Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a method for automatically enabling a search system or application to quickly and accurately count hits corresponding to a search expression. For example, a search expression is received or retrieved that may include redundant and/or overlapping search expression components. Each narrow search expression component is removed from the search expression if joined by an “OR” operator to a broader or equivalent search expression component. Additionally, each broad search expression component is removed from the search expression if joined by an “AND” operator to a narrower or equivalent search expression component. By modifying the received search expression in this fashion, a performance gain is typically achieved for calculating the hit count while maintaining its accuracy.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a method for automatically enabling a search system or application to quickly and accurately count hits corresponding to a search expression. For example, a search expression is received or retrieved that may include redundant and/or overlapping search expression components. Each narrow search expression component is removed from the search expression if joined by an “OR” operator to a broader or equivalent search expression component. Additionally, each broad search expression component is removed from the search expression if joined by an “AND” operator to a narrower or equivalent search expression component. By modifying the received search expression in this fashion, a performance gain is typically achieved for calculating the hit count while maintaining its accuracy.