WO2024119236A1

WO2024119236A1 - System and method for facilitating searching and identification of products and services of interest in an online environment

Info

Publication number: WO2024119236A1
Application number: PCT/AU2023/051269
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bronwen Cope
Original assignee: Bronwen Cope
Priority date: 2022-12-07
Filing date: 2023-12-07
Publication date: 2024-06-13

Abstract

The present invention relates to a computer-implemented system for online searching for products and/or services, the system including one or more processors operable to receive a search query from a user device in relation to a product and/or service, the search query including one or more keywords, generating a set of search results relating to the search query, the search results restricted to solely unpaid organic results to the exclusion of paid or sponsored links, wherein the order of the results is based upon an organic ranking of each search result, enabling the user to select one or more filtering categories causing the search results to be filtered according to the filtering categories, enabling the user to select an automatic scan of their online browsing history and ordering the search results adjusted to appear in an order according to greatest level of interest in view of user browsing history and providing the restricted and/or filtered and/or ordered search results for display on the user device.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING SEARCHING AND IDENTIFICATION OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES OF INTEREST IN AN ONLINE ENVIRONMENT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer implemented system and method that facilitates online searching and, in particular, to a platform that enables users to enter search queries relating to products and/or services of interest and reduce received search results that would otherwise be prescribed to the user with the reduction in search results according to criteria selectable by the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Online advertising, also known as digital marketing, includes digital promotion of products and/or services on the internet. A large portion of the internet operates on an “ad-based” business model, in which users are able to access information and services on a fee-free basis, in return for receiving paid (sponsored) advertising material.

[0003] From an advertiser’s perspective, online advertising campaigns have many advantages, including consumer targeting, which includes the ability to target advertisements for specific individuals on the basis of various information collected in connection with those individuals. Such information may be collected from online surveys completed by individuals and/or information collected by various websites regarding an individual’s preferences/requirements. Consumer targeting has the objective of providing individual consumers with more relevant advertising thereby, in theory, resulting in an increased number of consumer purchases and increased sales revenue for retailers.

[0004] Another advantage associated with online advertising is the ability for businesses and retailers to “re-target” individuals who express interest in a product/service by selecting a link associated with an online advertisement to, for example, seek further information regarding the selected product/service. [0005] Accordingly, online advertising can be a powerful tool for advertisers, since it is intended to provide consumers with advertising that is targeted (relevant) to the consumer’s interests and requirements thereby generally resulting in increased sales revenue for entities engaging in such advertising activities.

[0006] The attraction and benefits of online advertising may also be attributable, at least in part, to the emergence of portable electronic communication devices, such as smartphones and wearable technology, that enable users to read news, check social media, and search for information relating to products and/or services of interest whilst travelling or when away from their desktop computing devices. Accordingly, it is becoming increasingly common for individuals to conduct their online searches on devices such as smartphones and smartwatches that, despite being convenient, have smaller displays as compared with computer screens, thereby making review of online material more difficult.

[0007] Online search results can be broadly classified in two categories, namely, paid (sponsored) advertising (also known as “pay per click” advertising) and unpaid search results also known as “organic” search results. Despite “organic” search results typically being of greater relevance with respect to a consumer’s preferences/interests, since organic search results are unpaid, they tend not to feature prominently toward the top of a list of search results. As such, online users are often inundated with paid material of reduced relevance that feature toward the top of their search results list (ie. on the first search results page) as compared with unpaid and more relevant organic material that feature lower in the list and hence appear in subsequent search results pages. This is particularly problematic for users conducting their online browsing using their smartwatch or smartphone, which due to the relatively small sized display associated with such devices, fail to identify any “organic” (and hence relevant) search results as a result of the substantial amounts of paid (irrelevant) advertising featured toward the top of their search result list.

[0008] As will be appreciated by skilled readers, in addition to causing a frustrating experience for users, failure to provide appropriately prioritized relevant search results, such arrangements generally cause users to re-issue search requests using alternative search criteria which un-necessarily wastes significant computing resources including computer processing and memory resources and data communications network bandwidth resources. The present invention seeks to mitigate the problems discussed herein, or at least seeks to provide an alternative technical solution to existing online platforms, systems and methods.

[0009] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any suggestion, that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge at the priority date of the present claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In one aspect, the present invention provides a computer-implemented system for performing an online search for products and/or services of interest to a user, the system including one or more processors operable to receive a search query from a user device associated with the user in relation to a product and/or service of interest to the user, the search query including one or more keywords, generate a set of search results relating to the search query, the search results restricted to solely unpaid organic search results to the exclusion of paid or sponsored links, wherein the order of the search results is based upon an organic ranking associated with each search result, enable the user to select one or more filtering categories thereby causing the search results to be filtered according to the one or more filtering categories selected by the user, enable the user to select an automatic scan of their online browsing history and thereby cause the order of the search results to be further adjusted to appear in an order according to greatest level of interest accordance with the browsing history of the user, and provide the restricted and/or filtered and/or ordered search results for display on the user device.

