Prior art — US Patent 9633139

Prior Art Analysis for US Patent 9633139

This analysis identifies relevant prior art for US Patent 9633139, titled "Methods and systems for search indexing," based on patent citations. The patent, published on April 25, 2017, focuses on quick and efficient searching through incremental filtering, multi-field searching, and specific handling of punctuation. Its independent claims describe methods and systems for:

Incrementally locating documents based on multiple search strings entered into the same search field (Claim 1 and corresponding apparatus claim).
A search index system that treats punctuation marks as string separators based on their location (Search index system claim).
Selectively performing a search or executing a command based on a string entered into a search field (Command execution method and apparatus claims).

The following cited prior art patents were identified from the Google Patents listing for US9633139B2. While US9633139B2 lists 63 patent citations, a representative selection visible in initial search results has been analyzed.

Cited Patent References and Potential Anticipation

1. US6847959B1: Universal interface for retrieval of information in a computer system

Full Citation: US6847959B1, "Universal interface for retrieval of information in a computer system," granted to Apple Computer, Inc.
Publication/Filing Date: Filed January 5, 2000; Published/Granted January 25, 2005.
Brief Description: This patent describes a system and method for retrieving information within a computer system using a universal interface. It allows users to search various data sources through a single entry point and presents results in a unified manner.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent potentially anticipates aspects of US9633139 related to a unified search interface across different data sources. Specifically, the general concept of searching different "search targets" (files, emails, Web pages, etc.) from a single application interface, as mentioned in the specification of US9633139, might be anticipated. However, the incremental and multi-string, same-field search features of US9633139's claims (e.g., Claim 1) are not explicitly detailed in the abstract of US6847959B1.

2. US6862713B1: Interactive process for recognition and evaluation of a partial search query and display of interactive results

Full Citation: US6862713B1, "Interactive process for recognition and evaluation of a partial search query and display of interactive results," granted to International Business Machines Corporation.
Publication/Filing Date: Filed August 31, 1999; Published/Granted March 1, 2005.
Brief Description: This patent describes an interactive search process where a partial search query is recognized and evaluated, and interactive results are displayed. It focuses on providing dynamic results as a user types, which is a core concept of incremental searching.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent directly addresses "interactive results" for a "partial search query," which strongly suggests anticipation of the "incrementally locating" aspect of Claim 1 of US9633139. The idea of "substantially immediate feedback as the search string is being entered" in US9633139's summary appears to be a direct evolution or application of the principles in US6862713B1. Therefore, Claim 1 of US9633139, and the corresponding apparatus claim, are potentially anticipated by this prior art, particularly regarding the incremental nature of the search based on entered characters.

3. US6873982B1: Ordering of database search results based on user feedback

Full Citation: US6873982B1, "Ordering of database search results based on user feedback," granted to International Business Machines Corporation.
Publication/Filing Date: Filed July 16, 1999; Published/Granted March 29, 2005.
Brief Description: This patent describes a method for ordering database search results where user feedback influences the ranking or presentation of subsequent results.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): While US9633139 discusses displaying search results and options for sorting (e.g., by clicking column headers), the primary focus of US6873982B1 is the ordering based on user feedback. US9633139's claims do not explicitly claim ordering based on user feedback as a novel element, but rather on pre-computed sort lists or user selection of columns for sorting. Therefore, this patent is less likely to anticipate the core claims of US9633139 related to incremental multi-string searching or punctuation handling, though it provides context on advanced result management.

4. US6961731B2: Apparatus and method for organizing and/or presenting data

Full Citation: US6961731B2, "Apparatus and method for organizing and/or presenting data," granted to Kooltorch, L.L.C.
Publication/Filing Date: Filed November 15, 2000; Published/Granted November 1, 2005.
Brief Description: This patent describes an apparatus and method for organizing and/or presenting data, which can include displaying data in a structured manner.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent broadly deals with data organization and presentation. While US9633139 describes displaying search results in a list area and content in a view area, and customizing the interface, these are general aspects of user interfaces for search applications. The specific inventive steps of US9633139's claims (incremental multi-string search, punctuation handling, command execution) are not directly addressed in the abstract of US6961731B2. Thus, it's unlikely to anticipate the specific claims of US9633139.

5. US20050256846A1: Interactive client-server data search

Full Citation: US20050256846A1, "Interactive client-server data search," granted to Microsoft Corporation.
Publication/Filing Date: Filed May 12, 2004; Published November 17, 2005.
Brief Description: This patent application describes an interactive client-server system for data searching. The abstract highlights features like refining search results as query characters are input and allowing users to perform searches across multiple data sources.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference is highly relevant as it explicitly mentions "refining search results as query characters are input," which directly anticipates the "incrementally locating" aspect of Claim 1 of US9633139. The concept of "interactive" searching and "multiple data sources" further aligns with the overall invention. Therefore, Claim 1 of US9633139 and the corresponding apparatus claim are potentially anticipated by this prior art, particularly regarding the incremental and multi-source aspects.

