Mobile Query Feedback Interface with Segmented Search Results
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in effectively processing search queries on mobile devices with limited screen real estate, where users need to provide supplemental information for tasks like making reservations or shopping, without overwhelming the display with feedback, and ensuring that search results from multiple engines are synchronized and efficiently presented.
Innovation Solution
A method that receives a query from a user, determines if supplemental input is needed, and prompts the user for additional information through an unobtrusive feedback facility, while submitting the query to multiple search engines and updating results accordingly, allowing users to control the display and input process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If search results and feedback from multiple search engines are displayed on mobile device screens, then users can access comprehensive search information, but the limited screen real estate becomes overwhelmed and user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments search results from multiple engines into separate, organized sections on the mobile device display. Each search engine's results are divided into distinct categories or groups, allowing comprehensive information to be presented in a structured manner that fits within limited screen space. This segmentation enables users to access complete search information without overwhelming the display area.
2Measurement precision
If supplemental input fields and feedback facilities are added to collect additional user information, then search query accuracy improves, but screen space for displaying search results decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic feedback facilities that adapt their presence and form based on the user's interaction state. Supplemental input fields are introduced only when needed to clarify ambiguous queries or when additional information would improve search accuracy. The interface dynamically adjusts between showing more input fields and showing more results based on the current screen space availability and user behavior, resolving the contradiction between query accuracy and display area.
3Loss of information
If multiple search engines are queried simultaneously, then search result comprehensiveness increases, but processing time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by analyzing the user's search query to determine which search engines are most likely to provide relevant results. Based on query type, keywords, and user preferences, the system pre-selects a subset of search engines to query, rather than simultaneously querying all available engines. This preliminary filtering reduces processing time while maintaining result comprehensiveness by focusing resources on the most relevant search engines.
4Productivity
If feedback facilities are made prominent to collect user preferences, then data collection efficiency improves, but screen space for search results is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service feedback mechanisms where users can provide preferences and supplemental information through contextual interactions with the search results themselves. Rather than requiring prominent separate feedback forms, the system allows users to refine their search by directly interacting with result snippets, filtering options, and suggestion chips that appear inline with the results. This approach maintains data collection efficiency while preserving maximum display area for search results.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of the invention provide techniques for receiving a query from a user of a mobile device, and for conveying to the user not only search results, but also feedback relating to query. For example, the user may be prompted to elicit supplemental information relating to the query, or provided other feedback. The feedback may be conveyed in a manner which minimizes how much of the mobile device's display screen is dedicated to presenting the feedback.