Patents by Inventor Qin Zhang

Qin Zhang has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • SEARCH METHOD, APPARATUS AND SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20150074076
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a search method, a search apparatus and a search system. The method includes: a data rewriting system that obtains, from a database, one or more search term candidates that are relevant to a present search term. The data rewriting system retrieves properties of the present search term and the one or more search term candidates, where the properties describe respective matching results of the present search term and the one or more search term candidates. Based on the matching results, the data rewriting system determines whether or not the present search term needs to be rewritten, and rewrites the present search term based on the matching results to provide a rewritten present search term if it is determined that the present search term needs to be rewritten. A search engine performs a search based on the rewritten present search term.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Fei Xing, Jing Dong, Ning Guo, Lei Hou, Qin Zhang
  • Image Categorization Database and Related Applications
    Publication number: 20150052136
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for providing a new way of categorizing and searching image files. More specially, the present invention provides a system and method that can provide image categorization in a game like environment wherein the participants can freely input language units that describe or refer to corresponding images, wherein the inputted language units can be categorized and corresponding scores will be given according to the which categories the inputted language units fall into, wherein an image categorization database can be established and images can be searched according to the various types of categorization, and the categories of the language units in the image database can be used to rank image search results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: Qin Zhang
  • Method and Apparatus of Ordering Search Results
    Publication number: 20150039604
    Abstract: Ordering search results may include obtaining an exposed log file from a log system, computing a Bayesian posterior probability for relevancy between the log file and a search request, computing an expected value of the relevancy between the log file and the search request based on the Bayesian posterior probability, storing the search request and an identifier of the log file as a key and the expected value of the relevancy between the log file and the search request as a value into a search data structure, in response to receiving a search request submitted by a user, finding expected values of relevancy between the submitted search request and log files that are relevant to the submitted search request from the search data structure, and ordering the found log files in a descending order of the expected values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Huaxing Jin, Wei Zheng, Peng Huang, Xu Yang, Feng Lin, Jiong Feng, Qin Zhang
  • METHOD FOR GENERATING SEARCH RESULT AND SYSTEM FOR INFORMATION SEARCH
    Publication number: 20150006525
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method for generating a search result and an information search system. The method for generating a search result includes: receiving, by an information search system, a search request; obtaining, by searching, a plurality of pieces of matching information that match the search request; obtaining a respective amount of user response associated with each of the plurality of pieces of matching information and further obtaining a total amount of user response associated with a respective categories to which each of the plurality of pieces of matching information belongs; and ranking the plurality of pieces of information to generate a search result based on the total amount of user response associated with the respective category to which each of the plurality of pieces of matching information belongs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Ning Guo, Yuheng Xie, Fei Xing, Lei Hou, Qin Zhang
  • GENERATING RANKED SEARCH RESULTS USING LINEAR AND NONLINEAR RANKING MODELS
    Publication number: 20140351246
    Abstract: Generating ranked search results includes receiving a plurality of matching information items that match a search request, ranking at least some of the plurality of matching information items using a linear ranking model that linearly combines a first plurality of feature values to obtain a first set of ranked results, ranking at least some of the first set of ranked results using a nonlinear ranking model that nonlinearly combines a second plurality of feature values to obtain a second set of ranked results, and provide a search response based on the second set of ranked results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Ning Guo, Fei Xing, Yuheng Xie, Lei Hou, Qin Zhang
  • System and method for ranking search results within citation intensive document collections
    Patent number: 8886638
    Abstract: Systems and methods facilitate a search and identify documents and associated metadata reflecting content of the documents. In one implementation, a method receives a query comprising a set of search terms, identifies a stored document in response to the query, and determines a score value for the retrieved document based on a similarity between one or more of the query search terms and metadata associated with the identified document. The method locates the identified document in a citation network of baseline query results, the citation network comprising a first set of documents that cite to the identified document and a second set of documents cited to by the identified document. The method further determines a new score value of the identified document as a function of the score value and a quantity and a quality of documents within the first and second set of documents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: LexisNexis
    Inventors: Ling Qin Zhang, Harry R. Silver
  • Method, apparatus and system, for rewriting search queries
    Patent number: 8880512
