Search Entry Point Navigation with Security and Language Awareness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of complex computing systems face difficulties in locating entry points due to their large number and dynamic nature, leading to inefficiencies in navigation and increased time spent searching within these systems.
Innovation Solution
A navigable entry point search system is implemented, which includes a search user input mechanism that detects user queries, searches a metadata hierarchy to identify entry points, and displays a navigable search result with the corresponding navigation path, considering security permissions and language-specific descriptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of entry points are provided to represent system capabilities, then system functionality and versatility are improved, but user navigation difficulty and time to locate entry points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a search mechanism as an intermediary between users and entry points. Instead of requiring users to navigate through complex hierarchical menus, the search mechanism accepts natural language queries and returns relevant entry points directly, mediating the interaction and simplifying navigation while preserving access to all system capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual representation of the navigation hierarchy through search results. Rather than requiring physical navigation through menu structures, the search mechanism generates a copied view of relevant entry points and their paths, allowing users to select destinations without traversing the actual navigation structure
2Reliability
If entry points are organized in complex navigation hierarchies with security roles and permissions, then system security and structure are improved, but user time and effort to locate entry points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-processing and indexing navigation hierarchy information, including security roles and permissions, before search queries are submitted. The system pre-computes paths and organizes entry point metadata, so that when users search, results are returned immediately without requiring real-time navigation through complex security structures
Solution Approach 2:
The search mechanism acts as an intermediary that handles security and navigation complexity internally. It accepts simple user queries, processes them against the complex navigation hierarchy and security constraints, and returns only authorized, relevant results - shielding users from the underlying complexity while maintaining security
3Adaptability or versatility
If navigation structures are made dynamic to reflect changing system features, then system adaptability is improved, but difficulty in locating stable entry points increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates stable virtual copies of entry points through search results. Even as the underlying navigation hierarchy changes dynamically, the search mechanism generates consistent result formats that show current paths to entry points, providing users with stable, predictable output regardless of backend changes
Data Source
AI summary
A search user input mechanism is displayed on a user interface display. User actuation of the search user input mechanism is detected, to identify a query for a navigation structure that identifies an entry point into an application in the computing system. A path navigation hierarchy is searched to identify the entry point and the path in the navigation hierarchy where the entry point is located. A navigable search result is displayed to the user for actuation, to navigate to the entry point.