Query Suggestion Carousel for Touchscreen Search Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in inputting search queries on touch-screen devices due to the lack of a keyboard and the challenge of viewing query suggestions in small-screen environments, where scrolling through dropdown menus is problematic.
Innovation Solution
The system presents query suggestions as separate entities with additional data, allowing users to select and update search queries without executing them until explicitly requested, with automatic cursor placement for easy editing and minimal user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If query suggestions are presented in a dropdown menu format, then users can view multiple query suggestions, but users need to scroll down to view all suggestions which is problematic in small-screen environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional vertical dropdown menu into a horizontal carousel interface. Instead of displaying suggestions in a single column that requires scrolling, the suggestions are arranged horizontally and can be navigated through swiping gestures or automatic rotation, effectively changing from one-dimensional vertical scrolling to two-dimensional horizontal navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic behavior where the carousel automatically rotates through query suggestions without requiring user intervention. The interface adapts to user interaction by responding to taps and swipes, creating a lively, self-updating display that continuously presents new suggestions while maintaining visibility of multiple options at once.
2Productivity
If users type search queries manually on touch-screen devices, then users can input specific search terms, but the process is time-consuming and difficult without a physical keyboard
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by generating and presenting query suggestions before the user has to complete the full search query. The carousel displays multiple completed or partially completed search queries that users can simply tap to select, eliminating the need for manual typing of entire search terms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves itself by automatically generating relevant query suggestions based on the user's partial input or browsing context, and the carousel interface automatically rotates through these suggestions. This self-service mechanism reduces the burden on the user to manually construct complete search queries.
3Ease of operation
If the on-screen keyboard occupies large screen space, then users can access input functions, but users have difficulty viewing the search query and interface elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the keyboard input function from the traditional full-screen or large on-screen keyboard and replaces it with a compact carousel interface that presents query suggestions in a space-efficient manner. This extraction allows the keyboard functionality to be minimized or hidden, freeing up screen space for displaying the search interface and results.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and computer-readable storage media are provided for building long queries utilizing query suggestions and query suggestion entities. Upon receiving at least a portion of a search query, a query suggestion is provided. Upon receiving a selection of the query suggestion, the search query is updated. Prior to executing the updated search query, a user is permitted to edit the updated search query. Query suggestions may be presented in association with query suggestion entity representations. A query suggestion entity is a separate and distinct entity that may initiate performance of an action upon selection. A query suggestion entity representation may comprise various features and information associated with the search query.