Search-Based Task Initiation Model for Software Applications

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional user interaction models in software applications require users to navigate through hierarchical structures, making it difficult and time-consuming to locate features and perform tasks, especially when the interface changes, as users must memorize the positions and names of various interface elements.

Innovation Solution

A search-based technique that allows users to initiate tasks by entering keywords, associating these terms with stored task templates, which are then populated and presented to the user for action, utilizing a system architecture that includes a user interface, parsing engine, data repository, indexing service, and execution engine to provide a user-friendly and adaptable task initiation process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional hierarchical navigation is used to organize menu structures and buttons, then all available options are presented to users, but users require significant learning time to memorize the positions and names of interface elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of option presentationVSAvoidlearning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a search-based intermediary layer between the user and the hierarchical menu structure. Instead of requiring users to navigate through fixed hierarchical paths, the search interface acts as a mediator that translates natural language queries into appropriate task templates, thereby reducing learning requirements while maintaining access to all system functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the traditional navigation paradigm by allowing users to start from a search query rather than from the top-level menu hierarchy. This inversion enables users to directly access desired functions through keyword search without needing to understand or memorize the hierarchical structure, thus reducing learning time while preserving system versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If hierarchical menu structures are modified to add new features or change vendor interfaces, then new functionality is provided, but users must relearn the modified navigation model

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface update capabilityVSAvoiduser understanding stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The search interface serves as a stable intermediary that shields users from hierarchical structure changes. When new features are added or interfaces are modified, the search-based access method remains consistent, allowing users to continue using familiar search queries without needing to relearn altered menu structures or button positions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

By inverting the navigation approach to be search-driven rather than hierarchy-driven, the system creates a stable user interaction model that is independent of underlying structural changes. Users consistently interact through search queries regardless of how the hierarchical structure evolves, maintaining stability in user understanding while enabling interface adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Stability of the object's composition

If users must traverse nine steps through a navigation tree to create a purchase order, then the structured approach provides organized access to features, but the task completion time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructured navigation organizationVSAvoidtask completion time

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The search interface acts as a mediator that bypasses the need for sequential traversal through hierarchical levels. Users can directly query for task objectives (e.g., 'create purchase order') and the system translates this into the appropriate task template, dramatically reducing completion time while the underlying structured navigation remains intact for system organization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If a search-based technique is implemented to allow keyword-based task initiation, then users can access templates more rapidly, but the system complexity increases with additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask initiation speedVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a virtual copy of the hierarchical task structure in the form of searchable task templates. Instead of requiring users to navigate the actual hierarchical structure, the system maintains searchable representations (templates) that can be accessed through keyword search, thereby improving productivity while the template matching and population logic manages the added system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS8600788B2Search-based user interaction model for software applications

Publication Date: 2013.12.03 SAP SE

AI summary

Data is received that characterizes one or more terms within a task initiation request. These terms are then associated with a task template. At least a portion of such a task template is populated based on the terms so that the populated task template can be presented to the user to enable a user to conduct one or more actions associated with the presented populated task template. Related techniques, apparatus, systems, and methods are also described.