Search results based on a search history

Abstract

Aspects relate to improving search results based on a search history. Searches performed by a user are monitored to collect search data. The search data is categorized according to search terms, search sites, and result satisfactions to form the search history. A search request that includes one or more search terms related to at least one of the search terms in the search history is received. A predicted satisfaction level of the user with results of the received search request is estimated based on contents of the received search request and the search history. The search request is modified to increase the predicted satisfaction level of the user with results of the received search request. The modifying is based on contents of the received search request and the search history. A search is performed based on the modified search request.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A method for improving search results based on a search history, the method comprising:
 monitoring searches performed by a user, the monitoring including collecting search data;   categorizing the search data according to search terms, search sites, and result satisfactions to form the search history, the categorizing including identifying search term failures and replacement search term successes;   receiving a search request that includes one or more search terms related to at least one of the search terms in the search history;   estimating a predicted satisfaction level of the user with results of the received search request, the estimating based on contents of the received search request and the search history;   modifying the search request to increase the predicted satisfaction level of the user with results of the received search request, the modifying based on contents of the received search request and the search history, the modifying performed automatically without input by the user based on a probability associated with the predicted satisfaction level of the user, the modifying including substituting a replacement search term for a search term in the received search request;   performing a search based on the modified search request;   storing the search history in a database;   accumulating search histories of other users in the database, the other users in a social network of the user; and   utilizing the search histories of the other users along with the search history of the user as input to the estimating and the modifying.