Object Search via Weighted Relevance Associations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current data searching mechanisms in computer systems rely on language-based queries, which can be barriers for users who do not read or write in the software's language, and require users to understand complex terminology and Boolean logic, making it difficult for them to find resources within increasingly complex software applications.
Innovation Solution
The system uses object associations and taxonomies to automatically select relevant objects based on user interactions, allowing users to navigate and select objects without language-based queries, by employing weighted relevance values and associations between objects and categories, facilitating the presentation of related objects through a graphical user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If language-based search mechanisms are used, then users can search for specific software features, but users who do not read or write the software's language cannot effectively use the search function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces language-based text queries with a graphical object-based interface. Instead of requiring users to type text searches, the system allows users to interact with visual objects and their associations, substituting the mechanical act of writing/reading language with visual manipulation and association traversal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary object association structure that mediates between the user and the software features. Rather than direct language-based searching, users interact with objects that represent features, and the system uses predefined associations to navigate to related features, acting as a mediator that translates user intent into search results without requiring language comprehension.
2Measurement precision
If conventional search mechanisms are used, then users can find software features, but users must understand complex terminology and Boolean logic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates visual copies or representations of software features as objects in a graphical interface. Instead of requiring users to understand abstract terminology and Boolean logic, the system presents concrete visual representations that users can manipulate directly, copying the essence of features into an accessible visual form.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the search process into discrete object interactions rather than requiring users to construct complex query strings. Users interact with individual objects and their associations step-by-step, breaking down the search task into manageable visual segments rather than requiring mastery of complex search syntax.
3Adaptability or versatility
If users switch between pointer-based tasks and keyboard-based searching, then users can assemble figures and search for components, but users experience task switching overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pointer-based interaction model with the search function. Both figure assembly and feature searching are performed through the same graphical object-based interface using pointer devices, eliminating the need to switch between keyboard-based search and pointer-based manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal graphical interface that serves multiple functions: both assembling figures and searching for software features. The same object-based interaction mechanism handles both tasks, making the interface multi-functional and eliminating task-specific mode switching.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various approaches for searching for electronic information. In one embodiment, a first plurality of objects is presenting for user selection. The first plurality of objects is a first subset of a second plurality of objects that is organized by a plurality of containment categories in a data structure. A plurality of associations is stored, and each association defines a relationship between one of, two different ones of the plurality of categories, or two objects in two different ones of the plurality of containment categories. In response to user selection of one of the first plurality of objects, a second subset of the second plurality of objects is selected. Selection of the objects in the second subset is in part a function of respective weighted relevance values for associations of the selected object to each of the second plurality of objects. The second subset of objects is output.