General Search Engine Non-Native Language Learning Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current general search engines do not effectively recognize a user's intent to learn a non-native language, failing to provide language learning opportunities alongside search results, limiting language learners' ability to practice their skills.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for a general search engine to determine user intent for non-native language learning, presenting both native and non-native language search results, dictionary definitions, and translation assistance tools on the search engine results page, by analyzing user inputs, query context, and previous interactions with language learning portals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a general search engine presents only native language search results, then search accuracy and relevance are maintained, but language learning opportunities are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesearch accuracyVSAvoidlanguage learning opportunity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The search results are segmented into multiple language versions. The system divides the traditional single-language results into native language results and non-native language results, allowing users to access both their native language search results and foreign language search results separately or simultaneously, thus maintaining search accuracy while providing language learning opportunities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The search engine is enhanced to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a traditional search engine for native language queries and as a language learning tool. By integrating non-native language search results into the same interface, the system provides universal access to both information retrieval and language practice functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a bilingual search engine is used to provide language learning opportunities, then language learning intent is recognized, but user convenience and ease of operation are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelanguage learning opportunityVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functionality of traditional general search engines with bilingual search engines. Instead of requiring users to switch between different search engines or modes, the system combines native language search results and non-native language search results into a unified interface, allowing users to access both types of results from a single search query without changing engines or complex settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects user language learning intent and provides non-native language search results without requiring explicit user configuration. The search engine self-adjusts to provide language learning opportunities based on user behavior patterns, eliminating the need for users to manually configure bilingual modes or select language settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If non-native language search results are presented alongside native language search results, then language learning opportunities are enhanced, but information overload and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelanguage learning opportunityVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface applies local quality by providing different language results in different sections or formats within the same search results page. Native language results and non-native language results are distinguished through localized presentation methods, such as language labels, separate result sections, or visual indicators, allowing users to easily distinguish between language types while accessing both types of content.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9070303B2Language learning opportunities and general search engines

Publication Date: 2015.06.30 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Methods, computer systems, and computer-readable storage media for determining that a user of a general search engine has intent to not only view search results in a native language on a general search engine results page, but also to have non-native language learning opportunities presented on the general search engine results page. The non-native language learning opportunities include a set of search results drawn from a non-native language document source and presented in the non-native language. Other opportunities include a non-native language dictionary definition of a received search query, a non-native language translation of the search query, and on-demand translation tools available on the general search engine results page.