Abstract: A method, system, and graphical user interface for alerting a computer user to new results for a prior search are disclosed. One aspect of the invention involves a graphical user interface on a computer that includes a plurality of links recommended by a search engine for a computer user. The plurality of links are determined by the search engine by: producing search results by rerunning a plurality of search queries that have been performed previously for the computer user; and evaluating the produced search results to select search results that meet predefined search result selection criteria. At least one of the criteria is based on Internet usage data for the user.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for characterizing market distribution for a business having multiple business representatives. The business is considered to be in competition with one or more competitors, each of which also has multiple representatives. Locations are determined both for the business representatives and for the competitor representatives, and these locations are used to populate one or more databases. A locator identification is assigned to each distinct location and used as a pointer within the databases. The locator identification may be unique to specific street addresses, permitting improved analysis of the market information, particularly analysis derived from the geographical distributions of the business representatives and of the competitor representatives.

Abstract: A method and system for dynamically loading content to a portion of a native global page on a client at runtime includes receiving a request at the client for the content for the portion of the native global page. The request identifies the portion of the native global page requesting the content and a type of resource required from a server. The request, identifying a server side resource to service the request, is forwarded from the client to the server. In response to the request, the client receives the identified server side resource that includes a plurality of components. The plurality of components is parsed at the client to verify the components are received in a required sequence. When it is determined that the plurality of components are received in the required sequence, a first set of components are selected from the received plurality of components and injected into a region for the portion of the native global page.

Abstract: A system and method for publishing information to a community of users is disclosed. Published information is inclusive of, for example, calendar data, blog data and photographs. Communities may be defined by PIM data or automatically generated by a data aggregation server in response to a user-defined rubric. Published information may be provided to a recipient or in conjunction with a notification delivered to the recipient. Published data may be subject to certain read/write limitations.

Abstract: A web service system dynamically matches professional experience with procedure characteristics submitted by a client through evaluating a professional's history of procedure outcomes in light of the requested procedure characteristics.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a record information storage module stores record information related to content recorded by an external apparatus in association with a keyword representing the content and user information. A search information storage module stores a search phrase used for searching in an external apparatus in association with user information. A search word handler extracts a predetermined number of words having high search frequency from search phrases stored in association with specific user information to generate a word list. A record information handler extracts keywords stored in association with the specific user information to generate a keyword list. A ranking processor generates ranking information indicating a word in the word list which matches a keyword in the keyword list. A communicator provides the ranking information to an external apparatus corresponding to the specific user information.

Abstract: A content searching apparatus facilitating a search of a content, which a user desires, even where relativity between a content and a keyword change, wherein the content searching apparatus includes: a content table storing unit storing content tables; an input unit obtaining a keyword, which has been selected as a selected keyword; a relevant keyword creating unit (i) calculating a relevance degree, for each of keywords, to the selected keyword, based on a target content table, (ii) selecting a keyword having a predetermined relevance degree out of each of the keywords, and (iii) creating a relevant keyword out of the corresponding keywords; and a variance calculating unit calculating a variance value of selected keywords including the keyword, when the user is confused. Further, the content searching apparatus includes a content table selecting unit changing the above mentioned target content table to another content table, when the variance value is larger than a threshold value.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates intelligent query operations by using a collaborative search procedure which employs tribal knowledge from a group of like-minded individuals. During operation, the system receives a search query from the user. The system then processes the query using the tribal knowledge obtained from like-minded individuals to produce a results list for the user. For example, this tribal knowledge can include the browsing habits of the collection of users as represented by their selection of websites and the session times for these website views, as well as any reviews posted by these users for the websites they browse.

Abstract: User insights derived from communication data may be provided. Communications associated with a user may be collected and analyzed to derive insights about the user. The insight may then be provided to the user, such as for modifying an application functionality, creating a message processing rule, providing new information to the user, and updating an application display or user interface.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a method and system for personalizing information retrieval in a communication network. The method comprising receiving one or more inputs from a plurality of sources, processing information present in the one or more inputs received from the plurality of sources, performing a contextual and personalized search based on the inputs received and displaying one or more results in support of the information in the communication network. The system herein comprising an application server for receiving one or more inputs from a plurality of sources, a processor for performing at least one of processing an information present in the inputs received from the plurality of sources, generating one or more virtual documents based on the processing of the information present in the one or more inputs, performing a search based on the virtual documents generated and a display unit for displaying one or more results.

