KR20090004915A - Device, method and computer program for processing a search request - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (100) for processing a search request (112, 112') comprising a request receiving element (110) for receiving a search request from a first user (USER 1) and a categoriser (120) for assigning the search request to one category in a plurality of different categories. The device also comprises a communication partner derminator (130) for determining a second user (USER 2) who made the search request which is assigned to the same category, in addition to an information provider (150) for supplying information (152) to a first user confirming the existence of a second user who made the search request in the same category, and supplying information (154) to the second user confirming the existence of the first user who made a search request in the same category. The above concept can be implemented as a method and as a computer program. The described concept enables users who made search requests in the same category to participate in direct electronic communication. This ensures a particularly efficient exchange of knowledge between various users of the inventive device.

Description

DEVICE, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR PROCESSING A SEARCH REQUEST}

The present invention relates to an apparatus, a method and a computer program for processing a search request and, more particularly, to linking the context of search requests of various users of a search engine to enable knowledge exchange through a communication platform.

In today's information society, the amount of information continues to grow so that a person can acquire only a very small percentage of the total available knowledge. However, it is often necessary for an individual to acquire new knowledge of the total available knowledge based on specific questions. For this reason, an individual must have a purpose-oriented approach to the entire available knowledge.

Until now, it is known to bring a lot of knowledge from an electronic database or to allow a user to access knowledge through a search function.

For example, in order to be able to find information from the World Wide Web and / or the Internet, traditional search engine technologies exist as used in known search engines such as "Google" or "Yahoo." According to traditional search engine technology, after a search request, the user builds an ordered list of websites (and / or references to the website and / or URL address) based on some algorithm. Provided, the website has a predetermined relationship to a search term as defined by the algorithm. The order of the list is also controlled by a given algorithm whose purpose is to place the websites, perhaps related to the search request, at the top of the list. In practice, this sort is not always useful for the user or is certainly not suitable for the user's search request. Often there is an additional hindrance by intentionally placing the ad at the top of the list by technical measures. As a result, users often had serious problems obtaining proper responses to the search request.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a concept that allows for more efficient access to available knowledge by processing search requests.

This object is achieved by a search request processing apparatus according to claim 1, a search request processing method according to claim 16, or a computer program according to claim 17.

The present invention finds a query receiver for receiving a search request from a first user, a category classifier for associating the search request with one of a plurality of various categories, and a second user (user 2) who has made a search request for the same category. And an apparatus for processing a search request comprising a communication partner determiner. The apparatus according to the present invention may provide the first user with information that a second user who has requested a search for the same category exists or the information that there is a first user who has requested a search for the same category exists. It further includes an information supplier for providing the user.

A key concept of an embodiment of the present invention is that particularly efficient use of the entire available knowledge is possible by informing the user of the device handling the search request when another user makes a search request for the same category. By providing information to the first user of the device of the invention, for example, that a second user has made or indicated to the device a search request for the same category, the first user can make a search request for the same category (eg, the same topic). Direct connection with one other user (ie a second user) can be carefully established. Thus users interested in the same category are notified of each other or called together to set up electronic communication, for example.

Thus, an embodiment of an apparatus for processing a search request according to the present invention, instead of simply querying a knowledge database, identifies a potentially knowledgeable user in a category and the possibility that these users may enter direct communication with each other. The provision provides the advantage that it can be accessed in a particularly efficient manner.

It is thus possible to obtain knowledge stored on the device and / or other users interested in the same category (eg, the same topic) as well as the electronic format available to the user of the device according to the invention.

Accordingly, the apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention allows communication between human users who have made a search request for the same category. It has been found that human communication partners who have previously made search requests for the same category often better understand the search requests of other users and can therefore respond faster than with traditional search engine queries.

Thus, for example, tedious searches on the Internet and / or the world wide web can be eliminated under certain circumstances, thereby saving both time and other resources (computational power and transmission power).

In a preferred embodiment, the information supplier is further configured to communicate electronically with each other (between the first user and the second user) in response to detecting that the first user and the second user have made a search request relating to the same category. It is designed to provide the first user or the second user with information including a notification of the possibility of setting. In other words, if it is detected that two users of the device according to the invention have made a search request for the same category (and / or the same topic), how to enter at least one of the two users into electronic communication with the other user. Notify if you can.

For example, one of the two users is provided with the electronic address and / or communication address of the other user, or an anonymous user identifier of the other user, or the communication possibility is established by the device itself, so that the first user can, for example, directly or You can enter communication with other users along the link. In other words, providing information about the possibility of establishing electronic communication with each other may provide communication possibility including, for example, an indication that communication with another user is possible with a given communication possibility, or electronic address information that can only reach another user. It includes providing.

In addition, the information provided by the information provider may refer to and / or information about the fact that another user has made a search request of the same category to the device and / or that the other user has potentially competence with the search request. It includes.

In a further preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention is designed to provide a communication platform that enables the first user and the second user to communicate with each other electronically. In this case, the information provider is preferably designed to provide a message to the first user and the second user designed to allow access to the communication platform. In other words, the possibility of communication between the first user and the second user is generated by the apparatus itself, and it is not necessary to set an external path of electronic communication between the first user and the second user. The communication platform is under the control of the device according to the invention, and the device according to the invention can, for example, establish a communication platform and assign a corresponding access identifier to the first and second users based on the search request. Since the access identifier may be generated in response to the search request, there is cooperation between the communication platform and the device and / or communication partner determiner that processes the search request. Thus, only by the search request, the user is already assigned a suitable communication platform corresponding to the category of the search request. If there is no communication platform for a given category of search requests, the communication platform may be actively created, for example, without requiring additional user action. The user thus avoids the need to set up the communication platform in separate steps, for example, when interested in any category of question and / or search request. The communication platform may be set based on the fact that even one of the two users has made a search request for a matching category without setting up the communication platform by itself or requesting the setting of the communication platform. .

Further, in addition to setting up the communication platform, the information provider may provide the first user and / or the second user with a message informing the first user of the existence of the second user or informing the second user of the existence of the first user. It is preferable. In other words, in addition to simply setting up or providing a communication platform, one of the two users, preferably two users, is notified that there is another user who has made a search request for the same category, and thus the communication platform Communication is possible through.

In a further preferred embodiment, the apparatus according to the invention is capable of communicating with each other the first user and the second user, for example in response to detecting that the first user and the second user have made a search request for the same category. It is designed to provide an electronic chat room (and / or chat room). In this case, the information supplier is preferably designed to provide the first user and the second user with a message that preferably includes a reference to the electronic chat room. However, one or both of these users may also be directly connected to the electronic chat room, and / or the electronic chat room may be part of a provided information regeneration page (eg, a website) or part of a framework provided with additional results of a search request. Can be. This procedure is particularly desirable because electronic chat rooms allow topic-related anonymous communication of two users within the same user interface (eg, a web browser) in which a search request is sent or other results relating to the search results are provided. to be.

