LLM-assisted Vector Similarity Search

TL;DR

This paper presents a hybrid search method combining vector similarity search with Large Language Models to improve accuracy and relevance for complex, nuanced queries, outperforming traditional methods especially in handling constraints and conceptual requirements.

Contribution

It introduces a two-step hybrid approach that leverages LLMs for context-aware ranking after initial vector similarity filtering, enhancing search effectiveness for complex queries.

Findings

LLM-assisted search improves accuracy for complex queries

Hybrid approach outperforms traditional vector search in nuanced cases

Method maintains efficiency while handling intricate information retrieval tasks

Abstract

As data retrieval demands become increasingly complex, traditional search methods often fall short in addressing nuanced and conceptual queries. Vector similarity search has emerged as a promising technique for finding semantically similar information efficiently. However, its effectiveness diminishes when handling intricate queries with contextual nuances. This paper explores a hybrid approach combining vector similarity search with Large Language Models (LLMs) to enhance search accuracy and relevance. The proposed two-step solution first employs vector similarity search to shortlist potential matches, followed by an LLM for context-aware ranking of the results. Experiments on structured datasets demonstrate that while vector similarity search alone performs well for straightforward queries, the LLM-assisted approach excels in processing complex queries involving constraints, negations, or conceptual requirements. By leveraging the natural language understanding capabilities of LLMs, this method improves the accuracy of search results for complex tasks without sacrificing efficiency. We also discuss real-world applications and propose directions for future research to refine and scale this technique for diverse datasets and use cases. Original article: https://engineering.grab.com/llm-assisted-vector-similarity-search