9 illustrates how a user can interact with the GUI 400 to provide input 66 to the request processing engine 52 indicating that the user is not interested in the displayed result 64. In the illustrated embodiment, the user can select one of the interactive icons 64 associated with the categories for which values have been assigned to the results 64 and drag the icon to the upper portion of the GUI 400 or to the lower portion of the GUI 400. During the interaction and the displacement of an interactive icon 504, the GUI 400 can be configured to display an increase graph 602 or a reduction graph 604. In response to the movement of the interactive icons 504 by the user to or near the graph of increase 602, an entry 66 can be generated and supplied to the request processing engine 52 indicating that the user is not interested in the result. t selected 64 because an attribute of the result 64 displayed concerning the category associated with the moved icon is too low. Alternatively, in response to the user moving the interactive icons 504 to or near the reduction graph 604, an entry 66 can be generated and provided to the request processing engine 52 indicating that the user is not interested in the selected result 64 because an attribute of the result 64 displayed concerning the category associated with the moved icon is too high. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a user has selected and moved the icon 504b associated with the distance category, close to the increase graph 602. Consequently once the icon 504b is released by the user, the request processing engine 52 can receive an input 66 indicating that the user is not interested in Bangkok as a travel destination because this destination is not far enough from the origin of the user and can, on this basis, adjust the data reference point by assigning it an increased value for the distance category.

[0085] The GUI 400 can also be configured to accommodate additional user gestures to indicate interest or lack of interest of ²⁹ users for a 64-selected result to be displayed for user. For example, if a user is not interested in a displayed result 64, the GUI 400 can then be configured so that the user can select and drag the image 510 up. In response, the number included with the interactive icon 520 can be incremented, because another result 64 can be added to the cache memory as a result of the user's gesture [block 206 of process 200]. Alternatively, if the user is not interested in the currently displayed result 64, but does not wish to change the current data reference point, the GUI 400 can then be configured to allow the user to select and drag image 510 down without interacting with the interactive icons 504. Consequently block 214 of process 200 can be avoided, and the request processing engine 52 can proceed with the implementation of block 216 of process 200 by determining the remaining result 64 which is closest to the unadjusted reference point of the data. In addition, the GUI 400 can be configured so that when the user touches and releases the image 510, additional details regarding the displayed result 64 can be provided via the GUI 400.

In addition, in order to limit the number of interactive icons 504 which are included in the GUI 400 so as not to clutter the screen of the client device 12, but also to allow the user to effectively indicate a justification for its interest or lack of interest in a displayed result 64, the categories associated with the interactive icons 504 can be dynamically tailored for the user and / or for the behavior of the user. For example, if social media data, such as from additional information databases 56, indicates that the user is part of a group, such as a particular age group, that is not typically concerned with the particular category, the GUI 400 can then be generated so that the interactive icon 504 associated with this category is omitted, and an interactive icon 504 associated with another category is displayed instead, such as the category of duration. Furthermore, while the user provides entries 66 for displayed results 64, it may become apparent that the user is not focused on a particular category, such as the price category, in view of the lack of use. of the interactive icon 504 associated with this particular category. Consequently, for the following result 64 which is displayed for the user, the GUI 400 can replace the interactive icon 504 associated with the particular category with an interactive icon 504 associated with a category potentially more important for the user, such as the duration category.

In general, the routines executed to implement the embodiments of the invention, whether implemented as part of an operating system or of a specific application, of a component, of 'a program, object, module or sequence of instructions, or even a subset of them, may be referred to herein as "computer program code" or simply "code of program ”. Program code typically includes computer readable instructions which reside at various times in various memory and storage devices in a computer, and which when read and executed by one or more processors in a computer, cause the 'execution by the computer of operations and / or of elements specific to the various aspects of the embodiments of the invention. The instructions of a computer-readable computer program for carrying out the operations of the embodiments of the invention can be, for example: assembly language or, source code or object code, written in combination with one or more Programming languages.

Various program codes described herein can be identified, depending on the application in which they are implemented, in specific embodiments of the invention. However, it should be noted that any nomenclature of a particular program which follows is used only for convenience; thus the invention cannot be limited to a single use in any specific application identified and / or implied by said nomenclature. Furthermore, in view of the generally infinite number of means by which computer programs can be organized according to subroutines, procedures, procedures, modules, objects, and so on, as well as the various ways of affecting the functionality of a program among various layers of software that are resident in a typical computer [eg, operating systems, libraries, program application interfaces (APIs), applications, applets, etc.], Note that the embodiments of the invention are not limited to the specific organization and the specific allocation of program functionality as described herein.

