Augmenting Message Threads with Integrated Search
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current message exchange technologies require users to switch between applications to access external information, disrupting the conversation flow and consuming additional computing resources, especially for users with low dexterity.
Innovation Solution
A message exchange engine that monitors conversations to identify relevant items, forms search queries, and incorporates search-based suggestions and graphical elements directly into the message exchange thread, reducing the need for users to leave the conversation and minimizing user inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If users switch to a different application to obtain outside information pertinent to the conversation, then they can access desired information, but the conversation flow is disrupted and users experience distraction and burden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the message exchange functionality with external information retrieval capabilities by integrating a knowledge system directly into the message exchange client. This allows users to access outside information without leaving the conversation interface, combining what were previously separate functions into a unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component that automatically searches for and retrieves outside information relevant to the conversation context. This intermediary handles the information retrieval task without requiring user intervention to switch applications, thus maintaining conversation flow while providing access to external information.
2Loss of information
If users switch between applications to access external information, then they can obtain desired data, but additional computing resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple applications (message exchange client and knowledge system) into a single integrated system. This eliminates the need to run multiple separate applications simultaneously, reducing overall computing resource consumption while maintaining access to both messaging and external information capabilities.
3Loss of information
If users with low dexterity make multiple user inputs to access suggestions and content, then they can access information, but errors increase and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic information retrieval and presentation without requiring users to manually initiate search operations. The message exchange client automatically monitors conversations, identifies when outside information is needed, retrieves relevant content from the knowledge system, and presents it to users within the conversation interface, eliminating the need for multiple user inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the conversation context and automatically adjusts by retrieving and presenting relevant outside information when detected. This feedback mechanism ensures that suggestions and content are provided proactively based on conversation needs, reducing the burden on users with low dexterity to manually search for information.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, apparatus, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for augmenting message exchange threads. In various implementations, an ongoing message exchange thread between two or more participants operating two or more message exchange clients may be examined. Based on the examining, one or more items for forming a search query may be identified. In various implementations, the one or more items may be identified in one or more messages directed by one of the two or more participants to another of the two or more participants as part of the ongoing message exchange thread, without a participant specifically identifying the one or more items as a search query. The search query may then be formed with the one or more identified items, and content responsive to the search query may be obtained. One or more graphical elements associated with the responsive content may be incorporated into the message exchange thread.