Abstract: A user-interface method of selecting and presenting a collection of content items based on user navigation and selection actions associated with the content is provided. The method includes associating a relevance weight on a per user basis with content items to indicate a relative measure of likelihood that the user desires the content item. The method includes receiving a user's navigation and selections actions for identifying desired content items, and in response, adjusting the associated relevance weight of the selected content item and group of content items containing the selected item. The method includes, in response to subsequent user input, selecting and presenting a subset of content items and content groups to the user ordered by the adjusted associated relevance weights assigned to the content items and content groups.

Abstract: A data processing method and network for collecting, storing, and providing user profile data. The network comprises a number of persona agents, interconnected to a hub. The persona agents and the hub are stored within the data communications network. Each persona agent is associated with a user of the data communications network, and is operable to collect observational data from an application being executed by the user, as well to receive queries for profile data from the application and to respond to the queries with context-based profile data.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides systems and methods that facilitate providing specialized content associated with web results in response to a user query to provide queried information directly to a user without requiring the user to select a link and/or scroll through information on a web page associated therewith. Reference language models can be generated from multiple queries and can be compared to a query language model generated from web results returned in response to a user query. Based on such comparison, a determination can be made regarding whether a particular portion of specialized content corresponding to some particular query keywords is relevant enough to warrant direct presentation to the user.

Abstract: The invention is a contact, calendar, workflow, and intelligence gathering application that allows a user, such as a financial advisor to collect, codify and analyze objective and subjective data regarding clients, corporate/institutional accounts, contacts/prospects, financial products and market trends. The invention assists a financial advisor in batch calling, scheduling work, delegating tasks and facilitating associative intellect, allowing a user to test hunches or “wispy thoughts” to discovery client and market trends.

Abstract: Disclosed is a computer-implemented search method and computer-implemented agent system for efficient searching of information. Information may be located, for example, on XML databases, relational databases and files located on intranets and the Internet or other like computer network systems. Specifically, a service-oriented system architecture (also referred to as the Knowledge Sifter architecture), may be comprised of a community of cooperating agents. The system architecture may further be employed using a case-based framework configured to recommend query specifications and refinements based on previously-stored user-query cases. Other methodologies such as collaborative filtering, wherein the architecture can recommend a set of unseen items that are preferred by other users to the active user, can be used. Additionally, a hybrid filtering approach which combines both collaborative filtering and content-based filtering can be used effectively in the Knowledge Sifter architecture.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a method of receiving Website content. The method includes generating a user profile comprising a cluster type obtained from a list of cluster types, wherein the list of cluster types is generated by processing a database of search queries. The method includes providing the relevant cluster types included in the user profile to a selected Website, wherein the cluster type sent to the Website is used by the Website at least in part to determine the content provided by the Website.

Abstract: An image search device is provided which relatively easily outputs images that a user wishes to use for interpolation from among a large volume of stored image content data.

Abstract: A system and method are directed towards automatically modifying an online dating service's search results based on adaptive personalizations from a user's activities. A user provides input to questions that seek information regarding the user. The invention employs the input to identify a list of candidates for a potential long-term social relationship with the user. The invention may then develop a unified search score for each candidate that represents a weighted sum of normalized search subscores. The subscores represent various user activities, affinities with a candidate, frequencies of viewing a candidate profile, and feedback about a candidate from the user. The unified search score for each candidate is then used to rank order the results presented to the user.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide navigation devices (10) and methods for receiving and/or forming geoblogs. The provided navigation devices (10) are generally operable to retrieve a geoblog utilizing the current geographic location of the device (10) and a user input, form a geoblog utilizing the current geographic location of the device (10) and selected pre-defined comment, and/or automatically title a geoblog utilizing a current geographic location of the device (10). Such configurations and variations thereof enable users to easily share information related to a geographic location.