In a further preferred embodiment, the information provider is designed to provide the first user and the second user with an authentication identifier that authenticates the first user and the second user for access to the electronic chat room. By integrating the communication platform into a device that handles search requests, it is possible to ensure, for example, that only one person actually making a search request for a particular category gains access to the chat room. This ensures optimal user guidance since it directs the user to the chat room that exactly corresponds to the search request. Access to other chat rooms that may be of interest to the user but that do not respond to the search request may actually be inhibited. This, for example, results in increased search efficiency and thus greatly increases the effectiveness, especially in commercial environments. In addition, the user gains access to the communication platform when making a search request for each chat room level. This prevents, for example, a user making a very general search request from entering a chat room where a very specific topic is discussed (according to the corresponding category), where a user with a very general search request cannot follow the discussion of a very specific topic, for example. Interfere with the discussion on the platform or leave the communication platform disappointed.

In addition, linking authentication and retrieval requests for a communication platform, for example, avoids an excessive amount of information on the communication platform because the user typically first checks and retrieves some of the electronically generated results of the device handling the retrieval request. This is because the communication platform is used only when the automatically and / or electronically generated results of the request do not adequately answer the search request. The mentioned mechanism thus linking the search request with the provision of the communication platform ensures a particularly high efficiency when handling the search request.

In a further preferred embodiment, the information supplier is designed to provide the first user with information about the electronic communication address of the second user or to provide the second user with information about the electronic communication address of the first user. The electronic communication address may be, for example, an e-mail address, an IP address, an identifier for a chat room, a telephone number, an IP phone number or an anonymous communication address (e.g. associated with the device according to the invention and allowing transmission by the device according to the invention). May be). The information about the electronic communication address of the other user preferably includes an indication that a search request has been made for the same category, for example, the same topic. By this measurement, the first user can be notified of the existence of the second user or the second user can be informed of the existence of the first user, and at the same time a direct setup of the communication between the first user and the second user can be made. Communication via a communication address does not necessarily require any resources of the device of the present invention but can be made through an external device and / or other service provider.

In another preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises a message transmitter and an identification database. The identification database is designed to store the relationship between the anonymous electronic communication address and the actual electronic communication address. The identification database includes, for example, an anonymous electronic communication address of the first user, an anonymous electronic communication address of the second user, an actual electronic communication address of the first user, and an actual electronic communication address of the second user. The message sender receives an electronic message having an anonymous electronic communication address as a target address, reads an actual electronic communication address associated with the anonymous electronic communication address from the identification database, and sends the electronic message having the actual electronic communication address read out. Is designed. In this case, the information supplier is preferably designed to provide the first user with an anonymous electronic communication address of the second user or to the second user with an anonymous electronic communication address. Using the concepts mentioned, the first user and the second user can communicate with each other in an anonymous manner, a communication message can be generated and transmitted outside of the device according to the invention, the device according to the invention communicating Send the message and replace the anonymous communication address by the actual communication address stored in its identification database. The apparatus according to the invention thus takes the necessary steps for anonymity but does not bear the burden of handling the communication between the first user and the second user, far from the transmission.

In a further preferred embodiment, the communication partner determiner is designed to determine if the second user can communicate. In this case, the information supplier is preferably designed to provide information only when the communication partner determiner indicates that the second user is available for communication. This avoids attempts to initiate communication between two users, where one of the two users can no longer communicate or cannot communicate. This prevents the rest of the users from disappointing and increases the overall user satisfaction.

In a preferred embodiment, the communication partner determiner is designed to indicate that the second user is available for communication when the second user makes a search request within a predetermined time (eg, related to the time of checking whether the second user is available). . By observing the search request of the second user, the apparatus for processing the search request according to the present invention can detect whether the second user is in an active state.

In a further preferred embodiment, the communication partner determiner is designed to find out whether the request receiver has received a search request of a first user and a second user relating to the same category within a predetermined time interval. In this case, the information supplier is designed to provide the information only when a request receiver receives a search request of the first user and the second user, related to the same category within the predetermined time interval. This procedure results in a particularly high user satisfaction, since the user can assume that he is only interested in a certain category of search requests for a certain time interval.

If a search request of a first user and a second user is related to the same category but the search request is too far in time (longer than a predetermined time interval), at least in some cases two users are informed of each other by the information supplier. Not useful to do

In a further embodiment, the apparatus according to the invention comprises an information database having a plurality of entries related to various possible search requests. In this case, the apparatus according to the invention preferably comprises a database queryer designed to search the information database for entries relating to the first user's search request. An information supplier provides information to the first user based on at least one entry in the information database, related to the search request of the first user, in addition to the information that a second user has made a search request for the same category. It is designed to provide. In the mentioned embodiment, there is in particular the advantage of linking the knowledge stored in the information database with the knowledge of other users. Thus knowledge from the information database is available to the first user, who can acquire the knowledge of the second user. The user can determine which of the information accesses and / or knowledge accesses is useful in view of the entries provided by the information database. In other words, in only one search request, the first user obtains both a reference to the knowledge collected in the information database and a reference to the knowledge holder of the same person as the second user who made the same category of search request.

The apparatus according to the invention may also comprise a priority mechanism designed to set the order of access to the information database and entry of information relating to the second user who has made a search request for the same category as the first user. For example, process control may include that a first user acquires knowledge of the existence of a second user and, for example (not required), enters a communication with the user, or attempts to communicate between the first user and the second user fail or fail. It may be designed to display an entry in the information database and / or a corresponding reference to another information holder only when the first user has notified the device according to the invention that he or she does not wish to establish communication with the second user.

Alternatively, the information provider may, for example, first provide the first user with the result amount of the information database query, and provide the first user with information about the existence of the second user only when the first user sees the result of the information database query. do. This can be done, for example, by placing the results of an information database query before information about the presence of a second user. Alternatively, the information provider may detect when the first user consults a plurality of pieces of information of the result of the information database query without success. The information may be obtained, for example, by evaluating the behavior of the first user or by receiving an explicit message of the first user.

In a further preferred embodiment, the category classifier is designed to associate a search request with at least one category based on one or more words included in the search request. In other words, the category classifier analyzes a search request, divides it into words, and determines a category of the search request based on words identified from a database that includes a word or word combination and an association between the categories. Thus, the user is free from the burden of explicitly describing the category of the search request. Categories of search requests are automatically generated, for example, by database queries.

