Search-Sort Toggle Interface for Mobile Data Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for information access and retrieval, particularly in mobile computing, face challenges in efficiently switching between search and sort operations on small display screens, leading to loss of context and inefficient data navigation.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows users to toggle between search and sort controls simultaneously with search results displayed, enabling users to specify criteria for sorting or searching data without navigating away from previous results, using a graphical user interface with a search/sort toggle button.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a user performs a search and then refines the search by selecting advanced-search options, then the search results can be refined, but the user must navigate away from previously generated search results and loses context
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges search controls and sort controls into a single integrated interface. The search control includes both search criteria input and sort criteria selection, allowing users to perform searches and refine results without navigating away. The search results display area remains visible throughout, maintaining context while enabling refinement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The search control serves multiple functions: it accepts search criteria input, provides sort criteria selection, and maintains search results display. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate advanced search pages and preserves search context during refinement operations.
2Productivity
If a user scours large lists of returned search results on small display screens, then the user can find desired data, but the process becomes particularly problematic and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary sorting actions to organize search results before the user needs to access them. Users can pre-select sort criteria (such as date, relevance, or category) to automatically order results in a meaningful sequence, reducing the time needed to scan through large result sets on small screens.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface provides dynamic control over result display through toggle buttons that allow users to switch between different view modes and sort criteria. This dynamic adjustment enables users to optimize the display according to their immediate needs, improving accessibility on small screens.
3Ease of operation
If conventional systems provide separate search and sort controls, then each function can be optimized, but screen real estate is reduced and users cannot easily switch between operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines search controls and sort controls into a single integrated control panel. The search control incorporates both search criteria input fields and sort criteria selection elements, allowing users to switch between search and sort operations within the same interface area. Toggle buttons enable easy switching between display modes without requiring additional screen space.
4Measurement precision
If a user performs another search with additional criteria to refine results, then the desired data can be found, but the user may forget what the search results were when deciding how to sort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the search results display with the control interface, ensuring that results remain visible and accessible throughout the refinement process. The integrated design allows users to see both the current search results and the available refinement options simultaneously, preventing loss of context during multi-step search operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system for facilitating accessing or retrieving desired data via use of graphically displayed search/sort toggle functionality. The method includes providing a first user option to toggle between display of a search control and a sort control. Search results are displayed in response to user input provided via the search control. Default search results may be initially displayed. A portion of the search results may be displayed simultaneously with one or more controls associated with the first user option.