Abstract: A content selection server including a processor configured to receive personal preference information from a plurality of personal media devices, select content based on the personal preference information, and provide playback of the content.

Abstract: Methods of inferring user preferences using ontologies use ontology structure based similarity and an inference mechanism in defining ontology filtering (OF). Items are recommended to users by identifying items that the users may prefer, but may not have been aware of. This is performed by computing personalized scores for concepts and selecting an instance having a highest score.

Abstract: A recommendation system may use a network of relationships between many different entities to find search results and establish a relevance value for the search results. The relevance value may be calculated by analyzing trust and similarity components of each relationship between the search user and the entity providing the search results. The entities may be, for example, persons associated within express or implied social networks, or corporations or other organizations with a historical or other reputation. The relationships may be created through many different contact mechanisms and may be unidirectional, asymmetric bidirectional, or symmetric bidirectional relationships. The relationships may be different based on topic or other factors.

Abstract: A Sales-Chip Associator process permits a creator of a Sales-Chip to share the Sales-Chip with a receiving party. The process utilizes a Sales-Chip Database and a Sales-Chip Subscriber Database to facilitate chip sharing. A handler is used in the Associator process and determines if an association exists between the Sales-Chip and the receiving party. The handler also facilitates recalling an association after being established by the receiving party.

Abstract: Personalized searching including providing in a search portal a personal search term list; receiving from a user a navigation identification message; and inserting index records in a personalized search index. Inserting index records in a personalized search index typically comprises retrieving a document from a navigation location and indexing the navigation location and keywords from the personal search term list that occur in the retrieved document. A navigation identification message may comprise a search keyword and inserting index records in a personalized search index may include indexing the search keyword with the navigation location in the personalized search index. Embodiments typically include creating and transmitting to users, in dependence upon the personalized search index, search criteria, and user identification, responses to search query messages.

Abstract: A method of and system for evaluating contacts stored in data source. In one embodiment the method allows a user to define a data format; allows a user to define a plurality of rules intended to operate on and assess a quality of data formatted according to the data format; map data identifying a plurality of contacts from the data source to the data format; and execute the plurality of rules on the mapped data to produce a set of analyzed data that allows evaluation of potential contacts according to an assessed quality of the data.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems and apparatus: for constructing a personalized category tree; for maintaining a personalized category tree; for displaying documents by category by utilizing a personalized category tree; and a personalized categorization system. A personalized category tree is a category tree that includes at least one category node. A method for constructing a personalized category tree includes: the independent creation of each of said at least one category node comprises the steps of: defining a label for the category node; and specifying at least one keyword for the category node.

Abstract: A method for an online sponsored search system includes storing a database of items. At least some of the items include a keyword and a money amount associated with a respective advertiser. The method further includes receiving information about current user preferences within the online sponsored search system. When the received user information relates to a keyword of an item, the method includes automatically adjusting the money amount of the item based on the received user interest information. In response to a received user query, the method includes identifying items relating to the received user search query and generating a search result list including the related items. The method then includes ordering the related items according to the adjusted money amounts associated with the matching items. In response to the designation of a Web page to receive sponsored advertisements, the method includes identifying items relating to the subject matter of one or more portions of the Web page.

Abstract: A query is run against a database with information related to images. Images of interest are selected for inclusion in an output file, for example, a presentation application file. Configuration and other choices are made regarding the output file, and any other information needed to generate the output file is gathered. When all the necessary information is available, an output file is automatically generated and delivered to a user. The output file includes the selected images and identifying information about the images.

Abstract: A method for dynamic event matching. A domain model for each domain is defined. Individual requirements and preferences of a user are modeled to create a personal model. Dynamic requirements of a specific domain for the user are modeled. A dynamic event is generated. The dynamic event is obtained using an information server for format transformation to create an event model. The personal model is matched with the event model using a content-based method according to the domain model and the dynamic event. The user is informed of the matching results. The matching results are adjusted according to user feedback.

