Unified Search Data File Aggregation Across Sandboxed Apps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices lack an efficient method to search and aggregate data from third-party applications and services in a unified manner, limiting user access and integration of search results across different data sources.
Innovation Solution
A processor-implemented method and electronic device configuration that receives a search query, identifies and searches a search data file prepared by third-party applications using predetermined format rules, and generates a unified display of search results from both the search data file and other sources, including services, while respecting access privileges and using sandboxing for security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data is stored in third-party applications, then data functionality and application-specific features are improved, but data accessibility and searchability across applications deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a search data file as an intermediary component that sits between third-party applications and the search application. This file contains searchable data extracted from application data structures, allowing the search application to access and search data without requiring the third-party application to be running or modified. The intermediary resolves the contradiction by enabling cross-application data accessibility while preserving application-specific data organization and functionality.
2Productivity
If search data files are pre-prepared by third-party applications, then search speed and efficiency are improved, but system complexity and integration requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes universal format rules that define a standardized structure for search data files. These rules specify required fields (searchable data, associated information, metadata) and formatting conventions that all third-party applications must follow. This universal standard enables the search application to process search data from any application using the same parsing and search logic, reducing system complexity despite the added functionality of pre-prepared search data files.
3Reliability
If sandboxing is used for security, then data security and isolation are improved, but data aggregation and unified searching worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts searchable data from application data structures and stores it in separate search data files that are accessible to the search application. By taking out only the necessary searchable portions of data and storing them in a standardized format, the system enables unified searching across sandboxed applications without compromising security. The extraction approach allows the search application to access aggregated data while third-party applications maintain their sandboxed isolation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for searching are described. In one aspect, the method includes: receiving a search query; identifying a search data file associated with a third party application, the search data file being prepared according to predetermined format rules by the third party application, and stored, prior to receiving the search query; searching, at least a portion of the search data file using the search query to identify information that matches the search query; using the predetermined format rules to identify associated information in the search data file, the associated information being related to the information that matches the search query; obtaining search results from at least one other source; and generating a display of search results based on both the information matching the search query and the associated information, the display including the search results from the at least one other source.