| Generally, users of search engines must engage in a lengthy process of query writing, result review, and query refinement – attempting various combinations of search terms in the hopes of finding the information or solution they seek. While techniques such as automated query expansion can help mitigate the term-mismatch problem, trial and error still play a central role. Aware addresses this problem through the use of a novel ‘multi-search’ strategy in which it generates a number of qualitatively different queries by drawing search terms from a broader context.
In its most recent incarnation we have incorporated a ‘glassbox’ approach to semantic search in which users may build up task vocabularies and define (and redefine) semantic concepts in an ad hoc fashion. By providing the user with control over the definition of concepts (instead of a centralized authority), users are better able to target their searches.
Our system also increases practical search precision by improving the ability of users to identify documents of high utility even when those results do not appear at the top of the rankings. We accomplish this through a unique faceted browsing approach and real-time subject/genre labeling.
Aware was initially launched in 2005 as a desktop application. Stottler Henke is currently Beta testing its second major release of this tool. We are also Alpha testing the dramatically different Web-based interface concept shown below. Please see AwareSearch.com and contact TJ Goan for additional information.
|
