Internet browser featuring internet and database search results displayed in multiple browser windows

Abstract

The present invention replaces the list-oriented process of conventional internet and data search results with a natural visual method for viewing search results. It accomplishes this by displaying query results in multiple browser windows, each with unique content related to the query, to provide a comprehensive search in a non-list-specific method.

Description

Internet Browser Featuring Internet and Database Search Results Displayed in Multiple Browser Windows

[0001] Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of computer searches of content, with particular application to searching and browsing content accessible through distributed networks such as the internet or world wide web.

[0003] Background

[0004] The generally accepted practice of obtaining an internet search result involves using an Internet Browser to open a website known as a search engine. The search engine website typically appears in the browser window as a search box that accepts input from a keyboard or voice commands. This input box is also referred to as a bar. Alternatively, the search capability is integrated into the browser’s navigation input bar. This bar was initially used for entering specific internet website addresses but has evolved to also function as a search bar. Once the search bar is filled, and the end-user initiates the search or query, the search engine presents the results as a vertical list of items in the form of hyperlinks on a single web page in the browser window. The list may include text, small still pictures known as thumbnails, video screen previews, news related to the subject, maps relating to the subject, and / or shopping lists of the subject. At the top of the search results page are additional tabs representing distinct pages dedicated to each context (video, news, maps, etc.) related to the subject.

[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates such a search. This drawing / photo is a typical search result from a Search Engine for the search subject. It displays the search subject (R1250GS) results in a list. The enduser can scroll down using browser navigation to see more of the listed results than can be shown on the initial display of the results screen. Each heading in the listed results can be activated with a click, resulting in that content being displayed. The search result can be bookmarked for later retrieval; however, the page content cannot be saved for later use, thus the same search at a later time can yield different results (desirable in some cases, but undesirable in others). Likewise, each individual heading within the listed results cannot be saved for later use.

[0006] This is an inefficient and tiresome way of searching for and researching subject matter. It forces the end-user to read lists of small portions of content from various websites about the search subject or view several small thumbnails and decide which hyperlink to click on to verify that the search result is adequate and as informative as the end-user intended when they initiated the search. This process compels the end-user to review pages of lists as the primary means of discovering, evaluating, and digesting subject matter. The result is a constant back-and-forth between the search result list and the website content linked to the list. It is an exhausting and archaic process that has been used primarily the same way since the inception of web browsers.

[0007] Brief Summary Of The Invention

[0008] Humans naturally navigate the world using their eyes as the predominant sense. This process is typically not exhausting. People perform a natural “search” by viewing all subject matter simultaneously and then focusing on particular areas of interest for further evaluation. The present invention recognizes the natural navigational approach to provide a novel way to interface with query results from web browsers, search engines, and databases.

[0009] The present invention replaces the list-oriented process of conventional internet and data search results with a natural visual method for viewing search results. It accomplishes this by displaying query results in multiple browser windows, each with unique content related to the query, to provide a comprehensive search in a non-list-specific method.

[0010] With this method, when an end-user initiates a search within the browser, whether via the navigation bar or other means, the browser uses algorithms, including those implemented in artificial intelligence, to retrieve various disparate search results related to the specific search subject. The various but related search results are each displayed in their own live browser windows instead of one browser window with a list as with conventional browser searches. The end-user sees several open browser windows that together provide a full context for the search on a single screen. The number of browser windows activated for a search can be predetermined by the browser company, the end-user manually or based on usage history or other characteristics of the end-user, or automatically sensed based on the space available on the monitor(s) to identify the best number of browser windows that fit and size themselves to be comfortably viewed by the end-user or based on other user’s interactions with the same or similar searches. Scrolling can allow the end-user to see additional browser windows that did not fit on the initial view; thus, there does need to be a limitation on the number of naturally viewed search results obtained by the end-user’s search query.

[0011] The end user can easily view the search results and choose to focus their view on the content within the browser window or windows that are most relevant, interesting, or visually appealing. They can choose to expand one or several browser windows. Each browser window maintains all typical browser window characteristics. The end user can navigate the window in a typical manner using navigation actions such as forward, backward, and refresh. Furthermore, each window can retrieve a different search result than its original result by activating a button on that browser window that makes it retrieve different data, still based on the theme of the content originally displayed in that browser window. Moreover, each browser window has its search bar that allows the end user to change the search result of that browser window completely.

[0012] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a conventional search.

[0014] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a view of a search according to the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a browser displaying results according to the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 4 is an illustration of search results according to the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 5 is an illustration of search and navigation according to the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 6 is an illustration of fetching new data with a search according to the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 7 is an illustration of fetching new data with a search according to the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 8 is an illustration of search results in multiple browser windows according to the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 9 is an illustration of programmable browser windows according to the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 10, FIG. 12, FIG. 13, FIG. 14 are illustrations of a search record created that includes the ID of the end user who created the search and the protocol and related data that was used to initiate the search from the search engine(s).

