Search Field Segmentation for Contextual Data and Predictions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current search technologies do not effectively provide contextual data and search term predictions simultaneously within a search field, limiting the user's experience by not offering relevant information in real-time as they enter search terms.

Innovation Solution

A machine-implemented method and system that receives user input in a search field, obtaining both contextual data and search term predictions, and displays them within the search field, allowing for real-time suggestions and information relevant to the user's location, profile, and search history.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If only search term predictions are provided in the search field, then the interface remains simple, but contextual data relevant to the user is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontextual dataVSAvoidsearch field structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The search field is segmented into multiple distinct portions: a first portion for displaying contextual data and a second portion for displaying search term predictions. This segmentation allows both types of information to be presented simultaneously without overwhelming the user or creating a monolithic complex interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the search field are assigned different functions and visual characteristics. The first portion displays contextual data with specific formatting, while the second portion displays search term predictions with different formatting. Each portion is optimized for its specific purpose, providing local quality enhancement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If contextual data and search term predictions are displayed separately in different interfaces, then each type of information can be clearly presented, but the user experience is fragmented and less efficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser experienceVSAvoidsearch time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the display of contextual data and search term predictions into a single unified search field interface. Both types of information are presented simultaneously in real-time as the user types, eliminating the need to switch between different interfaces or wait for separate displays, thus improving ease of operation and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If multiple types of information are displayed in the search field simultaneously, then search efficiency is improved, but the display space is limited and information may become cluttered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesearch efficiencyVSAvoidsearch field display area
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The search field is divided into distinct segments or portions, with the first portion dedicated to contextual data and the second portion dedicated to search term predictions. This segmentation allows multiple types of information to coexist in a structured manner that maximizes the use of available display space while maintaining clarity and preventing clutter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3030989B1Providing information in association with a search field
Publication Date: 2020.06.17 GOOGLE LLC
  • EP3030989B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3030989B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3030989B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A system and machine-implemented method for providing information in association with a search field are provided. Input is received from a user via a search field of an application, the input including at least partial entry of a search term. First information and second information are obtained in response to receiving the user input. The first information corresponds to contextual data for at least one of the user or the at least partial entry of the search term, and the second information corresponds to one or more search term predictions for the at least partial entry of the search term. The first information and the second information are displayed within the application, in association with the search field.