KR20090026239A - User interface for searching information - Google Patents

Abstract

A user interface for information search is provided to enable a user to easily his/her preference information in a client area by utilizing a plurality of services which are opened so as to be accessed, and perform the search by reflecting the preference information to a search condition. An input unit(103) receives the first character which is chosen by a user among characters shown in a specific application. A controller(102) relates the inputted first character with a search related visual object of a search application, and then controls so that the search function of the search related visual object can be performed according to the first character. A receiver receives a search result by the search. The first character is selected by being highlighted by the user and is associated with the search related visual object based on the drag and drop manner of a mouse.

Description

User Interface for Searching Information

The present invention relates to a personalized search method and a system thereof, and more particularly, a personalization manager installed in a client area manages user's preference information in a client area and provides a search result close to the user's intention by reflecting the user search condition. It relates to a method and a system for doing so.

In general, data retrieval is performed by a search engine to search and sort data. A search algorithm in a search engine is a multiple search model that provides the same results to all users. On the other hand, through advanced search that is an extension of the search technology to provide a page to apply the user preferences. In addition, a method for providing personalized weights through user profiling has been proposed in the document WO 2005033979.

The foregoing has the following problems. First, while customization is important in many services, the search service has a limitation of being a multiple search model that provides the same result value to all users, and the advanced search technology that can provide some customized services The user's preference information can be entered only through the advanced search page, which causes inconvenience of sequential and flat search. Second, the method of providing personalized weight through profiling provided by the international publication number WO 2005033979 has a problem of security and privacy infringement because of the fact that a web server and a specific company manage documents of personal information. have.

The present invention is to solve this problem, by using a number of services (Open API) open to access easily manage their own preference information in the client area and apply the preference information to the search conditions to perform a search In addition, various settings of preference information can provide a more powerful personalized search. In addition, through the graphical user interface utilizing the resources of the client area, users can enter the user's preference information and search conditions to perform personalized search results intuitively and conveniently. Personal information has been widely applied through personalization managers, and personal information can be directly protected and managed from other companies or companies.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in detail for the personalized search method and system according to the present invention.

Since the personalized search manager of the present invention operates in the client area, it is easy to store and manage user preferences and setting values, and the user easily inputs and manages the application of the variable and unpredictable user preferences, which was the limitation of the existing multiple search models. By doing so, a personalized search service can be provided to the user.

In addition, the present invention can easily derive the desired search without the operation of the browser or the navigator by the user's easy operation, and also can be easily linked to various file formats such as images, PDF documents, UCC, etc. Can be.

1 is a view showing a schematic configuration of an embodiment of a personalized search system according to the present invention.

The client 100 of FIG. 1 transmits the user's preference information (eg, Naver video search API) to the search API 200 by applying the user's preference information (eg, 'World Cup') to the search condition input by the user. Performs a search and provides a search result value to the client 100. The client 100 receives the search result value and requests the content server 300 for specific content desired by the user from the search result value to receive the corresponding content.

The user's preference information can specify the user's preferred search API (Google search, Naver search, next image search, etc.), media type, file format, date limit, file size range, domain limit, and so on.

By specifying the user's preference information with a specific search API, the user can use the client 100 to perform a search service (web document search, image search, video search, local search, news search, blog search, etc.) provided by various operators. Can select and combine only the preferred search service of the preferred provider. For example, the user-selected search API 200 may be configured with a search API using an A company image search API, a B company video search API, and a C company map search API according to a user's preference to receive the result.

The search API 200 designated by the user's preference information may be configured and provided only by the search service of the service provider for the search service to be more convenient for the user.

Meanwhile, the search API 200 and the content server 300 may be implemented as one server or may be implemented as separate servers.

If there is a duplicate result among the search results, the client 100 may exclude the result of the same link from the search result.

The client 100 may be a device such as various personal computers, PDAs, mobile communication terminals, TV receivers, IPTV receivers, and IPTV-embedded TVs, and may be connected to the Internet or other communication networks by wire or wirelessly. Providing only a search may not have a communication function.

