Unified Web Browsing and Search Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties switching between search and browsing paradigms on the web, often losing their search or browse location when transitioning between the two, leading to an inefficient information retrieval experience.
Innovation Solution
A system that identifies context information to generate a set of query terms based on the current and previous web pages, displaying them as part of the user interface, allowing users to select and search while browsing, with search results shown concurrently with the web page in a preview mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If users switch between search and browsing paradigms to find relevant information, then information retrieval capability is improved, but user convenience and time efficiency deteriorate due to losing search or browse location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the search paradigm and browsing paradigm into a unified interface where both functionalities coexist. The search box is integrated directly into the browsing window, allowing users to perform searches without leaving the browsing context. This merging eliminates the need to switch between separate search and browsing applications or modes, thereby maintaining both search and browse locations simultaneously while improving user convenience and information retrieval efficiency
2Adaptability or versatility
If users switch between search and browsing paradigms, then comprehensive information search is improved, but time efficiency deteriorates due to repeated switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous useful action by allowing users to perform searches directly within the browsing context without interruption. The integrated search box allows users to enter search queries while viewing web pages, and results are displayed within the same browsing window. This continuity eliminates the time loss associated with switching between separate search and browsing modes, while maintaining comprehensive search capability through the unified interface
Data Source
AI summary
Context information for a user of a device is identified and is used to identify a set of keywords based at least in part on a current Web page being displayed and one or more previous Web pages displayed for the user. The set of keywords and/or information regarding previous searches are used to identify a set of query terms. The set of query terms are displayed as part of a user interface. Additionally, a user selection of a search preview option can be received while displaying a Web page. In response to receiving the user selection of the search preview option, a user-entered query term is sent to a search engine. Search results based on the query term are received from the search engine, and both the search results and the Web page are displayed concurrently in a same window.