Instant Messaging App Integrated Search Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inconvenience in searching for information within instant messaging applications as they need to switch between chat modes and separate web browsers, and there is a lack of functionality to execute programs directly from the messaging app during chats.
Innovation Solution
The instant messaging application integrates a search function within the messaging user interface, allowing users to input and view search results without switching screens, and enables the execution of programs through web or app links within the chat environment by converting search words into search requests and displaying results in optimized formats like speech bubbles or templates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users switch to a separate web browser to perform searches, then search functionality is available, but the chat flow is interrupted and user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the search function and chat function into a single integrated interface. The search bar is embedded within the chat application, allowing users to perform searches without leaving the chat environment. This combination resolves the contradiction by providing search capability while maintaining chat flow continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The chat application is designed to perform multiple functions: both messaging and searching. By making the chat application universal, it eliminates the need to switch to a separate browser for searches, thus maintaining chat flow while providing search functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the search interface is integrated within the messaging app, then chat flow continuity is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The search functionality is implemented as a distinct module within the chat application. The search bar, search execution logic, and result display are segmented components that can be independently managed. This segmentation reduces overall complexity by organizing the integrated functionality into manageable parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary search module that bridges the chat interface and the underlying search engine. This mediator handles the complexity of search operations, allowing the main chat application to remain relatively simple while still providing integrated search functionality.
3Loss of information
If search results are displayed in full detail, then information completeness is improved, but the chat interface becomes cluttered and usability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent displays partial search results within the chat interface - showing key information like titles and snippets without displaying complete search result pages. This partial display provides sufficient information for most chat contexts while maintaining interface cleanliness. Users can access full results if needed through additional actions.
Data Source
AI summary
A message service providing method for a message service linked to a search service and a message server and a user terminal for performing the method are disclosed. The message service providing method includes identifying an instant message input through a message input box of a message application switching from a chat mode to a search mode or a suggested search word selected from suggested search words in a suggested search word list displayed in conjunction with the message input box, transferring, to a search server, a search request for a search word including a whole or a portion of the identified instant message or suggested search word in response to a user input provided to the message application, receiving search result data derived through the search word.