The program code implemented in any application / module described herein may be distributed individually or collectively as a computer program product, in a variety of forms. In particular, the program code can be distributed using a computer readable storage medium having computer readable program instructions by causing a processor to execute aspects of the embodiments of the invention.

Data storage media readable by computer and which are intrinsically durable, can include tangible, volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media, implemented in any data storage method or technology, such as instructions for computer readable program, data structures, program modules, or other data. Computer-readable storage media can also include random memory [RAM], read-only memory [ROM], read-only, programmable and erasable memory (EPROM)), flash memory, or any solid media technology. memory, CD-ROM (portable compact disc with read-only memory), or any other optical storage, magnetic recording tapes, magnetic disc memory, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired information and suitable for being deciphered by a computer. A computer-readable storage medium cannot be interpreted as transient signals per se (for example, radio waves or any other electromagnetic waves propagating through a transmission medium such as a waveguide, or electrical signals transmitted by cable). Computer-readable program instructions can be downloaded to a computer, another type of programmable data processor, or any other machine-readable storage device, or to an external computer or to an external storage device through a network.

The computer-readable program instructions, stored in a computer-readable medium, can be used to instruct a computer, other types of programmable processing devices or other devices to operate in a particular way, so that the instructions stored on a computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture comprising the instructions which implement the functions, actions and / or operations specified in the flowcharts, sequence diagrams, and / or block diagrams. Computer program instructions may be provided by one or more processors on a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, or any other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine such as instructions executed by the through one where multiple processors cause a series of calculations to be performed to implement the functions, actions and / / operations specified in the flowcharts, sequence diagrams and / or block diagrams.

In certain alternative embodiments, the functions, actions and / or operations specified in the flowcharts, sequential diagram and / or block diagrams can include more or less blocks than those which are illustrated while remaining consistent with the embodiments of the invention. In addition, any flowchart, sequence diagram, and / or block diagram can include more or less blocks than those illustrated in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

The terminology used herein is intended to describe only specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the embodiments of the invention. The singular forms of the indefinite articles “un”, “une”, “le” and “la” as they are used herein also imply plural forms, unless the contrary is clearly indicated by the context. It will also be understood that the verb forms of the verb "to understand", "includes" and / or "comprising", when used in this specification, specify the presence of characteristics, whole numbers, steps, operations , elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more characteristics, whole numbers, steps, elements, components and / or groups, in this. In addition, to the extent that the verbs "include", "having", "a", "with", "composed of" or variants thereof, are used in the detailed description and claims, these terms are supposed to be inclusive in a similar way to the verb form "comprising".

Although the invention is illustrated by a description of various embodiments and although these embodiments are described in great detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or limit, to in any way, the scope of the claims herein to these details. Additional advantages and possible modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention from a wider angle is therefore not limited to specific details, representative methods and apparatus, and to the illustrations shown and described by way of example. Consequently, it is possible to move away from these details without going away from the spirit and the scope of the general inventive concept of the applicant.

Claims (13)

