HK1172118A - Mechanism for adding content from a search to a document or message - Google Patents

Description

Mechanism for adding content from a search to a document or message

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No.61/255,807 entitled "MECHANISM FOR ADDING CONTENT FROM A SEARCH TO ADOCUMENT OR MESSAGE" (attorney docket No. yah1p230p), filed by Marashi et al on 28.10.2009, and U.S. patent application No.12/829,159 entitled "MECHANISM FOR ADDING CONTENT FROM A SEARCH TO ADOCUMENT OR MESSAGE" (attorney docket No. yah1p230), filed by Marashi et al on 1.7.2010, which are incorporated by reference in this specification for all purposes.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to computer-implemented searches and the writing of documents or messages using search results.

Background

Users of the world wide web are familiar with the various services available on the network for locating content of interest. A large number of entities provide search engines and many web sites have search capabilities embedded within them. For example, many websites provide search applications that enable users to search for the content of the website.

Unfortunately, many users find performing searches often a time consuming and tedious process. Furthermore, the user typically must repeatedly switch contexts to incorporate search results into the user's work product.

Disclosure of Invention

Methods and apparatus for adding content from a search to a document or message (e.g., an email message) are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a graphical user interface may be provided, where the graphical user interface includes an input portion and a template for generating a document or message. A query including one or more search terms (search term) may be received via an input portion of a graphical user interface. Search results associated with the query may be obtained. Search results associated with the query may be provided. A user selection may be received, wherein the user selection selects at least a portion of the search results. Hypertext links or content from the search results may be added to documents or messages generated via (or being generated by) the template, where the hypertext links or content from the search results are added to the documents or messages in response to a user selection.

According to another embodiment, the invention relates to an apparatus comprising a processor, a memory, and a display. The processor and the memory are configured to perform one or more of the above-described method operations. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon computer program instructions configured to perform one or more of the above-described method operations.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in more detail in the following specification of the invention and the accompanying drawings, which illustrate by way of example the principles of the invention.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example system in which various embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary graphical user interface via which a search query may be submitted, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary graphical user interface shown in FIG. 2 via which search results may be presented after a search query is executed.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the exemplary graphical user interface shown in FIG. 3 after selecting content from the search results to be inserted into an email message.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary graphical user interface presenting multiple content types that may be provided by search results.

FIG. 6 is a process flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method of adding content associated with a search query to a document or message in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a simplified diagram of an exemplary network environment in which various embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary computer system in which various embodiments may be implemented.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments of the invention. Examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with these specific embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. The present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process operations have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

The disclosed embodiments are capable of adding content from search results directly to an electronic document or electronic message (e.g., an email message). This can be achieved without requiring a large amount of user input or context switching. By using a provided user interface associated with a template that generates documents or messages, a user expends limited effort and content from search results may be added to documents or messages generated via the template.

In order to describe specific implementations of the disclosed embodiments, the examples set forth herein will be described with reference to the generation of an email message. However, it is important to note that these examples are merely exemplary, and the disclosed embodiments may be applied to adding content from search results to other types of messages or documents. These messages or documents may be generated by a user using various applications or services. Such applications or services may be available via a network, such as the internet (e.g., via a remotely located server), and/or locally (e.g., via a browser and/or memory coupled to the user-operated device).

Various applications or services may be used to generate, modify, and send electronic messages (e.g., email messages) using various message protocols. Examples of electronic messages include mail messages, instant messages, text messages, voice messages, or message announcements. For example, a message may be posted via a social networking site (e.g., Facebook), or may be posted as "tweet" via Twitter. Thus, the message may be a private message for a specific individual or group of individuals. Alternatively, the message may be an open message (e.g., via a blog) for the general public or a large group of individuals.

Similarly, many applications or services may be used to generate documents (e.g., files). Some of these applications can enable a single user to generate or modify a document, while other applications or services can enable multiple users to share (e.g., generate, modify, and/or read) a document. A document may be stored as one or more files. Examples of document generation applications include Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and Blgger.

