Handwriting manipulation for conducting a search over multiple databases

A computing device for performing a handwriting-initiated search, the computing device comprising:

• a touch sensitive input unit for receiving a user input;
• at least one memory unit for storing a plurality of databases;
• a processor operable to:
• determine whether the received user input is a handwriting input on the touch sensitive input unit, wherein the handwriting input is differentiated from a selection of a GUI object;
• in response to the handwriting input, process the handwriting input to identify one or more matching characters;
• conduct a search over the plurality of databases based on the one or more matching characters;
• obtain search results;
• and
• formulate a graphical user interface displaying the search results;
• and
• a display unit for displaying the formulated graphical user interface, wherein each displayed search result is selectable by the user for performing an action associated with the search result.

A computer-readable medium having instructions encoded thereon to conduct a search based on a handwritten search query, wherein the instructions, when executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to:

• receive a user input through a first window displayed on a touch sensitive screen of the computing device;
• determine whether the received user input is a handwritten search query or selection of a GUI object;
• in response to receipt of the handwritten search query:
• conduct a search over one or more databases based on the handwritten search query;
• lock the first window to preserve a current status of the first window;
• and
• present a second window displaying search results obtained from the search over the first window, the displayed search results being selectable by the user for performing an action associated with a search result.