News Google patent seeks enhanced search features

Searches on Google may become more helpful with the addition of additional filters - if a pending patent application is granted. Google filed for a patent last Jan. 12 for a "unified search interface" before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. "A search engine user interface that provides user-selectable search modes allows users to conduct mode-specific searching on a general purpose search engine. Search modes, which correspond to specific subjects, are automatically suggested to the user based on the search query provided, without requiring the user to know and select the appropriate search mode before providing the search query," it said in its patent application. It added providing mode-specific user interface elements in the search engine user interface allows users to constrain and affect the presentation (layout, sorting, grouping) of search results relevant to a selected search mode. "Relevant results can be identified by users more quickly and without users having to directly edit the original search query," it said. A separate article on TheNextWeb said the patent could see Google integrate special "vertical" searches into its interface, with specific modes such as for jobs, recipes and restaurants. "While Google currently offers specific search features for things like news and (in some countries) recipes, under the Unified Search Interface patent, these would be brought together into the main search results page, with the user able to switch between specific, filtered searches via a drop-down menu," it said. It said this would allow Google to add additional search features helpful to a particular kind of query. For example, a job search could feature table or map views to make hunting a suitable job easier, along with the ability to search via vacancy posting date and distance. On the other hand, TheNextWeb also noted the US patent was applied for last January 12, and published on August 30. It also listed the inventor as Dustin Boswell, who it said left Google two years ago. TheNextWeb said Boswell had indicated Google sat on this for two years before seeking to protect it. "As with any patent, there’s no guarantee that this will ever make its way into a real product," it added. — TJD, GMA News