In recent years, the internet has become a major source of information for millions of users. These users rely on the internet to search for information of interest to them. One conventional way in which users search for information is to initiate a search query through a web page of a search service. In general, a user may enter a query including one or more search terms into an input box on a search page and then begin a search based on the search terms so entered. In response to the query, the web search engine typically returns an ordered list of search result documents.

A document may be defined as a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) that identifies a location where the document may be located. A document may be located on a specific web address, as well as on a particular web page of the web site. For example, a first URL may identify a location of a web page where a document is located, while a second URL may identify a location of a website where a document is located.

Numerous sources of information are accessible via the internet. Accordingly, search results may be obtained via various websites or services. For example, comments exist in various websites on the internet, including e-commerce websites (e.g., amazon.com), dedicated comment websites (e.g., yelp.com), and syndication websites (e.g., nextag.com), as well as blogs, forums, newspapers, and the like. Other websites provide a source of news, video (e.g., movies, television programs, lectures), audio files (e.g., music), maps, routes, and the like.

The user may wish to implement a search associated with another task they are performing. For example, a user may wish to obtain information pertaining to a particular topic to incorporate the information into a document or message that they are generating. Unfortunately, performing a search can be distracting from the task at hand, and can require the user to switch between one application for generating documents or messages and another application through which the search is performed. As a result, obtaining the desired search results for use in a document or message can become a frustrating experience.

The disclosed embodiments enable a user to perform a search and easily add (e.g., insert and/or paste) content identified or provided in the search results to a document or message. The content added to the document or message may include one or more types of content (e.g., links, text, images, video, audio). This may be accomplished via a user interface provided in association with a document or message generation application.

The content added to the document or message may include links to content provided in the search results. For example, the link may be a hypertext link to a website or web page identified in the search results. Further, the content added to the document or message may include audio and/or visual content that is directly or indirectly accessible via hypertext links identified in the search results. Examples of content include, but are not limited to, text (e.g., phone number, address, and/or route), visual images or representations (e.g., maps), audio files, or video (video may include audio content as well as visual content). Examples of videos include television programs, movies, music videos, and information/education videos, as well as videos that are published on the internet via a service (e.g., YouTube).

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary network segment in which various embodiments of the present invention may be implemented. As shown, a plurality of clients 102a, 102b, 102c may access a search application on a search server 106, e.g., via a network 104, and/or a web service on a web server 114, e.g., via a graphical user interface, as will be described in further detail below. The network may take any suitable form, such as a wide area network or the internet, and/or one or more Local Area Networks (LANs). The network 104 may include any suitable number and type of devices (e.g., routers and switches) for forwarding search or network object requests from each client to a search or network application and forwarding search or network results back to the requesting client.

The present invention may also be practiced in a variety of network environments (represented by network 104) including, for example, TCP/IP based networks, communication networks, wireless networks, and the like. Furthermore, the computer program instructions used to implement embodiments of the present invention may be stored in any type of computer-readable medium and executed according to various computing models, including a client/server model, a peer-to-peer model, on stand-alone computing devices, or according to a distributed computing model in which the various functions described herein may be implemented or employed in different locations.

Search applications typically enable a user (human or automated entity) to search for information that is accessible via network 104 and that is relevant to a search query that includes one or more search terms. The search term may be entered by the user in any manner. For example, a graphical user interface (e.g., one described in further detail below) may present input features to a customer (e.g., on a customer's device) so the customer may enter a query that includes one or more search terms. In particular embodiments, a graphical user interface presents an input box in which a user may type a query that includes any number of search terms. In particular, the graphical user interface may provide an interface for generating documents or messages, and an interface that operates to receive search queries and/or provide search results associated with the search queries. As will be described in further detail below, the search query may then be executed via one or more search applications (e.g., associated with search server 106 and/or web server 114) and/or one or more data sources. Embodiments of the present invention may be employed for any search application. Exemplary search application Yahoo! Search, Google, AltaVista, Ask Jeeves, etc. Although only a single search server 106 is shown for clarity, the search application may be implemented on any number of servers.

The search server 106 (or servers) may have access to one or more query logs 110, with search information retained in the query logs 110. For example, the query logs 110 may be maintained in one or more memories coupled to the search server 106. Each time a user performs a search for one or more search terms, information related to such a search may be retained in query log 110. For example, a user's search request may include any number of parameters (e.g., user or browser identification and search terms) that may be retained in the query log 110. Additional information related to the search (e.g., a timestamp) may also be retained in the query log 110 along with the search request parameters. Parameters from such search results may also be retained in the query log 110 when the results are presented to the user based on the entered search terms. For example, particular search results (e.g., websites), the order in which the search results are presented, whether each search result is a paid search result or an algorithmic search result, the owner of each search result (e.g., website), whether each search result was selected (i.e., clicked on) by the user, if any, and/or a timestamp may also be retained in query log 110.

As will be described in further detail below, upon receiving a search query, search server 106 may identify and present, via a search portion of a graphical user interface, appropriate web pages related to the query. For example, the search server 106 may identify and present a plurality of hypertext links that identify content relevant to the search query, and present a summary or abstract associated with each of the plurality of hypertext links. The available information may be processed and displayed in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention to enable search results to be provided to a user within the confines of a document or message generation application or corresponding user interface. The user may then insert at least a portion of the search results directly into the document or message that the user is generating.

Embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented via the search server (or other server) 106 and/or the clients 102a, 102b, 102 c. For example, various features may be implemented via a web browser and/or application on the client 102a, 102b, 102 c. The disclosed embodiments may be implemented via software and/or hardware.

In the exemplary embodiment described below with reference to fig. 2-6, the graphical user interface enables a user to add content from search results to an email message. The email message may be generated via a template, such as the template shown and described in further detail below. It is important to note, however, that these examples are merely illustrative. Thus, content from search results may be added to other types of messages or documents using templates and/or graphical user interfaces in a similar manner. Further, as will be illustrated with reference to the following examples, various operations (such as those described below) may be initiated by a user with respect to a message or document.

In general, a template (or message interface) may include one or more fields and/or segments (i.e., portions) that indicate information that may be input by a user. Each field or segment may be labeled to indicate the type of information to be entered by the user. Further, each field or segment may conform to mandatory or optional information. Specifically, a document or message cannot be completed without the requisite information. In this manner, the template may define the format of a message (or document) to be generated by a particular message or document generation application.

A graphical user interface may be displayed to enable a user to submit a search query and/or accept search results while generating a message or document, thereby enabling the user to add content associated with the search results to the message (or document). For example, through a graphical user interface, a user may submit a search query, initiate a search associated with the search query, select one or more content types (e.g., categories) that the search results will provide (e.g., display), scroll through the search results, and/or select content from the search results to be added to an email message. Further, the user may also initiate, defer, and/or terminate various operations associated with the email message that may be performed via the graphical user interface and/or the template. The graphical user interface and/or template may include graphics, such as one or more icons, pictures, tabs, buttons, panes, and/or menus. A user may interact with the graphical user interface via an input device, such as a keyboard and/or mouse.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary graphical user interface via which a search query may be submitted, in accordance with various embodiments. The disclosed embodiments may connect to or access an electronic messaging or document application, such as an email application. As shown in this example, the graphical user interface may include a template 202 (or composition page), via which the email message may be generated 202. More specifically, the template 202 may be generated and provided via a document or message generation application.

The template 202 may include one or more fields and/or segments. As shown in this example, the template 202 may include a "From" field 204, a "To" field 206, and/or a "Subject" field 208, and a message portion 210. The "From" field 204 may be a mandatory field To indicate identification of the sender of the message, and the "To" field 206 may be a mandatory field To indicate identification of the intended recipient of the message. The "Subject" field 206 may be an optional field to enable a user to enter text describing the body of the message being sent. The user may also choose to add additional recipients that receive copies of the message. Specifically, the user may select the "Cc" recipients (e.g., copies) so that they are identified in the "Cc" field of the message. In addition, the user may select the "Bc (confidential copy) recipient so that other recipients of the message are unaware that the recipient that was" confidential copy "has received the message. As shown in this example, the user may also select to attach a file, add an invitation to an activity, and/or Check the Spelling of a message (Check Spelling).

