Method and apparatus for displaying search results

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for displaying web-based search results. A networked computer hosting a web-accessible database containing content searchable by a networked user is provided. The computer is configured provide a variety of search functions to the user, and produce a set of results responsive to one of the search functions being invoked by the user. The computer is configured to display the results to the user arranged in categories responsive to the invoked search function.

1 . A method for displaying search results comprising: 
 providing a web-accessible database containing content searchable by a networked user, said database including a plurality of search functions available to the user;    producing a set of results responsive to one of said search functions being invoked by the user; and    displaying said results to the user arranged in categories responsive to said invoked search function.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of displaying categories similar to the keyword used for the search.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein a database search routine is invoked corresponding to the particular search function chosen by the user.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said search function comprises a search by example.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said search function comprises a search by keyword.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said search function comprises a search by category.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 2 , further including the act of displaying non-textual information associated with said results.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said non-textual information includes graphics.  
   
   
       9 . An apparatus for displaying search results comprising: 
 a networked computer hosting a web-accessible database containing content searchable by a networked user, said computer configured to:    provide a plurality of search functions to the user;    produce a set of results responsive to one of said search functions being invoked by the user; and    display said results to the user arranged in categories responsive to said invoked search function.    
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein said computer is further configured to display categories similar to the keyword used for the search.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein a database search routine is invoked corresponding to the particular search function chosen by the user.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein said search function comprises a search by example.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein said search function comprises a search by keyword.  
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein said search function comprises a search by category.  
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein said computer is further configured to display non-textual information associated with said results.  
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein said non-textual information includes graphics.  
   
   
       17 . An apparatus for displaying search results comprising: 
 means for providing web-accessible database containing content searchable by a networked user;    means for providing a plurality of search functions to the user;    means for produce a set of results responsive to one of said search functions being invoked by the user; and    means for display said results to the user arranged in categories responsive to said invoked search function.    
   
   
       18 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , further comprising means for displaying categories similar to the keyword used for the search.  
   
   
       19 . The apparatus of  claim 18  wherein a database search routine is invoked corresponding to the particular search function chosen by the user.  
   
   
       20 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein said search function comprises a search by example.  
   
   
       21 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein said search function comprises a search by keyword.  
   
   
       22 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein said search function comprises a search by category.  
   
   
       23 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , further comprising means for displaying non-textual information associated with said results.  
   
   
       24 . The apparatus of  claim 23 , wherein said non-textual information includes graphics.