2 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a personalized search system according to the present invention.

The client 100 includes an input unit 103 for receiving a user input, a display unit 101 for displaying input contents, a search result, etc. to the user, and a storage unit 105 for storing information input by the user; It may include a wireless or wired network interface 104 that outputs personalized search conditions outside of the client. In addition, the control unit 102 may apply the user preference information to the search condition input by the user and control the client device.

The input unit 103 is a device that receives input from a user and controls input values. The input unit 103 includes a keyboard and a mouse, and collectively controls and manages values input through input devices such as a remote controller, a tablet, and a touch screen. . The input method may be implemented by a text-based input or a GUI-based drag and drop method using a single input means or a combination of a plurality of input means. For example, a combination of a mouse and a keyboard can be used, but a combination of key manipulation and touch screen input may be more appropriate for a particular device or user.

The display unit 101 is used when inputting search conditions and preference information, and in this case, it is possible to display preference information such as an external search API selectable for inputting preference information in a list format and also display the result received from the search API 200. Display or display content received from the content server 300 can be implemented in a variety of displays, such as LCD, PDP, CRT and various projection devices that can be embedded in the client body or separated from the client.

The display unit 101 enables the user to easily input the search condition and the preference information from the user by using the graphic user interface.

The control unit 102 applies the user's preference information to the search condition input by the user, and applies it in a form operable by the search API 200 to output the result to the network interface. In addition, the control unit 102 performs an overall control function of the client 100 and may be implemented in a structure of a general purpose microprocessor or a dedicated controller.

The storage unit 105 includes a hard disk drive (HDD), a volatile (DRAM, etc.) memory, a non-volatile (flash, etc.) memory, and an external memory (USB memory) to store the inputted preference information in the profiled information for each user. , CF cards, etc.) and external storage spaces using a communication network.

When the search algorithm used by the search API 103 and the content server 105 needs the personalized weight of the weighting operation of the search algorithm in order to provide a personalized search, the search algorithm understands and The information can be provided in a form that can be used.

3 is a diagram illustrating a flow in which a personalized search manager according to the present invention operates in a client area.

First, in the preference information input step 401, at least one search API (Google search, Naver integrated search, next image search, etc.) preferred by the user, media type, file format, date duration, file size range, domain restriction, etc. The preference information of can be entered through preference setting of personalized search manager.

In the preference information storage step 402, the input preference information is stored, and when there are a plurality of users of the specific client 100, preference information may be stored in addition to the profile information of each user.

Meanwhile, the stored preference information may be routinely managed such as modification and deletion. In addition, a plurality of preference information is provided for each user and can be selected and applied according to a situation.

For example, a specific user can specify Naver and Google as external search APIs and save the file type as a jpeg file, and the second preference information specifies Naver and Google as external search APIs and specify the file type as avi file. After selecting and saving it, select one of the two preference information and apply it to the search condition input by the user so that personalized search is possible.

In the search condition input step 403, the user inputs the search condition through the input unit 103 in an intuitive and user-friendly method (text input, drag and drop, double click, hotkey and mouse combination, etc.). Meanwhile, the user may input the search condition and use the previously stored preference information in the search condition input step 403, or may input the preference information as the search condition every time the search is performed, and in this case, the preference information input step 401. ) And the preference information storage step 402 may be omitted. In addition, some of the preference information may be input together with a search condition such that the previously stored information is used and the remaining preference information is added.

When entering search conditions, you can type words or queries directly into an application that operates independently in the client area (or as an extension of each application), or by typing and dragging or dropping text from other applications, such as a browser or word processor, or by using a shortened mouse operation. It can be implemented to provide a user interface for intuitive and dynamic operation with simple operation such as clicking and dragging. As mentioned above, the preference information may be input together with an icon or other GUI means when inputting a search condition.