The message portion 210 of the template 202 may specify an area in which the user may enter a message. Message part 210 may be optional or mandatory. The user may enter at least a portion of the message via typing text using the keyboard. Additionally, the user may also add content associated with the search results to the message portion 210, as will be described in further detail below with reference to fig. 3-5.

The graphical user interface may also enable a user to initiate various operations that may be performed in association with the email message. In this example, the user may initiate various operations with respect to the email message via various "buttons" provided in various templates. For example, the user may begin sending an email message via the "Send" button 212. Similarly, the user may select to "Save" an email message that has been generated using the "Save Now" button 214. At this point, the electronic message may be saved to memory. In particular, according to the disclosed embodiments, a data structure or file may store an email message that includes arbitrary content that has been added. Alternatively, the user may choose to delete the email message without saving the email message by clicking the "delete" button 216.

The user may submit a search query via the input portion 218 of the graphical user interface. In addition, the Search may be initiated via a "Search" button 220 of the graphical user interface. As shown in this example, the graphical user interface may include an input portion 218, and a template 202. Accordingly, a user may generate a message (or document) and perform a search via a single graphical user interface.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary graphical user interface shown in FIG. 2 via which search results may be presented after a search query is executed. As shown in this example, the user has submitted the query "delfina" in the input portion 218 of the graphical user interface. As will be described in further detail below, a user may search local and/or remote databases via a graphical user interface.

Once the search query has been executed, the search results may be presented via the search portion 302 (or pane) of the graphical user interface. The search portion 302 of the graphical user interface may be presented such that the search portion 302 is visible concurrently with the template 102 and the message being generated. As shown, the search portion 302 may partially overlap the template 102. However, the search portion 302 and the template 102 may be fully and simultaneously viewed in the same graphical user interface or window. The template 102 may be integrated with (e.g., connected to) the input portion 218 and/or the search portion 302 of the graphical user interface. Thus, the template 102, the input portion 218, and/or the search portion 302 may be presented via a single graphical user interface, screen, or window. However, the template 102, input portion 218, and/or search portion 302 of the graphical user interface may be displayed in the form of separate portions of the graphical user interface (e.g., windows or panes). In this manner, the template 102, the input portion 218, and/or the search portion 302 may be displayed and/or refreshed independently or at different times. Thus, the input portion 218 and/or the search portion 302 may be displayed and/or refreshed independently of the message (or document) being generated via the template 102.

The presented search results may be provided according to one or more of a plurality of content types or categories 304. Content falling within one or more of the plurality of content types or categories 304 may be added to the message or document being generated via the template 102. The plurality of content types or categories 304 may be selectable by a user. As a result, the user may specify which content types or categories are desired for the search results. For example, as shown in this example, the user may select one or more content types or categories via one of a plurality of tags. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the user has selected the "Maps" tab, which indicates that the user is interested in receiving only search results that include Maps.

The search may be performed solely according to one or more of the plurality of content types or categories 304 that have been selected. That is, only those search results that are relevant to one or more of the plurality of content types or categories may be obtained. Alternatively, a search may be performed to obtain a set of search results that present only a subset of the search results corresponding to one or more of the plurality of content types or categories 304. Each of the plurality of content types or categories may correspond to a different search application, search engine, search website, data source, and/or database. Accordingly, a search may be performed using a query via a search application, search engine, search website, data source, and/or database corresponding to each of one or more of the plurality of content types or categories that have been selected. The search application, search engine, search website, data source, and/or database may be accessed via a network (e.g., the internet, a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Local Area Network (LAN)) or locally (e.g., via an application and memory coupled to the user device). In this manner, existing data sources and/or search applications may be used to provide search results within the context of generating a message or document.

In this example, the content type or category 304 is specified by the labels "Web", "Maps", "Video", and "News", respectively. The "Web" may generally correspond to a search performed via a search engine on the internet (e.g., Google or Yahoo). "Maps" may correspond to a search application that returns search results including Maps and/or routes. For example, the search may be performed via Google Maps or MapQuest. "Video" may generally correspond to a search that returns Video search results via a website (e.g., YouTube). "News" may generally correspond to a search that returns News search results via a search engine (e.g., Yahoo | News). Although the content type or category 304 is specified by a tag in this example, other means, such as text or symbols (e.g., icons), may be used in addition to or in place of a tag to specify the content type or category.

As shown at 306, the user may scroll or page through the search results. Once the user finds a search result that includes content that he or she wishes to add to the message (or document), the user may add the content (e.g., content item or recording item) to the message (or document). For example, as shown at 308, the user may click on an icon or link labeled "add to message". In this way, the user may add search content to a message or document via a single click. Alternatively, the user may add content to the message (or document) by dragging and dropping the content into the message (or document). The augmented content may then be associated with the message by storing the augmented content in an appropriate data structure or file in memory. For example, the augmented content may be stored in a temporary data structure representing the message (or document) being generated.

Once the user is finished adding content from one or more content types or categories to the message (or document), the user may close the search portion 302 of the graphical user interface so that the search portion 302 is no longer visible. This may be accomplished by clicking on a "close" icon or link, as shown at 310. After sending the message, the message that has been sent may be saved by the message application. Similarly, if the user chooses to save the message without sending, the message, including content that has been added according to the disclosed embodiments, may be saved in a file or in an appropriate data structure.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the exemplary graphical user interface shown in FIG. 3 after selecting content from the search results to be inserted into an email message. As shown in this example, the user has selected to add content 402 associated with a particular search result to an email message. More specifically, the user has added a map representing the location of Delfina retaurant. Further, as shown, the added content may include an address and/or a telephone number. The added content may also include a link (e.g., a designated "Driving Directions") that, when selected, may provide (e.g., display) a route to the location of Delfina Restaurant. In this example, the search portion 302 of the graphical user interface is no longer visible because the user has selected to close the search portion 302 of the graphical user interface.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary graphical user interface presenting multiple content types that may be provided by search results. As shown in this example, a plurality of content types or categories 502 may be user selectable. Further, the plurality of content types or categories 502 presented may be customizable. More specifically, Application Program Interfaces (APIs) may be accessible for use by various companies, businesses, or individuals. By making the API accessible, the number and types of parameters (e.g., input and/or output parameters) may be made available such that content types or categories (e.g., commercial, professional, or private databases) may be accessed via the graphical user interface. More specifically, a private database (or other "customized" content type or category) may be added as one of the plurality of content types or categories 502, such that the added content type or category may be selected via the API. Further, adding a "customized" content type or category may include providing indicia, such as a name, picture, and/or icon of the added content or type, to a search portion of the graphical user interface. In this way, a commercial, professional, or private database may be searched for content that may be added to a message (or document). For example, customer information may be easily located in a customer database and added to the message (or document). As another example, a document (ticket) or catalog number associated with a customer order may be readily identified by accessing an appropriate database. In this manner, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented to improve customer relationship management. Similarly, software defect tracking may be accomplished by accessing a defect tracking database to insert information (e.g., a defect report document or identification) from the database into a message (or document).

