Abstract:
Disclosed herein is an integration of automatic search functionality into a business application. The application is monitored for an instance wherein the user is initiating an activity that involves an expenditure. Upon detection of such an activity, a query is automatically generated based on information related to the expenditure. The query is communicated to a search component, from which corresponding search results are eventually received. Finally, at least some information related to the search results is displayed to the user. In one embodiment, assuming the user&#39;s express or implicit approval, auto-generation of data and/or modification of business process flow are facilitated based on the search results.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is based on and claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 11/471,834, filed Jun. 21, 2006, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Sparked by Internet technology, there has been a dramatic proliferation of business data published and made available to users of computing devices. However, it is common for business data to be scattered across a broad range of different data stores associated with a variety of different data sources. Under the circumstances, efficiently accessing relevant data when it is needed can be a real challenge. 
     Currently, a user using a computing device to accomplish a business task often must stop what he or she is doing in order to manually navigate through different data stores to find a data item that is likely to be relevant to current needs. In most cases, the tools provided to support navigation through data are completely separate from the tools being utilized for business purposes. It is not uncommon for a user to be forced to switch back and forth between a business application and an application configured to support data searching. 
     In many cases, the process of identifying relevant business data requires a user to sift through search results (e.g., often in a list format) on a trial and error basis in order to determine relevancy of data to current needs. The queries utilized to request the search results are not commonly configured to take contextual considerations into account, such as why the user is searching for certain information or the kind of information most likely to be useful to the user performing the query. Often times, query refining becomes necessary to efficiently locate relevant results. Sometimes, re-querying using different syntax or search terms is the most efficient option. A user is often relied upon to make good and informed search strategy decisions to get to information that satisfies current needs. 
     The discussion above is merely provided for general background information and is not intended for use as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Further, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted anywhere in the present description. 
     SUMMARY 
     Disclosed herein is an integration of automatic search functionality into a business application. The application is monitored for an instance wherein the user is initiating an activity that involves an expenditure. Upon detection of such an activity, a query is automatically generated based on information related to the expenditure. The query is communicated to a search component, from which corresponding search results are eventually received. Finally, at least some information related to the search results is displayed to the user. In one embodiment, assuming the user&#39;s express or implicit approval, auto-generation of data and/or modification of business process flow are facilitated based on the search results. 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic block diagram of a business application system. 
         FIG. 2  is a block flow diagram demonstrating a method that can be carried out in the context of the system shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 3-6  are examples of screenshots associated with a small business accounting software application. 
         FIG. 7  is a diagrammatic representation of a computing system environment. 
         FIG. 8  is a diagrammatic representation of a mobile device environment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     With the proliferation of business data being published on the Web and in other electronically accessible mediums, opportunities exist to integrate a business application with automatic search functionality. This functionality can then be exploited for many purposes, such as to reduce manual processing of business documents through intelligent auto-generation, and/or to intelligently modify business process flow. As will become apparent, the value of integrating search is particularly high where the search process is configured to account for contextual considerations that are customized for the user. 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic block diagram of a business application system  100 .  FIG. 2  is a block flow diagram demonstrating a method that can be carried out in the context of system  100 . For the purpose of illustration,  FIGS. 1 and 2  will be described in conjunction with one another. It should be noted that elements from  FIG. 1  have been assigned a number in the 100&#39;s and elements in  FIG. 2  have been assigned a number in the 200&#39;s. 
     In accordance with block  202 , a user  102  interacts with a business application  104 . In accordance with block  204 , a query is generated. This query generation step is illustratively accomplished by a query processing component  103  that may be part of application  104  but may be otherwise implemented (e.g., as part of an operating system, a service delivered over a network, etc.). 
     As will become apparent, the generated query is different than a traditional query based on one or more search terms input by the user specifically for the purpose of searching or querying. In fact, as is emphasized by boxes  208  and  210 , the query parameters may or may not include data contemporaneously received from the user. As is indicted by block  206 , the query is communicated to one or more search components  106 . While the precise nature of components  106  is not critical to the present invention, in one embodiment, components  106  include one or more on-line services such as an Internet-based search engine or an advertising engine. 
     As is shown in  FIG. 1 , the communication of the query (e.g., communication initiated by application  104  or component  103 ) involves communicating search parameters  105 . As is indicated by blocks  108  through  118 , the precise nature of the query search parameters is flexible and could vary from one implementation to the next. Search parameters can include any or all of data contemporaneously input by user  102  (box  108 ), data input by user  102  historically (box  110 ), data input or associated with users other than user  102  (box  112 ), data related to a context in which user  102  is using application  104  (box  114 ), any business data associated with application  104  or another application (box  116 ), any accounting data associated with application  104  or another application (box  118 ), or any other data (box  120 ). An example, not by limitation, of process context that can be reflected in parameters  105  is information related the identity of a particular step in a business flow within the application. An example, not by limitation, of user input or context data that can be reflected in the parameters is contemporaneously or historically values input by the user such as SIC codes, pricing information, margin information, etc. 
     Search component(s)  106  process the received query based on some or all of search parameters  105 . This leads to the production of search results  122 , which are communicated back to business application  104 . In one embodiment, a component such as query processing component  103  organizes and/or reformats search parameters  105  into certain formats desirable for certain search component(s)  106 . In another embodiment, however, a searching component is configured to analyze search parameters  105  and target results accordingly (e.g., an advertising service). Box  207  represents receipt by application  104  of search results  22 . 
     In one aspect of the present invention, search results  122  are utilized to enhance user  102 &#39;s experience within application  104 . This process may be handled by application  104 , by query processing component  103 , or by a different independent component (not illustrated). In accordance with box  214 , search results  122  are utilized as a basis for providing auto-generation functionality. For example, based on the search results, fields within a display may be automatically filled in, or at least suggestions for filling in fields may be provided for user  102 &#39;s acceptance or dismissal. In accordance with box  216 , search results  122  are utilized as a basis for modifying the flow of a business process within application  104 . For example, based on the search results, certain different forms and/or processes may be automatically implemented, or at least suggestions for different forms and/or processes may be provided for user  102 &#39;s acceptance or dismissal. As is represented by box  218 , some implementations may incorporate a user approval process that enables a user to accept or reject changes or proposed changes. 
     In one aspect of the present invention, system  100  is configured to provide great benefit to user  102  by automatically and implicitly search for information that might impact a business decision while that decision is being acted upon in application  104 . Further, the searching process can be based on contextual characteristics of the decision being made (e.g., application context), data being currently input, pre-existing data, user context (e.g., user identity or role within an organization), and/or other data. In this manner, user  102  is automatically presented with choices that may be better than the current choice. Assuming implicit or explicit user consent, based on the search results, the decision itself can be changed, process flow can be changed, auto-generation can be implemented, and/or other outcomes can be triggered as appropriate for a given implementation. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many ways to implement a system in accordance the present invention and that the illustrated configuration is but one example. Further, within a given implementation, the illustrated components may have a different functionality. For example, query processing component  103  could be implemented as a data abstraction service that publishes search parameters  105  to various search services  106 . In this case, the search parameters  105  illustratively include business data in a canonical format. The abstraction service can be configured to transform the canonical data format to satisfy specific format requirements for each search service. This is just one example of a similar but different implementation that should be considered within the scope of the present invention. 
     In order to further solidify the present description, a more specific example will now be provided. For the purpose of the example, it will be assumed that business application  104  is a small business accounting application configured to employ query processing component  103  to publish data (i.e., search parameters  105 ), including inventory data and contextual data, to an Internet-based data service  106 . Data service  106  processes the search parameters and returns results  122  to query processing component  103 . Component  103  then cooperates with application  104  in order to support an automatic alteration of a purchase order and/or a purchase order document. It should be emphasized that the present invention is not limited to the details of this one particular example. 