In addition, when inputting additional search conditions, texts on other applications or second (or third words, etc.) characters in search results may be designated as negative words, selected words, and necessarily included words. At this time, the drag and drop method can be used as described above. Drag and drop between applications utilizes the data values of the event functions provided by the system.

The additional search condition values entered in step 403 can be listed or stored. For example, if the input value for the excluded word or the selected word used for the advanced search, the word that must be included is generated or stored as a list, the input value for limited search such as when the result is updated, file format or search URL, user An input value for setting the selective search API 200 and an input value for setting the personalized search manager system may be stored in a method corresponding to each type.

The user preference information or the search condition input values as described above are stored and managed as input values for personalized web search. In addition, the input values are stored and stored in a text document and stored in the client area so that the user can preserve them or send them to a personal account on the web for management. The personalization manager manages the values set by the user so that the data can be easily linked to the advanced search technology operator provided by the search algorithm in the multiple search model or the search algorithm that provides personalized weighting. .

In the preference information applying step 404, the input preference information is applied to a search condition.

Specifically, the search condition is applied according to the operation type of each search API 200 specified in the preference information, and if other contents of the preference information are present, it is applied by reflecting it. Other content of the preference information may include at least one of information specifying a media type, a file format, a date duration and a file size range, a domain restriction, and the like. For example, if a user enters a search term as 'World Cup', specifies Naver Search API and Google Search API as their preferred information, and restricts to jpeg file format, the user can search for jpeg files that contain the word 'World Cup'. It is applied in client area according to the operation type of Naver Search API and Google Search API.

In the search condition output step 405, the search condition to which the preference information is applied in the preference information step 404 is output to an external API through a network interface.

In the search result receiving step 406, a search result performed by an external API is received.

In the content request step 407, the content server selects the content selected by the user from the search results.

In general, you can easily request the content via links in the Internet.

In the content receiving step 408, the requested content is received from the content server.

4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen implementing the search condition input step 403 of FIG. 3 using an application installed in the client 100 according to the present invention.

The personalized search manager application 501 may perform its function independently in the client area to perform a simple and efficient search during a web information search through a browser, a document work through a text editor, and the like.

The personalized search manager application 501 directly enters a search condition in the search box 502 to enter an entry or selects a specific character on another application (eg, MS Word, web browser, etc.) and then drags and drops the search box. When dragged to 502, the search can be performed without further input, and as a result, the search mode is automatically switched to the preview mode of FIG. In addition, the search condition details input to the search window 502 may provide a function to enable checking and re-search with the search history 503 button. The method of selecting a specific character may be implemented in various ways such as a general method of highlighting a specific character with a mouse.

The personalized search manager application 501 directly enters a search condition in the search window 502 and then clicks the linked search button 507 or drags and drops specific characters on another application as described above. Drag and drop it into the web browser to view the search results within the web browser.

The personalized search manager application 501 may include a word that the second character in another application or the search result must include at least one word of a word (AND operation), a word (excluding operation), and a list of words to be excluded when searching. OR operation) If you drag and drop to the green included word basket (510), the red excluded word basket (511), the blue desired word basket (512) by the drag and drop method as described above to the word basket list without further input. In addition, you can easily enter additional search criteria. You can also click on each word basket to easily delete and edit the list in that basket. The characters in the list of the basket may be activated to be applicable every time when searching, or may be deactivated to apply only the specific characters to be applied by the drag and drop method as described above.

The personalized search manager application 501 is a first extended search mode (FIG. 5) and a second extended search mode that can easily enter preference information, search conditions, and additional search conditions while maintaining the basic functions shown in the example shown in FIG. It is possible to switch to a plurality of extended search modes such as FIG. 6 and a preview mode (FIG. 7).

Each mode can be switched by the mode switch button (504 A, 504 B). When the preview mode is activated, if the mode switch button (504 C) is pressed, the search results are closed and the mode is returned to the mode before the preview mode. Can be. In addition, the application configuration button 505 may be provided to control the properties of the application. In addition, by using the environment setting icon 501, preference information such as a search API basically used by a user may be designated and stored, and other application environment settings are possible.