[0011] Skilled addressees will appreciate that the phrase “organic search results” within the context of the present invention is intended to describe natural or unpaid indexing of a website or other link on a results page upon entry of a search query. Hence, such search results do not include paid or sponsored links and are not ordered according to any financial or other contribution provided by the creator of the listing.

[0012] In an embodiment, the one or more filtering categories may include, but are not limited to, exact match keywords, similar match keywords, price range, free shipping, GPS availability, stock availability, and/or pre-order availability.

[0013] In an embodiment, the user may be prompted (and thereby provided with an option) to view paid or sponsored links, in a separate viewing area as compared with the viewing area reserved for unpaid organic search results.

[0014] In an embodiment, the platform functionality may be accessible using a software application that may be downloaded from an application store thereby enabling users to register to use the software application. [0015] In an embodiment, the user profile may be established wherein the user may specify products and/or services of interest, or categories of products and/or services of interest.

[0016] The one or more processors may be further configured to automatically generate alerts to the user when new products or services, or updates with respect to existing products or services, are detected and for which the products and/or services match those that are of interest to the user according to the user profile. In an embodiment, the alert may include a website link to the new or updated product or service.

[0017] In an embodiment, when a particular link in the generated search results is selected by the user, the one or more processors may further direct the user to an internet site external to the software application. In an additional and/or alternative embodiment, the one or more processors may be further configured to enable the user to make an “inapplication” purchase of a product and/or service and may further provide a payment gateway to facilitate same.

[0018] The one or more processors, according to one or more embodiments, may be further configured to enable social media accounts of the user to be linked to their profile, and prompt the user to share particular search result listings and/or other product/service information encountered during their experience using the software application with their external social media connections.

[0019] According to the system of the present invention, search results may exclude paid or sponsored advertisements and any duplicate web-site links in search results may also be excluded such that only singular results regarding web-site links are included in the results. Accordingly, the website links included in search results are restricted or sorted by the user according to any one or more of (1 ) the unpaid organic ranking of each of the website links listed in the search results, (2) a filtering category selected by the user, and/or (3) a browsing history of the user. [0020] It will be understood that by excluding paid or sponsored links in the search results, ordering the results based upon a filtering category selected by the user and/or the user’s browsing history, the user is provided with search results for which they control the level of extraction of potentially irrelevant paid content that typically occurs using conventional search engines. Further, the results may be ordered in a manner specific to the user’s preferences. In this way, the user is likely to receive the most relevant results on the first page of their search results, rather than committing additional time, effort and computing resources to scroll through multiple pages and/or conducting multiple searches to locate information of relevance. As a result, skilled addressees will appreciate the present invention provides at least the technical benefit of reduced consumption of computer processing and networking resources, since the need for users to scroll through irrelevant search results, multiple pages and/or conducting multiple searches is avoided and/or at least reduced.

[0021] In another aspect, the present invention provides a computer-implemented method for performing an online search for products and/or services of interest to a user, the method including receiving, by one or more processors, a search query from a user device associated with the user in relation to a product and/or service of interest to the user, the search query including one or more keywords, generating, by the one or more processors, a set of search results relating to the search query, the search results restricted according to solely unpaid organic search results to the exclusion of paid or sponsored links, wherein the order of the search results is based upon an organic ranking associated with each search result, enabling, by the one or more processors, the user to select one or more filtering categories thereby causing the search results to be filtered according to the one or more filtering categories selected by the user, enabling, by the one or more processors, the user to select an automatic scan of their online browsing history and thereby cause the order of the search results to be further adjusted to appear in an order according to greatest level of interest in accordance with the browsing history of the user, and providing, by the one or more processors, the restricted, filtered and ordered search results for display on the user device.

[0022] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a computer-readable medium that when executed on a computer, causes one or more processors of the computer to perform the steps of receive, by the one or more processors, a search query from a user device associated with the user in relation to a product and/or service of interest to the user, the search query including one or more keywords, generate, by the one or more processors, a set of search results relating to the search query, the search results restricted according to solely unpaid organic search results to the exclusion of paid or sponsored links, wherein the order of the search results is based upon an organic ranking associated with each search result, enable, by the one or more processors, the user to select one or more filtering categories thereby causing the search results to be filtered according to the one or more filtering categories selected by the user, enable, by the one or more processors, the user to select an automatic scan of their online browsing history and thereby cause the order of the search results to be further adjusted to appear in an order according to greatest level of interest in accordance with the browsing history of the user, and provide, by the one or more processors, the restricted, filtered and ordered search results for display on the user device.