6. US7035903B1: Systems and methods for the discovery and presentation of electronic messages that are related to an electronic message

Full Citation: US7035903B1, "Systems and methods for the discovery and presentation of electronic messages that are related to an electronic message," granted to Xerox Corporation.
Publication/Filing Date: Filed November 22, 2000; Published/Granted April 25, 2006.
Brief Description: This patent focuses on discovering and presenting electronic messages related to a specific electronic message, often used in email threading or conversation views.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent is specific to email message relationships. While US9633139 includes email as a "search target" and provides an email search interface, its claims are broader, covering general incremental searching and indexing across various data types. The specific focus on related email messages in US7035903B1 does not directly anticipate the core inventive elements of US9633139's claims.

7. US7047502B2: Methods and apparatus for mouse-over preview of contextually relevant information

Full Citation: US7047502B2, "Methods and apparatus for mouse-over preview of contextually relevant information," granted to Ask Jeeves, Inc.
Publication/Filing Date: Filed September 24, 2001; Published/Granted May 16, 2006.
Brief Description: This patent describes providing a preview of contextually relevant information when a user mouses over an item, such as a search result.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US9633139 mentions a "view area or pane, which displays an item or contents of an item, such as an item selected in the list area." While US7047502B2 deals with previewing information, it specifically highlights "mouse-over" interaction for "contextually relevant information." US9633139's claims are more general regarding the display of selected items and do not specifically claim mouse-over preview functionality as a novel element. Therefore, it's unlikely to anticipate the core claims of US9633139.

8. US7054855B2: Method and system for performing a pattern match search for text strings

Full Citation: US7054855B2, "Method and system for performing a pattern match search for text strings," granted to International Business Machines Corporation.
Publication/Filing Date: Filed July 3, 2001; Published/Granted May 30, 2006.
Brief Description: This patent describes methods and systems for performing pattern match searches for text strings, which could be used in various search contexts.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent broadly covers "pattern match search for text strings." While US9633139 performs string matching, its key inventive aspects lie in the incremental nature of the search based on partial strings, multiple strings in the same field, and specific punctuation handling. The abstract of US7054855B2 does not detail these specific incremental or multi-string prefix matching aspects of US9633139's claims. Therefore, it's less likely to anticipate the specific claims of US9633139.

9. US20060168067A1: Method for automatically implementing special forms in an e-mail system

Full Citation: US20060168067A1, "Method for automatically implementing special forms in an e-mail system," granted to Microsoft Corporation.
Publication/Filing Date: Filed May 31, 1996; Published July 27, 2006.
Brief Description: This patent application describes a method for automatically implementing special forms within an email system, likely for structured data entry or processing.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent is specific to email forms. While US9633139 includes email as a search target and uses search fields, its claims are not focused on "special forms" within an email system. Thus, it's unlikely to anticipate the core claims of US9633139.

10. US8856093B2: Methods and systems for search indexing

Full Citation: US8856093B2, "Methods and systems for search indexing," granted to William Gross.
Publication/Filing Date: Filed September 3, 2002; Published/Granted October 7, 2014.
Brief Description: This patent has the same title and one of the same inventors as US9633139. It is described as being "Cited by examiner" and "Family To Family Citations" on Google Patents, indicating it is likely a family member or very closely related prior art. This patent generally describes methods and systems for search indexing, potentially covering incremental indexing and search functionalities.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Given the identical title, shared inventor, and "family-to-family" citation, US8856093B2 is highly likely to be directly anticipatory or at least highly relevant prior art. As a parent or related application, it would likely disclose many, if not all, of the core concepts of US9633139, including incremental searching, multi-string prefix searching, and aspects of the search index system. The summary of US9633139 states, "This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/972,563, filed on Jan. 10, 2008, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/654,588, filed on Sep. 3, 2003, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/408,015, filed Sep. 3, 2002...". This indicates a long lineage of related applications. US8856093B2 likely represents an earlier stage of this family, and therefore its claims and disclosure would very likely anticipate all claims of US9633139 if filed/published prior to the priority date of US9633139, or if it has an earlier effective filing date. The priority date of US9633139 is listed as September 3, 2002, and US8856093B2 was filed on the same date, making it a direct sibling or parent. Therefore, it is highly probable that all independent claims of US9633139 are anticipated by US8856093B2.

Summary of Most Relevant Prior Art:

Based on the abstracts and descriptions, US6862713B1 and US20050256846A1 are highly relevant due to their explicit mention of interactive and incremental search based on partial queries. However, US8856093B2 is unequivocally the most relevant prior art because it is a family member with the same title and inventor, sharing a priority date with the foundational applications of US9633139. It is virtually certain to disclose and claim the same or very similar inventive subject matter.