US Patent 9798753 Search result snapshot histories

Methods, systems, and techniques for managing and using search snapshot histories are provided. Some examples provide a Search Snapshot Management Engine (“SSME”), which enables users and or programs through the use of an application programming interface (“API”) to define and manipulate search snapshots. In typical operation, an iteration of a search result is associated with a search snapshot history. A rendering of the search snapshot history may be provided to assist in navigation to other potentially related search iterations and to define new search states for performing searches. In some examples, the SSME may be used to provide search histories to teams for reviewing patent related publications and other types of literature.