In the extended search mode, user's preference information can be input as follows.

For example, in the first extended search mode, a search icon such as an image 521, a video 522, a news 523, a document 524, etc. may be provided to enable a user to select a preferred category.

When a user clicks one or more of the search icons (521, 522, 523, 524) to activate it, and then enters the search box 502 directly by typing the search condition, the activated icon is searched by the search API of the corresponding category. Is transmitted immediately, and automatically switches to the preview mode 509 to easily receive the result.

In addition, when dragging and dropping a specific character to a search icon (521, 522, 523, 524) by the drag-and-drop method, the icon directly transmits the specific character to the search API of the corresponding category, and the result of the search for the specific character through the preview mode 509. Can be easily received. When the search condition is dragged and dropped by the drag and drop method, if one or more activated icons of the search icons 521, 522, 523, and 524 already exist, the search result of the corresponding icon search API may be provided.

Personalization button 508 can be used to apply preference information stored in the preferences. Therefore, a search result page to which previously stored preference information is applied can be provided, and the search condition can be directly typed in the search box 502 to click on the personalization button 508 or on another application (eg, MS Word, web browser, etc.). After selecting a specific letter and dragging and dropping it onto the personalization button 508 in a drag-and-drop manner, a search result in which preference information is applied to a user's search condition may be provided without additional input. If necessary, preference information selected in the current search session and previously stored preference information may be combined and applied to the search condition. In addition, the search results may be linked with a web browser according to preference and provide the results.

In the second extended search mode (FIG. 6), preference information such as a date limit setting of the search result (531), a file format setting (532), a domain limit setting (533), and the like of the search result can be inputted. An example is shown where limited preference information is applied to the updated document within 3 months, the PDF file format, and the “kr.zdnews.com” domain entered in the restricted URL input window 534.

The preference information to be input and applied every time in the first extended search mode and the second extended search mode may be changed by the user in various ways. For example, in FIG. 6, the date limit setting 531 may select setting values such as within 3 months, within 6 months, within 1 year, after 1 year and so on by clicking an icon. The file format setting 532 may also select one or more file formats provided by the search API such as HTML, PDF, DOC, PPT, XLS, HWP, and the like to derive the result of applying the preference information.

In addition, click the URL input window 534 to activate it, and then directly enter a desired URL to enter an entry or select an address on another application (eg, MS Word, Web browser, etc.), and then drag and drop the URL input window ( Drag and drop on 534 to obtain a result of applying the preference information.

The preview page 509 may provide a preview of the results of the search condition 550 and provide the title and summary of the search results, links, post information, and information about the service provider 559. By clicking the content, link, or post information, the link can be linked to a web browser so that the user can check the contents in the web browser.

In addition, an effective search interface may be provided through the scroll bar 551 according to the amount of search results, and the function may be provided so that a corresponding service provider may post a more efficient advertisement using personalized information.

The personalized search manager application 501 may provide a more intuitive interface to the user by changing the transparency or size of the icon according to the user's operation (eg, Mouse In, Mouse Out, Click, etc.), except for FIG. 4. The word basket 511 and the video search icon 522 of FIG. 5 illustrate an example of a change according to a user's manipulation.

The client 100 may be provided as an independent application in the client area. However, even in an application such as a content related application, a text editor, or a messenger, the client 100 may provide the client 100 as illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 9 for user convenience. .

8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a personalized search manager screen provided as an extended function 602 in a client area application 601 according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a screen provided with a personalized search manager application 501 in the form of a toolbar 607 which may be provided to a browser.

The browser can be provided directly through the search icon 611, the search condition setting window 613, and the word basket icon 614. Each function can be divided into sections by placing a separator bar 612. You can provide it.

The preference information and other functions represented by the GUI method in the personalized search manager may be implemented as visual objects such as icons and shapes, sizes, etc. of various forms.

