Quick Pick Search Provider Menu for Web Browser Interface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Switching between search providers in web browsers is not easily accessible, as installed search providers are often hidden in menus that users may not know about or easily find.
Innovation Solution
A quick pick search provider menu is implemented in the web browser's search box, allowing users to automatically display and easily select search providers by focusing on the search box, with options to switch via icons, tabs, or keywords, and the ability to define collections of search providers for intuitive searching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If search providers are exposed through a drop-down menu, then users can access multiple search providers, but the interface complexity increases and users must physically access the menu to select a provider
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the search provider selection functionality from the traditional drop-down menu structure and places it directly within the search box interface. This allows users to access and switch between search providers without navigating through separate menu structures, thereby reducing interface complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the search provider selection mechanism with the search box itself. By combining these two previously separate functions into a unified interface, the system eliminates the need for users to access separate menus, reducing the number of interaction steps while preserving the ability to select multiple search providers.
2Device complexity
If search providers are hidden in menus, then the interface remains clean and simple, but users may not know about or easily find the search providers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by proactively displaying available search providers directly in the search box interface before users need to search. This ensures users are immediately aware of their search provider options without having to navigate through hidden menus, improving accessibility while maintaining a clean interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary display mechanism within the search box that bridges the gap between having a clean interface and providing easy access to search providers. This intermediary element shows search provider options directly where users type their queries, making them visible and accessible without adding complex menu structures.
3Device complexity
If users must physically access a drop-down menu to switch search providers, then the system maintains a simple structure, but the time required to switch providers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the search provider switching functionality directly into the search box, eliminating the need to navigate through drop-down menus. This integration allows users to switch providers in the same location where they perform searches, significantly reducing the time required to switch while maintaining simple system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the search provider selection process from the separate menu structure and places it directly within the search box. This extraction eliminates unnecessary navigation steps and reduces the time users spend switching providers while keeping the overall system structure simple and intuitive.
Data Source
AI summary
An application provides a search box that is configured to enable a user to enter searchable text. The application provides a quick pick search provider menu that is configured to include different sections that provide suggestions as text is entered into the search box. At least some of the suggestions are locally maintained, and at least some other of the suggestions are received from one or more remote search providers. In some embodiments, the application can comprise a web browser.