Multimedia-Based Mobile Application Search System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in finding relevant mobile applications on distribution platforms due to the vast number of available options and the need for specific search terms or prior knowledge, especially for novice users who struggle to express their interests in words.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for searching mobile applications using multimedia content elements, where a signature is generated from the input query, converted into a textual query, and used to query application distribution platforms, analyzing search results for relevance, and displaying relevant applications on user devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users search for mobile applications using traditional textual search engines or classification engines, then they can find applications based on specific search terms or categories, but novice users who cannot express their interests in words or lack prior knowledge of application classifications struggle to find relevant applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of application searchingVSAvoiduser search intent expression
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces multimedia content elements (images, audio, video) as an intermediary between the user and the application search system. Instead of requiring users to directly input textual search terms or navigate classification categories, users can provide multimedia content that represents their search intent, and the system automatically processes this content to find relevant applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical textual input system with a multimedia-based input system. Rather than requiring users to type or select text, the system accepts and processes multimedia content elements, utilizing content analysis techniques to extract meaningful information and generate search queries automatically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of mobile applications in distribution platforms increases to provide diverse options, then users have more choices, but it becomes increasingly difficult for users to search for relevant applications among the vast number of options

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication varietyVSAvoidsearch system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces multimedia content elements as an intermediary that bridges the gap between users and the vast application library. By analyzing multimedia content rather than requiring users to navigate through numerous applications or formulate complex search queries, the system efficiently handles the increased application variety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by automatically generating search queries from multimedia content before the user needs to search. The content analysis and query generation happen in advance, preparing the search process and reducing the complexity users would otherwise face when dealing with large numbers of applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If traditional search tools require well-defined search terms or prior knowledge of application classifications, then search accuracy can be maintained, but the ease of use decreases for users who cannot provide such specific input

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesearch result accuracyVSAvoidsearch input simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the traditional textual input mechanism with multimedia content analysis. Instead of requiring users to provide well-defined search terms, the system accepts multimedia content and automatically extracts meaningful information through content analysis, maintaining search accuracy while simplifying user input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically generating search queries from multimedia content without requiring user expertise in formulating search terms. The content analysis process autonomously identifies key features and generates appropriate search queries, eliminating the need for users to have prior knowledge of application classifications or search terminology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10372746B2System and method for searching applications using multimedia content elements
Publication Date: 2019.08.06 CORTICA LTD
  • US10372746B2 patent drawing
  • US10372746B2 patent drawing
  • US10372746B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and system for searching for mobile applications using a multimedia content element are provided. The system comprises receiving an input search query including the multimedia content element; generating at least one signature for the at least one multimedia content element; generating a textual query using at least the one generated signature; querying at least one application distribution platform using the generated textual search query; analyzing search results returned responsive to the textual query to determine relevancy of mobile applications designated in the search results to the multimedia content element; and causing the display of mobile applications on a user device submitting the input search query.