DETECTION OF SEARCH ENGINE SPAM USING EXTERNAL DATA

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To evaluate an electronic document in connection with a search. SOLUTION: An external source provides data for use in evaluating an electronic document retrieved by a search engine. A first confidence level of the electronic document is determined, based on the externally provided data. The first confidence level indicates the possibility that the electronic document is undesirable. A second confidence level of the electronic document is determined, based on the attributes of the electronic document. The second confidence level indicates the possibility that the electronic document is unsatisfactory, with respect to search. A rating for the electronic document generated as a function of the determined first confidence level and the determined second confidence level is used, to categorize the electronic document as being unsatisfactory, in connection with a received search request. COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI