Semantic File Search With Direct Information Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information retrieval methods on electronic devices, such as mobile phones and tablets, are cumbersome and inefficient, requiring multiple operations to locate and extract desired information, leading to poor user experience.

Innovation Solution

An information search method that allows users to input a query, and the electronic device extracts and displays relevant information along with function controls directly on a search result page, simplifying the process by integrating local and cloud-based file searches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If users perform multiple operations to search and open files manually, then information can be found, but the operation process becomes cumbersome and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation retrieval efficiencyVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts key information (such as contact details, addresses, bank card information) from files and displays it directly in the search results page. This allows users to obtain needed information without opening the original files, thereby improving retrieval efficiency and simplifying operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the user and the file system. Instead of requiring users to directly navigate and open files, the system provides a search interface that mediates by extracting and presenting relevant information directly, reducing the number of operations needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If users manually open files and extract information, then accurate information can be obtained, but the process is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation accuracyVSAvoidtime for information extraction
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary extraction of information from files during the search process itself. By pre-processing the file content to extract relevant information before the user needs it, the system saves time while maintaining accuracy, as the extraction is done automatically based on search queries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the search system provides detailed function controls for extracted information, then user convenience is improved, but the interface complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing different levels of detail and function controls based on the type of information extracted. For example, contact information may show dial and copy controls, while address information shows navigation controls. This targeted approach provides convenience where needed without unnecessarily complicating the entire interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4693062A1Information search method, related apparatuses, and communication system
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4693062A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4693062A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4693062A1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

This application provides an information search method, a related apparatus, and a communication system. An electronic device may find a related file based on semantics of a query statement, extract, from the related file, information to be searched for by the query statement, and provide the information for a user, so that the user can directly obtain, by performing a search operation, information that the user wants to search for. The electronic device may further provide a function control configured to use the foregoing found information, to help the user quickly use the found information. The foregoing method simplifies operations of searching for and obtaining information by the user, and improves efficiency of obtaining information by the user.