In-Conversation Search via Reserved Keywords
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user interfaces do not efficiently allow users to obtain search results during electronic conversations, requiring users to interrupt their conversation or switch to another application to perform searches.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that enable users to perform searches within electronic conversations by using reserved keywords to trigger a search application, which submits search terms to a search engine and returns results within the conversation, allowing for seamless integration of search functionality into voice or text conversations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If users interrupt their conversation to perform searches, then search information can be obtained, but conversation flow is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the search function with the conversation interface by integrating a search bar directly into the chat window. Users can initiate searches without leaving the conversation context, merging two previously separate functions (conversation and search) into a unified interface that eliminates the need to switch applications or interrupt the conversation flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication interface is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it serves as both a conversation channel and a search engine. The same interface that displays chat messages also provides search capabilities, allowing users to access information retrieval functions within the universal communication platform without requiring separate tools or interrupting their interaction flow.
2Loss of information
If users switch to another application to perform searches, then search results can be obtained, but user convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The search functionality is merged into the existing communication application interface. The search bar is integrated alongside the chat input field, allowing users to access search results without switching to a separate application. This integration maintains ease of operation by keeping all functions within a single application window.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication application provides search capabilities as an inherent feature rather than requiring users to access external applications. The system serves its own information needs through integrated search functionality, eliminating the need for users to manually switch between applications and making the search operation as convenient as sending a message.
3Loss of information
If search results are provided immediately in the conversation, then information accessibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary search processing layer that sits between the user input and the search engine. This mediator component captures user input, formats it as search queries, retrieves results, and presents them within the conversation interface. While this adds a processing layer, it manages complexity by handling search operations transparently and integrating results seamlessly into the existing chat flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is enhanced to perform multiple functions - messaging, file transfer, and search - through a unified platform. Rather than creating separate systems for each function, the patent makes the communication application universal by integrating search capabilities directly into its core interface, managing complexity through consolidation rather than multiplication of components.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented communications method is discussed. The method includes receiving a typed user input in a texting conversation on an electronic communication channel between two or more users of electronic communications devices; analyzing the user input to identify whether the user input contains a reserved word for triggering a search; submitting a search query received in association with the reserved word to a search engine, if the user input contains a reserved word; receiving one or more search results from the search engine; and providing, in the electronic communication channel for incorporation into the texting conversation, at least one of the one or more search results.