[0023] FIG. 11 is an illustration of a software engine / platform requesting results from search engines AND web enabled database, at the same time, and populating the same browser with subwindows from both sources.

[0024] Industrial Applicability and Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a view of a search according to the present invention. 1 : The enduser types the search subject into the Search Bar. 2: The data is passed through an algorithm or Al Engine, which separates the subject into parts that the engine deems as relevant and directly related to the subject. 3: Each Subject Part is unique from the other Subject parts. They may each be of a unique type of medium: one might be a video, another might be a picture, and another might be a typical list, as represented in FIG. 1 . 4: The subject parts are passed back to the browser for the end-user to evaluate.

[0026] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a browser displaying results according to the present invention. The browser is displaying results in Natural Visual View. A scrolling feature allows for more subject part windows. FIG. 10 and FIG. 12 are illustrations of a database that saves search results for the end user. FIG. 13 is an illustration of the search record being stored, locally on the end user’s device. FIG. 14 is an illustration of the search record being transmitted to another end user to launch and receive the search that was created by end user 1 . FIG. 11 is an illustration of a software engine / platform requesting results from search engines AND web enabled database, at the same time, and populating the same browser with subwindows from both sources

[0027] FIG. 4 is an illustration of search results according to the present invention, showing one subject part window of the results. Each subject part window acts as an individual browser with navigation. Each window can expand for further use. The end-user can prompt a window to search for content that is different from what it provided initially: a “Go Fetch” feature. Further, the search part windows in the browser, and their search-related content, can be saved for later use.

[0028] An example is an end-user searching for “BMW Motorcycles R1250GS”. That search term will result in the browser displaying six different browser windows, nicely positioned, that are openedso the content can be easily seen. FIG. 5 is an illustration of such a search, as an example of search results displayed in multiple browser windows. The end-user searched for BMW R1250 GS. The Al engine identified related, pertinent content and returned a comprehensive search result. The enduser can now expand any browser window and pursue more information about that subject part. The end-user can send for another search result for any browser window. The end-user can save any result configuration. The end-user can start an entirely new search via the Navigation Bar or Search Bar. Browser Window One displays the BMW North America website, Browser Window Two displays the local dealer website for BMW motorcycles, Browser Window Three displays the annual servicing cost for the R1250GS, Browser Window Four displays the specifications of the R1250GS, Browser Window Five displays the R1250GS owner forum website, and Browser Window Six displays a BMW motorcycle accessories store for upgrading the motorcycle with aftermarket parts. This example illustrates the usefulness and novelty of the invention in that the end-user is not getting a search result that is a list of hyperlinks in a single browser window, which is how conventional search engines and browsers display results. Instead, the end-user gets a search result that allows them to scan all the windows visually and their specific content in a natural, open landscape, then focus on the browser window(s) of whatever is of most interest.

[0029] FIG. 6 is an illustration of search results displayed in multiple browser windows, where the end-user chose to send it out the first browser window to gather new, related information.

[0030] FIG. 7 is an illustration of search results displayed in multiple browser windows, where the end-user chose to send it out the first browser window to gather new, related information. The first browser window now displays favorite riding routes near the end-user.

[0031] FIG. 8 is an illustration of search results displayed in multiple browser windows, where the end-user has expanded a desired browser window. The end-user can expand the browser window by dragging its edges, or by using an expansion button. The browser window can be controlled by its own navigation buttons or by those on the main browser window.

[0032] This method allows for faster acquisition of relevant data. Also, it informs the end-user of search-related data they might not have initially considered important when they initiated the search. However, they see the relevance when it is aligned with other browser windows containing additional data specific to the search subject.

[0033] Each individual browser window can be assigned its own search engine or multiple browser windows can utilize the same search engine. This allows the end-user to comprehensively view subject matter on one screen from several different data sources, each in its own browser window.

[0034] FIG. 9 is an illustration of programmable browser windows. Browser companies, search engine companies, or end-users can determine what search companies provide the search results in each browser window. Each window can also be programmed for a particular media type such as Video, shopping, or forums. This is a powerful tool in the hands of browser companies because itenables them to create revenue by forcing search engine companies to bid on the number of windows, window positions, etc., for each search made by an end-user. These types of revenue drivers for browser companies do not exist today. Search engine companies can easily integrate this technology into their platform to offer a higher quality search experience for end-users.

[0035] This method of query / result can also be used to display search results from any data source, including public and private databases. It is not content-specific.