[0023] In a still further aspect, the present invention provides a portable electronic device for enabling an online search for products and/or services to be conducted, the device including a touch screen configured to receive an input corresponding to a touch operation of the user on an area of the touch screen, and a processor connected to the touch screen, wherein the processor is configured to detect the input to the touch screen and perform operations including, detecting a first input, via the touch screen, of a search query from the user, the search query including one or more keywords, generating a set of search results relating to the search query, the search results restricted according to solely unpaid organic search results to the exclusion of paid or sponsored links, wherein the order of the search results is based upon an organic ranking associated with each search result, detecting a second input, via the touch screen, of a user selection of one or more filtering categories thereby causing the search results to be filtered according to the one or more filtering categories selected by the user, detecting a third input, via the touch screen, of a user selection to automatically scan the user’s online browsing history and thereby cause the order of the search results to be further adjusted to appear in an order according to greatest level of interest in accordance with the browsing history of the user, and providing, for display on the touch screen, the restricted, filtered and ordered search results. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Embodiments of the invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:

[0025] Figure 1 provides an overview of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention showing, in particular, the interaction of various system components;

[0026] Figure 2 provides a diagrammatic representation of an exemplary server component of the system illustrated in Figure 1 ;

[0027] Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a process that enables users to download and install a software application, and subsequently access, or register to use, the software application for interaction with the system illustrated in Figure 1 , including to establish a user account and to have user details verified;

[0028] Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a process that enables the receipt of search queries in relation to products and/or services of interest to users, and the generation of search results restricted to unpaid organic search results to the exclusion of paid or sponsored links;

[0029] Figure 5 illustrates exemplary interfaces of the software application for providing alerts/notifications, a payment gateway, social media sharing functionality, and a chat facility; and

[0030] Figure 6 illustrates a further exemplary interface that enables an administrator or similar person/entity to conduct analytical processing of data in relation to interactions between users and the software application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION

[0031] For simplicity and illustrative purposes, the present disclosure is described by referring to embodiment(s) thereof. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a better understanding of the present disclosure. It will be readily apparent, however, that the current disclosure may be practiced without limitation to the specific details. In other instances, some features have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure.

[0032] In an embodiment, the present invention includes a computer-implemented system and method that enables users (30) to perform an online search for products and/or services (60) of interest to the user (30) without the distraction of irrelevant paid content. In particular, the system and method provide a platform that hosts a computerexecutable software application (40), wherein the application (40) is accessible by a plurality of registered users (30) seeking to perform such searching. In particular, the system utilises a central server (20) in communication with data communication devices (50) associated with users (30).

[0033] The central server (20) maintains one or more processors and/or databases for performing functions, including receiving a search query from a user device (50) in relation to a product and/or service (60) of interest to the user (30), the search query including one or more keywords, and generating a set of search results (190) relating to the search query. The received search results are restricted to solely unpaid organic search results to the exclusion of paid or sponsored links, and the order of the search results is based at least upon an organic ranking associated with each search result. A filtering option is available which enables users (30) to select one or more filtering categories (80), thereby causing the search results to be filtered according to the selected category or categories (80). In addition to filtering the results, the user (30) may also select an automatic scan of their online browsing history to thereby cause the order of the search results to be further adjusted to appear in an order based on the greatest level of interest according to the browsing history of the user (30).

[0034] Accordingly, the search results displayed to the user (30) will, at the most basic level, include unpaid organic search results excluding paid or sponsored advertisements, and ordered based upon the organic ranking associated with each result. The results may be filtered by providing the user (30) with the ability to select filtering categories (80) and/or further ordered by taking into account the browsing history of the user (in addition to the organic ranking of the results), as described above.

[0035] Accordingly, the skilled person will appreciate that the platform provides a user (30) with search results that not only exclude paid or sponsored links, but results which are ordered according to the organic ranking of each result, and which may be further filtered according to a filtering category selected by the user and/or further ordered based upon an automatic scan of their online browsing history. In this way, based upon a search query entered, the user (30) is likely to have the most relevant results displayed on the first page of search results, rather than committing additional time, effort and computing resources to scroll through multiple pages and conducting multiple searches in order to locate information of relevance.

[0036] Figure 1 is divided into segments which are further expanded in subsequent Figures 2 to 6. In particular, Segment 200 of Figure 1 shows the server component (20) with which the software application (40) operating on each data communication device (50) is configured to communicate. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the relevant field of technology that the software application (40) may be a mobile application or a web application, and similarly, the device (50) utilised by each user may be a portable device such as a mobile phone or laptop, or alternatively a fixed location device such as a personal computer (not shown). The server component (20) is additionally detailed in Figure 2.

[0037] The skilled person will appreciate that the steps described herein may be executed by the device (50), wherein such operations are facilitated by the software application (40) operating on each device. According to another implementation of the present invention, the server (20) is programmed to provide most or all of the functions described herein particularly where they cannot be provided locally on the user devices (50) or where it may be impractical or not commercially viable to do so. In other words, the steps described herein as performed by the device (50), or components thereof, may be associated with hardware that is located externally of the devices, such as the remote central server (20) for example (ie. in a distributed architecture). Different arrangements are possible in this regard, and alternate variations will be apparent to the person skilled in the relevant field of technology. [0038] Segment 300 of Figure 1 shows a user (30) downloading and installing the application (40) and subsequently accessing the application (40) in order to establish a user account, including entering user identification details and user preferences, as further detailed in Figure 3. Segment 400 of Figure 1 illustrates a particular embodiment in which the software application (40) is utilised to generate search results (190) which are ordered according to organic ranking and a browsing history of the user (30), with the ability to further filter the generated results, as further detailed in Figure 4. Segment 500 of Figure 1 illustrates various interfaces representing additional functionality of the software application (40), as further detailed in Figure 5.