In a further preferred embodiment, the category classifier outputs to the user a list of categories to which the search request (e.g., according to a database query) relates, and in determining from the user which category of the list of categories the search request is associated with. And relate the search request to a category based on the determination. This embodiment ensures that if the category classifier cannot perform this association in an obvious manner, the user can determine which category the search request belongs to. By means of a database query, the category classifier preferably generates a list of categories to which the search request relates, so that the search request offloads the user. In this case, the user must make the final selection and / or selection of the category from the list. In some cases it is optimal to perform preselection of categories automatically and / or based on database queries and leave the final decision to the user.

The present invention provides a method of processing a search request in addition to the apparatus of the present invention that processes the search request. The method includes receiving a search request from a first user, associating the search request with one of a plurality of various categories, finding a second user that has made a search request with respect to the same category, and Providing the first user with information that a second user who has made a search request for the first user exists, or providing the second user with information that there is a first user who has made a search request for the same category.

The method according to the invention has the same advantages as the device according to the invention and can be supplemented by the same steps occurring in the embodiment of the device according to the invention in a preferred embodiment.

The invention further comprises a computer program for performing the method according to the invention.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 shows a block circuit diagram of an apparatus for processing a search request according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a block circuit diagram of a category classifier according to the invention for use in the apparatus according to the invention shown in FIG. 1.

3 is a schematic representation of the formation of a common knowledge cluster by analysis of a search request.

4 shows a block circuit diagram of an apparatus for processing a search request according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

5 shows an invitation (E) of chat participants from the knowledge field and the knowledge transfer (WT) of all participants via the communication platform.

6 shows a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1 shows a block circuit diagram of an apparatus according to the invention for processing a search request. The device according to FIG. 1 is indicated in its entirety by the reference numeral 100. The apparatus 100 includes a query receiver 110 designed to receive a search query 112 from a first user. The first user is also referred to as user 1 throughout this specification. Search request 112 may, for example, consist of one word or several words. Alternatively or additionally, the user query may also include multimedia information such as sound, sound sequences, audio signals, video signals, image sections, images, and other multimedia elements in any combination. The query receiver 110 sends the received search request 112 ′ to the category classifier 120. The category classifier 120 is designed to associate the search request 112 or the received search request 112 'with one of a plurality of various categories (eg, category 1). Category classifier 120 may optionally be further designed to associate search requests 112, 112 ′ with several categories. If the search request 112, 112 ′ does not correspond to any of the categories known to the category classifier 120, the category classifier 120 may generate a new category corresponding to the search request 112, 112 ′. have.

In the description below, assume that the category classifier has associated a search request with "category 1". In addition, the function of the category classifier is described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, for example.

The category classifier 120 provides at least information about a category associated with the search request 112, 112 ′, so that the association between the user making the search request 112, 112 ′ and the category of the search request 112, 112 ′. This is possible. The communication partner determiner 130 further receives information 122 about the categories of the search requests 112, 112 ′ and finds a second user (hereinafter also referred to as user 2) that made a search request related to the same category. Is designed. For this purpose, the communication partner determiner queries, for example, a database containing an association between various known categories and a user identifier of a user for a search request for the corresponding category. Examples of data tables of such databases and / or database tables are indicated at 140. Additional details about the database table 140 are described in detail below.

However, the communication partner determiner 130 is at least one other user who has performed a search request for the same category, eg, "category 1," as the first user user 1 that has made a search request currently being processed by the communication partner determiner 130. In other words, it is important to identify the second user user 2. Thus, the communication partner determiner 130 may, for example, add information 132 indicating which user has made a search request for the category described by the information 122 or the first user user 1 that has made a search request currently being processed. At least provide information 132 indicating whether the additional user made a search request for the category described by information 122. The information 132 indicates that only the first user user 1 has made a search request for the category described by the information 122, or in addition to the first user user 1, an additional user (eg, the second user user 2) responds. A search request for a category (category 1) may be requested, or a plurality of additional users may be added to the first user user 1 to request a search for the category. The following description illustratively assumes that the information 132 indicates that both the first user user 1 and the second user user 2 have made a search request for the category (category 1) described by the information 122.

The information supplier 150 thus receives the information 132 and is designed to provide information to the first user user 1 and / or the second user user 2 based on the information 132. In one embodiment, the information supplier 150 provides information 152 indicating that there is a second user who has made a search request for the same category (category 1) as the first user user 1, that is, the second user user 2. 1 user Designed to be provided to user 1. Alternatively or additionally, the information supplier 150 may provide the second user with information indicating that the first user user 1 has made a search request related to the category indicated by the information 122, for example (category 1). Is designed.

Here, the first user user 1 is informed that there is an additional user (e.g., second user user 2) whose information supplier 150 has made a search request for the category indicated by the information 122 at first. It is enough to provide. Similarly, it is sufficient for the information supplier 150 to instruct the second user user2 that the information 154 is that there are additional users (eg, first user user1) that have made a search request for the category.

However, it is desirable for the information 152 to provide an indication to the first user user that the first user user 1 has the possibility of establishing a communication connection (and additionally in some path if applicable) with the second user user 2. Similarly, the information 154 preferably provides the second user user 2 with an indication that the user has the possibility to enter communication with the first user user 1 via the communication connection.

In addition, the information 152 preferably includes anonymous or non-anonymous information for the second user USER 2, which allows the first user USER 1 to establish a communication connection with the second user USER 2. Similarly, the information 154 preferably includes anonymous or non-anonymous information for the first user USER 1 that allows the second user USER 2 to establish a communication connection with the first user USER 1.

Accordingly, the apparatus 100 according to the present invention allows two users (eg, first user USER 1 and second user USER 2) that have made a search request for the same category (eg, category 1) to connect to each other. For example, as soon as the first user USER 1 is notified that there is a second user USER 2 who has made a search request for the same category by the information 52, the first user USER 1 is in communication with the second user USER 2. You can start the setup. The establishment of the communication connection is carried out by the device 100 according to the invention, for example, the information provider 152 which the information provider 152 uses directly to the first user USER 1 to identify the second user (user 2). ) May be supported by the device 100 providing the information. For this purpose, the information 152 may preferably comprise an anonymous or non-anonymous identification of the second user USER 2. Alternatively, if first user USER 1 desires, information 152 may also include only information that allows device 100 to establish a communication connection between first user USER 1 and second user USER 2. Additionally or alternatively, the second user USER 2 may include information 152 essentially corresponding to the information 152 but including information and / or identifiers necessary to establish a connection with the first user USER 1. It may be.

