Application State Indexing for Non-Web App Search
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in searching the history of non-web browser applications on devices, as data for usage history is hard to access and often stored in proprietary formats, making it challenging to retrieve and utilize application histories effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that index application states from multiple applications on a device, allowing for local and multi-device searches by creating an index of application states, which can be queried to retrieve matching results, including the ability to export and index application states remotely for crowd-sourced relevance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If application history data is stored in proprietary formats within applications, then application functionality is maintained, but searchability and accessibility of application histories deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (search service/indexer) that sits between the application data and the search functionality. This intermediary translates proprietary application formats into searchable index structures, enabling searchability without requiring direct access to complex application internals. The intermediary handles the complexity of data access while providing simple search operations to users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates copies of application state data in an indexed format that is separate from the original proprietary storage. Instead of directly querying application databases, the system maintains replicated copies of relevant data in search-optimized structures. This copying approach enables efficient searching while preserving the original application data integrity and format.
2Speed
If application states are indexed locally on each device, then search speed is improved, but data consistency across multiple devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges local indexing with remote synchronization by combining local search capabilities with cloud-based data aggregation. Multiple devices maintain local indexes for fast searching, while a remote server consolidates data from all devices. This merging approach allows rapid local searches while ensuring data consistency across the ecosystem through synchronized updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-indexing application states locally on each device before they are needed for searching. This advance preparation enables immediate search responses. Simultaneously, the system pre-synchronizes selected data to remote servers, ensuring consistency is maintained proactively rather than reactively when searches are performed.
3Loss of information
If all application data is made searchable, then information retrieval capability is improved, but privacy and security concerns worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different types of data searchable to different extents based on their sensitivity. Not all application data is indexed uniformly - the system selectively indexes only certain portions of application states that are appropriate for searching. This differentiated approach enables information retrieval for safe data while protecting sensitive information from exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments application data into searchable and non-searchable portions. By dividing the data structure, the system can index and make searchable only the appropriate segments (such as metadata or public information) while keeping sensitive segments (such as personal details or confidential content) excluded from the search index. This segmentation maintains privacy while preserving useful search functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus of a device that indexes an application state in a search query index. In this embodiment, receiving the application state of the application from another device coupled to the server. The device further generates a view of the application corresponding to the application state, wherein the view is a representation of a user interface of the application corresponding to the application state. In addition, the device indexes the view in a search query index.