[0039] Finally, Segment 600 of Figure 1 illustrates still further functionality of the software application (40) including an interface that enables analytical processing to be performed and for reports to be generated and presented to a requestor (e.g. platform administrator or advertiser) who may be seeking such information, as further detailed in Figure 6.

[0040] As mentioned above, Figure 2 shows in greater detail Segment 200 of Figure 1 and, in particular, Figure 2 illustrates the server component (20) which includes infrastructure upon which the platform of the present invention operates. The infrastructure may be local or cloud-based.

[0041] The central server (20) may operate one or more computer processors and maintain one or more databases to enable the following functionality and/or storage:

• User account register (100) storing user details such as name, age, address, contact details, identifiers such as driver’s license or passport details, and any additional data which may be relevant for the purposes of identifying and distinguishing between users (30);

• Verification functionality (105) which may include, or may have access to, (eg. via an application programming interface (API) third party services providing, a means of verifying information presented by users (30). Verification of details provided by users (30) ensures that users (30) are who they say they are, and that the details provided accord with previously verified details associated with each user (30);

• Search functionality (1 10) configured for receiving and processing search queries from users (30) in relation to products and/or services of interest (60) to the user (30), which enables the generation and display of search results as described in greater detail below;

• Data processing functionality (1 15) for processing user input commands and data received, to generate relevant outputs for display. For example, data processing functionality (115) may be responsible for generating a set of search results (190) based upon a received search query, and ensure that the search results are restricted solely to unpaid organic search results to the exclusion of paid or sponsored links. Functionality (115) further recognizes any additional selections made by the user (30), including in relation to one or more filtering categories (80) which may be used to filter the search results according to the selected categories, and/or a request to take into account a browsing history or the user (30) which causes the search results to be ordered according to products and/or services of interest to the user according to their browsing history (in addition to being ordered based on their organic ranking). Data processing functionality (1 15) is also responsible for generating associated interfaces for display to users (30) based upon the processing of queries I selections made by users (30);

• Location register (120) storing location details (eg. Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates) associated with users (30), displayed products and/or services, etc. When the stored location relates to a particular user (30), the stored location may be a current location of the user or a registered physical location of the user (30). It will be understood that “location” may be one of the selectable filtering categories (80) available to the user, hence the search results presented to the user (30) may also be filtered according to information stored in the location register (120) (e.g. where only those results that are within a particular geographical vicinity of the user’s location are displayed);

• Payment gateway functionality (125) allowing users (30) to purchase products and/or services advertised in the search results (190) utilising the functionality of the software application (40), without the need to navigate away from the software application (40) in order to initiate such purchases (although selecting a link and navigating to a retailer website in order to make a purchase is also possible and will depend upon the preference of the user (30));

• Social sharing functionality (130) enabling users (30) to share information with external parties and/or platforms, including social media contacts, etc. For example, information relating to products and/or services of interest to the user (30), in particular search result listings and any other interaction with the software application (40) that the user prefers to share may be selected for publication by a user (30) on one or more of the user’s social media feeds or sent as a message, email, text, etc, to one or more particular social media contacts.

[0042] Figure 2 also depicts that server (20) is configured to enable communication (140) with the user devices (50) and, in particular, the software application (40) operating on each device (50). Such communications may occur via the internet or similar network.

[0043] Figure 3 shows in greater detail Segment 300 of Figure 1 and, in particular, the steps associated with a user (30) installing the application (40) which may be achieved by downloading the application (40) from an application store. Each user (30) may create an account using the application (40) and the account information may be stored in the user account register (100). As described above, the user account register (100) may capture information sufficient to enable each user (30) to be correctly identified.

[0044] The process of downloading the application (40) is indicated by arrow (150), and interface (160) is also shown which enables each user (30) to install the application (40) in order to access the functionality thereof, including to create and maintain a user account specifying preferences of the user (30). Such preferences may be entered through additional interfaces which may prompt the user (30) to enter such preferences. In other words, once the application (40) has been accessed by a user (30), the user (30) may be presented with an interface, identical or similar to the interface (160), to allow the user (30) to add preferences to their profile, including the ability to edit profile/account details. Once sufficient information is provided by the user (30), and such information is verified through the verification interface (170), the user (30) will appear successfully registered such that the user (30) becomes a registered user who may then utilise the functionality of the application (40), which may be in accordance with a subscription level of the user (30).