1 is a view showing a schematic configuration of a personalized search system according to the present invention.

2 is a block diagram illustrating a personalized search system according to the present invention.

3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the personalized search manager in the client area according to the present invention.

4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an administrator screen provided as a function independently installed on a client according to the present invention.

5, 6 and 7 illustrate another embodiment of an administrator screen provided as a function independently installed in a client according to the present invention.

8 and 9 illustrate an example of a personalized search manager screen provided as an extended function in a specific application in a client area according to the present invention.

Claims (115)

In the client device for information retrieval, An input unit configured to receive a first character selected by a user among characters displayed in a specific application; A controller for associating the received first text with a search-related visual object of a search application and performing a search function of the search-related visual object according to the content of the first text; And a receiving unit which receives a search result according to the search. The method of claim 1, The selected first character is selected by highlighting a specific character by the user. The method according to claim 2 and 1, And dragging and dropping the selected first character to the search-related visual object by dragging and dropping using a mouse. The method of claim 3, wherein The visual object is a client device, characterized in that the search window of the search application. The method of claim 4, wherein And display a search result associated with the search window in a search application. The method of claim 3, wherein And the visual object is a link button of the search application, and has a function of displaying a search result in an application other than the search application. The method according to claim 1, 5 and 6, And a display unit which displays a result according to the personalized information search. The method of claim 6, An application other than the above is a web browser. The method of claim 6, And said specific application is a word processor. The method of claim 1, The search application is a client device, characterized in that for performing the search in consideration of the user's search preference information. The method of claim 10, The preference information specifies a client external search API. The method of claim 11, The external search API includes at least one of a document search API, a news search API, an image search API, a video search API, a blog search API, and a map search API. The method of claim 12, The preference information further comprises information specifying at least one of a media type, a file format, a date period, a domain, and a file size range. The method of claim 13, And the search application includes at least one visual object representing the preference information. The method of claim 14, And drag and drop the selected first character to at least one visual object representing the preference information by dragging and dropping using the mouse. The method of claim 15, And perform a search for the first character in which the associated preference information is reflected to provide a search result. The method according to claim 1 and 16, The specific application is a client device, characterized in that the web browser. The method according to claim 1 and 16, And said specific application is a word processor. The method of claim 17, The search application is a client device, characterized in that the web browser exists in the form of a plug-in. The method of claim 18, And the search application is present as part of a word processor application. The method of claim 1, The search application is a client device, characterized in that in the form of a plug-in of the specific application. The method of claim 21, The specific application is a client device, characterized in that the web browser. The method of claim 14, And at least one visual object among the at least one visual object representing the preference information so that the user designates and associates the visual object. The method of claim 23, wherein Drag and drop the selected first character to another visual object representing preference information by dragging and dropping using the mouse to associate the visual object designated by the user with the drag and drop method. And perform a search by reflecting a visual object for information. The method of claim 23, wherein And dragging the selected first letter to the search window of the search application by using the mouse to reflect the preference information according to at least one visual object indicating the designated preference information. Client appliance. The method of claim 16, And the input unit receives a second character additionally selected by a user on a search result. The method of claim 26, And the control unit associates the received second character with a visual object representing an operation search function on a search application. The method of claim 27, And dragging and dropping the selected second character to the arithmetic search related visual object by dragging and dropping using a mouse. The method of claim 28, The operation search-related visual object is a client device, characterized in that the 'AND' operation function. The method of claim 28, The operation search-related visual object is a client device, characterized in that for indicating a "NOT" operation function. The method of claim 28, The operation search-related visual object is a client device, characterized in that the 'OR' operation function. The method of claim 27, And store the second character in the search application. The method of claim 16, And a user directly typing a second character in the search window of the search application to input the character. The method of claim 1, Client device, characterized in that for storing the user's search-related preference information as a configuration of the search application. The method of claim 34, And