[0036] Browsers such as Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge, etc. communicate with search engines using protocols such as HTTP, HTTPS, Gopher, FTP, etc. The browser requests a search based on a keyword or term input from the end user. The search engine interprets the protocol with the keyword search request, responds to the request via HTTP / HTTPS, and directs the browser to the content; results are displayed in the browser via HTML, which the browser interprets in a way that the end-user can understand. The present invention incorporates a method for the browser to use an associated software that includes an algorithm or artificial intelligence engine to parse the keyword into several relevant “search parts” and then send an HTTP / HTTPS request to search engines for each search part, along with a request for the type of response (video, forum, list, etc.). The search engine responds to the request, and the results are displayed in the browser window in a series of sub-windows. This method provides a new functionality of browser by enabling a more comprehensive viewing experience by demanding more from the search engine for each search query .(See, e.g., FIGs. 2, 3, 10 and 11 .

[0037] The end-user initiates a search, the browser’s associated software utilizes algorithms or artificial intelligence to identify a broader request to the search engine than what the end-user typed into the search bar. The browser sends the broadened request to the search engine. The end-user watches the browser window on their computer or mobile device become populated with sub windows that each represent a relevant part of their search request. The end-user reviews the sub windows and now has a comprehensive view of the search subject matter. In the event that one or more of the sub windows is deemed irrelevant, the end-user can make one or several sub windows go “fetch” an alternative result. The end-user can do this as many times as they deem necessary, with as many windows as they choose to repopulate with a new search result. The end-user reviews the results presented, and when they identify a sub-window that they want to explore further, they simply click to expand or drag the window edge to expand it. Once a comprehensive search result is obtained the end-user can choose to save that search and the correlated grouping of windows for later use, and to share with other users. See, e.g., FIG. 10, FIG 14. FIG. 10, FIG. 12, FIG. 13, FIG. 14 are illustrations of a search record created that includes an identifier (ID) of the end user who created the search and the protocol and related data that was used to initiate the search from the search engine(s). The record can be housed on a database associated with the browser exclusively, or the record can be housed on the user’s computer, mobile device, or in a company database forlater retrieval. The record can be recalled by the end user who created it, and the record can be shared with another user so that they can obtain the same search result as the user who created it.

[0038] When an end user produces a query, or requests a search, a conventional browser sends the search request, via HTTP / HTTPS protocol to a search engine. The search engine is made of three primary components: Web Crawlers, Database, and Search Interface. See FIG. 16. When a query is received, the web crawlers, also known as spiders, search the web for relevant information specific to the query. The gathered data is then cataloged or indexed into a database. The search engine ranks the data according to what it deems to be the most relevant results. Those results are then displayed via HTML and read by the end users browser.

[0039] The present invention adds a layer, at the browser level, of search query parsing via an algorithm or artificial intelligence AND THEN transmits the request to the search engine. See FIG. 3. This request includes the subdivisions of the search subject, and what medium (Video, Subject Forum, Shopping, etc.) to return the result for every subdivision. The return content is then displayed on the browser based on Natural Visual View(subdivisionsZsubwindows).

[0040] Embodiments of the present invention use a search record that includes an identifier of the search creator, e.g., a user name and other personal information the creator might choose to provide, an identifier number for the record, and the search-specific data. The record file can be transmitted by typical means (email, text message, or post on social media sites). When the receiving user opens the file, a trigger occurs manually or automatically that launches the browser and the entire search, including sub-windows, and all types of media, with live content in all of the sub-windows. This is unique because today browsers cannot show subdivided results on the browser. This method of searching, saving, and sharing comprehensive, multifaceted search results are specific to the present invention. This novel and appealing way of quickly retrieving deeper and wider subject matter enables subject matter experts to provide data to their audiences much faster than they can currently. The audience for the search results has an enhanced view of the subject matter because of the Natural Visual View aspect of the content is displayed in the browser. See FIG. 14. The search results are more comprehensive because of the pre parsing of the keyword before sending the search query to the search engine. See FIG. 3.

[0041] Today, searches can be saved and can be transmitted to other users in the form of a text file, Excel CSV file, or hyperlink that is emailed or texted to another user. The text and CSV files force the user to copy and paste contents into a browser search bar. Hyperlinks launch to a specific web site or search results web page. Each hyperlink opens a separate tab or search window in a browser. These results do not display logically in a single browser interface, therefore not allowing for a Natural Visual View of the search. See FIG. 15.

[0042] Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of providing information available from a computer network to a user of a computer connected to the network, comprising: (a)accepting from the user, using a computer-implemented browser, an indication of desired content to search; (b) determining a plurality of related subdivisions of the desired content; (c) presenting to the user content in each of the related subdivisions, with content from each subdivision presented in a window distinct from windows containing other subdivisions. In some embodiments, each window presents content of a specific type from a specific search engine. In some embodiments, the specific types of content include one or more of video, subject forum, shopping, news. Some embodiments further comprise accepting input from the user to perform a new search in any of the windows. Some embodiments further comprise saving the search and the related subdivisions and allowing later use thereof. In some embodiments, the method is implemented in a browser, and wherein the browser maintains full operational and administrative control of the related subdivisions. In some embodiments, the browser determines the number of related subdivisions and associated windows per search. In some embodiments, the browser determines which search providers are used for each related subdivision. In some embodiments, the browser determines what type of result populates each window. In some embodiments, the browser determines the related subdivisions and associated windows responsive to requests from search providers. In some embodiments, a search provider can request a related subdivision based on calendar term, type of result, subject matter of the search, consideration paid by the search provider, or combinations thereof.

