Text Input Query Interpolation via Delimiter Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in completing text entry tasks in computer applications, such as instant messaging, when additional information is required, as they need to recall or search for data externally and then manually paste results back into the text input field, which is inefficient and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

Implementing textual delimiters in computer text input to signal queries, allowing the system to interpret and perform searches, and interpolate query results directly into the text input field without the user leaving the application, using computer-executable instructions and data processing to replace the query portion with the results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If the user performs a separate search to obtain additional information, then the user can access required data, but the user must leave the text-input field and application, resulting in loss of time and disruption of workflow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to required informationVSAvoidtime to leave and return to application

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the search function with the text-input field by allowing the user to type a search query directly in the text-input field. The system then performs the search and interpolates the results back into the same field, merging two previously separate operations (searching and text entry) into a single integrated workflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary process that detects when text in the input field is a search query, performs the search externally, and then interpolates the results back into the text-input field. This intermediary mechanism enables seamless integration of search results without requiring the user to leave the application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If the user manually copies and pastes search results into the text-input field, then the information can be inserted, but the process becomes time-consuming and reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion of search resultsVSAvoidefficiency of text entry

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by automatically performing the search and interpolation operations without requiring manual user intervention. Once the user types a query in the text-input field, the system automatically detects it as a search request, performs the search, and inserts the results back into the field, eliminating the need for manual copying and pasting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting the search query in the text-input field and executing the search before the user would normally need to manually copy results. This preliminary automatic execution of search and interpolation streamlines the workflow and improves productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the system performs automatic search and interpolation, then user efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser efficiency in text entryVSAvoidsystem complexity for query interpretation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of text input by introducing a special delimiter character that distinguishes search queries from regular text input. This parameter change allows the system to automatically recognize when to perform a search without requiring complex analysis of every input string, thereby managing system complexity while improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10776440B2Query interpolation in computer text input

Publication Date: 2020.09.15 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Techniques are described for interpreting selected portions of a user's computer text input as a query for data, performing a web search responsive to the query to generate query results, and interpolating the query results into the existing text input without the user having to leave the application in which the text input was entered. For example, textual delimiters may be defined for use by a given application that—when inserted into a text box—signal a query that the user wishes to have performed. For example, the delimiters and the associated text may be used to trigger a given query, and once the query has been performed, the delimiters and associated text may be replaced by the query results without the user ever having to leave the program or make a separate entry outside the text box in which the user is working when the query is generated.