perform the search in consideration of the stored preference information when performing the search of the search application. The method of claim 34, And perform the search in consideration of the preference information applied by the user for each search session while ignoring the stored preference information when performing the search of the search application. The method of claim 34, Search performer of the search application Client device, characterized in that for performing the search in consideration of the stored preference information and preference information applied by the user for each search session. The method of claim 34, The search application client device, characterized in that it comprises a visual object for performing a search reflecting the preferences set by the user. The method of claim 38, And dragging and dropping the selected first character to a visual object performing a search by reflecting the contents of the preferences using a mouse by dragging and dropping. The method of claim 38, The user device, wherein the user clicks on a visual object that performs a search by reflecting the contents of the preferences and performs the search by reflecting the contents of the preferences. The method of claim 1, And the search application has a plurality of search modes. 42. The method of claim 41 wherein And wherein the plurality of search modes comprises a first search mode comprising a search window and an operation related visual object. The method of claim 42, wherein And wherein the plurality of search modes comprises a second search mode further comprising a visual object representing search-related preference information. The method of claim 43, The plurality of search modes comprises a third search mode for displaying a preview of a search result. The method of claim 44, And in the first search mode or the second search mode, automatically switch to a third search mode upon associating a first character with a visual object on the search application. The method of claim 3, wherein And perform the search function automatically when the first character selected by the user is associated with a search-related visual object on a search application. The method according to claim 1, 34 and 41, And perform the search function automatically when the first character selected by the user is associated with a search-related visual object on a search application. The method of claim 11, The control unit applies a search condition according to the first character according to the operation type of the corresponding external search API. The method of claim 48, And said preference information specifies a plurality of external search APIs. The method of claim 49, The control unit is a client device, characterized in that the microprocessor. The method of claim 17, And said search application is an independent application. The method of claim 1, The client device is characterized in that the personal computer (PC) form. The method of claim 1, The client device is characterized in that the IPTV set-top form. The method of claim 1, The client device is characterized in that the IPTV function built-in TV (TV) form. The method of claim 1, The client device is characterized in that the mobile phone type. The method of claim 1, The duplicated search results among the search results are displayed as a single result. A method for retrieving information at a client device, Receiving a first character selected by a user among characters displayed in a specific application; Associating the received first character with a search-related visual object of a search application; Performing a search function of the search related visual object according to the content of the first character; Receiving a search result according to the search function. The method of claim 57, The selected first character is selected by highlighting a specific character by the user. The method of claim 58 and 57, wherein And dragging and dropping the selected first character onto the search-related visual object by dragging and dropping using a mouse. The method of claim 59, And wherein the visual object is a search window of the search application. The method of claim 60, And displaying a search result associated with the search window in a search application. The method of claim 59, And the visual object has a function of displaying a search result in an application other than a search application as an interlocking button of the search application. The method of claim 57, 61 and 62, And displaying the results according to the personalized information retrieval. The method of claim 62, An application other than the above is a web browser. The method of claim 62, And said particular application is a word processor. The method of claim 57, The search application is characterized in that for performing a search in consideration of the user's search preference information. The method of claim 66, The preference information specifying an external search API. The method of claim 67, The external search API includes at least one of a document search API, a news search API, an image search API, a video search API, a blog search API, and a map search API. The method of claim 68, wherein The preference information further comprises information specifying at least one of a media type, a file format, a date period, a domain, and a file size range. The method of claim 69, The search application comprises at least one visual object representing the preference information. The method of claim 70, And dragging and dropping the selected first character onto at least one visual object representing the preference information using the mouse by dragging and dropping. The method of claim 71, wherein And searching for the first letter in which the associated preference information is reflected to provide a search result. The method of claim 1 and 72, The specific application is a web browser. The method of claim 57 and 72, wherein And said particular application is a word processor. The method of claim 73, The search application is present in the form of a plug-in in a web browser. The method of claim 74, wherein And the search application is present as part of a word processor application. The method of claim 57, The search application is characterized in that the present in the form of a plug-in of the particular application. 