US 7930287

Here is a concise summary of US patent 7930287:

US Patent 7930287: Systems and methods for compound searching

• Title: Systems and methods for compound searching
• Current Assignee: OL Security LLC (originally Michelli Capital LLC)
• Inventors: Brian Galvin, Alan McCord, Donald R. Boys
• Filing Date: March 14, 2008
• Issue Date: April 19, 2011
• Abstract: The patent describes a search service that includes a network-connected server, a data repository, and software. This service provides an interactive interface to a user, determines the purpose of a search through iterative interaction, develops search criteria, submits these criteria to one or more standard search engines, and collects the search results on behalf of the user.

Plain-language overview of independent claims:

• Claim 1 (System): This claim describes a server-side system. It involves a network-connected server executing software. This system provides an interactive interface to a user's computing device. Through a multi-step, iterative conversation, where the system asks clarifying questions about an initial search query and receives answers, it determines the user's search purpose and develops precise search criteria. These criteria are then used to query one or more standard search engines, and the results are collected by the system.

• Claim 10 (Method, server-side): This claim outlines a method performed by a server. It involves interacting with a computing device via an interactive interface. The core of the method is determining a search's purpose through an iterative exchange: receiving an initial query term, presenting a first refining question, receiving a first answer, then presenting a second refining question, and receiving a second answer. Based on this refined purpose, search criteria are developed, submitted to standard search engines, and the results are collected.

• Claim 26 (Method, client-side): This claim describes a method from the perspective of the user's computing device. It involves connecting to a server and displaying an interactive interface provided by that server. The user's device obtains input describing the search's nature through an iterative process, which includes providing a search term, answering at least two clarifying questions from the server, and sending this input back to the server. Finally, the device receives search results from the server.

• Claim 28 (System, client-side): This claim describes a client-side system, such as a mobile appliance, laptop, or desktop computer. It has a network interface to connect to a server offering a search service and display hardware to show the interactive interface. This interface is specifically designed to iteratively gather user input (including a search term) to clarify the search purpose. It requests and receives at least two items of clarification from the user, sending each clarification back to the search service for further processing.

• Claim 31 (System, means-plus-function): This claim describes a system using "means-plus-function" language. It includes:

  1. Means for determining a search's purpose from a client device, which involves receiving a query term, and then iteratively requesting and receiving at least two separate items of refining information from the client.
  2. Means for obtaining search results from at least one search engine based on this determined purpose.
  3. Means for processing these search results before they are sent back to the client device.

USPTO and CAFC Docket Search:

• USPTO Status: The patent US7930287B2 is currently "Active" and is projected to expire on June 17, 2028.
• CAFC 2026 Dockets: A search of litigation data indicates that this patent family has ongoing litigation. Specifically, there are US cases filed in the Delaware District Court in 2026, including case numbers 1:26-cv-00466, 1:26-cv-00461, and 1:26-cv-00397.