     To continue the example, it will now be assumed that the inventory data included in search parameters  105  is transmitted to search component(s)  106  in a canonical format that can include, not by limitation, any of a product name, a product description, a UPC code, price (e.g., normal and or sale), etc. In addition to these types of product information, the business application  104  may also have extensive information about business location and contact information (e.g., e-mail, fax, phone, etc.). Depending on implementation details, the published inventory data can also be tagged with this and other information. The search component(s)  106  to which data is transmitted can include, not by limitation, online search engines, comparison shopping engines, advertising networks, marketplaces, etc. 
     Continuing with the example,  FIG. 3  is an example of a screenshot  300  associated with a small business accounting software application. As is indicated by title bar  304 , the application is currently in a mode related to business interactions with vendors. Oval  302  demonstrates that this mode may have been entered into following selection of a vendor tab. As is indicated by oval  306 , the user next selects a “new purchase order” function associated with a display element. 
       FIG. 4  is an example of a screenshot  400  associated with the small business accounting software application. Screenshot  400  is illustratively where the user arrives after selecting the “new purchase order” function as noted in relation to  FIG. 3 . The business function related to screenshot  400  is creation of a new purchase order. In that regard, the user enters information into the noted fields as necessary to support creation of a new purchase order. 
     In screenshot  400 , the user is entering in a purchase order from a vendor noted as “Contoso Supplier.” As is indicated by oval  402 , the order is to purchase trail bikes. The user has entered a quantity of 10 at a list price of $825 per bike. As has been described herein, while the user interacts with the application so as to participate in the process of creating a purchase order, a searching process is carried out behind the scenes. 
     More specifically, an automatic context-sensitive search is carried out without requiring the user&#39;s attention to be switched to facilitating the search. The search is conducted based on indirectly derived search parameters such as, but not limited to, the information that the user has entered into the various fields, application context (e.g., purchase order context) or any appropriate business data (e.g., price, vendor, number of units, historic price range for same product, delivery date, details as to historical purchases, market data, etc.). Some of the search parameters may effect where the search is directed to (e.g., different searches may be directed to different searching components based on different application context indications, or searches may be limited to entities that can guarantee delivery by a certain date, etc.). Of course, some search parameters will be utilized as search query terms to be applied by the searching component. 
     Panels  408  and  410  contain indications of the results of a search carried out by a searching component. Panel  408  shows products and services from different venders that are the same or similar to the target of the purchase order. In this case, as is indicated by oval  406 , the search produced an indication that the same bike is available from a different vendor for a lower price. Panel  410  shows alternate vendors (e.g., for the same product) that were encountered as a result of the searching process. 
       FIG. 5  is an example of a screenshot  500  associated with the small business accounting software application. The illustratively notices that the price in oval  506  is lower than the price in oval  508 . Interested in the product associated with price  506 , the user selects the “purchase now” option identified with oval  502 . This causes pop-up box  504  to appear. Box  504  gives the user the option of canceling the current purchase order and starting a new purchase order for the product associated with price  506 . 
       FIG. 6  is an example of a screenshot  600  associated with the small business accounting software application. Screenshot  600  is the new purchase order created after the user selects “add” from pop-up box  504 . In one embodiment, one or more fields of the new purchase order are filled in automatically. For example, the vendor, product, price, etc. are filled in automatically when the user has approved the change in process flow. The new purchase order is illustratively communicated to the alternate supplier electronically, or using other methods of communication (e.g., fax, mail, etc.). 
     Thus, when the user creates a purchase order for an items or items (e.g., a trail bike) targeted at an existing supplier, query processing component  103  illustratively aggregates appropriate search parameters  105  and communicates them to an appropriate searching component(s). In particular, component  103  queries search engines, comparison shopping engines, and/or marketplace engines for better price matches or alternate items. This search is done in the context of the application (e.g., without leaving the application, e.g., not in an Internet browser application). 