The following describes the configuration and use of the database table 140 by querying which communication partner determiner 130 can determine which user made one or more search requests for the category indicated by the information 122. . For this purpose, database table 140 includes, for example, first database column 162 describing categories from a plurality of various categories. The second database column 164 of the database table 140 identifies various users of the device 100 by anonymous or non-anonymous user identifiers (e.g., USER 1, USER 2, USER 3, USER 4, USER 5). do. In general, database table 140 represents the relationships between the various users of device 100 and the associated categories from which the user made a search request. In other words, database table 140 generally describes which user of device 100 has made a search request in relation to which category or which categories. In addition, the communication partner determiner 130 does not necessarily need to access the database table 140, but a database that allows the user of the device 100 to make a search request relating to the category identified by the information 122. It is noted that it is generally analyzed. The communication partner determiner 130 thus provides the corresponding database (represented by the database table 140) with a query 170 that describes the category of the queries 112, 112 'provided by the category classifier 120. The database provides a query response 172 to the communication partner determiner 130, where the query response 172 makes a search request for a category provided by the category classifier 120, for example, by a user identifier. ) Describes the user.

In addition, the database and / or database table 140 may be updated corresponding to the information 122 provided by the category classifier 120. In other words, if the category classifier 120 reports that the i-th user USER i has made a search request for category j, an entry reflecting this fact is added to the database and / or database table 140.

In addition, it should be noted that in the database and / or database table 140, any 0 users, one user or several users who have made a search request for a given category may be associated with the given category. In addition, database and / or database table 140 may indicate that a user has made a search request for various categories. However, the database alternatively includes only the user's last search request, eg, at most one category of search request is associated with each user. In addition, the database and / or database table 140 may include time information indicating when a given user made a search request for a given category. Database management (not shown) may be designed, for example, to delete all entries in the database and / or database table 140 that are too far in time (ie, longer than a predetermined period).

Alternatively, communication partner determiner 130 may be designed to only consider entries of query response 172 that are more recent than a predetermined maximum time interval. This mechanism can ensure that old and / or very old information is not used or that communication between two users is initiated only if two users make a search request of the same category within a sufficiently short time interval.

2 shows a block circuit diagram of a category classifier used in the apparatus 100 according to the invention shown in FIG. 1.

The category classifier according to FIG. 2 is indicated in its entirety by reference numeral 200 and may, for example, replace the category classifier 120 of the device 100.

The category classifier 200 receives, for example, a search request 212 composed of one or more search terms (eg, two search terms, search terms 1 and search terms 2). However, the search request may optionally also include multimedia information as described above. For example, the category classifier includes a database category classifier 220 designed to determine the category of the search request 212 by interrogation of the database. As a result, database category classifier 220 provides information 222 describing one or more categories to which search request 212 is associated.

Here, the search request 212 may correspond to, for example, a search request 112 or a received search request 112 ′ of the device 100 of FIG. 1, and the information 222 may correspond to the device 100 of FIG. 1. It should be noted that it may correspond to the information 122. The database category classifier 222 is designed to query and / or make a request based on the search request 212, for example, to the database represented by the first database table 230 and the optional second database table 240. The request and / or database request is indicated by 250, for example one or more search terms included in search request 212 and, if applicable and / or optionally, logical combinations of search terms (AND, OR, NOT). And the like).

The database table 230 shown as an example describes an association between a plurality of various categories and associated search terms or logical combinations of search terms. For example, the database table 230 may define that the search request 212 is associated with the first category when both the first search term (search term 1) and the second search term (search term 2) exist in the search request 212. The database table may also be associated with the first category, for example, when the search request 212 and / or the database query 250 are present in the first query (query 1) and the third query (query 3) in the database query 250. Can be defined. As a further example, the database table 230 may define that the database query 250 is associated with the second category when the fourth search term (query 4) is included in the database query. In other words, the database may define, for example, which category is given when a search term or logical combination of search terms is present in the database query 250. Thus, the database allows for the presence of one or more categories when one or more search terms exist in the database query 250. The query response 252 thus describes which category or categories the database query 250 corresponds to in the content of the database. Information 222 describes the category or categories to which search request 212 corresponds.

Database category classifier 220 may be designed, for example, to select a category that best fits the search request 212 from several categories provided by the database query response 252 in accordance with a given law. However, the database category classifier 220 may alternatively be designed to describe several categories by the information 222.

If the information 222 includes several categories, the communication partner determination by the communication partner determiner 130 of the apparatus 100 according to FIG. 1 may be made several times in parallel or sequentially. In other words, for example continuous processing, several categories are in turn provided to the communication partner determiner 130 as information 122, and then the determiner provides some information 132 describing one or more communication partners. Generate times.

Accordingly, the information supplier 150 may provide some information 152 to the user (eg, user 1) generating the search request 112. In addition, the information supplier 150 may optionally or additionally provide the information 154 to several additional users.

In a further preferred embodiment, the category classifier 200 optionally includes a user-category queryer 260. User-category interrogator 260 receives information 222. If the information 222 describes several categories, the user-category queryer 260 outputs a list 262 of several categories described by the information 222 to the user who made the search request 212. In this case, user-category queryer 260 receives a selection of categories 264 from a list 262 of categories available from the user. Selection 264 may optionally include a plurality of categories from a list 262 of possible categories. However, if selection 264 contains only one category, user-category queryer 260 provides information 268 that describes exactly one category. The information 268 may replace the information 122 of the device 100 according to FIG. 1.

Thus, by using the user-category queryer 260, the optimal category of the search request 212 can be determined in a two step process. The database category classifier pre-selects a category based on, for example, database query 250, and the user-category queryer allows the final selection of categories in cooperation with the user who made the search request. Thus, the user sees only a limited list 262 of possible categories, which typically represents only a subset of the total available categories. This facilitates the user in providing an optimal category selection 262.

However, although the category classifier 200 has shown only possible examples of the category classifier, other category classifiers may also be used that associate the information 222 and / or 268 about the category with the search request 212. It should also be noted that the use of user-category queryer 260 is optional.

3 shows a schematic representation of the formation of a common knowledge cluster by analysis of a search request. The schematic representation of FIG. 3 is indicated in its entirety by the reference numeral 300. Schematic representation 300 of FIG. 3 illustrates how various search requests of various users are associated with various categories and / or knowledge clusters. Analysis of the user's search request 310 with the user identification 4474 indicates, for example, that the search request 310 is associated with the knowledge cluster XZY. Knowledge cluster XZY is also indicated by reference numeral 314 and describes, for example, a topic and / or category associated with search request 310 based on analysis 312. Analysis 312 may be made by evaluation of search request 310, for example, in the manner shown in FIG. 2.

