Pointing Device Search Button for Contextual Entity Lookup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional search methods require users to interrupt their workflow and open a browser application, making it inconvenient to initiate searches, especially when dealing with entities outside of traditional applications, and lack effective ways to perform contextual searches.
Innovation Solution
Button-activated contextual search techniques using a search button on a pointing device, such as a computer mouse or touchpad, allow users to initiate contextually relevant searches by activating a search button near an entity on the display, generating search terms automatically and providing search functionality through a flyout window.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a browser application is opened to perform a search, then search functionality is provided, but user workflow is interrupted and convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The search functionality is segmented from the traditional browser application context and integrated directly into the pointing device. The search button on the pointing device triggers a streamlined search process that operates independently of browser application state, allowing search to be performed as a discrete action without requiring full browser activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pointing device serves as an intermediary between the user and the search system. By embedding the search button on the pointing device, it mediates the search initiation process, capturing user intent through the pointing action and triggering search without requiring the user to switch to or activate a browser application.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional search methods are used, then search can be performed, but contextual information is limited and copying/pasting is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The search initiation function is merged with the pointing device's existing click functionality. The search button on the pointing device combines the pointing action with search activation, eliminating the need for separate copy-paste operations or manual text entry. The system detects the pointed-to element and automatically uses it as the search query.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically identifies and extracts the entity or text under the pointer cursor when the search button is activated. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual selection, copying, or pasting of text, as the system autonomously captures the contextual information from the display location where the pointer is positioned.
3Adaptability or versatility
If search is initiated from outside traditional applications, then search flexibility is improved, but traditional approaches lack effective ways to initiate such searches
Solution Approach 1:
The pointing device's search button is designed with universal functionality that works across all applications and display contexts. Whether the user is in a document editor, web browser, or any other application, the search button on the pointing device can initiate a search based on the currently pointed-to element, providing consistent search access regardless of the active application.
Data Source
AI summary
This patent application relates to button-activated contextual search techniques for providing contextually relevant search functionality on a display. The single button can be a search button on a pointing device (e.g., a computer mouse device, touch pad, track ball device, etc.) configured to move a pointer on the display. The pointer can be moved to a location that is on or near an entity on the display, allowing a search to be enabled and/or performed for that entity when the search button is activated (e.g., with a single user click). Furthermore, the search functionality can be based on one or more automatically generated search terms for the entity, and thus be contextually relevant to the entity.