Unified App Search Interface for Low-Burden Result Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional search methods on multifunction devices with touch-sensitive surfaces are cumbersome, inefficient, and place a significant cognitive burden on users, particularly in battery-operated devices, as they require separate searches for each application and often do not provide seamless access to application results or easy return to search lists.
Innovation Solution
A method and device with a touch-sensitive surface and display that allows concurrent display of application launch icons, integrated search input, and simultaneous access to multiple applications, enabling users to switch between search results and applications with minimal inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate search functions are used for each application, then search functionality is provided, but user cognitive burden increases and operation becomes tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal search interface that can search across multiple applications simultaneously. The search box accepts queries and returns results from different applications (contacts, calendar, notes, etc.) in a unified view, eliminating the need for users to perform separate searches for each application and reducing cognitive burden.
2Productivity
If conventional search methods are used, then search results are obtained, but time consumption increases and energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary indexing and categorization of information across applications, maintaining a unified search index that allows instant querying. When a user enters a search query, the system can immediately retrieve relevant results from multiple applications without requiring sequential searches, significantly reducing time consumption.
3Ease of operation
If full access to application is provided after search result selection, then information access is improved, but ability to return to search results is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic interface where selecting a search result opens the related application or information view, but the search results remain accessible through a persistent 'Back to Search Results' button or by swiping/gesturing. This allows users to seamlessly transition between viewing detailed information and browsing search results, maintaining both deep access and navigational flexibility.
4Quantity of substance
If multiple applications are accessed sequentially, then comprehensive information is obtained, but operation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple application search results into a single unified search results interface. Users can search for information across contacts, calendar events, notes, and other applications simultaneously, and the results are consolidated in one view with clear indicators showing which application each result comes from. This allows comprehensive information retrieval in a single operation rather than requiring sequential searches through multiple applications.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a multifunction device with a touch screen display and a plurality of applications concurrently displays a first plurality of application launch icons in a first area of the touch screen display, detects a first input by a user, and in response to detecting the first input by the user, displays a search input area on the touch screen display. In some embodiments, the device receives search input from the user, performs a search using the search input, and displays a plurality of search results from the search. In some embodiments, the device detects user selection of a first search result in the plurality of search results, and displays information corresponding to the first search result in the corresponding first application. In some embodiments, in response input from the user, the device returns to the search results and repeats this process for one or more applications.