Grouped Search Query Refinements via Hierarchical Suggestion Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users often input suboptimal search queries due to limitations in input devices and character constraints, and existing search systems do not effectively assist in refining queries by location or category, leading to inefficient search tasks.
Innovation Solution
The method involves receiving a text input into a search engine query input field and grouping query suggestions based on a common primary query term, with refinement terms presented in a prominent and subordinate manner to facilitate user selection and refinement, taking into account the zoom level of a geographical map for location-specific refinement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If query suggestions are presented in a traditional list format, then the search engine can provide multiple suggestions, but the user cannot efficiently refine queries by location or category
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments query suggestions into groups based on common primary query terms, with refinement terms organized in a hierarchical structure. This segmentation allows users to refine queries by location or category through a structured interface that maintains organization while enabling detailed refinement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional structure to query presentation by organizing suggestions along multiple axes: primary query terms, refinement terms, and spatial relationships (zoom levels). This multi-dimensional organization enables users to refine queries systematically without overwhelming complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the user inputs more characters to refine the search query, then the search results can be more precise, but the time required to complete the search task increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-grouping query suggestions and pre-organizing refinement terms before the user needs to search. The system anticipates potential refinement needs and structures the interface to present relevant options upfront, reducing the time users need to spend typing and reviewing individual suggestions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system responds to user interactions with refined query suggestions based on the current zoom level and search context. This dynamic feedback loop allows users to quickly refine queries by selecting from intelligent suggestions rather than manually typing each term.
3Adaptability or versatility
If query suggestions are grouped by common primary query term, then the user can see refinement possibilities, but the interface structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing refinement terms within the context of their parent primary query terms, creating a hierarchical structure where detailed refinement options are contained within broader categories. This nested organization provides versatility for query refinement while maintaining a clean, manageable interface structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring the presentation and organization of query suggestions to the specific context of each primary query term and zoom level. Different refinement options are highlighted or organized differently based on the local search context, providing relevant flexibility without requiring complex global reconfiguration of the interface.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on one or more computer storage devices, for grouping search query refinements. One of the methods includes while receiving a text input into an input field by a user and before the user has submitted the text input to a search engine obtaining query suggestions based at least in part on the text input. The method includes grouping query suggestions based on a common query term shared by the query suggestions, wherein the query suggestions include terms that refine the common query term. The method includes transmitting a set of query suggestions to a client device for presentation, wherein the set includes the query suggestions that are presented as a group with the common query term presented in a prominent position and the refinement terms presented in subordinate positions and wherein the common query term and the refinement terms are each user-selectable.