Application Launcher Direct Item Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in accessing various services and data across multiple applications and sources on a computing device, requiring them to manually search and download applications or access data through web browsers, which is not seamless.
Innovation Solution
A machine-implemented method and system for an application launcher that receives search requests, identifies relevant items across multiple sources, determines associated applications, and generates instances for direct user interaction, allowing users to access items without redirecting them to the associated applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users manually search and access applications through web browsers or local installers, then they can access services and data, but the process becomes complex and requires multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the application launcher, search functionality, and item access into a single integrated interface. The launcher simultaneously displays icons for installed applications and provides search capabilities to find items across multiple sources, eliminating the need to switch between browsers, installers, and application interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The application launcher is designed to perform multiple functions: displaying installed applications, searching for items across local and remote sources, identifying associated applications, and providing direct access to items. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate tools like web browsers and local installers.
2Productivity
If users are redirected to associated applications to interact with items, then applications can process the interaction, but the user experience is disrupted and requires additional navigation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer in the application launcher that acts as a mediator between the user and the target applications. This intermediary displays searchable items and their associated applications, allowing users to access items directly from the launcher without being redirected to the full application interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-identifying and displaying the association between items and their source applications in the launcher. This preliminary organization allows users to access items directly without needing to navigate through the full application, saving time and improving efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If the application launcher provides direct access to items, then user interaction is simplified, but the system must identify and manage associations across multiple sources
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service mechanisms where the application launcher automatically searches across multiple sources, identifies items matching user criteria, determines associated applications, and organizes this information for display. This automation occurs without user intervention, allowing the system to manage the complexity of multiple sources while keeping the user interface simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and machine-implemented method for facilitating an application launcher providing direct access to one or more items, the method including identifying one or more items maintained at one or more sources accessible by the user at the computing device meeting search criteria specified by a user, determining an application associated with each of the one or more items facilitating access to the item, generating an instance of each of the one or more items facilitating direct user interaction with the item, where the user is able to interact with the item directly from the instance of the item and providing the instance of each of the one or more items for display to the user at the computing device in response to the request.