Abstract: A system for analyzing data organized into data sets and for transforming the data sets into a visual representation of the data sets is provided. The system includes a memory, a first processor, and an output device. The memory is configured with a data structure for maintaining an arrangement of cells in a grid of rows and columns and for storing the data sets. The first processor is configured to map attributes of the data sets into visual representations of the data sets. The output device displays the visual representations of the data sets in the cells. A user can extract meaning from the data by visually comprehending the relationships between the data sets.

Abstract: A recommendation process includes the consideration of the compatibility of the items being recommended. An electronic processing system for generating a compatibility-aware recommendation output set to a is user based, at least in part, on a set of item compatibility rules. The system includes a processing system of one or more processors configured to receive applicable data, including i) user preference data, and ii) item compatibility rules, and to produce a compatibility-aware recommendation output set using the user preference data and the item compatibility rules. A method and computer-readable storage device containing the method are also presented.

Abstract: The invention includes an electronic processing system, a method and a computer readable storage device for generating a serendipity-weighted recommendation output set to a user based, at least in part, on a serendipity function. The system includes a processing system to receive user item preference data and community item popularity data. The processing system is also configured to produce an item recommendation set from the user item preference data, produce a set of item serendipity control values in response to the serendipity function and the community item popularity data, and combine the item recommendation set with the set of item serendipity control values to produce a serendipity-weighted and filtered recommendation output set. The method includes receiving item preference data and community item popularity data.

Abstract: A system for analyzing data organized into data sets and for transforming the data sets into a visual representation of the data sets is provided. The system includes a memory, a first processor, and an output device. The memory is configured with a data structure for maintaining an arrangement of cells in a grid of rows and columns and for storing the data sets. The first processor is configured to map attributes of the data sets into visual representations of the data sets. The output device displays the visual representations of the data sets in the cells. A user can extract meaning from the data by visually comprehending the relationships between the data sets.

Abstract: A prediction information system for use between a user and an electronic rating broker is provided. The prediction information system includes a user interface for presenting items as information to the user. An input mechanism receives data input by the user. A processor in cooperation with the user interface and the input mechanism performs an algorithm for: obtaining a particular implicit measure, generating an implicit rating as a function of the particular implicit measure, submitting the implicit rating to the rating broker, receiving prediction results for other items from the rating broker, and presenting the prediction results to the user through the user interface. In addition, a method for operating an electronic rating broker on a computer system in order to provide prediction information to a user based on implicit ratings is provided. Also, a storage device readable by a computer system for implementing this method is provided.

Abstract: An electronic rating broker is provided. The rating broker includes an input mechanism for obtaining an implicit measure concerning items presented to a user. A processor is operatively coupled to the input mechanism and an output device to cooperatively perform several functions. These functions include generating an implicit rating as a function of the implicit measure using a receiver operating curve (ROC). The output device is provided the implicit rating by the processor. In addition, a method is provided for operating an electronic rating broker on a computer system in order to provide an implicit rating generated with an ROC. Also, a storage device readable by a computer system for implementing this method is provided.

Abstract: An electronic information system is provided for determining predictive utility of prediction techniques in ascertaining which items are valued. The information system includes an input mechanism for obtaining a set of measurements of actual value of items presented to a user. The items presented to the user are derived from a plurality of items by utilizing predictions from a prediction technique. A processor is operatively coupled to the input mechanism to generate a quality metric receiver operating curve (ROC) from the set of measurements which corresponds to a measure of effectiveness of the prediction technique in predicting which items are valued by the user. In addition, a method is provided for operating this electronic information system. Also, a storage device readable by a computer system for implementing this method is provided.