[0045] Figure 4 shows in greater detail Segment 400 of Figure 1 and, in particular, the use of the application (40) to generate a search results interface (190) based upon a search query entered by the user (30) using search query interface (180). The returned results are solely unpaid organic search results, to the exclusion of paid or sponsored links, and the order of the search results is based upon the organic ranking associated with each search result as explained in greater detail below.

[0046] In the example illustrated, the user (30) utilises interface (180) to enter a search query relating to ‘shoes’. Based upon a processing of the search query using search functionality (110) and/or data processing functionality (115), it is recognized that that the product and/or service of interest to the user (30) is shoes (60), hence when the search results interface (190) is generated, the search results are restricted solely to unpaid organic search results relating to shoes available for purchase online, wherein any paid or sponsored advertisements relating to shoes are excluded.

[0047] The search functionality (1 10) and/or data processing functionality (1 15) may utilise one or more natural language processing (NLP) techniques to process queries entered by users (30) and enable understanding of natural language search questions. For example, artificial intelligence techniques such as the use of ChatGPT-4’s sophisticated NLP feature may be utilised, which attempts to comprehend intricate enquiries including intent identification and return pertinent responses even when the query is not precisely keyword-structured. In a further example, the use of artificial intelligence techniques such as Google DeepMind’s Al algorithms can achieve deep semantic analysis of queries (eg. by examining search trends, interaction histories and user behaviour), improving search results beyond simple keyword matching.

[0048] Rule-based systems and machine learning models may be utilised to recognise and remove sponsored (paid) links from search results, in order to yield solely organic results in the displayed results (190). The skilled person will further appreciate that artificial intelligence techniques can also improve the system’s capacity to identify and eliminate duplicate links within the search results, ensuring a more organised and pertinent collection of search results for viewing by the user (30). [0049] In the particular embodiment detailed in Figure 4, the results displayed in interface (190) are also ordered, not solely based upon the organic ranking associated with each search result, but further based upon the browsing history of the user (30) (i.e. based upon an automatic scan of the user’s online browsing history, which may include searches for other products (195) such as video game controllers, grocery items, particular brands of shoes of interest, particular shoe colours of interest, etc). By processing such information and further ordering the search results according to same, the results appearing higher in the search results (190), and which are therefore viewable by the user (30) as a priority over other results, are more likely to include products and/or services of greatest interest to the user (30).

[0050] As described above, the restriction of search results is based upon the organic ranking associated with each result, and the ordering of results takes into account the browsing history of the user (30). Additional ordering techniques may be used, including the use of sophisticated scoring algorithms that may more accurately rank organic search results by taking into account a wider range of criteria. Also detailed in Figure 4 is an additional interface (210) providing a filter functionality (70) which enables users (30) to further filter the results presented in the search results interface (190), irrespective of whether the search results are ordered solely based upon the organic ranking associated with results, or in combination with the result of processing the user’s browsing history. In this regard, the filtering interface (210) provides users (30) with the ability to filter results according to one or more filtering categories (80) selected by the user (30), which may include, but are not limited to, a location associated with the user, user preferences exact match keywords, similar match keywords, brand, price range, products involving free shipping, GPS availability, stock availability and/or pre-order availability. In addition to filtering an existing search results list by category such as “brand” such that a further shortlisted set (or subset) of results that satisfy the particular filter is presented for display to the user (30), the user (30) may also be prompted to expand upon an existing search results list and in this regard, similar filtering categories such as brand, price range, availability, etc, may be used. For example, where a user’s initial search relates to “white T-shirts” such that the user is presented with an organic search result list of white T-shirts from multiple different brands that are available for purchase, the user (30) may scroll through the list and identify a T-shirt of particular interest. In this regard, the user (30) may be prompted to select an option that enables them to view a listing of additional T- shirts having the same brand (or price range, availability, etc) to the T-shirt of particular interest.

[0051] Dynamic filtering may also be implemented by the use of Al algorithms which, by recognising the context and content of goods and/or services of interest to the user, may be able to provide more advanced filtering choices to the user (30) and may also automatically filter the results according to relevancy. For example, an Al generated predictive model may be developed that assigns a relevance score to search results. In this regard, it will be appreciated that such a model needs to be trained on significant datasets in order to comprehend what factors contribute to a search result’s relevance for various query types.

[0052] The search results presented in interface (190) may be in the form of website links, or may in a form that enables users (30) to view the particular product displayed and the associated purchase price, and make an in-app purchase (i.e. without the need to navigate to a separate retailer website). In addition to excluding paid or sponsored search results, duplicate website links in search results may also be excluded such that only singular results regarding website links are included in the results as described in greater detail below.

[0053] For example, a scenario in which a user performs a search for a “white T-shirt” will result in singular search results relating to all particular white T-shirts of different styles which will be presented, and any duplicate results relating to the same T-shirt (offered, for example, by different retailers) will be removed. This seeks to ensure that the user is afforded the best opportunity to view as many different styles as possible of white T-shirts that are available without the requirement to scroll through various website links relating to the same item.

