Patent ID: 8180784
Filing Date: 2012-05-15
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method comprising: receiving an initial search expression generated by a search application, said initial search expression comprising a plurality of components linked by operators; creating, before any search is performed corresponding to said initial search expression, a modified search expression based upon said initial search expression such that execution of said modified search expression yields the same number of results as would result from execution of said initial search expression, wherein said creating comprises: when a first component and a second component of said initial search expression are joined by an “OR” operator, including the narrower of said first component and said second component in said modified search expression; and when a first component and a second component of said initial search expression are joined by an “AND” operator, including the broader of said first component and said second component in said modified search expression, wherein said modified search expression only includes components from said initial search expression, the number of components in said modified search expression is less than the number of components in said initial search expression, and the number of operators in said modified search expression is less than the number of operators in said initial search expression; and executing a search with said modified search expression.