Patents Assigned to Yahoo!
  • Push pull caching for social network information
    Patent number: 9137329
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards modifying a distribution of writers as either a push writer or a pull writer based on a cost model that decides for a given content reader whether it is more effective for the writer to be a pull writer or a push writer. A cache is maintained for each content reader for caching content items pushed by a push writer in the content writer's push list of writers when the content is generated. At query time, content items are pulled by the content reader based on writers a content reader's pull list. One embodiment of the cost model employs data about a previous number of requests for content items for a given writer for a number of previous blended display results of content items. When a writer is determined to be popular, mechanisms are proposed for pushing content items to a plurality of content readers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: YAHOO! INC.
    Inventor: Zhichen Xu
  • Method and system for topical browser history
    Patent number: 9135354
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for displaying topical history of a user's browsing experience. A browser executing on a computing device navigates to a web page. A client-side module executing on the computing device obtains a set of topics associated with the web page. The client-side module determines other topics related to the set of topics associated with the web page. The client-side module determines web pages associated with the other topics that the browser has previously navigated to within a predetermined past period of time. The browser displays in a first content area the web page, and the browser displays in a second content area the set of topics associated with the web page, the other topics related to the set of topics, and links to the web pages associated with the other topics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: YAHOO! INC.
    Inventor: Paul Broman
  • System and method for targeting users for content delivery
    Patent number: 9135643
    Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products are provided for targeting users for content provision. In one method, the method receives at a server, one or more content objects and one or more ZIP+4 codes as targeting parameters for the one or more content objects. The method retrieves personal information of a plurality of users. The method then identifies one or more of the plurality of users located in geographic areas corresponding to the one or more ZIP+4 codes based, at least in part, on the personal information. Subsequently, the method targets a content object of the one or more content objects to the one or more of the plurality of users based on the identified geographic areas of the users and the ZIP+4 codes associated with corresponding ones of the one or more content objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Yahoo! Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Schroeder, Shane Wiley, Amir Cory
  • Multimode distribution systems and methods for providing power from power sources to power consuming devices
    Patent number: 9136707
    Abstract: Multimode distribution systems and methods are described. A multimode distribution system includes a first source interface for coupling to a first power source, a second source interface for coupling to a second power source, and a first selection device to be coupled via a first connection matrix and the first source interface with the first power source to provide main power to one or more power consumption devices. The multimode distribution system includes a second selection device to be coupled via a second connection matrix and the first source interface with the first power source to provide main power to one or more additional power consumption devices. The second selection device is to be coupled via the second connection matrix and the second source interface with the second power source to provide alternative power to the additional power consumption devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Yahoo! Inc.
    Inventors: Mozan Totani, Jesus Lalo Suarez, Barry C. Bianculli, Thomas Trevino, Bob Lytle, Norman Holt
  • Automatic verification by comparing user interface images
    Patent number: 9135151
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and software related product (e.g., a computer readable memory) are presented for automatic testing of software products such as front-ends of computing devices. Various embodiments described herein can simplify the delivery and verification of software products and services across computing devices and screens by comparing user interface images using image analysis. For example, a screen buffer or visual representation of a new version of a software application can be compared with those representations generated using one or more previously released (positively tested) software versions of that application. This can broaden the reach of the solution and facilitate automation of workflows, which previously required human interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: YAHOO! INC.
    Inventors: George Betak, Mohammed Abualrob
  • Ranking documents through contextual shortcuts
    Patent number: 9135328
    Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to ranking and/or indexing of documents based at least in part on user interaction with contextual shortcuts. In one or more implementations, data may be collected regarding user interaction with one or more contextual shortcuts and a query may be received from a user based at least in part on an activation of a given contextual shortcut. A search result may be transmitted to the user via a contextual search interface based at least in part on the collected data regarding user interaction with one or more contextual shortcuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Yahoo! Inc.
