Abstract: The invention relates to a method implemented by a computer for searching in a plurality of data sets. In the method a search query is received and a partial quantity having terms similar to or identical to the search term is derived from a reference quantity. A similarity measure to the search term and the probability of the occurrence of the term is then determined for each term. Furthermore, a weighted distribution depending on the term is applied to the terms, and a modified probability is determined for the term. The data sets are further evaluated with respect to the relevance thereof to the search query, and at least one partial data set quantity is output as a function of the relevance value thereof. The invention further relates to a search engine for performing said method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method implemented by a computer for searching in a plurality of data sets. In the method a search query is received and a partial quantity having terms similar to or identical to the search term is derived from a reference quantity. A similarity measure to the search term and the probability of the occurrence of the term is then determined for each term. Furthermore, a weighted distribution depending on the term is applied to the terms, and a modified probability is determined for the term. The data sets are further evaluated with respect to the relevance thereof to the search query, and at least one partial data set quantity is output as a function of the relevance value thereof. The invention further relates to a search engine for performing said method.