Spatial Keyword Arrangement for Intuitive Search Logic

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users with limited search experience face difficulties in setting appropriate search conditions, leading to broad and imprecise search results due to the need for using search operators, which can be time-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A user interface device and method that allows users to change search conditions by rearranging objects on a screen, where the search results are dynamically adjusted based on the distance and arrangement of these objects, enabling intuitive switching between AND and OR searches, and filtering results by relevance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users input simple keywords without search operators, then ease of operation is improved, but search precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidsearch precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs AND/OR search operations based on the spatial arrangement of keywords on the search screen, without requiring users to manually input search operators. The search condition generation unit detects the relative positions of keyword objects and autonomously determines the appropriate logical operation, making the system self-serve the search logic generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical input of search operators (typing AND/OR) with a graphical interface mechanism where users simply arrange keyword objects spatially. The detection unit monitors the spatial relationships and automatically converts them into appropriate search conditions, substituting manual operator input with automated spatial interpretation.

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

2Measurement precision

If users use search operators for precise searching, then search precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesearch precisionVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically generates search conditions with appropriate AND/OR operators based on the spatial arrangement of keywords, eliminating the need for users to manually determine and input search operators. The search condition generation unit performs this function autonomously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the complex mechanical process of selecting and typing search operators with a simple drag-and-drop spatial arrangement interface. Users only need to position keywords relative to each other, and the system automatically interprets this spatial configuration into appropriate search logic.

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

3Measurement precision

If the system provides detailed search operator options, then search precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesearch precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the complex search operator selection process from the user interface and relocates it to the backend search condition generation unit. The interface only displays simple keyword objects that users can arrange spatially, while the complex logic of determining AND/OR operations is handled automatically by the detection and generation units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the need for complex search operator interfaces with an automated spatial detection mechanism. Instead of providing users with multiple search operator options to choose from, the system automatically determines the appropriate operators based on the spatial relationships between keywords.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2897058B1User inteface device, search method, and program
Publication Date: 2019.11.20 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • EP2897058B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2897058B1 patent drawingFigure 5
  • EP2897058B1 patent drawingFigure 6(a)~7

AI summary

A user interface device includes: a first display controller that displays a first object corresponding to a first subject and a second object corresponding to a second subject; a detection unit that detects an input instructing a change of an arrangement of the first and second objects; and a second display controller that displays a result of a search relating to the first and second subjects in response to an instruction detected by the detection unit, the result depending on the change of the arrangement.