    Inventors: Utku Irmak, Reiner Kraft
  • TECHNIQUES INCLUDING URL RECOGNITION AND APPLICATIONS
    Publication number: 20150254520
    Abstract: Methods are systems are provided that include obtaining a digital image from a digital photograph, such as may be taken by a digital camera or a camera phone. The digital image includes, for example, a URI or URL, which may be contained within a visible frame. A character recognition technique, such as an optical character recognition technique, may be used to recognize the URI or URL from the digital image. The URI or URL may be used to access a corresponding Web page. The character recognition technique may be applied on the digital camera or cell phone itself, or remotely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: YAHOO! INC.
    Inventor: Jin Suk Park
  • Methods and Systems for Ranking Items on a Presentation Area Based on Binary Outcomes
    Publication number: 20150254246
    Abstract: A method includes accessing a number of cards from a database. The cards are ranked in the database based on a test conducted on a number of users. The cards are associated with one or more rule states. The one or more rule states provide binary outcomes of one or more rules. Each rule is identified using a code. The test is conducted by presenting different random sequences of the cards to different users and receiving inputs from the number of users. The method further includes receiving a request for a presentation area from a client device operated by a user. The presentation area is used for displaying the number of cards in an order, which is determined based on the test. The method includes providing the number of cards for display in the order within the presentation area on the client device of the user in response to the request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: Yahoo! Inc.
    Inventors: Asad Sheth, Ferras Hamad
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR KEYWORD SUGGESTION
    Publication number: 20150254714
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for suggesting a bidding keyword to an advertiser. The system includes a non-transitory processor-readable storage medium comprising a set of instructions for suggesting a bidding keyword to an advertiser; and a processor in communication with the storage medium. The processor is configured to execute the set of instruction to receive an advertisement creative from an advertiser; determine, based on the advertisement creative without using an externally input seed keyword, a recommended bidding keyword associated with the advertisement creative; and return the recommended keyword for online advertisement bidding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: Yahoo! Inc.
    Inventors: Laurence ZHUANG, Weiru Zhang, Xiao Han, Lin Ma, Tingyi Wu, Rohit Chandra
  • Using external sources for sponsored search AD selection
    Patent number: 9129300
    Abstract: A system and a method are provided for using external sources (e.g., landing pages) for sponsored search ad selection. In one example, the system identifies one or more regions of an external source. The one or more regions are relevant to a query. The external source includes a source that includes relevant data that is usable for augmenting an ad selection process. The system extracts one or more features from the one or more regions. The system determines which of the one or more features are relevant for item indexing. The system then augments an item selection process by using the one or more features that are relevant for item indexing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Yahoo! Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus Fontoura, Vanja Josifovski, Evgeniy Gabrilovich, Bo Pang, Yejin Choi, Mauricio Riguette Mediano
  • System and method for automatically building up topic-specific messaging identities
    Patent number: 9129263
    Abstract: A method for automating interaction with a messaging system receives a first message from the messaging system, associates the first message with a topic, assigns the first message to an identity associated with the topic, maps content to the first message, creates a second message based on the content, and sends, via the identity, the second message to the messaging system. The first message may be screened for quality and assigned a quality score, and if the quality score does not exceed a predetermined threshold, then the second message will not be sent to the messaging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: YAHOO! INC.
    Inventors: Reiner Kraft, Farzin Maghoul
  • Gallery application for content viewing
    Patent number: 9128602
    Abstract: A gallery software application enables a user to browse, view, and interact with various content items, such as still images and videos. The gallery includes a graphical user interface, where a content item is represented by an image. A group of content items is represented by a displayed stack of partially-overlapping images. A content item is associated with geo-location information and timestamp information. This information is used to divide the content items into groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: YAHOO! INC.
    Inventors: Venkat Krishnaraj, Austin W. Shoemaker, Aditya Rathnam, Soujanya Bhumkar
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING MOBILE ADVERTISEMENTS
    Publication number: 20150248712
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing mobile advertisements are disclosed. The system includes a plurality of templates to be selected by an advertiser. The system also includes a user interface configured to present the plurality of templates to the advertiser so that the advertiser selects a template. The user interface is further configured to obtain advertiser information corresponding to the selected template. The system includes data that define a mobile advertisement related to the advertiser on a mobile device so that the mobile device is configured to render a mobile view on the mobile device based on the selected template and the obtained advertiser information when the mobile advertisement is selected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 3, 2015
    Applicant: Yahoo! Inc.
