Virtual Keyboard Search Interface for Multi-App Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile device applications often have default user interfaces that do not efficiently utilize the capabilities of dependent applications, such as browsers, games, and social networking apps, and lack integration with third-party applications for enhanced functionality.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic user interface is introduced that adapts and integrates dependent applications within a base application, allowing for the execution of multiple applications through a single interface, with features like virtual keyboards and shortcut keys for seamless interaction and data transfer between applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a default user interface is used in mobile applications, then the interface is simple to implement, but it does not efficiently utilize the capabilities of dependent applications
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual keyboard interface is transformed into a universal platform that can execute multiple dependent applications (browsers, games, social networking apps, etc.) through integrated shortcut keys. Each key on the virtual keyboard can be configured to launch different applications or perform different functions, allowing a single interface to serve multiple purposes and integrate with various dependent applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing the user interface of dependent applications within the virtual keyboard interface of the base application. When a user interacts with the virtual keyboard, the interface of the selected dependent application is displayed and executed within the keyboard's space, creating a nested structure where one application's interface is contained within another application's interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple applications are integrated through a single interface, then functionality is enhanced, but data transfer between applications becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual keyboard serves as an intermediary layer between the base application and dependent applications. It provides a standardized interface through which users can access and interact with multiple dependent applications, simplifying data transfer by routing all communication through the keyboard's integrated system rather than requiring direct connections between each application pair.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the virtual keyboard interface is replaced by an adapted user interface, then integration with dependent applications is improved, but the ease of operation may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual keyboard is pre-configured with shortcut keys that are already associated with specific dependent applications or functions. This preliminary configuration allows users to access integrated applications with a single key press or tap, eliminating the need for multiple navigation steps and maintaining ease of operation while enabling application integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A virtual keyboard includes shortcut keys configured to execute a plurality of third-party applications from within the keyboard. These third-party applications are optionally executed via calls to a remote Application User Interface (API). The virtual keyboard optionally includes a text entry field configured for entry of search terms, and execution of the third-party applications include requesting search results from the (optionally remote) third-party applications using the search terms. Search results received from the third-party applications are optionally displayed together within the virtual keyboard. These search results may also be shared via a messaging application. Keystrokes typed into the messaging application are optionally used to automatically populate the text entry field. The virtual keyboard optionally represents an adapted interface to an independent application and the shortcut keys within the virtual keyboard are configured to individually access respective members of the third-party applications. The third-party applications may represent dependent applications accessed via adapted interfaces.