In this example, the plurality of content types or categories 502 includes "Google Search," Google Maps, "" xoopt Stuff, "" Contact List, "" Yelp! Reviews "," Movie Times "," YouTube Videos "," Send aGift "," Trace Ticket ", and" Xoopit Wiki ". As shown, the content type or category 502 may include a list of private or group contacts, comments from various websites, movie information, and the like. For example, a "Contact list" may have access to a Contact Database, which may include information such as a name, address, and/or telephone number. The data source (e.g., Contact Database) may be stored remotely (e.g., via the internet) or locally via a LAN or memory coupled to the user device. As shown, videos from a video sharing website (e.g., YouTube) may be accessed. "Send a Gift" may enable the addition of a Gift, such as a physical Gift or a virtual Gift (e.g., emoticon, graphic, or video), to a message or document. Further, a large number of different data sources and/or search applications or websites may be accessed via adding content types or categories to the existing set of content types or categories 502. In this way, content from various internet accounts (e.g., Facebook, photo sharing website) may be accessed. The examples of content types or categories 502 shown and described herein are merely exemplary. Thus, there are an unprecedented number of content types or categories 502, which can be used via a graphical user interface to insert content into a message or document.

FIG. 6 is a process flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method of adding content associated with a search query to a document or message in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. At 602, a graphical user interface can be provided, wherein the graphical user interface includes an input portion and a template for generating a document or message. A query including one or more search terms may be received at 604 via an input portion of a graphical user interface. Search results associated with the query may be obtained at 606. Search results associated with the query may be provided at 608. At 610, a user selection may be received, wherein at least a portion of the search results are selected in the user selection. At 612, hypertext links or content from the search results may be added to a document or message generated via (or being generated by) the template, where the hypertext links or content from the search results are added to the document or message in response to a selection by the user. The document may then be sent or published according to a message or document generation application via which the application presentation template is generated. In this way, the user may share his or her search results with others.

Embodiments of the present invention may be employed to perform searches via a graphical user interface while composing messages or documents using the same graphical user interface. The disclosed embodiments may be implemented in a wide variety of computer environments. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, embodiments are contemplated in which a user interacts with a multi-network environment via any type of computer (e.g., desktop, notebook, tablet, etc.) 1102, media computing platforms 1103 (e.g., cable and satellite set top boxes and digital cameras), handheld computing devices (e.g., PDAs) 1104, cell phones 1106, or any other type of computing or communication platform.

According to various embodiments, a wide variety of techniques may be used to obtain input processed according to the present invention. For example, a search query may be obtained via a graphical user interface from a user's interaction with a local application, website, or web-based application or service, the search query being completed using any of a variety of known mechanisms for obtaining information from a user. However, it should be appreciated that such a method of obtaining input from a user is merely an example, and that a search query may be obtained in many other ways.

According to the disclosed embodiments, content may be located via a search and inserted into a message or document in some centralized manner. In fig. 7, this centralized approach is represented by a server 1108 and a data store 1110, which server 1108 and data store 1110 can correspond to multiple distributed devices and data stores, as will be appreciated. The invention may also be practiced in a variety of network environments (represented by network 1112), such as TCP/IP based networks, communication networks, wireless networks, and the like. Furthermore, the computer program instructions used to implement embodiments of the present invention may be stored in any type of computer-readable medium and executed according to various computing models, including a client/server model, a peer-to-peer model, on stand-alone computing devices, or according to a distributed computing model in which the various functions described herein may be implemented or employed at different locations.

The disclosed techniques may be implemented in any suitable combination of software and/or hardware systems, such as a web-based server or a desktop computer system. In addition, the system implementing various embodiments of the present invention may be a portable device, such as a laptop computer or a cell phone. The search application and/or web browser of the present invention may be specially constructed for the required purposes, or it may be a general-purpose computer selectively activated or constructed by a computer program and/or data structures stored in the computer. The processes described herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. In particular, various general-purpose machines may be used with programs written in accordance with the principles herein, or it may be more convenient to construct a more specialized apparatus to perform the required method steps.

Regardless of the configuration of the system, one or more memories or memory modules configured to store data, program instructions for the general-purpose processing operations and/or the inventive techniques described herein may be employed. For example, the program instructions may control the operation of an operating system and/or one or more applications. The one or more memories may be configured to store instructions for performing the disclosed methods, categories or content types to be displayed associated with the disclosed methods, search results, and the like.