[0054] In various embodiments, duplicate results may be removed according to user preference/selection. For example, a user may be able to exclude search results on the basis of price and/or retailer. In this regard, if a user favours a particular retailer and therefore prefers to receive search results relating to that particular retailer to the exclusion of other retailers for a particular item of interest, the user may enter these search criteria and thereby receive search results solely from that particular retailer relating to an item of interest. Of course, in instances in which an item of interest is not offered by a particular retailer in accordance with a user’s preference, search results from other retailers may be provided relating to an item of interest.

[0055] In various embodiments, a user may be able to provide a list of criteria regarding which search results will be filtered and returned according to the order of the criteria listed by the user. For example, a scenario in which the user enters the following criteria in relation to a key-word search for a “white T-shirt” may include the following :

1. Lowest price;

2. eBay;

In this scenario, if a particular T-shirt was offered by two different retailers, for example, eBay at $29.95 and Amazon at $25.95, the Amazon website link would be provided to the user since “Lowest price” was listed above “eBay” in the list by the user.

However, if the user entered the following criteria in relation to a key-word search for a “white T-shirt”, namely :

1 . eBay;

2. Lowest price; the eBay website link would be provided to the user since “eBay” was listed above “Lowest price” in the list by the user.

[0056] In various embodiments, duplicate search results may be removed according to the user’s search/browsing history upon selection of filtering on this basis by the user. In this example, search results including website links identified in the user’s searching/browsing history would be preferentially provided to the user for a particular item of interest to the exclusion of other website links either not identified, or seldomly appearing, in the user’s searching/browsing history.

[0057] There may be instances where the user (30) prefers to view any excluded links, including paid or sponsored links, particularly if the user (30) is unable to locate relevant search results in the organic results displayed. In this regard, the user (30) may be prompted (and thereby provided with an option) to view paid or sponsored links either separately or in combination with the original results. For example, the paid or sponsored links could be viewed in a separate viewing area as compared with the viewing area associated with the unpaid organic search results.

[0058] The skilled addressee will appreciate that the present invention will also improve the viewing of search results on smaller displays such as those associated with smartphones and smartwatches arising from the present invention and in embodiments, through the use of artificial intelligence having the ability to optimise search results for such displays ensuring that pertinent information is displayed within the constrained display area. Such techniques may also be used to tailor the interface to the user’s preferences and the device such that it is easier to use and more accessible.

[0059] Figure 5 shows in greater detail Segment 500 of Figure 1 and, in particular, various additional software application interfaces (220), (230), (240) and (250).

[0060] The interface (220) represents an alert/notifications interface which may be configured to automatically generate alerts and/or notifications to the user (30) when new products or services, or updates with respect to existing products and/or services are detected for products and/or services that match those of interest to the user (30). The products and/or services of interest (60) to the user (30) may be identified based upon information available in the user profile, previous searches conducted by the user (30) through the software application, etc. In a particular implementation, any alert and/or notification may include a website link to the new or updated product or service. The interface (220) may also be utilised for any other alert/notification purpose, including for example where the user (30) may receive a message (eg. from another user, a platform administrator, a retailer, etc).

[0061] It will also be appreciated that the platform may be configured to predict user needs according to the user’s browsing history, preferences and behaviour patterns by, for example, leveraging DeepMind’s predictive analytics. In this way, user profiles may be dynamic in that they change over time in response to shifting user preferences and habits and, as a result, notifications and suggestions presented to users (30) may become more pertinent and timely.

[0062] Interface (230) represents a payment interface which may be presented to a user (30) when the user (30) selects an in-app payment method in relation to a product and/or service displayed in the search results interface (190). The user account details may include a bank account associated with a particular financial institution associated with the user (30), and the interface (230) may be configured to enable retrieval of funds from the user’s bank account with a view to transferring same to a bank account associated with a retailer from whom the user (30) has elected to purchase a product and/or service. Various payment options may be presented to the user (30) in this regard, including but not limited to credit card, PayPal etc.

[0063] Additional information may be uploaded by users (30) during an initial registration process including details relating to social media accounts associated with the user (30). Interface (240) of Figure 5 enables users (30) to share particular information, interactions, etc, with their social medial connections by publishing same in their social media feeds or sending messages directly to selected social media contacts. Such information, interactions, etc, may include search result listings, information relating to a product and/or service located in the listing or a sale price of a particular product/service.

[0064] By incorporating artificial intelligence techniques, the present platform may also assess and recommend content based according to the user’s social media activity and the interests of their social networks, and as a result, shared content may gain more traction and relevancy for the user. It will be understood that integrating with social media platforms as described herein may be achieved, for example, by utilising an application programming interface (API) which may enable the platform to post content on behalf of the user (with the user’s approval) and retrieve pertinent data for content distribution.