    Inventors: Rupert Christopher Lacy-Hulbert, Bruno M. Fernandez-Ruiz
  • 3-DIMENSIONAL AUGMENTED REALITY MARKERS
    Publication number: 20150248785
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a first perspective of a three-dimensional marker may be detected, where the three-dimensional marker has a shape that presents a different appearance from every angle. A first three-dimensional virtual overlay corresponding to the first perspective of the three-dimensional marker may be identified or generated. The first three-dimensional virtual overlay corresponding to the first perspective of the three-dimensional marker may be projected or displayed such that the first three-dimensional virtual overlay substantially covers the first perspective of the three-dimensional marker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Publication date: September 3, 2015
    Applicant: Yahoo! Inc.
    Inventor: Lars Erik Holmquist
  • Technique for processing data in a network
    Patent number: 9122682
    Abstract: A technique for processing data in a network is disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the technique may be realized as a method for processing data in a network having a plurality of network stations. The method comprises receiving a first representation of data at a first of the plurality of network stations, processing the first representation so as to generate a second representation of the data, and transmitting the second representation from the first network station to a second of the plurality of network stations for storage therein, wherein the second representation is stored at an address within the second network station. The method also comprises receiving the address at the first network station, and transmitting the address from the first network station to a third of the plurality of network stations for storage therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: YAHOO! INC.
    Inventors: Arjen P. deVries, Michael Sokolov, David E. Kovalcin, Brian Eberman, Leonidas Kontothanassis
  • Systems and methods for receiving and sponsoring media content
    Patent number: 9123048
    Abstract: A method and system of sponsoring a media item is disclosed herein. A media item is received from a submitter. The media item is published for consumer access. Requests for the media item are received from media consumers. A number of consumer requests for the media item is counted. A determination is made as to whether the number of consumer requests for the media item is higher than a predetermined threshold of popularity. If the number of consumer requests for the media item is determined to be higher than the predetermined threshold of popularity, the media item is sponsored on a webcast station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Yahoo! Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Spiegelman
  • LOCALIZED SELECTABLE LOCATION AND/OR TIME FOR SEARCH QUERIES AND/OR SEARCH QUERY RESULTS
    Publication number: 20150242419
    Abstract: Briefly, embodiments of methods or systems providing a mobile device user with localized and/or time-selectable search query terms and/or search results are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: Yahoo! Inc.
    Inventors: Lars Erik Holmquist, Guilherme Chapiewski
  • METHOD OF QUEUING SIGNALS
    Publication number: 20150244577
    Abstract: Example methods, apparatuses, and/or articles of manufacture are disclosed that may be implemented, in whole or in part, using one or more computing devices to implement a queuing system with an adjustable scalability/reliability level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: Yahoo! Inc.
    Inventors: Ashutosh Singh, Varun Bhagwan, Jaikit Savla, Rahul Teotia
  • AD IMPRESSION AVAILABILITY AND ASSOCIATED ADJUSTMENT VALUES
    Publication number: 20150242886
    Abstract: A system can provide ad impression availability for one or more audience segments or at least part of an ad campaign. The system can also adjust such ad impression availability at different stages of ad production, booking, and delivery, such as at a time immediately prior to serving an ad impression or at a time of presenting ad impression availability to an advertiser at booking of ad impressions. Adjustments can be based on attributes of the audience segment(s) or the at least part of an ad campaign. For example, ad impression availability can be adjusted according to breadth and/or popularity of the segment(s) or the at least part of an ad campaign.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: YAHOO! INC.
    Inventors: Supreeth Rao, Sunil Kumar Gupta
  • Portion of a display screen with a graphical user interface
    Patent number: D738391
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Yahoo! Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Everingham, Amy Lee