Superposed Search Overlay on Terminal User Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing human-machine interaction methods for searching and displaying information on terminals are inefficient, requiring a tedious six-step process that hampers user interaction efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that allows for direct display of search results on the terminal's user interface by selecting an interface element, sending the content information to a server for processing, and displaying the results in a superposed manner on the interface, reducing the number of steps and enhancing interaction efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the user follows the traditional six-step searching process (press-and-hold, copy, quit application, open browser, open search website, paste and search), then the search function is reliable and works across different applications, but the operation flow becomes extremely tedious and human-machine interaction efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the searching function directly into the user interface of the application program by displaying a search bar overlaying the current interface. When the user performs a press-and-hold operation on text, the system extracts the text and automatically displays search results without requiring the user to switch to a browser or manually paste the text. This combines multiple discrete operations (copy, open browser, paste, search) into a single integrated action, reducing the number of steps from six to three while maintaining search functionality across applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary search bar component that acts as a mediator between the application's text content and the search engine. The search bar captures the pressed text, sends it to a search engine for processing, and displays results directly on the application interface. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the need for manual copying and pasting operations, streamlining the workflow while preserving the ability to search across different applications
2Productivity
If the user quits the application program to use a browser for searching, then the search can be performed using a dedicated search tool, but the operation time increases and interaction efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning the search bar within the application interface and pre-establishing the connection to the search engine. When the user presses and holds text, the system has already prepared the search infrastructure, allowing immediate text extraction and search execution. This eliminates the time-consuming steps of opening a browser and navigating to a search website, reducing the search process from multiple sequential operations to a single streamlined action
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the user to skip intermediate steps (opening browser, navigating to search site, manual pasting) by implementing a direct search pathway. The search bar overlay and automatic text extraction allow the user to rush through the traditional multi-step process by performing only the essential actions: press-and-hold on text, and the system automatically completes the remaining steps including sending the query and displaying results
3Ease of operation
If the search results are displayed in a separate browser window, then the search functionality is isolated and manageable, but the user must switch between applications reducing interaction efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the search results display directly into the application's user interface by overlaying the search bar and results on top of the current interface. This integration allows the user to access search results without leaving the application context, eliminating the need to switch between the application and a browser window. The search functionality is combined with the application's existing interface elements, creating a unified interaction experience
4Productivity
If the system requires manual copying and pasting of text for searching, then the user has control over the text selection process, but the number of operations increases making the process tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where the system automatically performs text extraction, search query formulation, and result display without requiring manual copying and pasting. When the user presses and holds text, the system automatically extracts the selected text, sends it to the search engine, and displays results. This self-service mechanism eliminates three manual operations (copy, switch application, paste) while preserving user control over the initial text selection through the press-and-hold gesture
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
Figure 3C
AI summary
An information display method and an information display device are provided in the field of human-machine interface. The method may be implemented in a terminal (120) installed with an operating system and an application program. The method includes displaying a user interface (21, 131) of the application program, the user interface (21, 131) includes at least one interface element; receiving a first selecting operation triggered on the user interface (21, 131); selecting a target interface element (22) from the at least one interface element according to the first selecting operation; and displaying searching result information (23) in a superposed manner on a local region of the user interface (21, 131) by the operating system, the searching result information (23) is corresponding to the target interface element (22).