     Further, the searching process can be leveraged to account for some level of understanding of the relevant business process (e.g., creating a purchase order inherently is a purchase with certain parameters like item, quantity, price delivery date, etc. . . . all of which can be utilized as a basis for query). In one embodiment, the searching process is executed against a subset of all available search/information providers (e.g., appropriate comparison search engines and appropriate marketplaces) with searching qualified by attributes relevant to the business process (e.g., item/UPC, description, item attributes, cost, delivery capacity, etc.) automatically. Thus, the user need not explicitly use information to search or initiate the search. The search is automatically done on behalf of the user. On completion of the search, the positive results (e.g., in the illustrated case, items that are similar with lower prices, better availability dates, etc.) are presented to the user within the context of the business process. 
     It should again be emphasized that the present invention is in no way limited to a purchase order context. This is but one example of an implementation of how the described integrated search features can be implemented. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the same or similar concepts can be applied in many other scenarios without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     Thus, the present subject matter deals with an integration of automatic, context-based search functionality into business applications. Two illustrative applicable computing devices will now be described. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an example of a suitable computing system environment  700  in which embodiments may be implemented. The computing system environment  700  is only one example of a suitable computing environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the claimed subject matter. Neither should the computing environment  700  be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illustrated in the exemplary operating environment  700 . 
     Embodiments are operational with numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable for use with various embodiments include, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, telephony systems, distributed computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, and the like. 
     Embodiments may be described herein in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Some embodiments are designed to be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules are located in both local and remote computer storage media including memory storage devices. 
     With reference to  FIG. 7 , an exemplary system for implementing some embodiments includes a general-purpose computing device in the form of a computer  710 . Components of computer  710  may include, but are not limited to, a processing unit  720 , a system memory  730 , and a system bus  721  that couples various system components including the system memory to the processing unit  720 . The system bus  721  may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation, such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus also known as Mezzanine bus. 
     Computer  710  typically includes a variety of computer readable media. Computer readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by computer  710  and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer readable media may comprise computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by computer  710 . Communication media typically embodies computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above should also be included within the scope of computer readable media. 
     The system memory  730  includes computer storage media in the form of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory such as read only memory (ROM)  731  and random access memory (RAM)  732 . A basic input/output system  733  (BIOS), containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within computer  710 , such as during start-up, is typically stored in ROM  731 . RAM  732  typically contains data and/or program modules that are immediately accessible to and/or presently being operated on by processing unit  720 . By way of example, and not limitation,  FIG. 7  illustrates operating system  734 , application programs  735 , other program modules  736 , and program data  737 . Programs  735  are illustrated to demonstrate that at least one program can be configured to support business integrated search functionality as described herein. This need not necessarily be the case for any or all of the programs. Further, the support can be implemented from outside of the actual application. Further, programs  736  can also or alternatively be so configured. 
     The computer  710  may also include other removable/non-removable volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media. By way of example only,  FIG. 7  illustrates a hard disk drive  741  that reads from or writes to non-removable, nonvolatile magnetic media, a magnetic disk drive  751  that reads from or writes to a removable, nonvolatile magnetic disk  752 , and an optical disk drive  755  that reads from or writes to a removable, nonvolatile optical disk  756  such as a CD ROM or other optical media. Other removable/non-removable, volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media that can be used in the exemplary operating environment include, but are not limited to, magnetic tape cassettes, flash memory cards, digital versatile disks, digital video tape, solid state RAM, solid state ROM, and the like. The hard disk drive  741  is typically connected to the system bus  721  through a non-removable memory interface such as interface  740 , and magnetic disk drive  751  and optical disk drive  755  are typically connected to the system bus  721  by a removable memory interface, such as interface  750 . 
     The drives and their associated computer storage media discussed above and illustrated in  FIG. 7 , provide storage of computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the computer  710 . In  FIG. 7 , for example, hard disk drive  741  is illustrated as storing operating system  744 , application programs  745 , other program modules  746 , and program data  747 . Note that these components can either be the same as or different from operating system  734 , application programs  735 , other program modules  736 , and program data  737 . Operating system  744 , application programs  745 , other program modules  746 , and program data  747  are given different numbers here to illustrate that, at a minimum, they are different copies. Programs  745  are illustrated to demonstrate that at least one program can be configured to support integrated search functionality as described herein. This need not necessarily be the case for any or all of the programs. Further, programs  746  can also or alternatively be so configured. Also, the functionality can be implemented from outside of the actual application despite being depicted as internal. 
