A method for producing a results list for a search query includes producing a first results list of entries from a search algorithm, the first results list corresponding to a term in the search query, the first results list being ordered according to relevance rankings, modifying a feature of the first results lists by an editor, the modification being made according to an editorial rule, determining a reliability score for the editor, the reliability score being based upon the modification made the editor, combining the modification made by the editor in a combined search index, the combined modification being included in the combined search index according to the determined reliability of the editor, and using the combined search index to produce a second results list which corresponds to the term in the search query, the second results list being ordered according to relevance rankings.

Systems and methods for associating a keyword with a window are described. In one described system, a computer program, such as an indexer, captures processor, or query system, associates a keyword with a first user interface area. The query system or other computer program receives a signal that the first user interface is inactive and that a second user interface area is active and, in response, generates an implicit search query that includes the keyword associated with the first user interface area.

A knowledge acquisition and retrieval apparatus and method that emulate the human brain and comprise at least one first memory segment, and a distinct second memory segment, wherein elements of the at least one first memory segment are reciprocally associated to elements of the second memory segment, and vice-versa. The at least one first memory segment comprises categorized data from the physical world, known as representational data, while the second memory segment contains abstract or conceptual data, otherwise known as consciousness data. Physical data comprises auditory data, language data, visual data, motion data, and sensory data, and each element of the at least one first memory segment is identified as auditory data, language data, visual data, motion data, or sensory data. By reciprocally associating the physical (representational) and conceptual (consciousness) data, a hierarchical structure is created that allows information retrieval by traversing the reciprocal associations. Varying retrieval algorithms traverse the hierarchical structure differently to generate specified system outputs. Retrieval algorithms are implemented to represent human information retrieval functions commonly known as reduction, imaging, deduction, recognition, recall, categorization, and reasoning.

Methods and systems for generating textual information are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a method of generating textual information is disclosed that comprises identifying a plurality of candidate summaries related to textual information based at least in part on a document, determining first and second attribute values based at least in part on the candidate summaries, and determining an optimal candidate summary based at least in part on the first and second attribute values.

A method for collecting related queries, comprising the steps of obtaining a first query and a second query that have been submitted during a search for data, and determining whether the first query and the second query have a likelihood of being submitted by a class of searcher.