[0043] Some embodiments further comprise providing individually searchable subwindows in which each subwindow operates as its own navigable entity. In some embodiments, each subwindow can be stretched or expanded by button or drag method to access a view as large as allowable by computer and mobile constraints. In some embodiments, each subwindow has its own navigation controls.

[0044] In some embodiments, each subwindow uses the main browsers navigation controls. In some embodiments, each subwindow provides a button that creates a new search in that subwindow.

[0045] Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for a browser to parse an individual search request from an end-user into individual subdivisions before sending that request via protocol to search engines for a response comprising: (a) connecting the browser to a software platform that uses algorithms and artificial intelligence to intake the end-user search term and parse the search term into related, relevant terms; b) transmitting the parsed or subdivided search criteria to one or more search engines for results on each subdivision, where in such transmission the browser defines the type of result for the subdivision associated with the transmission; (d) accepting results from the search engine to the browser, and using the results to populate the subwindows displayed to the end-user. Some embodiments further comprise accepting from search engines requests for priority in providing their response to the user. In some embodiments the browser and its subdivisions are connected to a web-enabled database to display a multitude of keyword search-related results. In some embodiments the browser is connected to world wide web content and to a web-enabled database.

[0046] The present invention has been described in connection with various example embodiments. It will be understood that the above description is merely illustrative of the applications of the principles of the present invention, the scope of which is to be determined by the claims viewed in light of the specification. Other variants and modifications of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:1 . A method of providing information available from a computer network to a user of a computer connected to the network, comprising:(a) accepting from the user, using a computer-implemented browser, an indication of desired content to search;(b) determining a plurality of related subdivisions of the desired content;(c) presenting to the user content in each of the related subdivisions, with content from each subdivision presented in a window distinct from windows containing other subdivisions.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of related subdivisions are determined, then each subdivision of the plurality of related subdivisions is transmitted to a corresponding search engine, and responses obtained therefrom presented in separate windows.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein each window presents content of a specific type from a specific search engine.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the specific types of content include one or more of video, subject forum, shopping, news.

5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising accepting input from the user to perform a new search in any of the windows.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprises saving in computer storage the search and related subdivisions and allowing later use thereof.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein saving the search and related subdivisions comprises saving in computer storage a search record that comprises an identifier for the user who created the search is created and definition of the search that enables a subsequent user to view the same search results, subwindow format, and contents as originally created and saved by the initial user.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method is implemented in a browser, and wherein the browser maintains full operational and administrative control of the related subdivisions.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the browser determines the number of related subdivisions and associated windows per search.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the browser determines which search providers are used for each related subdivision.11 . The method of claim 8, wherein the browser determines what type of result populates each window.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein the browser determines the related subdivisions and associated windows responsive to requests from search providers.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein a search provider can request a related subdivision based on calendar term, type of result, subject matter of the search, consideration paid by the search provider, or combinations thereof.

14. The method of claim 1 , further comprising providing individually searchable subwindows in which each subwindow operates as its own navigable entity.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein each subwindow can be stretched or expanded by button or drag method to access a view as large as allowable by computer and mobile constraints.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein each subwindow has its own navigation controls.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein each subwindow uses the main browsers navigation controls.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein each subwindow provides a button that creates a new search in that subwindow.

19. A method for a browser to parse an individual search request from an end-user into individual subdivisions before sending that request via protocol to search engines for a response comprising:(a) connecting the browser to a software platform that uses algorithms and artificial intelligence to intake the end-user search term and parse the search term into related, relevant terms;(b) transmitting the parsed or subdivided search criteria to one or more search engines for results on each subdivision, where in such transmission the browser defines the type of result for the subdivision associated with the transmission;(d) accepting results from the search engine to the browser, and using the results to populate the subwindows displayed to the end-user.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising accepting from search engines requests for priority in providing their response to the user.21 . The method of claim 19, wherein the browser and its subdivisions are connected to a web- enabled database to display a multitude of keyword search-related results.

22. The method of claim 21 , wherein the browser is connected to world wide web content and to a web-enabled database.

23. The method of claim 19, further comprising storing in computer storage a search record comprising an identifier for the user who created the search and the search data and associated protocols sufficient for later retrieval and use to reproduce the results and subwindows.

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