[0065] Interface (250) of Figure 5 represents a chat interface which, as described previously, may include chats amongst registered users (30), between a registered user (30) and a platform administrator, between a registered user (30) and a retailer of a particular product and/or service, etc. Accordingly, whilst interface (220) may provide users (30) with an alert regarding an incoming message, the interface (250) represents a subsequent interface that may be displayed in order to provide users (30) with the ability to engage in a live chat with another person (live or automated) for any reason.

[0066] Figure 6 shows Segment 600 of Figure 1 in greater detail and, in particular, the use of the application (40) to process data that has been retrieved in relation to user interactions with the platform, including in relation to searches conducted, products/services purchased, etc, and to display analytics (90) (eg. graphs, reports, etc) in an analytics interface (260). Such information will be useful for the purpose of providing an administrator (for example) with a detailed view regarding how the platform is performing from a commercial perspective on their behalf.

[0067] In this example, a platform administrator may be interested in viewing the level of user engagement, and in general how users are interacting with the application, the types of goods/services purchased, and other information which may influence future development of the application. From a registered user perspective, it will also be appreciated that search results are provided in a manner in which users (30) can control the level of extraction of potentially irrelevant content that will typically occur using conventional search engines. Accordingly, registered users (30) may also be interested in receiving analytics regarding their own interactions with the platform, which may provide users (30) with insight regarding how they can alter their preferences, interactions, filtering selections, etc, in order to retrieve more relevant search results more quickly and efficiently in future.

[0068] It will be appreciated that the implementation of various Al techniques as described above enables a dynamic online environment that may continuously learn from user interactions, trends and feedback, and continuously improve by utilising same during the processing of new data and requests from users (30). The present platform improves upon existing technical solutions that enable users to carry out online product and service searches by providing a more tailored, user-friendly and efficient search platform and interface. Security measures may also be implemented to safeguard user data, such as secure data storage, secure communication protocols and encryption, and the system may also be configured to conform with applicable privacy and data protection laws and regulations. Continuous integration I continuous deployment (CI/CD) techniques may be used to ensure that updates and new features are deployed smoothly.

[0069] As used herein, the term “server”, “system”, “computer”, “computing system” or the like may include any processor-based or microprocessor-based system including systems using microcontrollers, reduced instruction set computers (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), logic circuits, and any other circuit or processor including hardware, software, or a combination thereof capable of executing the functions described herein. Such are exemplary only, and are thus not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of such terms.

[0070] The one or more processors as described herein are configured to execute a set of instructions that are stored in one or more data storage units or elements (such as one or more memories), in order to process data. For example, the one or more processors may include or be coupled to one or more memories. The data storage units may also store data or other information as desired or needed. The data storage units may be in the form of an information source or a physical memory element within a processing machine.

[0071] The set of instructions may include various commands that instruct the one or more processors to perform specific operations such as the methods and processes of the various embodiments of the subject matter described herein. The set of instructions may be in the form of a software program. The software may be in various forms such as system software or application software. Further, the software may be in the form of a collection of separate programs, a program subset within a larger program or a portion of a program. The software may also include modular programming in the form of object- oriented programming. The processing of input data by the processing machine may be in response to user commands, or in response to results of previous processing, or in response to a request made by another processing machine.

[0072] The diagrams of embodiments herein illustrate one or more control or processing units. It is to be understood that the processing or control units may represent circuits, circuitry, or portions thereof that may be implemented as hardware with associated instructions (eg. software stored on a tangible and non-transitory computer readable storage medium, such as a computer hard drive, ROM, RAM, or the like) that perform the operations described herein. The hardware may include state machine circuitry hardwired to perform the functions described herein. Optionally, the hardware may include electronic circuits that include and/or are connected to one or more logic-based devices, such as microprocessors, processors, controllers, or the like.

[0073] Optionally, the one or more processors may represent processing circuitry such as one or more of a field programmable gate array (FPGA), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), microprocessor(s), and/or the like. The circuits in various embodiments may be configured to execute one or more algorithms to perform functions described herein. The one or more algorithms may include aspects of embodiments disclosed herein, whether or not expressly identified in the figures or a described method.

[0074] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the relevant field of technology that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as detailed in the embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive.

[0075] Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated feature or step, or group of features or steps, but not the exclusion of any other feature or step or group of features or steps.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1 . A computer-implemented system for performing an online search for products and/or services of interest to a user, the system including one or more processors operable to: receive a search query from a user device associated with the user in relation to a product and/or service of interest to the user, the search query including one or more keywords that are identified using one or more natural language processing techniques; generate a set of search results relating to the search query, the search results restricted to solely unpaid organic search results to the exclusion of paid or sponsored links, wherein the order of the search results is based upon an organic ranking associated with each search result; enable the user to select one or more filtering categories thereby causing the search results to be filtered according to the one or more filtering categories selected by the user; enable the user to select an automatic scan of their online browsing history and thereby cause the order of the search results to be further adjusted to appear in an order according to greatest level of interest in accordance with the online browsing history of the user; and provide the restricted, filtered and ordered search results for display on the user device.