The user's search request 320 with user identification 4655 is also subject to analysis 322. Analysis 322 indicates that a user's search request 320 with user identification 4655 is associated with knowledge cluster XGA 324. Similarly, a user's search request 33 with user identification 12566 indicates that it is associated with knowledge cluster XGA 324, which is determined by analysis 332. Search request 340 with user identification 30032 is also associated with knowledge cluster XGA 324. In other words, a search request of three users with user identification 4655, 12566, and 30032 is associated with knowledge cluster XGA 324. In other words, users with user identification 4655, 12566, 30032 have their search requests associated with knowledge cluster XGA 324 and are considered knowledge holders about knowledge cluster XGA. In other words, the three users are associated with a category corresponding to knowledge cluster XGA and / or knowledge cluster XGA. So, for example, there is a 1: 1 association between a knowledge cluster and a category. Corresponding information, ie the association of users with knowledge clusters, is placed in the database represented by the database table 140, for example.

In addition, the analyzes 312, 322, 332, 342 of the search requests 310, 320, 330, 340 correspond to categorization by the category classifier 220, 200. In addition, the association of the knowledge clusters 314, 324 with the search request 310, 320, 330, 340 corresponds to the information 122, 222, 268 provided by the category classifier 120, 200.

4 shows a block circuit diagram of an apparatus of the present invention for processing a search request according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The entire apparatus of FIG. 4 is labeled 400. Block circuitry 400 allows for extended processing of search requests by both evaluating information about another user making a search request of the same category, and additionally by providing the search request to an information database. The apparatus of the present invention will be described. Apparatus 400, according to FIG. 1 or 2, receives a search request 412 of a first user (user 1), corresponding to a search request 112, 112 ′. Search request 412 is provided to both search request-user associator 420 and information database query 430. According to FIG. 1, the search request-user associating device 420 essentially corresponds to the query receiver 110, the category classifier 120, and the communication partner determiner 130 of the device 100, so that any user requests a search. And information 432 indicating whether a category of the search request is the same as a category associated with the search request 412. For example, information 432 describes a first user (user 1) and a second user (user 2), similar to the example according to FIG.

Like the search request-user association device 420, the information database query 430 receives the search request 412 and generates a query 440 for the information database 442. Information database 442 includes, for example, a link between a search term and information sources. For example, the information database may include a catalog of Internet addresses that includes relevant information associated with the search term of the data query 440. Similarly, information database 442 may directly include, for example, text information or multimedia information associated with a search term of database query 440. Thus, the query response 444 generated as a response to the database query 440 of the information database 442 includes, for example, an Internet address, a text document, a multimedia document. Thus, the information database queryer 430 generates the content of the database query response 444, which may be used as the information 450 in the processed form. As such, the information 450 may represent, for example, a list of entries in the information database 442, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 4.

The information supplier 460 receives all of the information 432, 450. In addition, the information provider 460 is designed to combine the information 432, 450 with each other, and for example create an electronic description of the combined information 432, 450. Information provider 460 may be described in any content description language, such as, for example, HTML, SHTML, UML, WML, or another known content description language that allows for the description of electronic content. Can be designed to provide The description 462 also preferably includes information regarding optical formatting, but this is not necessary.

The description 462 includes, for example, the results of the information database query 440 and / or a representation 464 of the information 450, as shown in the graphical representation of FIG. 4. The description 462 additionally includes a representation of the information 432 summarized in a document or a group of documents that belong together and linked together by a document or at least one cross-reference. In other words, the information 432, 450 is all contained in one document or a group of connected and / or linked documents.

There are several possibilities for the representation of the information 432 described below, which may be used together or alternatively.

For example, the description 462 can include a reference 466 to a communication platform for communicating with a user who has made a search request of the same category. The reference may, for example, give an electronic address that can access the communication platform. Reference 466 may further include an authorization identifier that allows the receiver of description 462 to access the communication platform. In addition, reference 466 may be designed to work with program code (eg, script) that may be executed. The communication platform may be, for example, an electronic discussion forum as well as a text based chat room, an audio chat room or an audiovisual chat room.

The description 462 can further include a description of the input field 468 that allows the first user to enter a message for the second user to pass it. The input field 468 may additionally include functionality to send an input message to the second user immediately or for a prompt of the first user. Alternatively, the input field 468 is designed to send an input message to the second user (user 2) with the help of a server in between. In addition, the input field 468 may be designed to work with executable program code that controls the communication process via a server located directly or intermediate with the second user. For communication purposes with the second user, the input field 468 or executable program code linked with the input field may include, for example, a communication address of the second user or a user identifier of the second user.

In addition, the description 462 may include a description of the display field 470 (and / or content displayed in the display field), where the display field 470 may be enabled for the first user (user 1). Is designed and / or adjusted to represent messages sent and / or sent by a second user (user 2), with a server located in the middle. In addition, description 462 may be used to provide instructions and / or instructions for display field 470 to allow and / or support the playback of messages sent by a second user (user 2) in display field 470. instructions) may be included.

Additionally, the description 462 may include a description of the communication address 472 of the second user (user 2), where the information provider 472 may, for example, read the communication address from a database that knows information 432. The description of 472 can be derived. Alternatively, description 462 may also include an anonymous communication address 474 of the first user (user 1), and information provider 460 may send the anonymous communication address 474 to the information ( Based on 432, it is added back to the description 462.

The information supplier 460 additionally sends an electronic message 480 to the first user (user 1) based on the information 432 and possibly additional information from the database, the electronic message being sent to the second user (user 2). Indicates to the first user (user 1) that a search request of the same category as the first user (user 1) is made. The electronic message further includes an indication of a connection establishment possibility between the first user (user 1) and the second user (user 2). For example, the electronic message 480 may include a communication address of the second user (user 2) or an anonymous communication address of the second user (user 2).

Alternatively or additionally, information supplier 460 may additionally send electronic message 490 to second user (user 2) in a similar manner using information 432 and possibly additional information from the database. It can be designed, and the message informs the second user (user 2) that the first user (user 1) makes a search request of the same category as the second user (user 2). The electronic message 490 may additionally indicate to the second user (user 2) the possibility of connection with the first user (user 1), for example the communication address of the first user (user 1) or the first user. It may optionally include an anonymous communication address of (user 1).

It should be noted that the generation of electronic messages 480 and 490 and description 462 may be generated alternately or together. In other words, only the description 462, only the electronic message 480, or only the electronic message 490 can be generated by the information supplier 460, and the description of the electronic messages 480, 490 and the description 462 can be generated. Any combination can be generated.

