Processor-implemented method, computing system and computer program for invoking a search

Abstract

Provided herein is a processor-implemented method of creating a hyperlink from a text messaging text entry field in a text messaging app on a user's mobile device. The method includes assigning within the messaging app one or more keyboard characters as control characters respectively designating a start of a text search string and an end of a text search string; enabling the user to enter text including the control characters into the text messaging app text entry field; and upon the user activating a send command to send a text message that includes the start and end control characters defining the bounds of a search text string, displaying the search string as a hyperlinked text in the message thread selectable to invoke a search outside of the text messaging app. In an embodiment, invoking a search includes automatically initiating a search by presenting the search text string to a search engine interface to return results based on the search, in the event that a user selects the hyperlinked search string text in the message of the message thread. Computing systems and processor-readable media embodying computer programs are also provided.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.