     A user may enter commands and information into the computer  710  through input devices such as a keyboard  762 , a microphone  763 , and a pointing device  761 , such as a mouse, trackball or touch pad. Other input devices (not shown) may include a joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, or the like. These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit  720  through a user input interface  760  that is coupled to the system bus, but may be connected by other interface and bus structures, such as a parallel port, game port or a universal serial bus (USB). A monitor  791  or other type of display device is also connected to the system bus  721  via an interface, such as a video interface  790 . In addition to the monitor, computers may also include other peripheral output devices such as speakers  797  and printer  796 , which may be connected through an output peripheral interface  795 . 
     The computer  710  is operated in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer  780 . The remote computer  780  may be a personal computer, a hand-held device, a server, a router, a network PC, a peer device or other common network node, and typically includes many or all of the elements described above relative to the computer  710 . The logical connections depicted in  FIG. 7  include a local area network (LAN)  771  and a wide area network (WAN)  773 , but may also include other networks. Such networking environments are commonplace in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets and the Internet. 
     When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer  710  is connected to the LAN  771  through a network interface or adapter  770 . When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer  710  typically includes a modem  772  or other means for establishing communications over the WAN  773 , such as the Internet. The modem  772 , which may be internal or external, may be connected to the system bus  721  via the user input interface  760 , or other appropriate mechanism. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the computer  710 , or portions thereof, may be stored in the remote memory storage device. By way of example, and not limitation,  FIG. 7  illustrates remote application programs  785  as residing on remote computer  780 . It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and other means of establishing a communications link between the computers may be used. Programs  785  are illustrated to indicate that at least one program supports integrated search functionality as described herein. This need not necessarily be the case for any or all of the programs. Also, the functionality can be implemented from outside of the actual application despite the internal location in the Figure. In one embodiment, computer  780  is a server device containing a search component for supporting the server-side functionality of the integrated search functionality described herein. 
       FIG. 8  is a block diagram of a mobile device  800 , which is an exemplary computing environment. Mobile device  800  includes a microprocessor  802 , memory  804 , input/output (I/O) components  806 , and a communication interface  808  for communicating with remote computers or other mobile devices. In one embodiment, the afore-mentioned components are coupled for communication with one another over a suitable bus  810 . 
     Memory  804  is implemented as non-volatile electronic memory such as random access memory (RAM) with a battery back-up module (not shown) such that information stored in memory  804  is not lost when the general power to mobile device  800  is shut down. A portion of memory  804  is illustratively allocated as addressable memory for program execution, while another portion of memory  804  is illustratively used for storage, such as to simulate storage on a disk drive. 
     Memory  804  includes an operating system  812 , application programs  814  as well as an object store  816 . Programs  814  are illustrated to indicate that at least one program supports the integrated search functionality described herein. This need not necessarily be the case for any or all of the programs. During operation, operating system  812  is illustratively executed by processor  802  from memory  804 . Operating system  812  is illustratively designed for mobile devices, and implements database features that can be utilized by applications  814  through a set of exposed application programming interfaces and methods. The objects in object store  816  are maintained by applications  814  and operating system  812 , at least partially in response to calls to the exposed application programming interfaces and methods. 
     Communication interface  808  represents numerous devices and technologies that allow mobile device  800  to send and receive information. The devices include wired and wireless modems, satellite receivers and broadcast tuners to name a few. Mobile device  800  can also be directly connected to a computer to exchange data therewith. In such cases, communication interface  808  can be an infrared transceiver or a serial or parallel communication connection, all of which are capable of transmitting streaming information. 
     Input/output components  806  include a variety of input devices such as a touch-sensitive screen, buttons, rollers, and a microphone as well as a variety of output devices including an audio generator, a vibrating device, and a display. The devices listed above are by way of example and need not all be present on mobile device  800 . In addition, other input/output devices may be attached to or found with mobile device  800 . 
     Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.