Local query identification and normalization for web search

Abstract

Computer-implemented methods and systems for processing user entered query data to improve results of a search of pages using a local search database are provided, when searching the internet. The method includes receiving the user entered query data and parsing each word of the query data and examining each word to determine if the word is associated with one of a business name, a city name or a state name. The examining uses probabilistic dictionaries to determine a likelihood that the word is for a particular term or intent. The method further includes normalizing each of the tagged business terms. The normalizing includes boosting information if found in the local search database and determining proximity between selected ones of the tagged terms. Then, generating an optimized internal search query that incorporates constraints and ranking based on at least the boosting information and the determined proximity between the selected tagged terms. The optimized internal search query is applied to the internet to enable search results to be produced and displayed to the user in response to the entered query data.