FIG. 5 illustrates the operation of an invite for a chat participant E via a field of knowledge and knowledge transfer (WT) of a participant and / or all participants through a communication platform. A schematic representation is shown. 5 is represented in its entirety by 500.

The graph representation 500 shows a plurality of knowledge holders associated with the knowledge cluster XGA 510. Knowledge cluster XGA 510 may correspond to knowledge cluster XGA 324 according to graphical representation 300 of FIG. 3. The group of knowledge holders 520 is associated with the knowledge cluster XGA 510. The group 520 is associated with user identification 4655, 12566, 30032, for example. In other words, the group 520 includes several users (three in a given example), where an analysis of the associated search requests (eg, search requests 320, 330, 340) is performed by the corresponding user in the category of the search request. Determine that a search request (320, 330, 340) associated with the knowledge cluster XGA (510) is made. In other words, the users of user group 520 become knowledge holders of knowledge cluster XGA 510.

Detecting that group 520 includes one or more users, that is, within a predetermined time interval, for example, that one or more users make a search request associated with knowledge cluster XGA 510 constituting a category. In response, the apparatus of the present invention discloses a communication platform 530. When opening the communication platform 530, the communication platform 530 is formed by a chat room and / or discussion room, and the device of the present invention is a user of the group 520, i.e. user identification 4655, 12566, 30032 is sent to the user (E).

Next, there will also be knowledge transfers directed to the WT, using the communication platform 530 and / or chat room 530, between the users indicated at 540, 542 and 544.

6 shows a flowchart of a method of the present invention in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The method of the present invention is indicated in its entirety by 600. In a first step 610, the method 600 includes receiving a search request from a first user. The method 600 includes, in a second step 620, associating a search request with one of a plurality of various categories. The third step 630 includes finding a second user making a search request associated with the same category as the search request of the first user. The fourth step 640 is to provide the first user with information that a second user who has made a search request in the same category exists and / or provide information that the first user who has made a search request in the same category exists. It further includes providing to.

According to FIG. 6, the method 600 may be extended by all of the above steps described with respect to the apparatus 100, 200, 400 of the present invention and / or with respect to FIG. 3 or 5.

In short, it can be said that the essential idea is that the present invention binds people with the same interests or knowledge in the same field based on the analysis of their search requests in a search engine. In other words, the present invention allows communication of people and / or users whose search request is associated with the same category.

Thus, knowledge not currently registered or difficult to retrieve in a search engine may be accessible to the user by knowledge exchange of knowledge holders, that is, in the form of chat and / or electronic chat and / or electronic discussion. In other words, the present invention allows for knowledge exchange of knowledge holders and / or users, whereby such knowledge is also available to all users who do not use conventional electronic search engines and / or do not use conventional electronic search engines. It becomes accessible because, for example, such knowledge does not exist in electronically possible form, but only as knowledge of a human user that cannot be obtained directly electronically.

As part of the present invention, the analysis of a search engine user's search request may often allow for speculation with the special interests or knowledge of the requesting parties. Depending on the user, the inference may range from "no knowledge" to "partial knowledge" relative to "comprehensive knowledge" for a particular topic.

When different users have a certain level of knowledge on a topic, it may be assumed that in this topic they are often inconsistent with the knowledge of other users in all respects. This fact can be used to gather more knowledge about each knowledge by communication and / or knowledge exchange of the user and / or knowledge holder than that knowledge that each user has alone. In addition to the fact that it is possible to obtain knowledge from other users in a simple manner, knowledge that is not yet present in any search index of the search engine and may be available to the user only by this operation may be generated by communication with other users. You can also think that there is. In other words, it is possible, for example, to generate knowledge by communication of several users not yet included in the search index and / or information database 442 of the search engine (eg, information database query 430).

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, information generated during communication with users can be added to the information database 442 as such. For this purpose, the device 400 provides the user with the possibility of adding new knowledge to the information database 442, for example using a user interface, for example by entering an entry in an input field. In addition, the information database 442 can alternately add, for example, the entire information exchange between the first user and the second user to the information database 442. In addition, the information database 442 and / or associated database controller may further extract search terms from the communication between the first user and the second user, thus accessing knowledge based on the information database query 440. Allow to do

By proper analysis of the search engine's user's search request, the user's linking is established through a common field of topics that can be determined by associating a knowledge or search request with a category, and for the user a common communication platform (e.g., Given the possibility of knowledge exchange via text chat or AV chat and / or audiovisual chat, the user may obtain more knowledge or information, and / or more easily in this way than through the traditional search functionality of the search engine. Can be.

In other words, the present invention thus indicates that solutions to the problems and / or challenges of obtaining knowledge or information with conventional search engines are often associated with a lot of effort and / or time consuming and do not yield the desired results. Some information is not available at all with conventional search engines and is not available even after extensive and / or long searches in the search index.

Thus, the present invention provides a solution to this problem by performing a linking of the context of the search request of various users of a search engine providing a conventional audiovisual chat (AV chat) or text chat for knowledge exchange. In some circumstances, because a question can be sent to someone, this solution allows for faster and / or easier access to knowledge. In addition, the concept also partially allows access to knowledge not currently registered in the search index, but may be known to other users of the search engine.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a search request reaching a search engine is analyzed according to some systematic criterion, which can establish a link between the searched words with respect to association with knowledge of a field ("knowledge cluster"). In other words, the association with knowledge of a field is represented by the fact that the search request is associated with that by a category and / or a category classifier. For example, if a search request is explicitly associated with some field of knowledge, an anonymous user identification is placed in this field of knowledge, for example, as can be seen from FIG. In other words, if it is found that a search request of a given user is explicitly associated with one category, the user identification of a particular user (anonymous or non-anonymous) is stored in the database to enable association between that particular user and that category. . Details of the functionality have been described, for example, with respect to the update of the database table 140 in connection with the apparatus 100 according to FIG. 1.

Fields of knowledge and / or categories may be predefined and dynamically defined from the user's search criteria (ie, during runtime). In other words, if the search request is not associated with any category present in the database and / or database table 140, the apparatus of the present invention may, for example, search terms associated with the category (e.g., database tables 230). , A new category may be created based on a search request (ie, during runtime), for example, a database update, that includes an association between the data, as described in connection with reference numeral 240.