Because such information and program instructions may be employed to implement the systems/methods described herein, the present invention relates to machine-readable media that include program instructions, state information, etc. for performing various operations described herein. Examples of machine-readable media include, but are not limited to, magnetic media (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape); optical media (e.g., CD-ROM disks); magneto-optical media (e.g., floppy disks); and hardware devices that are specially constructed to store and execute program instructions (e.g., Read Only Memory (ROM) and Random Access Memory (RAM)). Examples of program instructions include both machine code, such as produced by a compiler, and files containing higher level code that may be executed by the computer using an interpreter.

FIG. 8 illustrates a conventional computer system that, when properly constructed or designed, may be used as the system of the present invention. Computer system 1200 includes any number of processors 1202 (also referred to as central processing units, or CPUs) coupled to storage devices, including a main memory 1206 (typically random access memory, or RAM), a main memory 1204 (typically read only memory, or ROM). The CPU 1202 may be of various types, including microcontrollers and microprocessors (e.g., programmable devices such as CPLDs and FPGAs) and non-programmable devices such as gate arrays ASICs or general purpose microprocessors. Main memory 1204 is used for the unidirectional transfer of data and instructions to the CPU and main memory 1206 is used for the generally bidirectional transfer of data and instructions, as is well known in the art. Both of these main memories may include any suitable computer-readable media, such as those described above. A mass storage device 1208 is also coupled bi-directionally to CPU 1202 and provides additional data storage capacity, and the mass storage device 1208 can include any of the computer-readable media described above. The mass storage device 1208 may be used to store programs, data, and the like and is typically a secondary storage medium (e.g., a hard disk). It will be appreciated that the information retained within mass storage device 1208 may, in appropriate cases, be incorporated in standard fashion as part of main memory 1206 as virtual memory. A dedicated mass storage device, such as CD-ROM 1214, may also transmit data uni-directionally to the CPU.

The CPU 1202 may also be coupled to an interface 1210. the interface 1210 may be connected to one or more input/output devices such as a video monitor, trackball, mouse, keyboard, microphone, touch-sensitive display, sensor card reader, magnetic or paper tape reader, tablet computer, light pen, voice or handwriting recognizer, or other well-known input device (e.g., other computers of course). Finally, as shown generally at 1212, the CPU 1202 may optionally be coupled to an external device, such as a database or computer or communications network, using an external connection. With such a connection, it is contemplated that the CPU might receive information from the network, or might output information to the network in the course of performing the method steps described herein.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims.

Claims (26)

1. A method, comprising:

providing a graphical user interface comprising an input portion and a template for generating a document or message;

receiving, via the input portion of the graphical user interface, a query comprising one or more search terms;

obtaining search results associated with the query;

providing the search results associated with the query;

receiving a user selection, the user selection selecting at least a portion of the search results; and

adding hypertext links or content from the search results to documents or messages generated via the template, wherein the hypertext links or content from the search results is added to documents or messages in response to the user selection.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the user selection identifies at least one of the group consisting of: 1) one or more hypertext links from the search results; 2) one or more websites; and 3) at least a portion of one or more web pages.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the user selection identifies a text segment from a document provided in the search results.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the hypertext link or content comprises at least one of audio information or visual information, and wherein the user selection identifies at least one of the group consisting of: 1) one or more photographs, images, graphics, or other visual representations; and 2) video or audio information.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving a user selection comprises:

receiving a single click of the hypertext link or content, or dragging and dropping the hypertext link or content into a document or message.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein providing search results associated with the query comprises:

providing the search results via a search portion of the graphical user interface.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein providing search results associated with the query comprises:

providing the search result such that the search result is disposed adjacent to or overlaps the template.

