Multi-step Search Result Retrieval via Opaque Tokens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in securely delivering search results from third-party web pages while protecting proprietary data and efficiently managing data throughput, as they often require transmitting large amounts of data and risk data scraping by third-party developers.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a method where a host server receives search requests, generates unique, opaque tokens for search results, and transmits only human-readable descriptions initially, allowing users to select results for additional data, which is then directly retrieved and streamed from the source, preventing data exposure to developers and optimizing data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If large amounts of search result data are transmitted to third-party web pages, then complete information is provided to users, but data security is compromised and data scraping risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments search result data into two distinct parts: identifiers (such as place IDs) that are transmitted to third-party web pages, and detailed content information that remains on the host server. This segmentation allows the third-party page to display basic search results using identifiers while preventing exposure of complete data, thus resolving the contradiction between information completeness and data security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the host server acts as a mediator between the third-party web page and the complete search result data. The third-party page communicates with the host server through controlled interfaces (such as place details requests) that allow selective data retrieval without exposing the entire dataset, thereby maintaining security while enabling access to complete information when needed.
2Ease of operation
If all search result data elements are transmitted initially, then users have immediate access to complete information, but data transmission overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data transmission into multiple stages: first transmitting only essential identifiers for basic search results, then transmitting detailed content information only when users specifically request it. This staged transmission approach reduces initial data overhead while maintaining user ability to access complete information, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and energy loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If detailed content information is provided to third-party developers, then they can enhance their web pages, but proprietary search engine data is exposed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the host server as an intermediary that controls access to proprietary search engine data. The third-party web page receives only identifiers and must communicate through the host server's controlled interface to obtain additional information. This intermediary mechanism enables the third-party page to function with enhanced capabilities while preventing direct exposure of proprietary data, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and data protection.
4Speed
If complete search result data is cached on third-party servers, then access speed improves, but data scraping becomes easier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data into identifiers that can be safely cached on third-party servers and detailed content that must be retrieved from the host server. This segmentation allows the third-party server to cache only non-sensitive reference data for fast access while maintaining the ability to retrieve complete information securely from the host server when needed, resolving the contradiction between speed and scraping risk.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing search results to a user operating a third-party web page includes receiving a search request from the third-party web page. One or more search results may be identified that satisfy the search request. The one or more search results each have identifying information to be presented to a user, as well as substantive content. A unique identifier, such as an opaque token, is associated with each of the search results. The identification of the one or more results is provided to the third-party web page in a pop-up window or a widget. A request for the content for a selected search result of the one or more search results is received. The unique identifier may be used to validate the request, and the content is provided to the user, either directly or through the widget, on the third-party webpage.