State-Dependent Query Response for Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile computing devices struggle to provide an optimal user experience in terms of visual and auditory output, particularly when users need information presented without visual distraction, such as while driving or in noisy environments.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for performing state-dependent query response, where a mobile computing device determines its state based on proximity sensors, external speakers, and docks, and selectively outputs search results visually or audibly, or both, to provide the most appropriate response format based on the device's state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If search results are provided visually on the display device, then information completeness is improved, but user safety deteriorates when visual attention is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between visual and audible output modes based on the detected device state. When the proximity sensor detects that the device is near the user's ear or when external audio equipment is connected, the system transitions from visual-only output to audible output, allowing users to safely consume information without visual distraction while maintaining information completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the output parameter from visual to audible based on device state conditions. By detecting whether the device is in a state suitable for audible output (proximity to ear, external speaker connection), the system adjusts the information delivery channel to match the user's current context, resolving the contradiction between information completeness and safety.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If search results are provided audibly, then user safety is improved in situations with visual demands, but information completeness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the output mode to the device state, switching between visual and audible channels. When audible output is appropriate (device near ear or external audio connected), the system provides information audibly to ensure user safety while accepting that information completeness may be reduced compared to visual display.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different output qualities to different information types or contexts. By selecting audible output for specific device states, the system optimizes for safety in those local conditions while potentially sacrificing some information completeness, which can be recovered if the user switches to visual mode when appropriate.
3Loss of information
If the system provides both visual and audible output, then information completeness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic state detection through proximity sensors and external device connections to automatically determine the appropriate output mode. This dynamic approach eliminates the need for complex user interfaces or manual configuration, reducing the effective complexity while enabling both visual and audible output capabilities to be utilized appropriately.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects its own state (through proximity sensors and external device connections) and self-adjusts the output mode without user intervention. This self-service mechanism simplifies the user experience and reduces the complexity of manual configuration while enabling comprehensive information delivery through both visual and audible channels when needed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the system detects device state to determine output mode, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a multi-functional approach to state detection, utilizing both proximity sensors and external device connection detection to determine the appropriate output mode. This universal detection strategy increases adaptability by considering multiple conditions while relying on well-established sensor technologies that provide sufficient precision for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameters based on the type of state being measured, using proximity detection for one aspect and connection detection for another. This parameter-based approach enables versatile adaptability while maintaining reasonable precision requirements by matching the detection method to the specific state being measured.
Data Source
AI summary
In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for receiving user input that defines a search query, and providing the search query to a server system. Information that a search engine system determined was responsive to the search query is received at a computing device. The computing device is identified as in a first state, and a first output mode for audibly outputting at least a portion of the information is selected. The first output mode is selected from a collection of the first output mode and a second output mode. The second output mode is selected in response to the computing device being in a second state and is for visually outputting at least the portion of the information and not audibly outputting the at least portion of the information. At least the portion of information is audibly output.