Unified Search System for Multi-Source Data Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for searching multiple data sources are time-consuming and inefficient, requiring users to manually cross-reference results from one data source with others, such as vehicle auction, history, and pricing guides, to gather a complete picture.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that dynamically assembles and transmits search parameters from a local data source and associated third-party sources to a client device, allowing users to search multiple databases through a unified interface, thereby streamlining the search process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If users manually cross-reference search results from multiple data sources, then complete information can be obtained, but the search process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple data sources (local auction data source and third-party data sources) into a unified search system. The host system automatically assembles and transmits search parameters to multiple data sources simultaneously, merging their results into a comprehensive view without requiring manual cross-referencing by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically determining which third-party data sources are associated with the user account before the search is executed. Search parameters are pre-assembled and ready to be transmitted to multiple data sources simultaneously, eliminating the need for users to manually prepare and cross-reference results from each source sequentially.
2Loss of information
If users search multiple data sources separately, then comprehensive results are achieved, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The host system serves multiple functions: it manages user accounts, determines associated third-party data sources, assembles search parameters for multiple sources, transmits parameters to all sources, and aggregates results. This multi-functional system simplifies the user experience by providing a unified interface for searching across multiple data sources that would otherwise require separate search processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The host system acts as an intermediary between the user and multiple data sources. It handles the complexity of interacting with various third-party data sources by automatically determining associations, assembling parameters, and managing communications, thereby shielding the user from the underlying complexity while still achieving comprehensive search results.
3Loss of information
If users subscribe to multiple data sources, then more information is available, but the effort required to research increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining which third-party data sources are associated with the user account based on their subscriptions. The host system autonomously assembles search parameters and manages communications with multiple data sources without requiring the user to manually configure or coordinate searches across subscribed sources, thereby maintaining information availability while significantly reducing research effort.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method for searching data in a plurality of data sources is described. At a host system, a request to search a local data source is received. The request is associated with a user account of the local data source. The request is processed to determine one or more third party data sources associated with the user account. Local search parameters associated with the local data source and third party search parameters associated with the one or more third party data sources are dynamically assembled. The local search parameters and the third party search parameters are transmitted to a client device for display. A host system comprising a processor and memory storing instructions for implementing the method is also described.