Unified Search System for Multi-App Result Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current search applications require users to enter multiple search elements and key information across different applications, leading to inefficient information retrieval as users must manually combine search results from separate applications.
Innovation Solution
An information search method and apparatus that automatically receives search information, identifies relevant search elements and key information, and sends this information to corresponding search applications, combining results to provide a unified output, using preset rules such as pre-acquired tables, historical user data, and application rankings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If users use multiple separate search applications for different search elements, then each application can provide specialized search results, but users must manually combine results from multiple applications which reduces search efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate search applications into a unified search system. The method receives search information, automatically identifies multiple search elements (such as lodging, catering, weather, vehicles), and sends requests to corresponding search applications simultaneously. The results from all applications are then automatically combined and presented to the user in a unified manner, eliminating the need for manual result combination while maintaining the specialized search capabilities of individual applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The search system is designed with multi-functionality to handle various types of search elements within a single interface. The system can identify and process different search elements (lodging, catering, weather, vehicles, etc.) and coordinate multiple search applications to provide comprehensive results for complex search scenarios, making the system versatile for different search needs without requiring separate applications.
2Reliability
If users manually enter key information in multiple search applications, then comprehensive search coverage is achieved, but the complexity of the search process increases and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically identifying all necessary search elements and preparing search requests before actually executing the searches. When the system receives search information, it proactively analyzes the input to determine which search elements are relevant (lodging, catering, weather, vehicles) and automatically generates and sends requests to the appropriate search applications, eliminating the need for users to manually input information for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system acts as an intermediary between the user and multiple search applications. It receives the user's search information, automatically identifies the required search elements, coordinates the distribution of search requests to appropriate applications, and consolidates the results. This intermediary role ensures comprehensive search coverage while saving user time by automating the information entry and result combination processes.
3Productivity
If a unified search system automatically combines results from multiple applications, then search efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The unified search system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a search information receiving module, a search element identification module that automatically determines which elements (lodging, catering, weather, vehicles) are relevant, a request distribution module that sends queries to appropriate search applications, and a result combination module that consolidates outputs. This segmentation manages system complexity by organizing functions into separate, manageable components while maintaining high search efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An information search method and apparatus includes receiving search information entered by a user, acquiring, according to the search information, at least one search element and at least one piece of key information associated with each search element, sending the at least one piece of key information associated with each search element, to at least one search application corresponding to the search element such that the at least one search application performs a search according to the at least one piece of key information associated with the search element, and receiving search results returned by the at least one search application, and outputting the search results.