Abstract: Techniques are provided for the efficient location, processing, and retrieval of local product information derived from web pages generally locatable through form queries submitted to web pages often referred to as the “deep” or “hidden” web. In an embodiment, information such as product information and dealer-location information is located on a web page form such as a dealer-locator form. After location of a suitable web page form, editorial wrapping is performed to create an automated information extraction process. Using the automated information extractor, deep-web crawling is performed. A grid-based extraction of individual business records is performed, and matching and ingestion are performed in conjunction with a business listing database. Finally, metadata tags are added to entries in the business listing database. Metadata tags also may be added to entries in other databases.

Abstract: A method for identifying a brand name is described herein. The method involves obtaining category keywords associated with a category, designating a subgroup of the category keywords as brand name keywords for a particular brand name, receiving a search term, determining that the search term is a brand name keyword, and identifying the particular brand name corresponding to the brand name keyword.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for the efficient location, processing, and retrieval of local product information derived from web pages generally locatable through form queries submitted to web pages often referred to as the “deep” or “hidden” web. In an embodiment, information such as product information and dealer-location information is located on a web page form such as a dealer-locator form. After location of a suitable web page form, editorial wrapping is performed to create an automated information extraction process. Using the automated information extractor, deep-web crawling is performed. A grid-based extraction of individual business records is performed, and matching and ingestion are performed in conjunction with a business listing database. Finally, metadata tags are added to entries in the business listing database. Metadata tags also may be added to entries in other databases.

Abstract: A method of ranking search results includes producing a relevance score for a document in view of a query. A similarity score is calculated for the query utilizing a feature vector that characterizes attributes and query words associated with the document. A rank value is assigned to the document based upon the relevance score and the similarity score.

Abstract: A method of ranking search results includes producing a relevance score for a document in view of a query. A similarity score is calculated for the query utilizing a feature vector that characterizes attributes and query words associated with the document. A rank value is assigned to the document based upon the relevance score and the similarity score.