Indicated by the fact that user identification is filled in the fields of the knowledge and / or category, as soon as a field of knowledge and / or category already has a knowledge holder (ie a user who has made a search request to the category) The communication platform (e.g. in the form of a chat room) can be established between users by the server of knowledge and / or the device of the invention, if there is another search request associated with this field of knowledge. Users (ie, users making a search request associated with the same category, for example) are appropriately informed, for example, about the status (ie regarding the setup of the communication platform and / or chat room). So for information purposes there will be a message in the browser where the results of the message retrieval request will be output, for example. In other words, the apparatus of the present invention provides information to the user's information viewing program (and / or browser) such that the information viewing program has a communication platform for the knowledge field (and / or for the category for the search request) or It is designed to output a message that it has been initiated.

This message and / or "invitation" simultaneously represents authorized accessibility to the communication platform. In other words, the viewing program and / or browser may obtain and display a reference and / or link from the device of the present invention that allows the user to log in on a communication platform. The reference and / or link may include authorization information from which the communication platform may determine that a user attempting to log in at the communication platform is authorized by checking the authorization information.

All users who have accepted the "invitation" can now use the communication platform and discuss knowledge of each field with other users.

In the following, an example of the inventive concept for processing a search request will be described. As an example, user A (indicative of first user and / or user 1) may assume that he / she finds an answer to the question of how to spell check in a word processing and / or word processing program. . Thus, user A enters the words " Microsoft and spell check " into the search engine, for example, thereby defining, for example, a search request. The search engine analyzes the search request and associates the search request with a field of knowledge of, for example, "word processing: Microsoft Word." User B, namely the second user and / or user 2, is looking for an answer to the question, for example, how he / she can italicize the characters in his / her word processor. Therefore, he / she enters the words "words and italics" into a search engine, for example. In that way, user B defines a search request, for example. The search engine thus analyzes the search request and associates the search request with the knowledge field "Word Processing: Microsoft Word."

As both users enter their requests and / or their search requests briefly alternately (ie within a predetermined time interval), both users are “simultaneously online” (eg by a search engine and / Or by the apparatus of the present invention). Thus, both are known as signals to invite for knowledge exchange on an instant (or with a time delay) (existing or newly established) communication platform, for example.

Both users are further assumed to accept the offer and / or invitation for electronic communication via the communication platform, for example because they did not find any answer to their question on the first pages of normal search results. In other words, the search engine may, for example, provide a search request with associated information and / or references to the information (ie, a reference to a website including a representation of the information, for example) to information based on the search request. By sending the search results to a database to provide additional search results as well as an invitation for electronic communication via the communication platform. Thus, the apparatus and / or search engine of the present invention combines the search in a database having a classification of search requests of various users into categories and the provision of information allowing communication between users who have made a search request of the same category.

Thus, if both users accept an offer for electronic communication with each other via a communication platform, the two users may provide their respective questions and / or search requests to the other participants and / or users of the communication platform. When providing each question to other participants in the communication platform, both users can immediately get the answer without additional complexity, for example from their human communication partner.

It should be noted here that the determination of the knowledge field and / or topic of the search request corresponds to the search request and the association with the aforementioned category, which can be obtained, for example, as a database request, as mentioned above. .

The following summarizes once again the inventive concept and / or relevant features of the inventive device. An important advantage of the inventive concept is that the inventive concept allows users and / or people interested in the same topic to communicate directly with each other. In other words, based on the analysis and / or categorization of search requests of at least two users, it may be determined whether the search requests of at least two users are related to the same category and / or the same topic. In this case, the users are notified by an electronic message that there is another user who has made a search request of the same category and / or the same topic. In addition, at least one of the two users is provided with information enabling him / her to directly initiate electronic communication with the counterpart user. This allows a user who puts a search request into a search engine, not only producing search results generated by the machine, but also additionally initiating communication with a human communication partner. With the help of human communication partners, questions (and / or search requests) are better understood in most cases (than with the help of electronic systems), so answers come faster than with conventional search engine research. .

In addition, an advantage of the present invention is that it can be implemented anonymously, that is, communication between two users can take place without two users having made the same category of search requests revealing their true identity. The apparatus of the present invention allows anonymization as the apparatus of the present invention maintains a database that allows, for example, to provide anonymous user identifiers to a user and to convert anonymous user identifiers into real user identifiers. do. The apparatus of the present invention then transmits a communication from the first user to the second user, where, for example, the first user knows the anonymous ID of the second user, and the apparatus of the present invention is anonymous of the second user. Converts the user identifier of to the actual user identifier of the second user, and thus sends a message sent by the first user using the anonymous user identifier to the second user using the actual user identifier of the second user.

In a further embodiment, the communication between the device and the user of the present invention may occur in an encrypted manner. Alternatively, communication between the user and the search engine and / or the device of the present invention may occur without encryption, while communication between various users may also occur in an encrypted manner.

Communication between two users who have made a search request on the same category and / or the same topic may occur, for example, as text chat and / or text discussion, audio chat and / or audio discussion and / or AV chat and / or audiovisual discussion. Can be.

In addition, the device of the present invention, under certain circumstances, incorporates and / or includes a charge-free expert. For example, the fee-free expert can be a user associated with one or more categories of search requests, for example, capable of communicating with a user making a search request.

If the knowledge field cannot be explicitly determined by the search request, the selection of a suitable field of knowledge can optionally be presented to the user. Regarding the example above, the user may be asked a question, for example: is your question related to "Operating System: Microsoft Windows" or "Word Processing: Microsoft Word?"

In addition, an immediate meeting of knowledge holders may occur, or a meeting of knowledge holders may occur at an offset in time. In other words, if no other user is currently registered in this field of knowledge, the user may indicate, for example, whether he / she is also interested in exchanging knowledge with other knowledge holders later in time for this topic. have.

Thus, the user of the apparatus of the present invention is given the advantage that a complex search on the Internet can be eliminated, if this problem is also discussed here. Thus, the search engine of the present invention can indirectly provide information that does not currently exist in the conventional search index through the knowledge of the user.

It should be further noted that the concepts of the present invention may be implemented in an apparatus or method. In addition, the concept of the present invention can also be implemented as a computer program.

Depending on the environment, the concepts or methods of the present invention may be implemented in hardware or software. The implementation may comprise a ROM, PROM, having control signals electronically readable on a digital storage medium, for example a floppy disk, CD, DVD or flash storage medium, It may be implemented in an EPROM or EEPROM, which operates in conjunction with a computer system that can be programmed to perform the method. In general, the present invention is, therefore, program code stored on a machine-readable carrier, where the program code is operative to perform the methods of the present invention when the computer program product is operated on a computer. It is a computer program product having. In other words, the present invention may be realized as a computer program having a program code for performing the method of the present invention when the computer program is operated on a computer.

Thus, finally, the apparatus of the present invention provides the user with the possibility of initiating electronic communication with other users making a search request of the same category based on the categorization of the search request, thereby providing efficient searching and And / or finally provide the possibility of efficient information.

