Client Search Index Update via Application Extensions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing client-side search functionalities face challenges in maintaining reliable and accurate search results, particularly when applications are inoperable, and in processing unstructured natural language queries, including spoken language, due to outdated indices and resource constraints.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of application extensions with equal access privileges to provide metadata and contextual information for index updates, along with the use of contextual information to modify query results and grammatical interpretation of unstructured queries, and parallel processing of voice inputs for accurate search results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If applications are required to provide application information to update the index, then the index can be updated with accurate information, but the search functionality fails when applications are inoperable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component that acts as a mediator between applications and the search index. This intermediary can retrieve application information through alternative means when direct application access is unavailable, such as parsing file metadata directly or using cached information, thus maintaining search functionality even when applications are inoperable
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the index update process into multiple independent sources of application information. Instead of relying solely on applications to provide information, the system divides the information gathering into multiple paths: direct application provision, file system metadata extraction, and cached data retrieval, ensuring that if one path fails, others can compensate
2Measurement precision
If the index is periodically updated to reflect file changes, then search accuracy is improved, but system resources and time are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic index updates at strategically determined intervals rather than continuously. The update frequency is optimized to balance search accuracy with resource consumption, performing updates at intervals that maintain adequate search relevance while minimizing unnecessary processing overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The system selectively updates only the portions of the index that have changed since the last update, rather than rebuilding the entire index. This incremental update approach recovers from previous index states by applying only necessary changes, significantly reducing update time and resource consumption while maintaining search accuracy
3Ease of operation
If unstructured natural language queries are accepted, then user convenience is improved, but query interpretation accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that analyze user interactions with search results to continuously improve query interpretation. By monitoring which results users select and how they refine subsequent queries, the system learns from user behavior to better interpret unstructured natural language queries, gradually improving accuracy while maintaining ease of use
Solution Approach 2:
The query processing system is designed with multiple interpretation functions that can handle different types of queries in various formats. It universally processes both structured and unstructured queries, written and spoken language, applying appropriate interpretation techniques based on the query type, thereby maintaining convenience while improving accuracy through multi-functional processing capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and machine readable medium are described for providing improved search functionality on a client device.