78. The method of claim 77 wherein The specific application is a web browser. The method of claim 70, And at least one visual object among the at least one visual object representing the preference information so that the user designates and associates the visual object. The method of claim 79, Drag and drop the selected first character to another visual object representing preference information by dragging and dropping using the mouse to associate the visual object designated by the user with the drag and drop method. And performing a search by reflecting a visual object for the information. The method of claim 79, And dragging the selected first letter to the search window of the search application by using the mouse to reflect the preference information according to at least one visual object indicating the designated preference information. How to. The method of claim 72, And the input unit receives a second character additionally selected by a user on a search result. 83. The method of claim 82, And the control unit associates the received second character with a visual object representing an arithmetic search function on a search application. 84. The method of claim 83, And dragging and dropping the selected second character to the arithmetic search related visual object by dragging and dropping using a mouse. 85. The method of claim 84, The operation search-related visual object is characterized in that the 'AND' operation function. 85. The method of claim 84, The operation search-related visual object is characterized in that the 'NOT' operation function. 85. The method of claim 84, And the visual search related visual object represents an 'OR' arithmetic function. 84. The method of claim 83, And storing the second character in the search application. The method of claim 72, And in the search window of the search application, the user directly inputs the second text to input the text. The method of claim 57, And storing preference information related to a user's search as an environment setting of the search application. 91. The method of claim 90, And performing the search in consideration of the stored preference information when performing the search of the search application. 91. The method of claim 90, And performing the search in consideration of the preference information applied by the user for each search session while ignoring the stored preference information when performing the search of the search application. 91. The method of claim 90, Search performer of the search application, characterized in that for performing the search in consideration of the stored preference information and preference information applied by the user for each search session. 91. The method of claim 90, The search application is characterized in that it comprises a visual object for performing a search reflecting the preferences set by the user. 95. The method of claim 94, And dragging and dropping the selected first letter to a visual object performing a search by reflecting the contents of the preferences using a mouse by dragging and dropping. 95. The method of claim 94, And searching by visually reflecting the preferences of the user by clicking on a visual object which performs the search by reflecting the preferences. The method of claim 57, And the search application has a plurality of search modes. 97. The method of claim 97, And wherein the plurality of search modes comprises a first search mode comprising a search window and a computational visual object. 99. The method of claim 98, And wherein the plurality of search modes comprises a second search mode further comprising a visual object representing search-related preference information. The method of claim 99, wherein And wherein the plurality of search modes comprises a third search mode for displaying a preview of the search results. 101. The method of claim 100, And automatically switching to a third search mode upon association of a visual object on the first character selection and search application in the first search mode or the second search mode. The method of claim 59, And performing the search function automatically when the first character selected by the user is associated with a search-related visual object on a search application. 98. The method of claim 57, 90 and 97, And performing the search function automatically when the first character selected by the user is associated with a search-related visual object on a search application. The method of claim 67, The control unit is characterized in that for applying the search condition according to the first character according to the operation type of the corresponding external search API. 105. The method of claim 104, And the preference information specifies a plurality of external search APIs. 105. The method of claim 105, And the control unit is a microprocessor. The method of claim 73, And the search application is an independent application. The method of claim 57, And said client device is in the form of a personal computer (PC). The method of claim 57, And wherein said client device is in the form of an IPTV set top. The method of claim 57, The client device is characterized in that the IPTV function built-in TV (TV) form. The method of claim 57, And wherein said client device is in the form of a mobile phone. The method of claim 57, The duplicated search results among the search results are displayed as a single result. In a medium in which a search manager program for retrieving information is stored, Receiving a first character selected by a user among characters displayed in a specific application; Associating the received first character with a search-related visual object of a search application; Performing a search function of the search related visual object according to the content of the first character; And a program for performing a step of receiving a search result according to the search function. The method of claim 59, The performing of the search function includes transmitting the content of the first character to an external search API. 119. The method of claim 114, The external search API is connected to the client device over the Internet.

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