Context-Aware Search in Document Editing Applications

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of document editing applications face inefficiency in associating text with relevant search results, requiring manual processes to link search findings back to the document, which is time-consuming and cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method to dynamically determine keywords within a document, perform searches on these keywords, and automatically associate search results with the corresponding text, allowing for instant access to relevant information and refined results based on document context.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If users manually type phrases into search engines and copy URLs to associate with document text, then search results can be associated with keywords, but the process is time-consuming and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of associating search results with document textVSAvoidtime spent on manual search and link creation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs searches and creates links without requiring user intervention. The document editing application extracts keywords from the document text, executes searches using those keywords, and automatically associates search results with the corresponding text, eliminating the need for users to manually type queries and copy URLs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs search operations automatically in advance when keywords are detected in the document, rather than waiting for users to manually initiate searches. This preliminary automated action ensures search results are ready and associated with the document text immediately, saving user time and effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If users manually create links using create link tools, then search results can be associated with document text, but the process is cumbersome and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of associating search results with document textVSAvoidcomplexity of manual link creation process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system eliminates the need for users to interact with create link tools by automatically performing the link creation process. The application extracts keywords from document text, executes searches, and automatically creates hyperlinks between the text and search results, making the process simple and effortless.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges multiple operations (keyword extraction, search execution, and link creation) into a single automated process. Instead of requiring users to separately perform each action through different tools, the system combines these functions into one integrated operation that completes automatically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Speed

If searches are performed dynamically on keywords determined from document text, then relevant information can be accessed instantly, but the system must automatically determine keywords and perform searches

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of accessing relevant informationVSAvoidautomation of keyword determination and search execution
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines keywords from document text and executes searches without requiring user input. The application analyzes the document content, extracts relevant keywords, and automatically performs searches using those keywords, enabling instant access to relevant information while maintaining high automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs keyword extraction and search execution automatically in advance when document text is processed, rather than waiting for users to manually specify keywords. This preliminary automated action ensures that relevant information is accessed instantly when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8452769B2Context aware search document
Publication Date: 2013.05.28 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US8452769B2 patent drawing
  • US8452769B2 patent drawing
  • US8452769B2 patent drawing

AI summary

While creating a document in a document editing application, a user may wish to locate more information on a particular topic to add more detail to the document. For example, a user begins creating an outline of topics for a research paper. Functionality can be implemented in a document editing application to dynamically perform searches on determined keywords, and to automatically associate search results with those keywords. In addition, searches are refined based on document context, and results can be categorized based on prior consumption of the information contained in each result. This allows a user to locate results best pertaining to topics in the document while being able to retrieve resources that have been useful in the past. Automatically performing searches and associating search results with text in a document gives a user instant access to relevant information which allows the user to spend less time researching.