8. An apparatus, comprising:

a processor; and

a memory, at least one of the processor and the memory adapted to:

providing a graphical user interface comprising an input portion and a template for generating a document or message;

receiving, via the input portion of the graphical user interface, a query comprising one or more search terms;

obtaining search results associated with the query;

providing the search results associated with the query;

receiving a user selection, the user selection selecting at least a portion of the search results;

generating a document or message using the template; and

adding hypertext links or content from the search results to documents or messages in response to the user selection.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein generating a document or message using the template comprises generating a message using a message generation application, and wherein adding the hypertext links or content from the search results to a document or message comprises: inserting the hypertext links or content into a message portion of a message or adding the hypertext links or content to a message as one or more attachments.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein generating a document or message using the template comprises generating a document using a document generation application, and wherein adding hypertext links or content from the search results to a document or message comprises:

inserting the hypertext links or content into a document portion of a document, or adding the hypertext links or content to a document as one or more attachments.

11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein providing search results associated with the query is performed according to one or more of a plurality of content types or categories, wherein each of the plurality of content types or categories corresponds to a different search application, search engine, search website, data source, or database, wherein obtaining search results associated with the query comprises:

performing a search using the query using a search application, search engine, search website, data source, or database corresponding to each of one or more of the plurality of content types or categories.

12. The device of claim 11, at least one of the processor and the memory further adapted to:

providing at least one of an audio marker or a visual marker for one or more of the plurality of content types or categories for which the search results are provided.

13. The device of claim 11, at least one of the processor and the memory further adapted to:

providing the plurality of content types or categories, wherein the plurality of content types or categories are user-selectable, each of the plurality of content types or categories representing a content type or category of search results that may be provided in association with the search query;

receiving a selection of one or more of the plurality of content types or categories; and

in response to selection of one or more of the plurality of content types or categories, providing the search results associated with the selected one or more of the plurality of content types or categories.

14. The device of claim 13, at least one of the processor and the memory further adapted to:

providing at least one of an audio logo or a visual logo of one or more of the plurality of content types or categories that have been selected.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the obtaining of the search results associated with the query is performed prior to receiving a selection of one or more of the plurality of content types or categories, and wherein providing the search results comprises:

providing only a portion of the obtained search results, the portion of the obtained search results corresponding to one or more of the plurality of content types or categories that have been selected.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the obtaining of the search results associated with the query is performed prior to receiving the selection of one or more of the plurality of content types or categories, and wherein the obtaining of the search results comprises:

a search is performed using the query and the one or more of the plurality of content types or categories that have been selected.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein each of the plurality of content types or categories corresponds to a different search application, search engine, search website, data source, or database, wherein performing a search using the query and the one or more of the plurality of content types or categories that have been selected comprises:

performing a search using the query using a search application, search engine, search website, data source, or database corresponding to each of the one or more of the plurality of content types or categories that have been selected.

18. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein providing the plurality of content types or categories comprises:

providing a user interface that includes a template and indicates the plurality of content types or categories.

19. A computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions, comprising:

instructions for providing a graphical user interface comprising an input portion and a template for generating an electronic message, the template for generating an electronic message comprising a message portion;

instructions for obtaining, via the input portion of the graphical user interface, a query comprising one or more search terms;

instructions to obtain search results associated with the query;

instructions to provide the search results associated with the query;

obtaining an instruction of a user selection, the user selection selecting at least a portion of the search results; and

instructions to add hypertext links or content from the search results to the electronic message generated via the template, wherein the hypertext links or content from the search results is added to an electronic message in response to the user selection.

20. The computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the electronic message is an email message, the computer-readable medium further comprising:

instructions for generating the electronic message using the template; and

instructions for sending the electronic message.

21. The computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein adding the hypertext link or content from the search result to the electronic message comprises:

adding the hypertext links or content to a message portion of the template.

22. The computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein adding the hypertext links or content from the search results to the electronic message generated via the template comprises:

adding the hypertext link or content to a message portion of the electronic message generated via a message portion of the template.

23. The computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein adding the hypertext link or content from the search result to the electronic message in response to the user selection comprises:

adding the hypertext link or content to the electronic message as one or more attachments.

24. The computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the hypertext links or content provide at least one of a map or route to a location.

25. The computer-readable medium of claim 24, wherein the map has at least one of: including the location, or providing a visual representation of a route to the location.

26. The computer-readable medium of claim 25, wherein the location corresponds to the search query.