2. A computer-implemented system according to claim 1 , wherein the one or more filtering categories include any one or more of exact match keywords, similar match keywords, price range, free shipping, GPS availability, stock availability, and/or pre-order availability.

3. A computer-implemented system according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to provide the user with an option to view paid and/or sponsored links in a separate viewing area as compared with a viewing area associated with the unpaid organic search results.

4. A computer-implemented system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to enable the establishment of a user profile associated with the user and thereby enable the user to specify products and/or services of interest, or categories of products and/or services of interest.

5. A computer-implemented system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to automatically generate and send one or more alerts to the user when new products or services, or updates with respect to existing products or services, are detected and for which the products and/or services match those that are of interest to the user.

6. A computer-implemented system according to claim 5, wherein the alert includes a website link to the new and/or updated product or service.

7. A computer-implemented system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to establish a particular website link associated with each generated search result, and upon selection of same by the user, the one or more processors are further configured to direct the user to an internet site external to the software application associated with the selected website link.

8. A computer-implemented system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to enable the user to make purchase of a product and/or service and further provides a payment gateway to facilitate same.

9. A computer-implemented system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to exclude paid and/or sponsored advertisements and any duplicate website links established in respect of any particular search results.

10. A computer-implemented method for performing an online search for products and/or services of interest to a user, the method including: receiving, by one or more processors, a search query from a user device associated with the user in relation to a product and/or service of interest to the user, the search query including one or more keywords; generating, by the one or more processors, a set of search results relating to the search query, the search results restricted according to solely unpaid organic search results to the exclusion of paid or sponsored links, wherein the order of the search results is based upon an organic ranking associated with each search result; enabling, by the one or more processors, the user to select one or more filtering categories thereby causing the search results to be filtered according to the one or more filtering categories selected by the user; enabling, by the one or more processors, the user to select an automatic scan of their online browsing history and thereby cause the order of the search results to be further adjusted to appear in an order according to greatest level of interest in accordance with the browsing history of the user; and providing, by the one or more processors, the restricted, filtered and ordered search results for display on the user device.

1 1. A computer-implemented method according to claim 10, wherein the one or more filtering categories include any one or more of exact match keywords, similar match keywords, price range, free shipping, GPS availability, stock availability, and/or pre-order availability.

12. A computer-implemented method according to either claim 10 or claim 1 1 , further including providing the user with an option to view paid and/or sponsored links in a separate viewing area as compared with a viewing area associated with the unpaid organic search results.

13. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, the method further includes the establishment of a user profile associated with the user that enables the user to specify products and/or services of interest, or categories of products and/or services of interest.

14. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, further including automatically generating and sending one or more alerts to the user when new products or services, or updates with respect to existing products or services, are detected and for which the products and/or services match those that are of interest to the user.

15. A computer-implemented method according to claim 14, wherein the alert includes a website link to the new and/or updated product or service.

16. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 10 to 15, further including establishing a particular website link associated with each generated search result, and upon selection of same by the user, directing the user to an internet site external to the software application associated with the selected website link.

17. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 10 to 16, further including enabling the user to make purchase of a product and/or service and further provides a payment gateway to facilitate same.

18. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 10 to 17, further including excluding paid and/or sponsored advertisements and any duplicate website links established in respect of any particular search results.

19. A computer-readable medium that when executed on a computer, causes one or more processors of the computer to perform the steps of: receive, by the one or more processors, a search query from a user device in relation to a product and/or service of interest to the user, the search query including one or more keywords; generate, by the one or more processors, a set of search results relating to the search query, the search results restricted according to solely unpaid organic search results to the exclusion of paid or sponsored links, wherein the order of the search results is based upon an organic ranking associated with each search result; enable, by the one or more processors, the user to select one or more filtering categories thereby causing the search results to be filtered according to the one or more filtering categories selected by the user; enable, by the one or more processors, the user to select an automatic scan of their online browsing history and thereby cause the order of the search results to be further adjusted to appear in an order according to greatest level of interest in accordance with the browsing history of the user; and provide, by the one or more processors, the restricted, filtered and ordered search results for display on the user device.

20. A portable electronic device for enabling an online search for products and/or services to be conducted, the device including: a touch screen configured to receive an input corresponding to a touch operation of the user on an area of the touch screen, and a processor connected to the touch screen, wherein the processor is configured to detect the input to the touch screen and perform operations including: detecting a first input, via the touch screen, of a search query from the user, the search query including one or more keywords, generating a set of search results relating to the search query, the search results restricted according to solely unpaid organic search results to the exclusion of paid or sponsored links, wherein the order of the search results is based upon an organic ranking associated with each search result, detecting a second input, via the touch screen, of a user selection of one or more filtering categories thereby causing the search results to be filtered according to the one or more filtering categories selected by the user, detecting a third input, via the touch screen, of a user selection to automatically scan the user’s online browsing history and thereby cause the order of the search results to be further adjusted to appear in an order according to greatest level of interest in accordance with the browsing history of the user, and providing, for display on the touch screen, the restricted, filtered and ordered search results.