1. A method for performing searches in an electronic data set, the method comprising: the receipt, by one or more processors and coming from a client device, of a search request for the electronic data set; and in response to receipt of the search request: determining, by one or more processors, a plurality of results for the search request, each of the results including data from the electronic data set; the selection, by one or more processors, of a first result for display by the client device; the transmission, by one or more processors, of the first result to the client device for display by the client device; after the first result is transmitted to the client device, the reception coming from the client device, by one or more processors, of a refusal of the first result by the user, the refusal comprising a justification of the refusal of the first result; and in response to receipt of the rejection of the first result: the selection, by one or more processors, of a second result based on the justification of the refusal, for display by the client device; and the transmission, by one or more processors, of the second result to the client device, for display by the client device. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: in response to receiving the search request, determining an initial data reference point, based on the search request, wherein the selection of the first result for display by the client device includes: determining the result the closer to the original data reference point; and selecting the result that is closest to the reference point of the initial data as the first result. 3. The method according to claim 2, in which the selection of the second result for display by the client device, based on the justification of the refusal comprises: in response to receipt of the rejection, adjusting the initial data reference point based on the justification; determining the result closest to the adjusted reference point of the data that has not yet been transmitted to the client device for display; and selecting the result that has not yet been transmitted to the client device that is closest to the adjusted data reference point, as the second result. 4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising: after the second result has been transmitted to the client device, the reception, from the client device, of an indication that the user is interested in the second result; and in response to receiving the indication that the user is interested in the second result: adding the second result to a cache of results of interest to the user; determining among the results that have not yet been transmitted to the client device, the result closest to the adjusted reference point of the data; and the transmission of the result not yet transmitted to the client device for display which is closest to the adjusted reference point of the data. The method according to any of claims 2-4, wherein the initial datum point includes a plurality of first values, each of which is associated with a different category from the plurality of categories, each of results includes a plurality of attributes, each of which is linked to a different category, and determining the results of the search query comprises: assigning a plurality of second values to each of the results, each of the second values being associated with a different category among the categories and being based on the attribute of the result which is linked to the associated category, in which the determination of the result closest to the initial data reference point includes: for each of the results, the calculation of a first weighted quadratic distance between the initial data reference point and the result based on the first values of the initial data reference point and the second values assigned to the result; and selecting the result of which the first weighted quadratic distance is the lowest, as the result being closest to the initial reference point of the data. 6. The method according to claim 5 further comprising: assigning a third value to each of the categories, the third value indicating the importance of the category to the user, in which the calculation of the first weighted quadratic distance between the initial reference point of the data and each of the results is also based on the third value assigned to each of the categories. 7. The method according to claim 6, in which the justification for the refusal is linked to one of the categories, and the selection of the second result for display by the client device based on the justification for the refusal comprises: the increase in the third value assigned to the category to which the justification for refusal relates; and selecting the second result for display by the client device based on the third increased value. The method according to any of claims 5-7, wherein the justification for the rejection indicates that one of the second values assigned to the first result is too low, and the selection of the second result for display by the client device based on the justification for the refusal includes: adjusting the initial data reference point by increasing the first value linked to the category associated with the second value which is indicated by the justification as being too low; the calculation of a second weighted quadratic distance between the adjusted reference point of the data and each of the results not yet transmitted to the client device for display; and selecting the result with the lowest weighted second quadratic distance as the second result. 9. The method according to claim 5, in which, in response to the reception of the first result, the client device is configured to: display a graphical user interface for the first result on the screen of the client device, the graphical user interface including a plurality of icons, each of the icons being associated with a different category among the categories, in which the the graphical user interface is configured to allow the user to move one of the icons to one of a plurality of portions of the screen of the client device, in which the justification for refusing the first result is determined according to the portion of the screen to which the icon is moved. The method according to any of claims 1-9, wherein the search request comprises a plurality of search criteria, the electronic data set comprises a plurality of databases of primary data objects and a plurality of additional information databases provided by a plurality of third parties, and determining the results of the search query includes: removing, from the databases of primary data objects, a plurality of primary data objects based on the search criteria; after removing the primary data objects, removing additional information from the cache database for each primary data object from a first subset of primary data objects, the cache database including data additional data retrieved during one or more previous search queries; after removing additional data for each of the primary data objects in the first subset of primary data objects in the cache database, removing additional data from the additional information databases provided by third parties, for each of the primary data objects for which additional data has not been retrieved from the cache database, and the formulation of results based on the primary data objects and additional data retrieved from of each of the primary data objects, wherein each of the results includes at least a portion of one of the primary data objects and the additional data retrieved for the primary data object. 11. A system for performing searches in an electronic data set, the system comprising: at least one processor; and a memory storing instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, causes the system to: in response to the reception, from the client device, of a search request for the electronic data set: determining a plurality of results for the search query, each of the results including data from the electronic data set; selecting a first result for display by the client device; and transmitting the first result to the client device for display by the client device; after the first result is transmitted to the client device and, in response to the reception from the client device of a refusal of the first result by the user, the refusal comprising a justification for the refusal of the first result: select a second result based on the justification of the refusal, for display by the client device; and transmit the second result to the client device for display by the client device The system according to claim 11, wherein the instructions during execution also cause the system to implement the method according to any one of claims 2-10. 13. A computer program product comprising program code instructions recorded on a medium readable by a computer for implementing the steps of the method according to claims 1-10 when said program is executed on a computer. 1/6