Search Application Range Programming for Enterprise Navigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity of consolidated enterprise systems leads to cumbersome navigation and decreased productivity for administrators, as they face difficulties in accessing and managing various features and applications due to deep, multi-tier navigation menus, resulting in increased time and costs.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for in-context searching and launching of target applications, where data from target applications is communicated to a search application, allowing users to input search queries that directly launch relevant applications without navigating through menus, using a search registrar to map actions and objects, and providing features like range programming and macro execution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If consolidated enterprise systems are implemented to unify and integrate services, then system integration and resource consolidation are improved, but navigation complexity and accessibility of common features deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem integrationVSAvoidnavigation accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the navigation system into multiple levels: a simplified portal level for common tasks and a detailed application level for specific functions. This allows administrators to access frequently used features through simple icons or shortcuts without navigating through deep menu structures, while still providing access to the full consolidated system functionality when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer (portal, dashboard, or launchpad) between the user and the consolidated enterprise applications. This intermediary provides simplified access points, search functionality, and direct links to common tasks, mediating between the user's need for simplicity and the system's consolidated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If multi-tier navigation menus are used to organize consolidated services, then system organization and comprehensiveness are improved, but time to access features and productivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem organizationVSAvoidfeature access time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-organizing access to frequently used features through bookmarks, shortcuts, and customized dashboards. Administrators can configure their personal workspaces with direct access to commonly accessed applications and functions, eliminating the need to navigate through multi-tier menus for routine tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical navigation through menu hierarchies with alternative access mechanisms such as search functionality, direct hyperlinks, and graphical interface elements. Instead of requiring sequential menu selections, administrators can directly search for or click on application icons, significantly reducing access time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If comprehensive multi-tier menus are implemented to include all features, then system completeness is improved, but operational simplicity and cost-effectiveness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem completenessVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing different levels of interface complexity for different user needs and contexts. The portal level offers simplified access for common tasks, while the full application interfaces remain available for comprehensive functionality. This allows each user to operate at the appropriate level of detail for their specific task, improving overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2474908B1Range operations
Publication Date: 2020.02.26 MITEL CORP
  • EP2474908B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2474908B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2474908B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems and methods for range programming using a search query are disclosed. A method for range programming using a search query includes determining whether the search query comprises a range operation and identifying a target application to launch using a search application which is separate from the target application and based on the search query. A range of results to process with the target application can be identified using the search application and based on the search query. The results can be separately within the range in the context of the target application.