Searching a file open dialog using a namespace extension

• US 20070043700A1
• Filed: 08/18/2005
• Published: 02/22/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/18/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
• Inventors: Dawson, David, Ickman, Steven
• Granted Patent: US 7,599,954 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/14 Details of searching files based on file metadata
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/168 Details of user interfaces specifically adapted to file systems, e.g. browsing and visualisation, 2d or 3d GUIs query results presentation G06F16/156
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99931 Database or file accessing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99933 Query processing, i.e. searching
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99934 Query formulation, input preparation, or translation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99935 Query augmenting and refining, e.g. inexact access
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99936 Pattern matching access
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99943 Generating database or data structure, e.g. via user interface

Abstract

Methods and systems for method for modifying a File Open dialog to enable searching for a file. The method includes writing a namespace extension. Next a custom view is built within the File Open dialog box using the namespace extension. The custom view allows a user input a keyword or phrase within the customized File Open dialog box. Searching then occurs for the file indicated by the user search input using the Desktop Search. The search results are then displayed the within the File Open dialog box.

Claims

1. A method for modifying a File Open dialog to enable searching for a file, comprising:

writing a namespace extension;

building a custom view within a File Open dialog box using the namespace extension;

receiving a user search input within the customized File Open dialog box;

searching for a file indicated by the user search input using Desktop Search; and

displaying at least one search result within the File Open dialog box.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

building a preview pane into the customized File Open dialog box as part of the custom view.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

displaying an icon for Desktop Search in the customized File Open dialog box.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

enabling a user to drag and drop the at least one search result from the customized File Open dialog box.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

narrowing the at least one search result while the user search input is being received,

wherein the displaying is performed while the user search input is being received.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the writing the name space extension comprises building a com.dll.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the writing the name space extension comprises implementing an interface.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the interface is ishellfolder.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the building the custom view comprises implementing an interface.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the interface is ishellview.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the interface is icommdlgbrowser.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the interface is icommdlgbrowser2.

13. A customized File Open dialog, comprising:

a search field in the customized File Open dialog to receive a user search input, wherein the user search input indicates a file to be located; and

a display field in the customized File Open dialog to display at least one search result based on the user search input.

14. The customized File Open dialog of claim 13, further comprising:

a preview pane to preview the at least one search result to a user.

15. The customized File Open dialog of claim 13, further comprising:

an icon for Desktop Search.

16. The customized File Open dialog of claim 13, wherein the at least one search result is narrowed and displayed while the user search input is being received.

17. A machine-readable medium that provides instructions for modifying a File Open dialog to enable searching for a file, which, when executed by a machine, cause the machine to perform operations comprising:

writing a namespace extension;

building a custom view within a File Open dialog box using the namespace extension;

receiving a user search input within the customized File Open dialog box;

searching for a file indicated by the user search input using Desktop Search; and

displaying at least one search result within the File Open dialog box.