Embedded Search Query Integration in Text Editors

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing internet search engines require manual entry of search queries and do not allow users to easily select and group multiple words or phrases for simultaneous searching across multiple search engines, nor can they automatically exclude common words or integrate search results seamlessly into the document being viewed.

Innovation Solution

A system that allows users to select and group words or phrases within a document to form search queries, automatically exclude common words, and integrate search results back into the document in a formatted manner, such as footnotes or endnotes, enabling robust internet searches with minimal text entry and enhanced user control over search results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If users manually enter search queries on each search engine portal, then search results can be obtained, but the process requires significant manual text entry and time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesearch efficiencyVSAvoidtime for manual query entry
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-positions search functionality within the document itself, allowing users to select text and automatically generate search queries without manual entry. The search engine interface is prepared and waiting within the document context, eliminating the need to navigate to separate search portals and type queries manually.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary search system that bridges the document and external search engines. This intermediary automatically captures selected text, formulates search queries, and retrieves results, mediating between the user's information need and the search engine resources without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If users conduct multiple searches on multiple search engines, then comprehensive results can be obtained, but each search query must be separately entered and repeated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of search resultsVSAvoidcomplexity of multiple search operations
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple search engine operations into a single unified interface within the document. Users select text once, and the system automatically distributes the search query across multiple search engines, combining their results in a consolidated view within the document context, eliminating the need to separately manage multiple search sessions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The search system embedded in the document provides multi-functionality by supporting searches across multiple search engines through a single unified interface. The same text selection can be searched against different engines without requiring separate operations, making the system universally applicable for comprehensive research.

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

3Ease of operation

If search results are displayed in separate browser windows, then results can be viewed, but the user must constantly switch windows and results cannot be easily integrated into the document

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of result viewingVSAvoidtime for window switching
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The search results are nested within the document context rather than occupying separate browser windows. The results interface is embedded inside the document, allowing users to view search results while remaining in the document context, eliminating the need to switch between windows and maintaining the workflow within a single application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The system copies search results directly into the document context, creating a local representation of the search results that can be viewed and interacted with within the document. This copying approach allows results to be integrated into the document workflow without requiring users to navigate to or switch between separate browser windows.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Reliability

If common words are included in search queries, then the full selected text is searched, but the search becomes less precise due to non-substantive words

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of search resultsVSAvoidsimplicity of query formation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts and removes common non-substantive words from the selected text before forming the search query. By automatically identifying and taking out words like articles, prepositions, and conjunctions, the system creates a refined search query that focuses on the substantive keywords, improving search precision without requiring manual user intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the parameters of the search query by automatically filtering and weighting words based on their substantive value. It transforms the raw selected text into an optimized query by adjusting which words are included and how they are weighted, improving search accuracy while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8725729B2System, methods and applications for embedded internet searching and result display
Publication Date: 2014.05.13 SEARCH PERFECT LLC
  • US8725729B2 patent drawing
  • US8725729B2 patent drawing
  • US8725729B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods allow a user of a text or graphics editor to quickly create multiple robust internet search queries by selecting and ranking groups or individual key words from a document. A user who is composing or reading a document can identify and link multiple sets of key words into separate search queries by highlighting and assigning either unique search numbers, colors or other readily ascertained indicators of their logical relation. Each individual search query is routed to selected internet search engines, and the results are returned to the user in the same viewed document. The user may select the form in which the results are displayed. For example, results may be listed within the document by way footnotes, endnotes, or separate hover or pull-down windows accessible from the search terms. In addition, the user can browse, sort, rank, edit or eliminate portions of the results.