Input Method Editor for Phonetic URL Suggestions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users whose native language is based on a logographic script, such as Chinese, face difficulty in remembering and inputting URLs in ASCII characters, requiring multiple steps to access desired web sites due to the lack of direct input methods for ideographic characters on Western-style keyboards.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an input method editor that converts Roman character inputs, like Pinyin, into candidate sets of non-Roman characters, which are used to identify and display corresponding URLs and keywords, allowing users to select desired web sites directly from a web browser address bar.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users input URLs using Roman characters (Pinyin) on Western-style keyboards, then users can access websites using their native language, but users cannot directly input ideographic characters without using input method editors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that translates Roman character inputs directly into URL suggestions without requiring traditional input method editors. The system acts as a mediator between the user's phonetic input and the desired URL, converting Pinyin sequences into candidate URL suggestions based on keyword mappings and user behavior data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical input method editor system with a data-driven translation system. Instead of using traditional IME conversion tables and candidate selection interfaces, the system uses keyword mappings, query logs, and click logs to directly generate URL suggestions from Roman character inputs, eliminating the need for manual IME operation.
2Productivity
If users manually search for websites using input method editors, then users can find desired websites, but users must take several separate steps to input URLs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-processing query logs and click logs to build keyword-to-URL mappings and prefix-to-keyword mappings before user input. When users enter Roman characters, the system has already prepared relevant URL suggestions based on historical data, enabling direct URL completion without requiring users to perform multiple search steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple separate operations (input method conversion, search query processing, URL suggestion generation) into a single integrated system. The Roman character input simultaneously triggers IME conversion, keyword matching, and URL suggestion display in one unified interface, eliminating the need for separate search steps.
3Measurement precision
If URLs are displayed in ASCII characters, then URLs can be precisely identified, but users whose native language is logographic script have difficulty remembering URLs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a parallel representation system where Roman character inputs (which users can easily remember in their native language) are copied and mapped to corresponding ASCII URLs. The system maintains both representations simultaneously, allowing users to input and remember URLs in their native phonetic script while the system handles the actual ASCII URL navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mapping layer between user-friendly Roman character representations and actual ASCII URLs. This intermediary system uses keyword mappings and historical data to bridge the gap between what users can remember (native language phonetics) and what systems require (ASCII URLs), eliminating the need for users to memorize difficult ASCII character sequences.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, in which an input method editor receives Roman character inputs, identifies keywords for candidate sets of a non-Roman character, and identifies an associated resource location. Upon identifying an associated resource location, associating the resource location with the candidate set of non-Roman characters.