Abstract: Techniques are provided for including collection items in the ranked set of search results that are returned to a user in response to a search query. Collection scoring techniques are also provided for generating relevance scores for collection items in a different manner than relevance scores are generated for base items that are not collections. The collection scoring techniques may be applied to non-base collection items, base collection items, or both. Items that match the search query, including base items and collection items, are ranked in a unified ranking based on their respective relevance scores, thereby allowing searches to readily determine the relevance ranking of matching collection items relative to matching base items.

Abstract: Techniques for communicating particular information from a user to a touch screen device by way of a touch event is provided. Sensors that are operatively coupled to a sensing device sense an input from the user which conveys particular information. This input is then converted by the sensing device into another signal called the sensing device signal which is then transmitted from the sensing device to the user's skin. Then a second set of sensors that are operatively coupled to a touch device receive a user-touch signal that is transmitted from the user's body. The user-touch signal is based, at least in part on the sensing device signal. The touch device then decodes the user-touch signal to determine the location of the touch event on the touch device and sensing device signal embedded in the user-touch signal to extract the particular information related to the user.

Abstract: A content item categorizer system retrieves content items from Internet sources. If a retrieved content item includes sufficient information for traditional categorization methods, then the system assigns one or more categories to the content item using such traditional methods. The system creates a metadata model, based on information about traditionally-categorized content items, that maps at least hashtags from the content items to one or more content categories. When the system retrieves a sparse-info item that does not include sufficient information for traditional categorization, the system applies the metadata model to categorize the content item using at least hashtags in the sparse-info item. The metadata model may also include information indicating mappings between categories and coincidence of hashtags and additional content item attributes. Also, the metadata model may provide information for categorizing sparse-info items based on multiple hashtags in the sparse-info item metadata.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating search results with higher relevancy. More specifically, the present invention provides a listing of narrowing or related search terms based upon the search term submitted by the user. The present invention effectively guides users to narrow their search by guiding users to select or click on highly related search terms. In one embodiment, the listing of the highly related search terms is generated in accordance with sales and/or click information, e.g., via scoring of search terms that is premised on sales and/or click information.

Abstract: Context based networking. A method for context based networking includes receiving a query. Further, the method includes obtaining behavioral targeting scores of a plurality of first buddy nodes of a node corresponding to the query. Furthermore, the method includes updating the behavioral targeting scores of the plurality of first buddy nodes based on behavioral targeting score of at least one second buddy node of each first buddy node. In addition, the method includes forwarding the query to at least one first buddy node based on the updated behavioral targeting scores. Further, the method includes obtaining a response associated with the query. The method also includes electronically providing the response to a user of the node.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and systems directed to the estimation and modeling of market reserve prices for bidded terms in online keyword auctions with advanced match. Some embodiments of the invention estimate advertiser value distributions and advertiser bid distributions for the bidded terms and derive expected overall revenue. An optimization technique may be used to find the optimal market reserve prices for the bidded terms that maximize the expected overall revenue. In some other embodiments, a query is received for which a market reserve price is determined and exact and advanced matched advertisements are reordered for output and display.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically delivering information to a user concerning the embedded code contained in a web page before the user downloads the web page are disclosed. A search engine, in addition to performing a standard subject matter word search requested by a user, searches each web page to be listed to the user as part of the search results for information indicating that there is embedded code in the web page. If it is determined that a web page contains embedded code, the search results graphical user interface is provided with additional information indicating to the user which web page in the results contains embedded code. The user may also be alerted if a web page contains embedded code known to be malicious and the order of the search results may be modified based on the embedded code information of the web pages in the results.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing information retrieval and communication functionality through the use of a universal interface that is configurable to interface with multiple applications resident on a user computer, and which provides a persistent two-way communication channel for communicating with search intelligence on a remote system. Sharable, actionable labels and codebooks of labels may be defined by a user. Each label may be defined in a natural language format and may include a mapping to a specific application or set of applications executable on a user system. Transfer of labels and codebooks between user systems allows for enhanced information exchange and retrieval among users as well as information exchange tracking and analysis by a server system.