Patent ID: 7194458

Claim:
A computer-implemented weighted preference data search system comprising: a weighted preference generator which generates a weighted preference query with tradeoffs expressed as a plurality of normalized fixed sum weights including at least a plurality of weights corresponding to a plurality of automobile related search criteria, the weighted preference generator including: a means for determining whether there should be user input; a means for providing at least one of default and automatic heuristically determined weighted preference information if there is not to be user input; a means for determining whether the user should be able to select criteria; a means for providing at least one of default and automatic heuristically determined criteria selections if the user is not able to select criteria; a means for inputting user selection of criteria if the user is allowed to select criteria; a means for determining whether the user should be able to adjust weights; a means for providing at least one of default and automatic heuristically determined weights if the user is not able to adjust weights; a means for inputting user selected weights if the user is allowed to adjust weights; a means for determining whether the user should be able to input subjective ordering; a means for providing at least one of default and automatic heuristically determined subjective ordering if the user is not able to subjectively order; a means for inputting user subjective ordering if the user is allowed to subjectively order; and a weighted preference data search engine which uses said weighted preference query to search a data source and to provide an ordered automobile result list based upon said weighted preference query.