Cross-Device Data Search Without Manual Connection Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies require manual connection setup between electronic devices for data search, limiting simultaneous search across multiple devices and complicating user operations.

Innovation Solution

A distributed data search method that allows a first device to simultaneously search and display search results from multiple connected devices without prior connection setup, providing prompt information for missing data and facilitating reconnection when necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual connection setup is required between electronic devices for data search, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconnection setup complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic connection establishment between electronic devices without requiring manual user intervention. The devices self-identify and self-connect through the same network, eliminating the need for users to manually configure connections while maintaining reliable data search functionality across multiple devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-establishes network-level connectivity and device discovery mechanisms before the actual data search operation begins. By preparing the connection infrastructure in advance at the network layer, the system enables automatic device pairing and eliminates the need for manual connection setup during the search process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If manual connection setup is required between electronic devices, then connection stability is improved, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidsearch efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the connection establishment process with the data search operation into a single unified process. Multiple devices are connected and searched simultaneously through one integrated search operation, eliminating the need for sequential manual connections and significantly improving search productivity while maintaining stable network-level connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous network connectivity and device availability throughout the search process. By establishing persistent network-level connections before and during the search operation, the system enables uninterrupted data retrieval across multiple devices, improving overall search productivity without sacrificing connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If device switching is required to search multiple devices, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesearch result accuracyVSAvoidsearch operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides universal search capability that simultaneously queries multiple devices through a single interface. The unified search function maintains precise device-specific search results while eliminating the need for users to switch between devices or applications, thereby improving ease of operation without compromising search accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces a central coordinating interface that acts as an intermediary between the user and multiple devices. This mediator consolidates search operations and results from multiple devices into a single unified view, maintaining precise search functionality for each device while simplifying the user experience by eliminating manual device switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4693009A1Distributed data search method and electronic device
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 HONOR DEVICE CO LTD
  • EP4693009A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4693009A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4693009A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This application provides a distributed data search method and an electronic device, and relates to the field of terminal technologies. The method can enable a user to search for data on a plurality of devices on one device, simplifying a search operation, and improving human-machine interaction experience. The method includes: A first device displays a first interface, where the first interface includes a search box, a device name of a second device, and a device name of a third device; and in response to a search operation of entering a keyword in the search box, displays a second interface, where the second interface includes a search result of the first device, a search result of the second device, and a search result of the third device.