Key Points:
- Google’s “Generative Summaries for Search Results” patent (US11769017B1) uses AI to create short, helpful summaries for search queries, saving users time.
- The “Search with Stateful Chat” patent (US20240289407A1) likely builds on this, adding conversational search that remembers what you’ve asked before.
- A social media post suggests these patents are connected, with the chat feature extending the summary technology.
- Both are part of Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE), making search smarter and more interactive.
- This article uses simple language and examples to explain these ideas for beginners.
Google is using artificial intelligence (AI) to make its search engine better at giving you answers quickly and naturally. Two patents show how: “Generative Summaries for Search Results” (US11769017B1) and “Search with Stateful Chat” (US20240289407A1). These are part of something called the Search Generative Experience (SGE), which aims to make searching the web feel more like talking to a smart friend. In this article, we’ll break down what these patents do, how they might be connected, and what they mean for you—with plenty of examples to keep it simple!
What Is a Patent?
Think of a patent as a “protection badge” for a new idea. It’s a legal document that says, “Hey, I invented this, and no one else can copy it for a while!” Companies like Google use patents to protect their tech ideas, like new ways to improve search. These patents give us a sneak peek into how Google’s search might work in the future.
Generative Summaries for Search Results (US11769017B1)
What It Does
This patent, filed on March 20, 2023, and approved on September 26, 2023, is about using AI to write short summaries for your search questions. It’s called US11769017B1. The AI looks at your question, checks web info, and creates a quick answer in plain words. It’s like having a librarian who reads all the books for you and tells you the key points!
How It Works (With Examples)
Imagine you’re curious about something simple, like “What’s the tallest mountain?” Normally, you’d get a list of websites to dig through. With this patent, the AI might say: “Mount Everest is the tallest mountain, at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet).” Done! No clicking needed.
Now, let’s try a trickier question: “Why do leaves change color in fall?” The AI could summarize: “Leaves change color in fall because trees stop making green chlorophyll, revealing yellow and red pigments underneath, according to science sites.” It pulls this from web pages and puts it in a way that’s easy to get.
The patent says: “The system generates a natural language summary based on the search query and additional content” (US11769017B1). That “additional content” could be things like trusted websites or even your location to make the answer fit you better.
Why It Matters
This saves time and makes search feel less like homework. It’s part of Google’s SGE, which experts say started testing around 2023 (Search Engine Roundtable).
Search with Stateful Chat (US20240289407A1)
What It Does
Filed on March 27, 2024, this patent (US20240289407A1) is still waiting for approval. It’s about making search feel like a chat with someone who remembers what you’ve said. It uses a “generative companion”—fancy words for an AI that talks back and keeps track of your questions.
How It Works (With Examples)
Picture this: You ask, “Who won the Super Bowl last year?” The AI answers, “The Kansas City Chiefs won the Super Bowl in 2024.” Then you say, “Who was their quarterback?” Instead of starting over, the AI knows you’re still talking about the Chiefs and says, “Their quarterback was Patrick Mahomes.” It’s like chatting with a friend who doesn’t forget the topic!
Here’s another example: You’re planning dinner and ask, “What do I need for tacos?” The AI lists: “Ground beef, taco shells, lettuce, cheese, and salsa.” Then you ask, “How long do I cook the beef?” The AI remembers you’re making tacos and says, “Cook the ground beef for about 10 minutes until it’s brown.” No need to repeat “tacos”—it’s stateful, meaning it keeps the context.
The patent explains: “The generative companion maintains the state of the conversation to provide context-aware responses” (US20240289407A1). It’s like the AI has a little notebook to jot down what you’ve asked.
Why It Matters
This makes search more fun and natural, especially if you have follow-up questions. It’s also tied to Google’s SGE, building on the idea of smarter searches (Query Fan-Out).
Are These Patents Connected?
An SEO expert named Koray Gubur posted on X that “Search with Stateful Chat” is a continuation of “Generative Search Summaries” (KorayGubur Post). He means the chat patent might use the same AI tricks from the summaries patent, just adding the ability to talk back and forth. There’s no hard proof in the patent papers, but it makes sense—both use AI to make search better, and both are part of SGE. Think of it like this: summaries are step one (quick answers), and chat is step two (keeping the conversation going).
What This Means for You
For Everyday Users
- Summaries: Get answers fast without clicking tons of links. Ask “What’s a good beginner guitar?” and get “The Yamaha F325D is a popular beginner guitar, affordable and easy to play.”
- Chat: Keep asking questions like you’re talking to someone. After “What’s a good beginner guitar?” you could say, “Does it come in blue?” and the AI would know what “it” is.
For Website Owners
If you make websites or write blogs, these patents mean your content needs to be clear and helpful. The AI will pick stuff that’s easy to summarize (like “5 Tips for Better Sleep”) or answers questions people might ask in a chat (“How do I fix a leaky faucet?”). Experts say to focus on simple, trustworthy info (Search Engine Journal).
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Generative Summaries | Search with Stateful Chat |
|---|---|---|
| Patent Number | US11769017B1 | US20240289407A1 |
| Filed | March 20, 2023 | March 27, 2024 |
| Status | Approved | Waiting |
| What It Does | Gives short AI summaries | Chats and remembers your questions |
| Example | “Mount Everest is tallest” | “Chiefs won; Mahomes was QB” |
| Tech Used | AI that writes like humans | AI that tracks conversations |
Wrapping Up
Google’s “Generative Search Summaries” and “Search with Stateful Chat” patents are like two pieces of a puzzle to make search awesome. One gives you quick answers, like a CliffsNotes version of the web. The other lets you chat with Google like it’s a buddy who remembers what you’re talking about. If they’re connected, as some think, they’re teaming up to make finding stuff online super easy. Whether you’re a user or a website maker, these changes are worth watching!