Claims (17)

In the apparatus (100; 300, 500; 400) for processing a search request (112, 112 '; 310, 320, 330, 340; 412), A query receiver 110 for receiving a search request from a first user (user 1); A category classifier (120; 200; 312, 322, 332, 342) for associating the search request with one of a plurality of categories (category 1, category 2, category 3, category 4; 314, 324, 512); A communication partner determiner 130 for finding a second user (user 2) who has made a search request with respect to the same category; And Provide the first user with information 152 (462, 480) that a second user who has made a search request for the same category exists; And an information supplier (150; 460) for providing the second user with information (154; 490) that a first user having made a search request for the same category exists. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the information supplier (150; 460) comprises: the first user (user 1) and the second user (user 2) having the same category (category 1, category 2, category 3, category 4; Information 152 including a notification of the possibility of establishing electronic communication with each other in response to detecting that a search request 112, 112 '; 310, 320, 330, 340; 412 associated with 314, 324, 512 has been made; 154; 462, 480, 490; E) a search request processing apparatus designed to provide the first user or the second user. 3. The system of claim 1 or 2, further designed to provide a communication platform 468, 470; 530 that enables the first user (user 1) and the second user (user 2) to communicate with each other electronically. , The information provider 150 (460) is designed to provide a message (152, 154; 462, 480, 490; E) to the first user and / or the second user, the message accessing the communication platform. Search request processing apparatus designed to allow access to or authorize the first user and / or the second user to access to the communication platform. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the first user (user 1) and the second user (user 2) are designed to provide electronic chat rooms 468, 470; 530 as the communication platform, which is a means for communicating with each other. The information provider (150; 460) is a search designed to provide the first user and the second user with a message (152, 154; 462, 480, 490; E) containing a reference to the electronic chat room. Request processing unit. An authentication identifier (5) according to claim 4, wherein said information provider (150; 460) authorizes said first user and said second user for access to said electronic chat rooms (468, 470; 530). Search request processing apparatus designed to provide the first user (user 1) and the second user (user 2). 4. A method according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that for the same category (category 1, category 2, category 3, category 4; 314, 324, 512) by providing a communication platform 468, 470; 530. Provide information to the first user (user 1) that the second user (user 2) that has made a search request 112, 112 '; 310, 320, 330, 340; 412 exists; And a search request processing apparatus designed to provide the second user (user 2) with information about the fact that the first user (user 1) has made a search request for the same category by providing the communication platform. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the information supplier (150; 460) is a search request for the same category (category 1, category 2, category 3, category 4; 314, 324, 512). 112, 112 '; provide information to the first user (user 1) that the second user (user 2) having played 310, 320, 330, 340; 412 exists, and the electronic communication address of the second user. Is designed to provide information about the first user to Search request processing, designed to provide the second user with information that the first user has made a search request for the same category and to provide the second user with information about the electronic communication address of the first user Device. The method of claim 1, further comprising a message sender and an identification database, The identification database is designed to store a relationship between an anonymous electronic communication address and an actual electronic communication address, wherein the identification database is an anonymous electronic communication address of the first user, an anonymous electronic communication address of the second user, the first message. An actual electronic communication address of the first user and an actual electronic communication address of the second user, The message transmitter receives an electronic message having an anonymous electronic communication address as a target address, reads an actual electronic communication address associated with the anonymous electronic communication address from the identification database, and generates an electronic message having the read actual electronic communication address. Is designed to send messages, The information supplier (150; 460) is a search request processing apparatus designed to provide an anonymous electronic communication address of the second user to the first user or an anonymous electronic communication address of the first user to the second user. . The communication partner determiner (130) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the request partner (110) determines that the first user (user 1) and the second user (user 2) within a predetermined time interval. Designed to find out whether a search request (112, 112 '; 310, 320, 330, 340) has been received, The information supplier 150 (460) is capable of providing the information 152 only when the request receiver receives a search request of the first user and a search request of the second user related to the same category within the predetermined time interval. 154; 462, 480, 490). The communication partner determiner (130) of any one of the preceding claims is designed to determine whether the second user (user 2) is communicable, The information supplier (150; 460) is a search request processing apparatus designed to provide the information (152, 154; 462, 480, 490) only if the communication partner determiner indicates that the second user (user 2) is available for communication. . 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the communication partner determiner 130 is the second user when the second user (user 2) makes a search request (112, 112 '; 310, 320, 330, 340) within a predetermined interval A search request processing apparatus designed to indicate that (user 2) is communicable. 12. Information database 442 according to any one of the preceding claims, having a plurality of entries (entry 1, entry 2) related to various possible search requests 112, 112 '; 310, 320, 330, 340. And an information database queryer 430 designed to retrieve an entry related to a search request of the first user (user 1) from the information database. The information supplier (150; 460), in addition to the information that there is a second user (user 2) has made a search request for the same category, at least one of the information database, related to the search request of the first user Search request processing apparatus designed to provide information (464) to the first user based on an entry of the. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the category classifier (120; 200; 312, 322, 332, 342) receives the search request (112, 112 '; 310, 320, 330, 340). A search request processing apparatus designed to associate with at least one category (category 1, category 2, category 3, category 4; 314, 324, 512) based on one or more words included in the search request. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the category classifier 120 (200; 200; 312, 322, 332, 342) is a category (category 1, category 2, category 3, category 4; 314, 324, 512 to which the search request is related). ) List to users (user 1, user 2), Read in a determination from the user which category the search request will be associated with in the list of categories, A search request processing apparatus designed to associate the search request with a category based on the determination. 15. The communication partner determiner (130) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the communication partner determiner (130) determines that there are no longer any users or communicable users for whom the communication partner determiner has requested a search for the same category. If found, output a query to the specific user as to whether a particular user wants to establish a later connection with another user who will later request for the same category search (112, 112 '; 310, 320, 330, 340). Is designed to The communication partner determiner is also a search designed to write the particular user into or out of the database 140 available to the communication partner determiner to find a user who has made a search request for the same category according to an answer read from the user. Request processing unit. In the method 600 of processing a search request 112, 112 '; 310, 320, 330, 340; 412, Receiving (610) a search request from a first user (user 1); Associating (620) the search request with one of a plurality of categories (category 1, category 2, category 3, category 4; 314, 324, 512); Finding (630) a second user (user 2) that has made a search request for the same category; And Provide the first user with information that a second user who has requested a search for the same category exists; And providing (640) information to the second user that a first user who has made a search request for the same category exists. A computer program having program code for performing the method of claim 16 when operating on a computer.

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