Topic-Based Search Guidance via Segmented Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in formulating search queries that yield relevant results, especially for unpopular topics, as existing search engines often suggest popular queries that produce similar results, failing to assist in finding content related to diverse subjects.
Innovation Solution
The system provides topical search suggestions and feedback by generating multiple topics based on user input, using natural language analysis of search result metadata, including URL, title, and summary text, to allow users to select topics instead of completing queries, and presents auto-complete query suggestions to aid in refining search queries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If search engines suggest popular queries based on previous queries, then users can easily find commonly searched content, but users cannot find content related to unpopular or diverse topics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the search process into two distinct phases: first presenting topic selections (broad categories) before presenting query suggestions (specific searches). This segmentation allows users to first choose the domain or subject area they are interested in, and then receive query suggestions tailored to that specific topic, thereby maintaining ease of operation while improving topic diversity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by presenting topic selections to users before generating query suggestions. Instead of immediately showing popular queries, the system first requires users to select a topic area, and only then generates query suggestions relevant to that selected topic. This preliminary topic selection ensures that subsequent query suggestions are diverse and relevant to the user's specific interest area
2Productivity
If search engines present popular queries, then query submission is simplified, but search results become similar and lack diversity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the search interface into distinct sections: a topic selection area that presents broad subject categories, and a query suggestion area that presents specific search queries. This segmentation ensures that users first establish the scope of their search through topic selection, and then receive productivity-enhancing query suggestions that are diverse and relevant to that specific topic area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the search interface by introducing topic selections as a separate layer before query suggestions. Instead of presenting only queries in a single dimension, the system creates a two-dimensional structure where users first select from multiple topic dimensions, and then receive query suggestions within that selected dimension, thereby preserving information diversity while maintaining search efficiency
3Measurement precision
If users must formulate complete queries, then search precision is improved, but user effort and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having users select topics before formulating complete queries. The topic selection serves as a preliminary step that establishes the search scope and context, after which the system provides auto-complete and query suggestions that are already tailored to the selected topic. This reduces the time and effort users need to invest in query formulation while maintaining search precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces topic selections as an intermediary between the user's search intent and the final query formulation. Instead of users directly jumping to query writing, the topic selection acts as an intermediate step that provides context and guidance, enabling users to formulate more precise queries faster by leveraging the pre-established topic context and associated query suggestions
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for providing topical search suggestions are provided. Topical search suggestions allow a user to receive search results related to the designated topic or subject matter. The present invention may generate multiple topics based on search input provided by a user. The search input may be a search prefix that includes one or more words entered into the search query box before the completed search query is submitted to the search engine. A search interface then presents the topics derived from the search prefix to a user before the user submits the query. In another embodiment, the user designates multiple search inputs. The present invention generates search results based on the search inputs and then presents topics extracted from the search results. In one embodiment, the topics are extracted by performing a natural language analysis of search result metadata.