Abstract: A random document is stripped of the relevant search terms to generate a non-relevant document. The relevant search terms are formed into grammatically correct but not necessarily technically correct sentences. The grammatically correct sentences are placed at the beginning of the random document in one pass through the system in the middle of a document in a second pass through the system and at the end of the document in a third pass through the system. A relevancy vector chart is computed using the references documents and a known relevancy algorithm relating to position of search terms. The results obtained from search engines are compared to the relevancy vector chart to determine the relative relevancy of the returned search results from the search engines.

Abstract: A method, software and apparatus are provided which enable a merchant to promote products and services in a deterministic manner. When a shopper enters a set of key words in an entry in an on-screen form for a web server to obtain a list of items (products and/or services) of interest to the shopper, the documents describing the items are prioritized based on the web sites owner's organizational strategic decisions by the merchant providing a weighting factor for the products and services. The weighting factor is combined with existing ranking mechanisms to the documents to increase the probability that certain items come to the top when the search results are presented to the shopper. These items could be used to ensure shoppers do not overlook special offers or to reduce overstocks by promoting products with a large inventory. The weighting factor is configured so as to not decrease the shoppers confidence in the ranking process.

Abstract: Search time is reduced with a search engine that includes a bi-directional inverted index facility which can be accessed with a keyword search in one of a number of languages and provide a listing of documents contained in all of those languages. The keywords in all supported languages are preferably stored in an inverted index lookup table cross referenced to documents in those language containing the keywords. Keywords with the same meaning in different languages are accessible together when that keyword in one of the languages is queried. The search engine containing the table can identify pertinent documents either in a selected language, a second language or in all supported languages, as determined by the user. Information about each document can include not only the identity of the document but also information used in ranking the documents such as the number of times that a keyword appears in that document, and the keywords proximity to other keywords.

Abstract: A method, software and apparatus are provided which enable promotion of products and services in a deterministic manner free of conflicting actions modifying raw ranking data based on merchants interests. For this purpose, an information consolidator is provided to obtain search results for a plurality of sources including directly from merchants. When a shopper enters a set of key words in an entry field in an on-screen form for a web server to obtain a list of items (products and/or services) of interest to the shopper, the documents describing the items can be prioritized by the information provided by the information source based on the web sites owner's priorities. The information consolidator receives ranking information taking the highest ranked products and obtains the product information for the most highly ranked products. The information consolidator then reranks the products using a preferred ranking algorithm to remove information sources biases in this ranking of the products.

Abstract: Euclidean analysis is used to define queries in terms of a multi-axis query space where each of the keywords T1, T2, . . . Ti, . . . Tn is assigned an axis in that space. Sets of test queries St for each one from one of a plurality of server sources, are plotted in the query space. Clusters of the search terms are identified based on the proximity of the plotted query vectors to one another. Predominant servers are identified for each of the clusters. When a search query Ss is received, the location of its vector is determined and the servers accessed by the search query Ss are those that are predominant in the cluster which its vector may fall or is in closest proximity to.

Abstract: A search engine system is provided in which inputted data in various configurations is first passed through transitional translation layers which convert the data in its multiple configurations to a common or kernel computer form and language. The data is operated on and stored in the kernel form and language. The operated on data is then outputted through transitional translation layers and provided in the desired format the same or different from the input form and language.

Abstract: Documents containing information about product offerings in various natural languages are passed through transitional translation layers which convert the data to a single computer language using a universal character set encompassing the character sets used in all supported natural languages. The documents are stored in their original natural languages and in English with documents segmented into components which components are identified by search terms arranged in a taxonomy tree based on product types. The names of the products in the national languages are added to the English language documents enabling quick keyword searches when the product name or number is known. A bi-directional inverted index is provided for access by the keyword search terms so that keywords with the same meaning in different languages are accessible together when the keyword in one of the languages is queried.

Abstract: Multiple light emitting diodes (LEDs) capable of emitting light at different optical wavelengths are provided in a hand held device with switches for activating the LEDs separately or jointly. A matrix of radiant energy detectors are arrayed across a presentation screen at the display pixel locations of a screen. These radiant energy detectors are capable of distinguishing between the two radiant energy sources. A position location matrix is provided on the screen for detection where radiant energy is received from one or more of the radiant energy sources. Detection signal logic provides Boolean signals representative of which of the radiant energy signals is detected by the radiant energy detectors and control function logic responds to the position information and the Boolean signals to generate a cursor on a display screen and to manipulate display objects on the screen intercepted by the cursor.

Abstract: A method and system for graphic representation of the availability of desired meeting attendees, meeting sites and elements of equipment for use in a data processing system having a display and a calendar database listing scheduled calendar events. A graphically distinctive object is associated with each desired meeting attendee, meeting site and/or element of equipment for use in a data processing system having a display and a calendar database listing scheduled calendar events. A graphically distinctive object is associated with each desired meeting attendee, meeting site and element of equipment.