Integrated Keypad Search Across Multiple Applications

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices require repetitive execution of applications and keyword input for content search across multiple applications, leading to user inconvenience and increased search time as the number of applications and content grows.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a processor configured to display a keypad, detect search inputs, and perform an integrated search across all applications, allowing a single keyword input for content search and displaying results through the keypad, with automatic configuration for new applications without modifying the search function.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional search method is used where user executes each application and performs search through that application's search API, then search can be performed within each application, but user must repetitively input search keywords in multiple applications which increases search time and user inconvenience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesearch efficiencyVSAvoidsearch time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple application search functions into a single integrated search interface. The electronic device performs searches across multiple applications simultaneously through one unified search input, merging what were previously separate search operations into one consolidated process, thereby eliminating repetitive keyword input and reducing search time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The search function is designed to be universal across multiple applications. A single search interface can query content from different applications without requiring application-specific search operations, making the search system multi-functional and adaptable to various content sources within the device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If user searches for content in multiple different applications, then comprehensive search coverage is achieved, but user must execute each application and perform repetitive keyword input which increases operational complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesearch coverageVSAvoidoperational convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The search function is designed to be universal across multiple applications. A single search interface can query content from different applications without requiring application-specific search operations, making the search system multi-functional and adaptable to various content sources within the device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary search system that sits between the user and multiple applications. This intermediary layer receives a single search query and automatically distributes it to relevant applications, then aggregates results, thereby simplifying the user's interaction while maintaining comprehensive search coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If integrated search across multiple applications is implemented, then search time and user effort are reduced, but system complexity increases to manage multiple application integrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesearch efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary search system that sits between the user and multiple applications. This intermediary layer receives a single search query and automatically distributes it to relevant applications, then aggregates results, thereby simplifying the user's interaction while maintaining comprehensive search coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated search system operates autonomously by automatically selecting which applications to search based on the query, performing searches across multiple applications without user intervention, and consolidating results. The system serves itself by managing the complexity of multi-application integration without requiring user configuration or manual application execution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20240061572A1Apparatus and method for providing content search using keypad in electronic device

Publication Date: 2024.02.22 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Various embodiments of the disclosure provide a method and apparatus for performing a content search using a keypad (or a keyboard) in an electronic device. The electronic device according to various embodiments include a display; a wireless communication circuit; a memory; and a processor. The processor may be configured to: display an execution screen of an application; detect a first input for calling a keypad; display the keypad on the execution screen; detect a second input for a smart search while displaying the keypad; request a content search from at least one application of the electronic device; and display a search result searched by the at least one application through the keypad. Other embodiments are possible.