Expansion of Search Queries Using Information Categorization

A computerized system of constructing and expanding search queries for conducting searches in at least one information source, the system comprising:

• a search engine;
• at least one categories database;
• and
• at least one query scenario trees database,
• wherein the search engine comprises:
• a graphical user interface (GUI) enabling the users to view and input data;
• a search-categorization module, enabling to define a search-category by retrieving of at least one category options tree from the at least one categories database, wherein the category options tree is a hierarchal tree comprising category nodes, which define category routes, wherein each route defines a search-category and by allowing the user to select a category node from the retrieved options tree and thereby define a category route, which defines the search-category;
• a query scenarios retrieval module, enabling to retrieve at least one query scenario tree from the at least one query scenario trees database, wherein the query scenario tree is a hierarchal tree comprising query nodes, each node defines a query route, wherein each query route defines an expanded search query, wherein the retrieval of the query scenario tree is carried out according to an initial input query, inputted by the user;
• a query expansion module, enabling to expand the initial input query, by selection of a query node out of the retrieved query scenario tree, wherein the selection is carried out according to an online decision making process, which analyses the search-category in relation to the available query nodes and query routes in order to select a query node from the retrieved query scenario tree that is most compatible with the search-category;
• and
• a search module, enabling to conduct searches through the at least one information source, according to the content and structure of the constructed search query,
• wherein at least one of the search-categories, defined by at least one of the possible category routes, indicates characteristics of the user.

A search engine for constructing and expanding search queries and conducting searches in at least one information source, wherein the search engine enables users, using computerized communication devices, to construct search queries and to search for information by communicating with the search engine through at least one data communication network, the search engine comprising:

• a graphical user interface (GUI) enabling the users to view and input data;
• a search-categorization module, enabling to define a search-category by retrieving of at least one category options tree, which is a hierarchal tree comprising category nodes, which define category routes, wherein each route defines a search-category and by allowing the user to select a category node from the retrieved options tree and thereby define a category route, which defines the search-category;
• a query scenarios retrieval module, enabling to retrieve at least one query scenario tree, which is a hierarchal tree comprising query nodes, each node defines a query route, wherein each query route defines an expanded search query, wherein the retrieval of the query scenario tree is carried out according to an initial input query, inputted by the user;
• a query expansion module, enabling to expand the initial input query, by selection of a query node out of the retrieved query scenario tree, wherein the selection is carried out according to an online decision making process, which analyses the search-category in relation to the available query nodes and query routes in order to select a query node from the retrieved query scenario tree that is most compatible with the search-category;
• and
• a search module, enabling to conduct searches through the at least one information source, according to the content and structure of the constructed search query,
• wherein at least one of the search-categories, defined by at least one of the possible category routes, indicates characteristics of the user.