    Abstract: A search system includes: a data rewriting system that obtains, from a database, one or more search term candidates that are relevant to a present search query. The data rewriting system retrieves properties of the present search query and the one or more search term candidates, where the properties describe respective matching results of the present search query and the one or more search term candidates. Based at least in part on the matching results, the data rewriting system determines whether or not the present search query needs to be rewritten, and rewrites the present search query based at least in part on the matching results to provide a rewritten present search query if it is determined that the present search query needs to be rewritten. A search engine performs a search based at least in part on the rewritten present search query.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Alibaba Group Holding Limited
    Inventors: Fei Xing, Jing Dong, Ning Guo, Lei Hou, Qin Zhang
  • Method and apparatus of ordering search results
    Patent number: 8862604
    Abstract: Ordering search results may include obtaining an exposed log file from a log system, computing a Bayesian posterior probability for relevancy between the log file and a search request, computing an expected value of the relevancy between the log file and the search request based on the Bayesian posterior probability, storing the search request and an identifier of the log file as a key and the expected value of the relevancy between the log file and the search request as a value into a search data structure, in response to receiving a search request submitted by a user, finding expected values of relevancy between the submitted search request and log files that are relevant to the submitted search request from the search data structure, and ordering the found log files in a descending order of the expected values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Alibaba Group Holding Limited
    Inventors: Huaxing Jin, Wei Zheng, Peng Huang, Xu Yang, Feng Lin, Jiong Feng, Qin Zhang
  • System and method for detecting and analyzing features in an agricultural field for vehicle guidance
    Patent number: 8855405
    Abstract: A system and method for creating 3-dimensional agricultural field scene maps are disclosed comprising producing a pair of images using a stereo camera and creating a disparity image based on the pair of images, the disparity image being a 3-dimensional representation of the stereo images. Coordinate arrays can be produced from the disparity image and the coordinate arrays can be used to render a 3-dimensional local map of the agricultural field scene. Global maps can also be made by using geographic location information associated with various local maps to fuse together multiple local maps into a 3-dimensional global representation of the field scene. The disparity images can be used to analyze a variety of agricultural features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignees: Deere & Company, University of Illinois Grant and Contract Administration
    Inventors: Francisco Rovira Mas, Qin Zhang, John Franklin Reid
  • Ranking search results based on word weight
    Patent number: 8856098
    Abstract: Ranking search results, comprises retrieving search results that include target strings that relate to a query string; segmenting the query string and each of the target strings; pairing segments in the query string with respective segments in the target strings to form combinations; retrieving weights that correspond to the combinations; and determining a weighted word length based on the weights corresponding to each of the target strings; and ranking the target strings based on their respective weighted word lengths. Alternatively, ranking search results includes determining a minimum weight of each inserted word with respect to segments in the query string; determining a minimum weight of each deleted word with respect to segments in the target strings; determining a total edit distance for each target string; and ranking the target strings based on the total edit distances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Alibaba Group Holding Limited
    Inventors: Yuheng Xie, Fei Xing, Ning Guo, Lei Hou, Qin Zhang
  • Method for generating search result and system for information search
    Patent number: 8849822
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method for generating a search result and an information search system. The method for generating a search result includes: receiving, by an information search system, a search request; obtaining, by searching, a plurality of pieces of matching information that match the search request; obtaining a respective amount of user response associated with each of the plurality of pieces of matching information and further obtaining a total amount of user response associated with a respective categories to which each of the plurality of pieces of matching information belongs; and ranking the plurality of pieces of information to generate a search result based on the total amount of user response associated with the respective category to which each of the plurality of pieces of matching information belongs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Alibaba Group Holding Limited
    Inventors: Ning Guo, Yuheng Xie, Fei Xing, Lei Hou, Qin Zhang
  • Sampling analysis of search queries
    Patent number: 8849798
    Abstract: Sampling analysis includes classifying a plurality of query keywords into a plurality of query keyword subsets according to page view (PV) values associated with the plurality of query keywords, the plurality of query keywords being submitted by a plurality of users; determining a respective plurality of sample rates of a respective plurality of query keywords in a respective one of the plurality of query keyword subsets; and sampling query data in the respective one of the plurality of query keyword subsets according to the respective plurality of sample rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Alibaba Group Holding Limited
    Inventors: Junlin Zhang, Jian Sun, Lei Hou, Qin Zhang
  • SELECTING A NAVIGATION HIERARCHICAL STRUCTURE DIAGRAM FOR WEBSITE NAVIGATION
    Publication number: 20140258844
    Abstract: Implementing website navigation includes deriving a confidence level for at least one leaf node of a website navigation category diagram using historical user operation data; generating one or more navigation hierarchical structure diagrams based on the website navigation category diagram; determining a searching cost associated with each of the one or more navigation hierarchical structure diagrams; determining the navigation hierarchical structure diagram associated with the lowest searching cost; and implementing at least in part a website navigation mode using the navigation hierarchical structure diagram associated with the lowest searching cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Alibaba Group Holding Limited
    Inventors: Jian Liao, Feng Lin, Shousong Zhang, Qin Zhang
  • Information retrieval based on semantic patterns of queries
    Patent number: 8799275
    Abstract: An information retrieval method includes pre-processing a set of historical query information and processing a user query. Pre-processing a set of historical query information includes determining a plurality of semantic patterns based on a plurality of queries in the set of historical query information; establishing correspondence relationships between the plurality of semantic patterns and a plurality of filtering and ranking operations. Processing a user query comprises receiving the user query; retrieve a plurality of results in response to the user query; determining a semantic pattern that corresponds to the user query; determining a set of filtering and ranking operations that corresponds to the semantic pattern based on the correspondence relationships; and performing the set of filtering and ranking operations on the plurality of results to generate a set of filtered and ranked results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Alibaba Group Holding Limited
    Inventors: Sheng Peng, Jian Sun, Lei Hou, Qin Zhang
  • Generating ranked search results using linear and nonlinear ranking models
    Patent number: 8782040
    Abstract: Generating ranked search results includes receiving a plurality of matching information items that match a search request, ranking at least some of the plurality of matching information items using a linear ranking model that linearly combines a first plurality of feature values to obtain a first set of ranked results, ranking at least some of the first set of ranked results using a nonlinear ranking model that nonlinearly combines a second plurality of feature values to obtain a second set of ranked results, and provide a search response based on the second set of ranked results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Alibaba Group Holding Limited
    Inventors: Ning Guo, Fei Xing, Yuheng Xie, Lei Hou, Qin Zhang
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING HEAT EMITTING OBJECTS
    Publication number: 20140169404
    Abstract: There is provided a system for detecting presence or absence of a heat emitting object, comprising a platform for receiving the object, and the platform defining an area in which a temperature gradient with the object may exist, a thermoelectric device for generating an electrical voltage indicative of the presence or absence of temperature gradient and/or the magnitude of the temperature gradient, and an indicator for indication of the presence or absence of the object to be detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: CITY UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
    Inventors: Tik Hang LAM, Rui-qin ZHANG
  • System and method for detecting and analyzing features in an agricultural field
    Patent number: 8737720
    Abstract: A system and method for creating 3-dimensional agricultural field scene maps are disclosed comprising producing a pair of images using a stereo camera and creating a disparity images based on the pair of images, the disparity image being a 3-dimensional representation of the stereo images. Coordinate arrays can be produced from the disparity image and the coordinate arrays can be used to render a 3-dimensional local map of the agricultural field scene. Global maps can also be made by using geographic location information associated with various local maps to fuse together multiple local maps into a 3-dimensional global representation of the field scene. The disparity images can be used to analyze a variety of agricultural features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignees: Deere & Company, University of Illinois Grant and Contract Administration
    Inventors: Francisco Rovira Mas, Qin Zhang, John Franklin Reid
  • Selecting a navigation hierarchical structure diagram for website navigation
    Patent number: 8719733
    Abstract: Implementing website navigation includes deriving a confidence level for at least one leaf node of a website navigation category diagram using historical user operation data; generating one or more navigation hierarchical structure diagrams based on the website navigation category diagram; determining a searching cost associated with each of the one or more navigation hierarchical structure diagrams; determining the navigation hierarchical structure diagram associated with the lowest searching cost; and implementing at least in part a website navigation mode using the navigation hierarchical structure diagram associated with the lowest searching cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Alibaba Group Holding Limited
    Inventors: Jian Liao, Feng Lin, Shousong Zhang, Qin Zhang
  • System and method for detecting crop rows in an agricultural field
    Patent number: 8712144
    Abstract: A system and method for creating 3-dimensional agricultural field scene maps are disclosed comprising producing a pair of images using a stereo camera and creating a disparity images based on the pair of images, the disparity image being a 3-dimensional representation of the stereo images. Coordinate arrays can be produced from the disparity image and the coordinate arrays can be used to render a 3-dimensional local map of the agricultural field scene. Global maps can also be made by using geographic location information associated with various local maps to fuse together multiple local maps into a 3-dimensional global representation of the field scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignees: Deere & Company, University of Illinois Grant and Contrect Administration
    Inventors: Francisco Rovira Mas, Qin Zhang, John Franklin Reid
  • ENHANCEMENT TO PLMN SELECTION PROCESS WHILE ROAMING
    Publication number: 20140031033
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a mobile wireless device configured to adaptively scan for a preferred wireless network while roaming is described. In one embodiment, at least a portion of a database including characteristic information regarding wireless networks can be stored within the mobile wireless device. Network characteristic information can include mobile country codes, mobile network codes, location area codes and cell-IDs. When the mobile wireless device is connected to a network that is not a preferred network, the mobile wireless device can use the database information in conjunction with characteristics from a connected wireless network to determine when to scan for the preferred wireless network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ben-Heng Juang, Qin Zhang, Ravi Ayyappan