Google has filed a patent for an innovative search technology that leverages users’ browsing and email history to deliver personalized results. The system, described in patent “Generating Query Answers From A User’s History,” enables natural language queries across search engines, email interfaces, and voice assistants.
Solving the “I Can’t Remember Where I Saw It” Problem The technology addresses a common frustration – remembering content but not its source. Users can ask conversational questions like “What was that article I read last week about chess?” The system then scans their personal digital footprint including:
- Browser history
- Email archives
- Cached webpage versions
How the Intelligent Search Works The patented process involves two key phases:
Query Classification The AI first determines if a query seeks previously viewed content by:
- Analyzing phrasing patterns
- Using semantic analysis
- Applying similarity thresholds (not requiring exact matches)
- Identifying vague or conversational requests
Contextual Filtering Once intent is established, the system applies smart filters:
- Time parameters (“last week” expands to 14 days)
- Topic recognition
- Device used
- Location data
- Sender information (for emails)
Unique Features The technology offers several innovative capabilities:
- Displays webpages as they appeared when originally viewed
- Understands imprecise human memory patterns
- Combines multiple contextual clues
- Focuses exclusively on personal history rather than the open web
Potential Applications The patent suggests three primary implementations:
Search Engines: Personal history results alongside web results
Email Clients: Natural language search across messages
Voice Assistants: Spoken queries like “Find that turkey recipe I saw on my phone”
Technical Considerations The system maintains cached versions of viewed content, allowing users to:
- Recover deleted or changed pages
- Recognize content by appearance rather than URL
- Retrieve exact historical versions of information
This development represents Google’s continued investment in contextual and memory-based search technologies, potentially transforming how users rediscover digital content.
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