US 2003/0216930 A1 · Cost-per-action search engine system, method and apparatus

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a search engine system, method and apparatus comprising a search engine, a participant management system, at least one storage database, a listing database and at least one feedback mechanism. The search engine accepts input data and utilizes the input data to search for information related to the search terms. Upon retrieval of relevant information, the data analysis module organizes the data related to the search terms into a search results list. To determine the placement of listings upon a search request, the data analysis module determines the probability, for each relevant listing, that the user will ultimately complete the desired action if the listing is shown, wherein the probability of action is determined by a plurality of factors. This probability is then combined with the specific CPA for the advertiser. Transaction information derived from a search and click is returned through the feedback mechanism to the search engine for revised calculation of listing placement.

Claims32

Dependent claims

A search engine system on a computer network having a search engine provider computer, a merchant computer, and a user computer, wherein the provider computer, the merchant computer and the user computer are in communication therebetween, the search engine system being configured to generate a search result set in response to a search request from the user computer, the search engine system comprising:

a search engine configured to receive the search request;
a participant management system configured to receive a listing from the merchant computer, wherein the listing includes a category profile, payment amount for an action resulting from user response, a title, a description and a data locator;
a database;
and
a feedback mechanism, wherein the feedback mechanism couples the merchant computer and the search engine such that data is transferred between the merchant computer and the search engine.

2 more elements

A method for generating a search result listing on a computer network having a provider computer, a merchant computer, a plurality of distribution partner computers, and a user computer, wherein the provider computer, the merchant computer and the user computer are in communication therebetween, the method comprising:

establishing a participant account on a search engine system via the provider computer, wherein the participant account includes at least one listing, wherein the listing includes a category profile, payment amount for a completed action, a title, a description and a data locator;
establishing a first distribution partner account on the search engine system via the provider computer, wherein the distribution partner computer is assigned a first participant profile;
establishing a second distribution partner account on the search engine system via the provider computer, wherein the distribution partner computer is assigned a second participant profile;
receiving a search request on the provider computer, wherein the search request includes at least one search term;
generating a search result list of listings associated with the search request, wherein the listings are ordered in accordance with a placement position determination, the determination of the placement position of each listing being determined by a plurality of factors,
presenting the search result list to the user computer;
and
recording transaction data for each search request.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Cost-per-action search engine system, method and apparatus

Life of this patent

Cost-per-action search engine system, method and apparatus

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims32