Method and apparatus for persistent searching within a browser - Patents.com

Abstract

In one general aspect, a method can include receiving a search query and, in response to the search query, causing a first search result and a second search result to be displayed within a display area of ​​a browser. In response to a selection of the first search result, the method can include causing a web page to be displayed within the display area of ​​the browser, and causing a first search result indicator corresponding to the first search result and a second search result indicator corresponding to the second search result to be displayed in a search results area within the browser outside the display area. In some implementations, the method includes causing the search results area to be displayed in response to an interaction with a display of the web page within the display area.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 266,295, filed December 31, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 266,296, filed December 31, 2021, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] The web browser may be used to display content searched for by the search engine, and in response to a user selecting one or more of the search results, the content may be displayed within the web browser. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Embodiments relate to providing persistent search results within a browser. In particular, embodiments relate to rendering a search results area simultaneously with a display area (main content window). The search results area displays at least two search results, the search results representing resources responsive to a query. The display area displays content associated with a web page (resource) corresponding to one of the two search results. In some implementations, the search results may be represented within the search results area by search result indicators, which are actionable user interface elements. Each search result indicator is associated with a resource determined to be responsive to the query. The resource is referred to as a search result target. Interaction with the search result indicator causes the browser to display a resource related to the search result (search result target) within the display area without closing the search results area. In some implementations, the search results area represents search results for a portion of a search results page (i.e., a search result selected from the search results page). Rendering of the search results area may be triggered by selection of a search result within the search results page. Rendering of the search results area may be triggered by interaction with a web page that is displayed in response to selection of a search result within the search results page. Interaction may include selecting a "back" action when displaying a search result target. The interaction may include a scrolling pattern detected during display of the search result target.

[0004] In one general aspect, a method includes receiving a search query and, in response to the search query, causing a first search result and a second search result to be displayed within a display area of ​​a browser. In response to a selection of the first search result, the method includes causing a web page identified by the first search result to be displayed within the display area of ​​the browser, and causing a first search result indicator corresponding to the first search result and a second search result indicator corresponding to the second search result to be displayed in a search result area within the browser outside the display area.

[0005] In one general aspect, a method can include receiving a search query, and in response to the search query, causing a first search result and a second search result to be displayed within a display area of ​​the browser. In response to a selection of the first search result, the method can include causing an identified webpage to be displayed within the display area of ​​the browser by the first search result and in response to receiving an interaction with the display of the webpage, causing a first search result indicator corresponding to the first search result and a second search result indicator corresponding to the second search result to be displayed in a search result area outside the display area and still within the browser. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Fig. 1A and B] 1 illustrates search results displayed within a display area of ​​a browser running on a device having a limited size screen, and a search result area triggered for display within the browser. [Figure 1C] Shows the content of a web page as it is rendered in the navigation area within a browser. [Figure 1D] Shows the content of a web page as it is rendered in the navigation area within a browser. [Figure 2A] 11 shows modified examples of search result indicators displayed in the search result area. [Figure 2B] 11 shows modified examples of search result indicators displayed in the search result area. [Figure 2C] 11 shows modified examples of search result indicators displayed in the search result area. [Figure 3A] Showing search result regions that are triggered for display in response to one or more interactions with the web page. [Figure 3B] Showing search result regions that are triggered for display in response to one or more interactions with the web page. [Figure 3C] Showing search result regions that are triggered for display in response to one or more interactions with the web page. [Figure 4A] 13 shows a rendering of the search results area after multiple search results have been selected. [Figure 4B] 13 shows a rendering of the search results area after multiple search results have been selected. [Figure 4C] 13 shows a rendering of the search results area after multiple search results have been selected. [Figure 4D] 13 shows a rendering of the search results area after multiple search results have been selected. [Figure 5A] Indicates closing of the search results region in response to a link interaction in a web page. [Figure 5B] Indicates closing of the search results region in response to a link interaction in a web page. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates security features associated with the implementations described herein. [Figure 7A and B] 1 shows search results displayed within a display area of ​​a browser running on a device with a larger screen and search result targets displayed within the display area of ​​the browser. [Figure 7C] 1 shows a search results area that is triggered for display within a browser. [Figure 7D] 1 shows a search results area that is triggered for display within a browser. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates a computing system and search server for implementing concepts described herein. [Figure 9] 1 illustrates an exemplary process for persisting a search results page within a search results area of ​​a browser, according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] 1 illustrates an exemplary process for persisting a search results page within a search results area of ​​a browser, according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] 1 illustrates examples of general purpose and mobile computing devices that can be used with the techniques described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] The present disclosure relates to navigation of content associated with search results obtained in response to a search query. The search results may be displayed in a search results area of ​​a browser or in a search results area of ​​a separate browser such that the content of the web pages associated with the search results are maintained (e.g., persisted) in the browser while the search results are displayed. Similarly, the search results are maintained (e.g., persisted) while the content of the resources associated with the search results are maintained. At least one of the search results area search results may be selected and the content associated with the selected search result may be displayed in the display area. Thus, the embodiments enable navigation of the web pages represented by the search results with less user interaction. In some embodiments, the content associated with the search results may replace the content of the web pages in the browser. In some embodiments, the content associated with the search results may be displayed in another browser. The search results may continue to be displayed (e.g., maintained or persisted) while the content of the search results is moved and / or displayed. A browser may be referred to as a browser window when associated with an operating system (OS) window.

[0008] A technical problem associated with searches, such as Internet-based searches, is that some interaction is required to navigate to resources represented on a search result page. As is well known, search result pages are generated by search engines in response to a query. A search result page contains search results and may contain other content, such as advertisements, knowledge panels, short answers, other types of rich results, links that limit the search to a particular resource type (e.g., images, travel, shopping, news, videos, etc.). Each search result corresponds to a resource available over a network, such as, for example, a URL / URI. The resource was determined to be responsive to the query by the search engine. The search result includes a link to the corresponding resource. The search result may include additional information, such as a title, a snippet (text taken from the content of the resource), an image related to the resource, or other information related to the resource and / or the query, as determined by the search engine. The browser displays the search result page in a display area. In a conventional browser, when a user interacts with (selects) a search result (or in other words, selects a link to a resource included in the search results), the browser requests the content of the resource associated with the link and replaces the search result page in the display area with the content of the resource. To return to the search results page to view a different resource, the user must either resubmit the query or select a browser interface control (e.g., a back control) configured to return the user to the previous resource. This back control selection causes the browser to re-render the search results page in the display area, and the user can select a different link to a different resource, which causes the browser to fetch and render the content of the different resource. This round trip between the search results page and the resources represented on the search results page is inefficient for computing devices and users.For example, a computing device may re-render a search results page several times, consuming resources (battery, processing power, and possibly network bandwidth for re-fetching) as a user navigates to a resource represented by the search results. Furthermore, because search results are not maintained during navigation of content, the user must perform additional interactions with the browser to accomplish navigation.

[0009] At least one technical solution to the above technical problem is that the search results can be maintained (persisted) in the search results area of ​​the browser while the user navigates to the resources represented by the search results. That is, the content of the resources is maintained (e.g., persisted) in the browser in a separate display area while the search results are displayed. At least one technical effect of the technical solution is that the computing device on which the browser executes performs less rendering of the search results. The search results in the search results area and the web page content in the display area can be displayed simultaneously in the browser (e.g., in a browser tab). This technical solution has the technical effect of reducing the number of interactions with the browser by the user to navigate the various resources represented by the search results. In other words, because the search results of a query are persistent in the search results area, interactions with the browser's back control are eliminated.

[0010] In some implementations, the search results area can be integrated as part of the browser so that it cannot be spoofed (e.g., imitated) by a third party or an owner of the web page content. This can be implemented as a security feature, allowing a user to distinguish between legitimate search results resulting from a search query and search results that may be inserted by a third party or a provider of a web page or other resource. Thus, the technical problem of search result spoofing can be avoided by the technical solution of integrating the search results area in the browser as described above. The technical effect of integrating the search results area in the browser is to prevent spoofing.

[0011] As mentioned above, in some implementations, the search results may continue to be displayed (e.g., may be maintained or may persist) in the search results area while the content of the resources represented by the search results are navigated and displayed. The content associated with the resources represented by the search results may be displayed in a display area within the browser (e.g., within a browser tab) simultaneously with the search results area. This may be accomplished even when only limited screen space is available, such as by scaling the resolution of the content displayed in the display area when the display area is reduced in size to display both the display area and the search results area within the browser on limited available screen space. Thus, the technical problem of being unable to simultaneously navigate the content associated with the search results while viewing the search results in the search results area is solved by the above technical solutions and technical effects.

[0012] The implementations described herein enable improved guided human-machine interaction for displaying web pages and other resources on one side and search results on the other side. Displaying the results of a query and the web pages represented by the results is done simultaneously using only one user interface. This saves processing resources and potentially bandwidth (by avoiding additional fetches of search result pages). This reduces user interaction with the user interface, as the user may easily switch between different resources from the results and view the content of the resources simultaneously in the same interface.

[0013] The browsers described herein may be executed in a computing device. For example, the browser may be executed in a laptop device. In some implementations, the browser may be executed in a mobile device or on any other device with limited available screen space. Although many of the implementations shown and described herein are shown in portrait orientation, any of the implementations described herein may be rendered in landscape orientation. Similarly, the landscape implementations described herein may be rendered in portrait orientation.

[0014] FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating search results SR1-SR3 (which may be collectively referred to as search results 125) displayed in a display area 120 of a browser 110. In some implementations, the display area 120 may be in a tab of the browser 110. The search results 125 may be triggered for display in response to a search query. In some implementations, the display area 120 may include an indication of a query 122. The indication of the query 122 includes content (e.g., text / images) used as a query. In some implementations, the indication of the query 122 is a text entry area where a user may provide a new query to trigger a new search. The search results 125 may be included in a search result page. A search result page is a web page generated by a search engine of a search server in response to a query, and typically includes one or more search results. As will be appreciated, each of the search results, e.g., SR1-SR3, is associated with a respective resource, e.g., a web page, a file, etc., available over a network. The search query to which search results 125 are responsive may be triggered, for example, by a user of a computing device via a text search, an image search, and / or otherwise. User interfaces for triggering a search query are not illustrated herein. Although not shown in FIG. 1A , there may be additional search results that identify resources responsive to the query contained in search results 125. These may be displayed, for example, by scrolling.

[0015] In some implementations, one or more of the search results 125 may include text. In some implementations, one or more of the search results 125 may include images. One or more of the search results 125 include a respective link, i.e., a link to a resource available over a network such as the Internet. A resource is a source of content (e.g., an image, a web page, a document, etc.). Any search result that includes a link is actionable. In other words, a search result that has a link may be interacted with, for example, via selecting the link. Interacting with a link in a search result 125 causes the browser to fetch the content of the resource associated with the link. Thus, a search result may be said to be selectable, and it is understood that interacting with a search result refers to interacting with a link associated with the search result (e.g., selecting the link).

[0016] FIG. 1B illustrates a search results region 130 (indicated by a dashed box) that is triggered for display within browser 110. In some implementations, search results region 130 can be triggered in response to at least one of search results 125 being selected (e.g., interacted with). For example, in the example of FIG. 1B, search result SR1 of FIG. 1A is selected. Thus, in response to interacting with search result SR1 of FIG. 1A (e.g., its selection), web page W1 is displayed within display region 120′ in FIG. 1B. Web page W1 is the resource associated with the link of SR1 in this example. Also, in response to the selection of search result SR1 of FIG. 1A, search results region 130 is rendered within browser 110 of FIG. 1B. Thus, in response to the selection of search result SR1 of FIG. 1A, web page W1 is displayed within display region 120′ and search results region 130 is rendered within browser 110, as shown in FIG. 1B. Also, in response to selection of search result SR1 in FIG. 1A, web page W1 is displayed within display area 120' and search result indicator SR1' is displayed within search result area 130 in browser 110, as shown in FIG. 1B.

[0017] Consistent with the above, rendering of the search results region 130 of Figure 1B is triggered in response to interaction with (e.g., selection of) one or more of the search results 125 of Figure 1A. Rendering of the search results region 130 of Figure 1B may be triggered in response to interaction with any of the search results 125 of Figure 1A. For example, rendering of the search results region 130 of Figure 1B may be triggered in response to selection of search result SR2 of Figure 1A.

[0018] In some implementations, the interaction may include a selection. In some implementations, the interaction and / or selection (or an indication thereof) can be used to trigger an action or result. A user interface element that triggers an action in response to an interaction with the element is called an actionable element. Search result 125 is an example of an actionable element.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1B, in some implementations, the search results SR1 to SR3 of FIG. 1A can be replaced with search result indicators SR1′ to SR3. In some implementations, the browser can use a template or a DOM model to identify the search results 125 in the search result page. The search result page can be a cached page or can be re-fetched from a search server. Each of the search result indicators 125′ corresponds to a respective search result of the search results 125. The search result indicators 125′ are actionable elements. The search result indicators perform the same action when interacted with as their corresponding search results do. In other words, just as selecting the search result SR1 causes the web page W1 to be displayed, selecting the search result indicator SR1′ causes the web page W1 to be displayed. However, the search result indicators take up much less space in the browser than their corresponding search results. In other words, the search result indicators have a smaller footprint than their corresponding search results. The smaller footprint allows the browser to display the search results in the search result area 130 at the same time as the web page W1 in the display area 120. A small footprint can be important for computing devices with limited screen size, such as mobile phones, smart watches, smart glasses, tablets, etc. An exemplary search result indicator 125' is described in more detail with respect to Figures 2A-2C.

[0020] 1B example, the search results 125 are displayed in the search result area 130 as search result indicators SR1' to SR3' (collectively referred to as search result indicators 125'). The search result indicators SR1' to SR3' correspond to the search results SR1 to SR3, respectively. A user can use the search result indicators SR1' to SR3' to navigate to resources associated with the search results SR1 to SR3. In other words, the search result indicators SR1' to SR3' may be or include, for example, links associated with the search results SR1 to SR3.

[0021] In some implementations, the search results SR1 to SR3 (and search result indicators SR1′ to SR3′) may be a subset of search results surfaced in response to a search query. In some implementations, the search results SR1 to SR3 (and search result indicators SR1′ to SR3′) may be an ordered (e.g., top) subset of search results surfaced in response to a search query. In some implementations, one or more of the search results SR1 to SR3 may be prioritized such that the most relevant search results (or a subset thereof) are rendered in the search result area 130.

[0022] 1B, in some implementations, because web page W1 corresponding to search result SR1 is displayed, search result indicator SR1' may not be displayed in search results region 130. Thus, at least search results related to resources (e.g., web pages) already displayed in display region 120' may not be included in search results region 130. This allows other search result indicators to be visible in search results region 130, especially when screen size is limited.

[0023] In some implementations, additional search results 125 not shown in Figure 1B but accessible via scrolling (or by otherwise moving display area 120) in Figure 1A may correspond to additional search result indicators 125' accessible via scrolling in Figure 1B. For example, in some implementations, the additional search results may be viewed by scrolling left and right within search result area 130.

[0024] 1A-1D, the browser includes an address bar area 114. An address of a web page W1 may be shown in the address bar area 114 (e.g., in an input address area 113). Other controls, icons, and / or the like may be included in the address bar area 114. The address bar area 114 may be controlled by and / or associated with the browser 110 (e.g., a browser application). Because the address bar area 114 is controlled by the browser 110, the web page W1 and / or the provider of the web page W1 does not have access to the content displayed in the address bar area 114 or the trigger actions provided by actionable elements in the address bar area 114.

[0025] Although not shown in FIG. 1B, in some implementations, the search results region 130 is separated from the address bar region 114 by a visible separation line between the address bar region and the search results region 130. For security purposes, the line can be removed (e.g., omitted). If provided, it is a line that cannot be removed (painted, erased, etc.) by a third party (e.g., the provider of the web page W1). In other words, if provided, it is a line that is controlled (e.g., provided, removed) by the browser 110 (e.g., a browser application) in the same way as the address bar region 114.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1B, in response to rendering the search results region 130 in response to the search query, the size (e.g., area) of the display region 120 (shown in FIG. 1A) is reduced to the size of the display region 120′. In other words, the display region 120 (shown in FIG. 1A) is described with a size in response to adapting the search results region 130 to display the search results region 130. In some implementations, the web page W1 may be re-layed out (e.g., scaled) to fit (e.g., fit into view) in the display region 120′. According to one implementation, the scaling of the web page W1 is achieved by displaying the web page W1 at a lower resolution, thereby displaying the web page W1 without reducing the visible area of ​​the web page W1 in the reduced display region 120′. This implementation has the technical effect that search results may be displayed in the search results region 130, for example, on limited available screen space, in addition to the web page W1 displayed in the display region 120′. In some implementations, the search result area 130 can overlap the web page W1 without changing the scale of the web page W1. In other words, the visible area of ​​W1 may be reduced due to a reduction in the visible area of ​​the display area 120', but the scale of the web page W1 does not change. In some implementations, the display area 120 shown in FIG. 1A can be divided into the display area 120' and the search result area 130 as shown in FIG. 1B. The combined area of ​​the display area 120' and the search result area 130 as shown in FIG. 1B may be the same as the area of ​​the display area 120 as shown in FIG. 1A. In some implementations, the combined area of ​​the display area 120' and the search result area 130 may be different (e.g., smaller, larger) than the area of ​​the display area 120.

[0027] Figure 1C shows the contents of web page W2 rendered in display area 120' in browser 110. The contents of web page W2 are rendered in display area 120' in response to an interaction (e.g., a user interaction) with search result indicator SR2' in search results area 130 of Figure 1B. In this implementation, web page W1 displayed in display area 120' is replaced by web page W2 displayed in display area 120'.

[0028] The combination of simultaneous display of search results region 130 and display region 120' can be used to consume (e.g., explore) search results in search results region 130 with minimal user interaction and low usage of computing resources. For example, in response to a first search result indicator being selected from search results region 130, first content may be rendered in display region 120'. In response to a second search result indicator being selected from search results region 130, second content may be rendered in display region 120', replacing the first content. This improved search result navigation may occur while the search results (e.g., search result indicator SR1') are maintained in search results region 130.

[0029] FIG. 1D illustrates the content of webpage W3 rendered in display area 120′ in browser 110. The content of webpage W3 is rendered in display area 120′ in response to an interaction (e.g., a user interaction) with search result indicator SR3′ in search results area 130. In this implementation, webpage W2 displayed in display area 120′ of FIG. 1C is replaced by webpage W3 displayed in display area 120′. As shown in FIG. 1D, in this example, the position of the search result indicator is shifted such that search result indicator SR3′ corresponding to webpage W3 is more centrally located in search results area 130. Also, in FIG. 1D, search result indicator SR4′ is displayed because the position of search result indicator SR3′ has shifted in search results area 130. This shift in position may cause SR1′ not to be rendered in search results area 130. In other words, as a result of interaction with SR3' in Figure 1C, the browser scrolls SR3' to a prominent position (in the center of the display), which causes SR1' to scroll off the visible portion of the screen and SR4' to scroll onto the visible portion of the screen.

[0030] In addition to the implementations shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, in some implementations, after the search results region 130 and the display region 120′ are defined, a new resource location (web address) or search can be entered in the input address region 113 of the address bar region 114. In response to an input in the input address region 113, the web page W2 (or other content) in the display region 120′ can be replaced with a different web page (not shown) while maintaining the search indicator SR′ in the search results region 130. In other words, the search results indicator SR′ can be maintained while navigating within the display region 120′ using different web addresses in the address bar region 114 of the browser 110. In some implementations, in response to an input in the input address region 113, the browser can remove the search results region 130 and return the display region 120′ to the display region 120. The content of the resource corresponding to the input in the input address region 113 can be displayed within the display region 120. Thus, in some implementations, an input in the input address region 113 can cause the removal of the search results region 130.

[0031] In some implementations, a user interface element (e.g., a back control such as a back button, a back arrow, etc.) can be used to remove (e.g., clear, move elsewhere) content rendered in display area 120' (e.g., web page W2). In other words, a user interaction with the back control can trigger removal of search results area 130. In some implementations, removing (e.g., clearing) search results area 130 automatically returns display area 120' to display area 120. In some implementations, removal of search results area 130 does not occur until a previous back action returns the user to the search results page. In other words, using the example of FIG. 1D, a first interaction with the back control can cause the generation of the browser interface shown in FIG. 1C, a next interaction with the back control can cause the generation of the browser interface shown in FIG. 1B, and a next interaction with the back control can cause the generation of the interface shown in FIG. 1A from the browser interface, removing search results area 130 and returning display area 120' to display area 120.

[0032] Although described in the context of web pages W1 through W3, in some implementations the content rendered in display area 120' may not be a web page. As discussed herein, the content may be associated with any resource accessible over a network. That is, in some implementations the content displayed in display area 120 may be among images, links, videos, text, and / or the like.

[0033] In some implementations, not shown, the search results 125 may be bookmarked or associated with a bookmark in the browser 110. In some implementations, a limited number of the search results (e.g., the top five) may be bookmarked.

[0034] 2A-2C are schematic diagrams illustrating variations of search result indicators 125' displayed in search result region 130. As shown in FIGs. 2A-2C, search result region 130 can include an affordance or actionable control 131 (a selectable "X" icon) that can be used to close search result region 130. FIG. 2A illustrates a compact mode, FIG. 2B illustrates a normal mode, and FIG. 2C illustrates an information mode.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2A, the search result area 130 shows at least the search result indicators SR1′ to SR3′. The search result indicators SR1′ to SR3′ are represented by icons. In the example of FIG. 2A, the icons are circles, but any icon can be used. The open circle represents the current search result that is selected. In other words, the open circle represents the search result that corresponds to the content currently displayed in the display area 120′. The filled circle represents the search result that is not selected, or in other words, the search result that is not associated with the content currently displayed in the display area 120′.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2B, the search result area 130 shows text search result indicators SR1′ and SR2′. In the example of FIG. 2B, the text for the search result indicators represents minimal text used to identify resources associated with the search results. In the example of FIG. 2B, the search result indicators SR1′ and SR2′ include a portion of the domain of a website address (e.g., a portion of a Uniform Resource Locator (URL)). The website address represents an identifier of the resource associated with the search result indicators SR1′ and SR2′. The portion of the domain used as the text of the search result indicator may be sufficient to distinguish SR1 from SR2. Some implementations may use other text from the search results, e.g., document titles, image thumbnails, etc., to identify the resources corresponding to the search results.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2C, the search result area 130 shows informational search result indicators SR1' and 'SR2'. The informational textual search result indicators may include some additional information about the resource in addition to the textual search result indicator (or image thumbnail). In the embodiment of Figure 2C, the search result indicators SR1' and SR2' include information about the website and the website address.

[0038] The search result indicators in the search result area 130 of Figure 2A are compact compared to the search result indicators shown in Figures 2B and 2C. The search result indicators in the search result area 130 of Figure 2C are information dense.

[0039] Although not shown, the search results region 130 may be switched between one or more of the modes shown in Figures 2A-2C. For example, upon selection of the search results region 130 in the compact mode shown in Figure 2A, the search results region 130 may be converted, for example, to a normal mode search results region 130. Selection of the search results region 130 in the compact mode may indicate interest in more information that is shown in the normal mode.

[0040] The location and / or shape of the search results region 130 may differ from that shown in FIGS. 1B-1D. In some implementations, the search results region 130 may be smaller than the size shown. In some implementations, the search results region 130 may be included along different sides of the browser 110 (e.g., along the bottom, along the top, along the left side, and / or otherwise). For example, the search results region 130 may be at a bottom location within the browser 110, above the address bar region 114, on a side of the browser 110 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 7C and 7D), and / or otherwise. In some implementations, the search results region 130 may float above the display region 120 (e.g., may be rendered in an upper window) so that the size of the display region 120 of FIG. 1A is not reduced to the area of ​​the display region 120′ shown in FIG. 1B. In some implementations, the search results region 130 may be a different shape (e.g., circular) rather than a square or rectangular shape. 1B-1D, the search result indicators SR1'-SR3' may be arranged horizontally and moved along the horizontal direction within the search result region 130. In some implementations, the search result indicators SR1'-SR3' may be arranged with different orientations (e.g., arranged vertically and moved along the vertical direction) within the search result region 130.

[0041] In the implementation shown in Figures 3A-3C, rendering of the search results region 130 is triggered in response to one or more interactions with the web page. In the example of Figures 3A-3C, the interaction is detection of a scrolling pattern. A scrolling pattern defines one or more scrolling inputs that meet one or more criteria. The criteria can include attributes of the scrolling inputs. For example, a scrolling pattern criterion can be a down scrolling input that meets a distance threshold (e.g., in the middle of the content, within a specified distance of an edge of the content, etc.) and has at least a certain speed. A scrolling pattern criterion can specify an order of scrolling actions, e.g., scroll down and then scroll up. A scrolling pattern can combine multiple criteria, e.g., scroll down at least to a certain threshold and then scroll up at a high speed. A scrolling pattern can be device dependent. A scrolling pattern can be user defined and / or modified by the user, or partially user defined and / or modified by the user, e.g., as part of a user preference.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 3A, search results 125 are displayed in display area 120 of browser 110, similar to FIG. 1A. In response to selection of search result SR1, web page W1 is displayed in display area 120, as shown in FIG. 3B. However, in the example of FIG. 3A, selection of search result SR1 does not trigger display of search results area 130. Instead, in the examples of FIGS. 3A and 3B, search results area 130 is rendered in response to an interaction with web page W1. In the example of FIG. 3B, the interaction is defined by detection of a scrolling pattern. In some implementations, the scrolling pattern may be detection of a scrolling down action, as represented by arrow A in FIG. 3B. A scrolling down action occurs when content not initially displayed is scrolled into view. Although referred to as "down," it is understood that any direction that moves content not initially displayed into view corresponds to scrolling down. An up scrolling action is in the opposite direction to a scrolling down action. In the example of FIG. 3B, in response to detection of a scrolling pattern, search results area 130 may be displayed (as shown in FIG. 3C). A scrolling pattern including the presence of a scroll down action may represent a user indicating an interest in web page W1 associated with search result SR1, for example, by scrolling down to view the content.

[0043] In some implementations, the scrolling pattern may include detection of a scroll down action followed by a scroll up action having a threshold speed. For example, in such implementations, the browser may render the search results region 130 in response to a user's lack of interest in the web page W1 associated with the search result SR1. The lack of interest may be indicated by the user scrolling down to view the content, followed by scrolling up at a much faster rate, e.g., at least the threshold speed. This interaction may indicate that the user finds the content unsatisfying, and the user is likely to return to the search results page and select another search result. In this example, the browser may anticipate returning to the search results page (e.g., via the browser's back control) and may automatically trigger the display of the search results region 130. Triggering the search results region 130 in response to the scrolling pattern may allow the user to navigate between search results via the search results region 130 without the user having to return to the search results page. In this example, the search results region 130 may not be rendered until the system detects scrolling down and then scrolling back up (arrow B) in response to scrolling down (arrow A) in the web page W1. Thus, search results region 130 may be rendered, for example, as shown in FIG. 3C in response to detecting a scrolling pattern of a down scroll action followed by an up scroll action.

[0044] As discussed above, a scrolling pattern may also specify attributes of a scrolling action (e.g., an up scrolling action and / or a down scrolling action). For example, in some implementations, a scrolling pattern may trigger display of the search results region 130 when a user performs a first scrolling action (e.g., scrolling down (arrow A)) to a certain threshold (e.g., midway through the content, 1 / 3 of the way down the content, etc.) before completing execution of a second scrolling action (e.g., scrolling up (arrow B)), triggering display of the search results region 130. In some implementations, the browser may require that a scrolling speed threshold be met, e.g., faster scrolling may be required in either direction to meet the scrolling pattern criteria.

[0045] In some implementations, the search results area 130 may be rendered after multiple search results of the search results 125 are selected. This implementation is illustrated in Figures 4A-4D. For example, as illustrated in Figure 4A, the search results 125 are displayed in the display area 120 of the browser 110, similar to Figure 1A. In response to the selection of the search result SR1, the web page W1 is displayed in the display area 120, as illustrated in Figure 4B. The user may navigate back to the search results illustrated in Figure 4C (e.g., via selection of the back control), and the user may select the search result SR2. In response to the selection of the search result SR2, the search results area 130 and the web page W2 associated with the search result SR2 may be rendered as illustrated in Figure 4D. Thus, the search results area 130 may be displayed in response to the user indicating an interest in additional search results SR. In some implementations, instead of returning to the search results as illustrated in Figure 4C, a user interaction with the back control while viewing the web page W1 (e.g., Figure 4B) may trigger the display of the search results area 130 and the content of the web page W1 (e.g., similar to Figures 1B or 3C). That is, user interaction with the back control can trigger the display of search results region 130. In some implementations, triggering the search results region 130 also depends on the target of the back control, or in other words, what content / resource is displayed as a result of selecting (interaction with) the back control. If the target is a search results page, the browser may trigger the display of search results region 130 instead of returning to the search results page.

[0046] In some implementations, while search results region 130 is shown (as shown in FIG. 5A ), interaction with (e.g., selection of) link A1 in web page W1 may cause search results region 130 to be closed (as shown in FIG. 5B ). Stated another way, selection of any actionable element in the content displayed in display area 120′ may trigger removal of search results region 130. Thus, web page WA1 associated with link A1 in FIG. 5A may be rendered within display area 120. Although not shown, in some implementations, search results region 130 is not closed in response to interaction with link A1 in web page W1 and opening of web page WA1.

[0047] FIG. 6 illustrates security features related to the embodiments described herein. As shown in FIG. 6, the address bar area 114 and the search results area 130 of the browser 110 are part of a contiguous area. In other words, the browser may render the search results area 130 as part of the browser control address bar area 114. This contiguous area (e.g., the address bar area 114 combined with the search results area 130) may be referred to as the browser search area 135. The browser search area 135 is shown in FIG. 6 as a contiguous gray area between the address bar area 114 and the search results area 130. The embodiment shown and described in connection with FIG. 6 may be combined with any of the embodiments described above in connection with, for example, FIGS. 1A-5B.

[0048] The search results area 130, like the browser search area 135, can be integrated as part of the browser 110 (e.g., the address bar area 114), such that the search results area 130 cannot be spoofed (e.g., mimicked), for example, by a third party or the owner of the content of the web page W1. The integration of the search results area 130 is difficult to mimic because the search results area 130 is part of the application of the browser 110. In some implementations, there is no clear separation (e.g., a separation line) between the search results area 130 and the address bar area 114. Because the search results area 130 and the address bar area 114 are continuous, any background or theme applied to the address bar area 114 flows into (and is continuous with) the search results area 130 (as shown by the gray area). The continuous background is difficult to mimic by a third party (e.g., the provider of the web page W1) within the application of the browser 110. Additionally, the browser search area 135 may be implemented as a security feature, allowing a user to distinguish between legitimate search results provided by a search engine in response to a query and search results that may have been inserted or manipulated by a third party or web page provider.

[0049] Combining the search results area 130 with the address bar area 114 can be an indicator of the trustworthiness of the content of the search results area 130. When the search results area 130 and the address bar area 114 are combined, it means that the browser 110 (or a provider of the browser 110) has provided a search result indicator 125' in the search results area 130. In some implementations, when there is a separation line between the search results area 130 and the address bar area 114, the results in the search results area 130 may be provided by an untrusted provider (e.g., a third party).

[0050] 6, display area 120' is shown adjacent to browser search area 135 (or a portion thereof). In some implementations, display area 120' (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1B) can be included in browser 110 adjacent to browser search area 135 (or a portion thereof).

[0051] 7A-7D show a search result area for a browser running on a device with a larger screen. The example of FIG. 7A-7D also shows the security features described in FIG. 6. Because this screen is larger than the screen shown in the previous figures, the search result page returned in response to query 122 can include more search results (e.g., search results SR1-SR5) and can include additional elements such as a knowledge panel KP, a sponsored area SA (e.g., sponsored links or advertisements), etc. In some implementations, display area 120 can include an indication of query 122. In some implementations, the indication of query 122 is a text entry area where a user can provide a new query (e.g., modify or overwrite a current query) and trigger a new search. In some implementations, selection of a search result such as SR1 in FIG. 7A results in display of web page W1 in the browser display area 120, as shown in FIG. 7B. In the example of FIG. 7A and 7B, search result 125 and web page W1 are open in the same browser tab, i.e., browser tab 112. This functionality is similar to Figure 4B. In one implementation, interaction with a back control, such as back control 716, triggers the rendering of the search results region 130, as shown in Figure 7C.

[0052] The search result area 130 in FIG. 7C is contiguous with the address bar area 114. Thus, as in FIG. 6, the search result area 130 and the address bar area 114 are referred to as the browser search area 135. Here, the search result area 130 is larger because the screen in FIG. 7C is larger than the screen in FIG. 6. Thus, in some implementations, the search result indicators 125' (i.e., SR1' through SR5') can be the same as or substantially the same as the search results 125 (i.e., SR1 through SR5). In some implementations, the search result indicators 125' in FIG. 7C can include a portion of the information from the search result 125 in FIG. 7A. In some implementations, this portion can include a text portion but lack an image portion. In some implementations, this portion can be a title portion. In some implementations, the search result indicators can include a title from the search result but lack a snippet from the search result. A search result indicator in the search result area 130 of a screen having a larger area (e.g., the screen depicted in FIG. 7C) may include less text and / or images than the search results, but more than a search result indicator of a screen having a limited area. In some implementations, the search result indicator 125' may resemble the informational search result indicator of FIG. 2C. As with other figures described herein, the search result indicator has the same identification as the (link to) resource that the corresponding search result has, and selection of a search result indicator in the search result area 130 causes the browser to display the content of the resource associated with the selected search result in the display area 120'. Thus, for example, selection of SR4 in FIG. 7C displays the content associated with the website W4 in the display area 120', as shown in FIG. 7D. In some implementations, the search result area 130 may include other elements from the search result page, such as a knowledge panel KP (shown in FIG. 7C) and / or a sponsor area SA (not shown in FIG. 7C). In some implementations, the browser may extract information from the search result page to determine what information to include in the search result area 130.In some implementations, the search server can communicate to the browser which elements to include in the search results area.

[0053] In some implementations, the search results area 130 may include search result navigation controls, such as a previous control 717 and a next control 718. In some implementations, the browser may be configured to ensure that use of the previous control 717 and the next control 718 (or other navigation controls in the search results area 130) does not result in navigation away from the search domain. In some implementations, the search results area 130 may display an identifier (e.g., a URL) from which the content of the search results area 130 is obtained. This may provide an indication that the content of the side panel is not disguised. In some implementations, the browser may be configured to communicate with a known search server only when a navigation request is initiated in the search results area (a request to view the target of the search results loaded in the display area 120' does not continue navigation in the search results area 130). In other words, the browser may be configured to send messages only to known domains for the search engines identified to the browser, e.g., search configurations in the user settings, when a message is triggered by a navigation control interacted with in the search results area 130. In some implementations, the browser can use a specified address pattern (e.g., a URL pattern), for example as a search configuration, to determine whether navigation occurs in search results region 130 or in display region 120'. For example, when a requested resource does not match the address pattern, navigation occurs in display region 120'.

[0054] In some implementations, similar to FIGS. 1A and 1B, selection of a search result SR1 in FIG. 7A can trigger the display of search results region 130 and the contents of web page W1 in display region 120′, for example, as shown in FIG. 7C. In other words, in some implementations, an interaction with a search result on a search results page can trigger the display of search results region 130. In some implementations (not shown), a user can explicitly open (trigger its display) search results region 130. For example, if a user performs an alternative selection (e.g., right-click, long press, long touch, two-finger touch, etc.) on a search result (e.g., SR1 in FIG. 7A), the browser may render a menu of actions. The alternative selection can be any gesture or action that is not the default gesture / action for the link. The default gesture / action causes the browser to navigate (open) to the web page associated with the link in display region 120. The menu of actions can be a pop-up menu. The menu of actions can include actionable elements for performing various actions with the link associated with the search result. For example, the action may include opening the webpage W1 in a new browser tab. The action may include opening the webpage W1 in a new browser instance (also called a new browser window). The action may include copying the link to the clipboard, sharing the link, etc. In some implementations, the action may include a persistent search action. The persistent search action is an action that causes the rendering of the search results area 130 and opens the webpage W1 in the display area 120'. In other words, one of the actions may be a persistent search action that triggers the display of the search results area 130 and causes the browser to open the content of the webpage W1, for example, as shown in FIG. 7C.

[0055] FIG. 8 illustrates a system 800 including a computing system 802 and a search server 840 configured to implement the concepts and various embodiments shown and described herein. The computing system 802 may be a computing device with a limited screen size, such as a smartphone, a smart watch, a smart device (e.g., A / R glasses or V / R glasses), a tablet, etc. The computing system 802 may be a computing device with a larger screen size, such as a desktop computer, a laptop, a netbook, a notebook, a tablet, a smart TV, a game console with a browser, etc. In general, the computing system 802 may represent any computing device that runs a browser. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the computing system 802 is configured to communicate with the search server 840 and / or a resource provider 810 (e.g., a web server) over a network 850. The computing system 802 includes at least a browser manager 820 and a search result manager 823. In some embodiments, the browser manager 820 is configured to manage resource content, such as web page content, provided by the resource provider 810 (e.g., a web server). In some implementations, browser manager 820 is configured to operate as one of several applications 828 executed via an operating system (O / S) 829. Browser manager 820 can be configured to implement user interfaces, search results, windows, browser areas, and / or other portions as described in connection with the implementations described herein.

[0056] 8, computing system 802 includes several hardware components, including a communications module 861, one or more cameras 862, memory 863, a central processing unit (CPU) and graphics processing unit (GPU) 864, one or more input devices 867 (e.g., touch screen, mouse, stylus, microphone, keyboard, etc.), and one or more output devices 868 (screen, speaker, vibrator, light emitter, etc.). The hardware components may be used to facilitate the operation of browser manager 820, search results manager 823, and / or other functions of computing system 802.

[0057] Browser manager 820 includes a user interface (UI) generator 821 configured to generate and / or manage various user interface elements of a browser, such as browser 110 shown and described herein. For example, UI generator 821 may generate UI elements including various windows of browser 110, such as at least display area 120 shown in Figures 1A-1C, search results area 130, and / or navigation area 140 shown in at least Figures 6 and 7A-7DC.

[0058] The browser manager 820 includes a tab manager 822 configured to generate and / or manage various tabs (e.g., tab 112) of a browser, such as browser 110. The browser manager 820 may be configured to provide / execute actions associated with, among other things, links in the search results 125 (and search result indicators 125'), back control 716, actionable control 131, previous control 717, and / or next control 718. The tab manager 822 may also be configured to provide a menu of actions and cause the execution of an action selected from the menu of actions.

[0059] The browser manager 820 includes a search results manager 823 configured to generate and / or manage content rendering, such as content of the search results region 130 (as shown in at least FIGS. 1B, 1C, 2A-2C, 3C, 4D, 6, 7C, and other figures), including the search results 125′. The search results manager 823 can also be configured to determine when to trigger the display of the search results region 130. In other words, the search results manager 823 can be configured to determine which event triggers the rendering of the search results region 130 and whether a triggering event has occurred. The triggering event can include any of those described herein, such as an interaction with a search result on a search results page, a selection of an action from a menu of actions, an interaction with a resource displayed in response to the selection of a search result (e.g., a particular scrolling pattern, a selection of a back control, a selection of a back control having the search results page as a target), and the like. Browser manager 820 may be configured to generate and / or manage the rendering of content associated with web page W1 in display area 120 (including display area 120′) illustrated in Figures 1A, 1B, 7A, 7C, and other figures. Web page W1 content may be provided to computing system 802 by resource provider 810. Browser manager 820 and / or search results manager 823 may be configured to implement one or both of the processes, or portions of the processes, described in connection with Figures 9 and 10.

[0060] 8, session data 827, which may be stored in memory 863 (not shown), may be managed as or by one of applications 828. Session data 827 may include data related to one or more browser sessions. Application information 826 may include information related to various applications operating within and / or executable by O / S 829.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 8 , the communications module 861 can be configured to facilitate communication with the resource provider 810 and / or the search server 840 over the network 850 via one or more communications protocols. The camera 862 can be used to capture one or more images, the memory 863 can be used to store information associated with the browser manager 820 and / or the search result manager 823, other applications 828, the O / S 829, etc., and the CPU / GPU 864 can be used to process information and / or images associated with the browser manager 820 and / or the search result manager 823. The computing system 802 also includes one or more output devices 868, such as a communications port, a speaker, a display, and / or the like. The functionality described in this application can be implemented based on one or more policies 865 and / or preferences 866 stored in the memory 863.

[0062] FIG. 8 illustrates some aspects of a search server 840. For example, the search server 840 includes one or more processors 846 and one or more memory devices 848. The search server 840 includes a search engine 844 configured to receive a request for a search (query) from the computing system 802. The search engine 844 may be used to provide a search result page for a given query. The query may be a word, a phrase, multiple words, an image, a media file, etc., as is known. The search engine 844 is configured to search one or more data repositories for resources in response to the query. In particular, the search engine 844 may use a web page index, an image index, a product index, an entity repository, a news index, etc. to determine the content of the search result page. The search result page includes one or more search results, each of which corresponds to a resource responsive to the query. Each search result includes a link to the respective resource. In some implementations, the search engine 844 can add additional elements to the search result page, such as advertisements, sponsored links, and rich elements (such as knowledge panels, short answers, mini-apps, carousels, navigation links, etc.).

[0063] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an example method 900 for implementing at least some of the concepts described herein in the various figures. Many elements of the method 900 can be implemented by at least the system illustrated in FIG. 8. In particular, the method 900 can be executed by a browser (e.g., browser manager 820) of the computing system 802. The example method 900 is an example of triggering the display of a search results area (search results area 130) in response to an interaction with a search result included in the content of the search results page. In step 902, the system may cause the search results page to be displayed within the display area of ​​the browser. The search results page includes search results responsive to the query (i.e., a first search result, a second search result, etc.). The search results page is generated by a search engine in response to the query and returned to the browser that initiated the search request. In step 904, the system may receive a selection of the first search result (e.g., search result SR1 of FIG. 1A and other figures). The search results include links to respective resources, so that the search results are selectable, or in other words, actionable elements.

[0064] In response to the selection of the first search result (step 906), the system may cause, in step 908, the display of a web page (or other resource) identified by the first search result. A resource identified by a search result, e.g., as a target of a link in the search result, is referred to as a search result target. The system causes the web page to be displayed within a display area of ​​the browser. In addition to causing the web page to be displayed within the display area, in step 910, the system causes a first search result indicator and a second search result indicator to be displayed within a search result area of ​​the browser. The search result area is displayed simultaneously with the display area. In other words, the content of the search result area (e.g., the first search result indicator and the second search result indicator) is visible along with the content of the display area (e.g., the content of the web page). The search result indicators each correspond to a respective search result on the search result page. In other words, the first search result indicator corresponds to the first search result, the second search result indicator corresponds to the second search result, and so on. Corresponding means that selection of the first search result indicator causes the same resource (e.g., a web page) to be displayed that is caused by selecting the first result.

[0065] At step 912, the system may receive a selection of the second search request indicator. In response to the selection of the second search request indicator, at step 914, the system causes a web page identified by (corresponding to) the second search result identifier to be displayed in the display area. The display of the web page corresponding to the second search result identifier occurs without navigating away from the search result area 130. Thus, the user can navigate through the search results (represented by the search result indicators) more efficiently (with less interaction with the browser) and with less rendering tasks performed by the browser (e.g., search results do not have to be re-rendered to select a different search result target).

[0066] FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method 1000 for implementing at least some of the concepts described herein in the various figures. Many elements of the method 1000 can be implemented by at least the system illustrated in FIG. 8. In particular, the method 1000 can be executed by a browser (e.g., browser manager 820) of the computing system 802. The exemplary method 1000 is an example of triggering the display of a search result area (search result area 130) in response to an interaction with a search result target. In step 1002, the system may cause a search result page to be displayed within the display area of ​​the browser. The search result page includes search results responsive to the query (i.e., a first search result, a second search result, etc.). The search result page is generated by a search engine in response to the query and returned to the browser that initiated the search request. In step 1004, the system may receive a selection of the first search result (e.g., search result SR1 of FIG. 7A and other figures). The search results are selectable, or in other words, actionable, because they include links to respective resources (which are targets). In response to selection of the first search result, in step 1006, the system causes the resource (eg, a web page) identified by the first search result (ie, the target resource) to be displayed in the display area of ​​the browser.

[0067] The system may receive an interaction with the display of the resource. In some implementations, the interaction may be a selection of a back control. The back control is a control configured to, when interacted with (e.g., selected), cause the browser to render the content of the resource that was displayed immediately before the current resource. In an example of method 1000, this is a search results page that includes a first search result and a second search result. Some implementations may determine that the previous resource is a search results page (i.e., the back control target is a search results page) and modify the default behavior. For example, when the back control target is a search results page, instead of re-rendering the search results page in the display area, the system may instead trigger the display of a search results area. The search results area includes search result indicators that correspond to the search results of the back control target (i.e., the search results page). In some implementations, the search results page is cached. In some implementations, the search results page is refetched (re-requested) from the search server. In some implementations, the interaction may be an identification of a scroll pattern that triggers the display of the search results area. Scroll patterns are described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 3A-3C.

[0068] In response to the interaction (step 1008), triggering the display of a search results display area. Triggering the display of a search results display area in response to an interaction with the web page may include reducing a size of the browser's display area in step 1010. This reduction in size provides space for the search results area. As noted above, in some implementations, the reduction in size may cause less web page content to be displayed. In some implementations, the reduction in size may cause the web page content to be resized, or in other words, the web page content to be resized. In step 1012, the system may cause the display of a search results area including a first search results indicator and a second search results indicator. The first search results indicator corresponds to the first search result (e.g., displayed as part of the search results page). The second search results indicator corresponds to the second search result. The search results area is displayed within the browser but outside of the display area.

[0069] At step 1014, the system may receive a selection of a second search request indicator. In response to the selection of the second search request indicator, at step 1016, the system causes a web page identified by (corresponding to) the second search result identifier to be displayed in the display area. The display of the web page corresponding to the second search result identifier occurs without navigating away from the search result area. Thus, the user may navigate through the search results (represented by the search result indicator) more efficiently (with less interaction with the browser) and with less rendering tasks performed by the browser (e.g., the search results do not have to be re-rendered to select a different search result target). In some implementations, the search results area may be removed in response to a selection of a link in the display area that causes the browser to navigate (display) another resource, such as within the display area, or in response to an explicit action to close the search results area (e.g., selection of actionable control 131).

[0070] 11 illustrates an example of a generic computing device 2000 and a generic mobile computing device 2050 that can be used with the techniques described herein. The computing device 2000 is intended to represent various types of digital computers, such as laptops, desktops, tablets, workstations, personal digital assistants, televisions, servers, blade servers, mainframes, and other suitable computing devices. The computing device 2050 is intended to represent various types of mobile devices, such as personal digital assistants, mobile phones, smartphones, and other similar computing devices. The components illustrated herein, their connections and relationships, and their functions are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the practice of the embodiments described and / or claimed in this document.

[0071] The computing device 2000 includes a processor 2002, a memory 2004, a storage device 2006, a high-speed controller 2008 that connects to the memory 2004 and a high-speed expansion port 2010, and a low-speed controller 2012 that connects to a low-speed expansion port 2014 and the storage device 2006. The processor 2002 may be a semiconductor-based processor. The memory 2004 may be a semiconductor-based memory. Each of the components 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, and 2012 are interconnected using various buses and may be mounted on a common motherboard or may exist in other manners as desired. The processor 2002 may process instructions for execution within the computing device 2000, including instructions stored in the memory 2004 or the storage device 2006, to display graphical information for a GUI on an external input / output device, such as a display 2016 connected to the high-speed controller 2008. In other implementations, multiple processors and / or multiple buses may be used as desired, along with multiple memories and types of memories. Also, multiple computing devices 2000 may be connected, each performing some of the required operations (eg, as a bank of servers, a group of blade servers, or a multi-processor system).

[0072] The memory 2004 stores information within the computing device 2000. In one implementation, the memory 2004 is a volatile memory unit or collection of volatile memory units. In another implementation, the memory 2004 is a non-volatile memory unit or collection of non-volatile memory units. The memory 2004 may also be another form of computer readable medium, such as a magnetic disk or optical disk.

[0073] The storage device 2006 can provide mass storage for the computing device 2000. In one embodiment, the storage device 2006 can be or include a computer-readable medium, such as a floppy disk device, a hard disk device, an optical disk device, or a number of devices including a tape device, a flash memory or other similar solid-state memory device, or a storage area network or other configuration of devices. The computer program product can be tangibly embodied in an information carrier. The computer program product can also include instructions that, when executed, perform one or more methods, such as those described above. The information carrier is a computer-readable or machine-readable medium, such as the memory 2004, the storage device 2006, or the memory of the processor 2002.

[0074] The high speed controller 2008 manages the more bandwidth intensive operations of the computing device 2000, and the low speed controller 2012 manages the less bandwidth intensive operations. Such an allocation of functions is merely an example. In one embodiment, the high speed controller 2008 is coupled to the memory 2004, the display 2016 (e.g., via a graphics processor or accelerator), and a high speed expansion port 2010 that can accept various expansion cards (not shown). In an embodiment, the low speed controller 2012 is coupled to the storage device 2006 and the low speed expansion port 2014. The low speed expansion port may include various communication ports (USB, Bluetooth, Ethernet, wireless Ethernet, etc.) and may be connected, via a network adapter or the like, to one or more input / output devices such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a scanner, or a network device such as a switch or router.

[0075] The computing device 2000 can be implemented in many different forms, as shown in the figure. For example, it can be implemented as a standard server 2020, or multiple times in a group of such servers. It can also be implemented as part of a rack server system 2024. It can also be implemented in a personal computer, such as a laptop 2022. Alternatively, the components of the computing device 2000 can be combined with other components in a mobile device (not shown), such as device 2050. Each such device can include one or more of the computing devices 2000, 2050, and the entire system may consist of multiple computing devices 2000, 2050 in communication with each other.

[0076] The computing device 2050 includes components such as a processor 2052, a memory 2064, input / output devices such as a display 2054, a communication interface 2066, and a transceiver 2068. The device 2050 may also be provided with a storage device such as a microdrive or other device to provide additional storage. Each of the components 2052, 2064, 2054, 2066, and 2068 are interconnected using various buses, and some of the components may be mounted on a common motherboard or exist in other manners as desired.

[0077] The processor 2052 can execute instructions within the computing device 2050, including instructions stored in the memory 2064. The processor may be implemented as a chipset of chips including individual analog and digital processors. The processor can provide for coordination of other components of the device 2050, such as control of a user interface, applications executed by the device 2050, and wireless communications by the device 2050.

[0078] The processor 2052 can communicate with a user via a control interface 2058 and a display interface 2056 connected to a display 2054. The display 2054 can be, for example, a TFT LCD (thin film transistor liquid crystal display) or an OLED (organic light emitting diode) display, or other suitable display technology. The display interface 2056 can include suitable circuitry for driving the display 2054 to present graphical and other information to the user. The control interface 2058 receives and converts commands from the user for transmission to the processor 2052. Additionally, an external interface 2062 can be provided in communication with the processor 2052 to enable short-range communication between the device 2050 and other devices. The external interface 2062 can provide, for example, wired communication in some implementations and wireless communication in other implementations, and multiple interfaces can be used.

[0079] The memory 2064 stores information within the computing device 2050. The memory 2064 can be implemented as one or more of one or more computer-readable media, one or more volatile memory units, or one or more non-volatile memory units. An expansion memory 2074 may also be provided and connected to the device 2050 via an expansion interface 2072, which may include, for example, a SIMM (single in-line memory module) card interface. Such expansion memory 2074 may provide additional storage space to the device 2050 and may also store applications or other information of the device 2050. In particular, the expansion memory 2074 may include instructions for performing or supplementing the above processes, and may also include secure information. Thus, for example, the expansion memory 2074 may be provided as a security module of the device 2050 and may be programmed with instructions that enable secure use of the device 2050. Furthermore, secure applications may be provided via a SIMM card, along with additional information, such as identification information that is placed on the SIMM card in an unhackable manner.

[0080] The memory may include, for example, flash memory and / or NVRAM memory, as discussed below. In one embodiment, the computer program product is tangibly embodied in an information carrier. The computer program product also includes instructions that, when executed, perform one or more methods, such as those described above. The information carrier may be a computer or machine-readable medium, such as memory 2064, expansion memory 2074, or memory of processor 2052, and may be received, for example, via transceiver 2068 or external interface 2062.

[0081] The device 2050 can communicate wirelessly via a communication interface 2066, which may include digital signal processing circuitry if necessary. The communication interface 2066 may provide for communication in various modes or protocols, such as GSM voice calls, SMS, EMS, or MMS messaging, CDMA, TDMA, PDC, WCDMA, CDMA2000, or GPRS, among others. Such communication may occur, for example, via a transceiver 2068. Additionally, short-range communication may occur, such as using Bluetooth, WiFi, or other such transceivers (not shown). Additionally, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver module 2070 may provide additional navigation and location related wireless data to the device 2050, which may be used as needed by applications executing on the device 2050.

[0082] Device 2050 may perform voice communications using audio codec 2060, which may receive voice information from a user and convert it into usable digital information. Audio codec 2060 may also generate sounds that are heard by the user, such as through a speaker in a handset of device 2050. Such sounds may include voice telephone calls, recorded sounds (e.g., voice messages, music files, etc.), and may also include sounds generated by applications running on device 2050.

[0083] The computing device 2050 may be implemented in many different forms, as shown in the figure, for example, it may be implemented as a mobile phone 2080, or it may be implemented as part of a smartphone 2082, a tablet, glasses, a smartwatch, a personal digital assistant, or other similar mobile device.

[0084] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein may be realized in digital electronic circuitry, integrated circuits, specially designed ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations may include implementation in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable by a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, which may be special-purpose or general-purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from the storage system, and to transmit data and instructions to the storage system.

[0085] These computer programs (also known as programs, software, software applications, or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor and can be implemented in high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming languages, and / or assembly / machine languages. As used herein, "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" refer to any computer program product, apparatus, and / or device (e.g., magnetic disks, optical disks, memory, programmable logic circuits (PLDs)) used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readable medium that receives the machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0086] To provide interaction with a user, the systems and techniques described herein are implemented on a computer having a display device (e.g., a CRT or LCD monitor) for displaying information to the user, and a keyboard and pointing device (e.g., a mouse or trackball) by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other types of devices can also be used to provide interaction with a user, for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback (e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback), and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, spoken language, or tactile input.

[0087] The systems and techniques described herein can be implemented in a computing system that includes a back-end component (e.g., as a data server), or that includes a middleware component (e.g., an application server), or that includes a front-end component (e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or a web browser through which a user can interact with an embodiment of the systems and techniques described herein), or a combination of such back-ware, middleware, or front-end components. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication (e.g., a communication network). Examples of communication networks include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), and the Internet.

[0088] Several embodiments have been described. Of course, it will be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments.

[0089] Additionally, the logic flows depicted in the figures do not require the particular order or sequential order shown to achieve desired results. Additionally, other steps may be provided in or removed from the described flows, and other components may be added to or removed from the described systems.

[0090] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method that includes receiving a search query, causing a first search result and a second search result to be displayed within a display area of ​​a browser in response to the search query, and causing a web page identified by the first search result to be displayed within a display area of ​​the browser in response to a selection of the first search result, and causing a first search result indicator corresponding to the first search result and a second search result indicator corresponding to the second search result to be displayed within a search result area within the browser outer than the display area.

[0091] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method that further includes receiving a selection of a second search result indicator and, in response to the selection of the second search result indicator, causing a webpage identified by the second search result to be displayed within a display area of ​​the browser.

[0092] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method in which causing a webpage identified by a second search result in a display area to replace the webpage identified by the first search result includes a position of the second search result indicator shifting within the search result area.

[0093] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to how a display area is reduced in size to accommodate the display of a search results area.

[0094] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method in which a selection of a first search result is an alternative selection, the method including rendering a menu of actions for the first search result, the menu including a persistent search action, receiving a selection of the persistent search action, and in response to receiving the selection of the persistent search action, causing a web page to be displayed within a display area and a search result area to be displayed.

[0095] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method that further includes receiving a selection of a link in a web page, and in response to receiving the selection of the link, removing the search results area and displaying a resource identified by the link in the display area.

[0096] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method that further includes receiving a first selection of a back control, causing a webpage to be displayed within the display area, receiving a second selection of the back control, and in response to receiving the second selection of the back control, causing a search result area to be displayed with the first search result indicator and the second search result indicator concurrently with the display of the webpage within the display area.

[0097] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which the first search result includes a snippet and the first search result indicator lacks the snippet.

[0098] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to methods in which the search results area is part of a browser search area.

[0099] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method that includes displaying first and second search results within a display area of ​​a browser in response to a query; receiving a selection of the first search result; displaying a web page within the display area of ​​the browser in response to the selection of the first search result; receiving an interaction with the display of the web page; and displaying a first search result indicator corresponding to the first search result and a second search result indicator corresponding to the second search result within a search result area within the browser outer than the display area in response to the interaction with the display of the web page.

[0100] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to methods where the interaction is a selection of a back control selected during the display of a web page within a display area and / or where the interaction is a scrolling pattern.

[0101] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method where the interaction is a scrolling pattern and where the scrolling action and attributes of the scrolling action are identified.

[0102] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to methods where an interaction is a scrolling pattern, identifying a first scrolling action followed by a second scrolling action.

[0103] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to methods in which the search results area is part of a browser search area.

[0104] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method that further includes receiving a selection of a second search result indicator and, in response to the selection of the second search result indicator, causing a webpage identified by the second search result to be displayed within a display area of ​​the browser.

[0105] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method in which causing a webpage identified by a second search result to be displayed within the display area includes replacing the webpage identified by the first search result, such that a position of the second search result indicator shifts within the search result.

[0106] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method that further includes receiving a selection of a link in a web page, and in response to receiving the selection of the link, removing the search results area and displaying a resource identified by the link in the display area.

[0107] In some aspects, techniques described herein relate to a method that includes displaying, within a search result area of ​​a browser window, a first search result indicator for a first search result and a second search result indicator for a second search result, where the first search result and the second search result are identified as responsive to a query, the first search result identifying a first webpage and the second search result identifying a second webpage, and displaying the first webpage within a display area of ​​the browser window. The search result area is outside the display area and within the browser window.

[0108] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a system that includes at least one processor and a memory that stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the system to perform any of the methods or processes disclosed herein.

[0109] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause a computing system to perform any of the methods or processes disclosed herein.

[0110] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system that includes means for triggering display of a search results page within a search results area of ​​a browser and a web page within a display area of ​​the browser, where the search results area is outside the display area and the search results area is within a browser. In some implementations, the system may also include means for navigating the search results page within the search results area.

Claims

1. Receiving a search query; displaying first and second search results within a display area of ​​the browser in response to the search query; In response to a selection of the first search result, displaying a web page identified by the first search result in the display area of ​​the browser; and and displaying a first search result indicator corresponding to the first search result and a second search result indicator corresponding to the second search result in a search result area within the browser outside the display area.

2. receiving a selection of the second search result indicator; and 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising, in response to the selection of the second search result indicator, causing a web page identified by the second search result to be displayed in the display area of ​​the browser.

3. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the displaying of the web page identified by the second search result within the display area includes replacing the web page identified by the first search result, and the second search result indicator shifting position within the search result.

4. 10. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the size of the display area is reduced to accommodate the display of the search results area.

5. The selection of the first search result is an alternative selection, and the method further comprises: and rendering a menu of actions for the first search result, the menu including a persistent search action, the method further comprising: receiving a selection of the persistent search action; and 10. A method according to any preceding claim, comprising, in response to receiving the selection of the persistent search action, causing the web page to be displayed within the display area and causing the search results area to be displayed.

6. receiving a selection of a link on the web page; In response to receiving the selection of the link, removing said search result region; and 10. A method according to any preceding claim, further comprising: displaying a resource identified by said link in said display area.

7. receiving a first selection of a back control; displaying the web page within the display area; receiving a second selection of the back control; and 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising, in response to receiving the second selection of the back control, causing the search result area to be displayed with the first search result indicator and the second search result indicator concurrently with the display of the web page within the display area.

8. 10. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the first search result includes a snippet and the first search result indicator lacks the snippet.

9. 10. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the search results area is part of a browser search area.

10. displaying the first search result and the second search result within a display area of ​​the browser in response to the query; receiving a selection of the first search result; displaying a web page within the display area of ​​the browser in response to the selection of the first search result; receiving an interaction with the representation of the web page; and in response to the interaction with the representation of the web page; displaying a first search result indicator corresponding to the first search result and a second search result indicator corresponding to the second search result in a search result area within the browser outside the display area.

11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the interaction is a selection of a back control selected during display of the web page in the display area.

12. The method of claim 10 , wherein the interaction is a scrolling pattern.

13. The method of claim 10 , wherein the interaction is a scroll pattern and identifies a scroll action and attributes of the scroll action.

14. The method of claim 10 , wherein the interaction is a scrolling pattern that identifies a first scrolling action followed by a second scrolling action.

15. The method of claim 10 , wherein the search results area is part of a browser search area.

16. receiving a selection of the second search result indicator; and 16. The method of claim 10, further comprising, in response to the selection of the second search result indicator, causing a web page identified by the second search result to be displayed in the display area of ​​the browser.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein displaying the web page identified by the second search result in the display area replaces the web page identified by the first search result, and the second search result indicator shifts position within the search result.

18. receiving a selection of a link on the web page; In response to receiving the selection of the link, removing said search result region; and The method of any of claims 10 to 17, further comprising: displaying a resource identified by said link in said display area.

19. 1. A method comprising: displaying a first search result indicator for a first search result and a second search result indicator for a second search result within a search result area of ​​the browser, the first search result and the second search result being identified as responsive to a query, the first search result identifying a first web page and the second search result identifying a second web page, the method further comprising: displaying the first web page within a display area of ​​the browser; A method, wherein the search results area is within the browser outside of the display area.

20. receiving a selection of the second search result indicator; and 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising, in response to receiving the selection, displaying the second web page in the display area of ​​the browser.

21. receiving a selection of a link on the first web page; In response to receiving the selection of the link, removing said search result region; and 21. The method of claim 19 or claim 20, further comprising: displaying a resource identified by the link in the display area.

22. 1. A system comprising: At least one processor; and A system comprising: a memory storing instructions which, when executed by said at least one processor, cause said system to perform any of the methods according to claims 1 to 21.

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