Unified Search Interface for Multi-Provider Mini-Apps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies struggle to efficiently provide users with relevant search results from multiple service providers based on their intent, often requiring users to navigate through multiple websites and install separate apps.
Innovation Solution
The system uses intent libraries to match search queries with relevant intents, identifying and ranking mini-apps from various service providers. These mini-apps are provided within a single user interface, allowing users to interact with them without installing separate apps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users access services from multiple service providers through traditional methods, then they can access diverse services, but they must navigate through multiple websites and install separate apps which increases complexity and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple service provider interfaces into a single unified search results page. Different service providers' mini-apps are integrated and displayed together in one interface, allowing users to access services from multiple providers without navigating to separate websites or installing multiple apps. This merging approach maintains service diversity while reducing the number of separate access points.
Solution Approach 2:
The search results page is designed as a universal interface that can display and interact with mini-apps from multiple different service providers simultaneously. This multi-functional platform handles diverse service types (flight booking, hotel reservation, etc.) within a single interface, eliminating the need for provider-specific applications and simplifying user access.
2Ease of operation
If users install separate apps for each service provider, then they can access specialized functionalities, but it requires time and resources for installation and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements lightweight copies of service provider applications called mini-apps that run within the search results page. These mini-apps replicate the essential functionalities of full applications without requiring installation. Users can access specialized services through these embedded copies, eliminating the time and resources needed for downloading, installing, and updating separate applications.
Solution Approach 2:
Mini-apps are nested within the search results page interface. Each service provider's functionality is contained as a self-contained mini-app module that fits within the larger search results environment. This nesting allows users to access specialized functionalities without leaving the main interface or installing separate applications, saving time and resources.
3Loss of information
If the search results page displays all mini-apps in expanded state, then users can see all functionalities, but it consumes excessive screen space and reduces visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The search results page segments mini-apps into collapsible and expandable sections. By default, mini-apps are displayed in a compact form that conserves screen space. Users can selectively expand individual mini-apps to view their full functionalities and details. This segmentation allows the interface to maintain visibility of all available services while efficiently managing screen real estate through dynamic show/hide behavior.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described that include determining an intent from an intent library that matches a received query, identifying, based on the intent, at least one mini-app from a first provider and at least one mini-app from a second provider, ranking the identified mini-apps, and triggering rendering of search results, the search results including at least a first ranked mini-app in an expanded state and the remaining ranked mini-apps in a collapsed state.