ATTRIBUTE TAGGING AND MATCHING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DATABASE MANAGEMENT

摘要

An attribute language and attribute tagging and matching system is used to permit fine-grained data searches based on overall similarity using attribute values and weightings. The searches use similarity to specific attributes, or similarity to combinations of attributes. The system includes an attribute language and a structure for inputting attribute values. It includes "relevance" weightings that are used to refine calculations of the similarity between specific products. These weightings substantially increase the precision of search results and the usefulness of the order in which search results are presented. The invention further includes a system for tuning search results. This system includes the application of "must match" checkboxes to particular attributes, coupled with "importance" weightings applied to any or all attributes, including those that are not checked as "must match."