Abstract: A method is described for augmenting sponsored search results in a search engine, which includes extracting attribute data from a plurality of natural searches for a search term linked to a plurality of uniform resource locators (URLs), analyzing the attribute data of one or more attributes for clickers and non-clickers to determine at least one greatest distinguishing factor between the clickers and non-clickers, and integrating the at least one greatest distinguishing factor into a matching algorithm used by the search engine to rank order and display a plurality of the most relevant ads corresponding to the plurality of URLs in response to a search for the term. The method may also integrate the at least one greatest distinguishing factor into a marketer algorithm to enable a marketer of a URL to strategically choose a search term, along with the at least one greatest distinguishing factor, on which to bid.

Abstract: Techniques are described herein for notifying a member of a social network system of those changes, within the social network system, that are of most interest to the member. In one embodiment, change records are generated for changes in the social network system. The change records are stored in an activities log. To notify a particular user of changes that would be of interest to the user, a subset of the change records contained in the activities log is selected based on user-specific selection criteria. Once the subset of change records has been selected, a set of notification records is generated based on the subset of change records. To reduce the possibility of information overload, the subset of change records is consolidated by removing duplicates and merging related notifications. The consolidated list of user-specific notifications may then be sent to the user. A variety of mechanisms may be used to send the notifications to the user, including streaming the notifications to a user (e.g.

Abstract: A universal distributed search system allows users to find and distribute search results (possibly including advertisements) to those with whom they communicate. The search results can be easily distributed by the user via a simple interface that allows the search results to be easily added to the user's content. Search queries entered by the user or search results received from search components may be automatically refined by the system.

Abstract: A store of electronic documents is automatically searched by controlling a user interface to permit a user to enter a search term, carrying out a search using the search term, the documents returned by the search into a plurality of distinct categories, and controlling the user interface to present in a left-hand panel the plurality of distinct categories and in a right-hand panel the documents returned by the search, or references thereto, in a grouped manner such that documents, or references thereto, of a particular category are grouped together, wherein the categories are selected in dependence upon the search term.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving user search experience with a search engine by providing a way for associated users to create and share personalized lists of local search results and/or advertisements through endorsements of such local search results and/or ads. Local search endorsements can be used to personalize the search engine's ranking of local search results by offering a way for users to re-rank the results for themselves and for those who trust them.

Abstract: Information retrieval systems face challenging problems with delivering highly relevant and highly inclusive search results in response to a user's query. Contextual personalized information retrieval uses a set of integrated methodologies that can combine automatic concept extraction/matching from text, a powerful fuzzy search engine, and a collaborative user preference learning engine to provide accurate and personalized search results. The system can include constructing a search query to execute a search of a database parsing an input query from a user conducting the search of the database into sub-strings, and matching the sub-strings to concepts in a semantic concept network of a knowledge base. The system can further map the matched concepts to criteria and criteria values that specify a set of constraints on and scoring parameters for the matched concepts. Furthermore, the system can learn user preferences to construct one or more profiles for producing personalized search results.

Abstract: Privacy Preserving Data-Mining Protocol, between a secure “aggregator” and “sources” having respective access to privacy-sensitive micro-data, the protocol including: the “aggregator” accepting a user query and transmitting a parameter list for that query to the “sources” (often including privacy-problematic identifiable specifics to be analyzed); the “sources” then forming files of privacy-sensitive data-items according to the parameter list and privacy filtering out details particular to less than a predetermined quantity of micro-data-specific data-items; and the “aggregator” merging the privacy-filtered files into a data-warehouse to formulate a privacy-safe response to the user—even though the user may have included privacy-problematic identifiable specifics.

Abstract: A variety of techniques are described by which keyword sets and target audience profiles may be generalized in a systematic and effective way with reference to relationships between keywords, profiles, and the data of an underlying user population.

Abstract: A system and method for personalized search ranking may use a user's feedback to immediately reorder search results for this particular user so as to improve click-through rate. Upon receiving a query including one or more words, a search engine may identify a list of search results and display the search results on a search result page. A machine-learning module may collect information about a user's browsing activities on the result page, update estimates of relevance of the search results, and reorder the search result list to personalize it for the user.

Abstract: A system is provided for delivering personalized digest documents to multiple users. The system includes a profile module, a content management module, a document creation module, and an interface. The profile module receives a delivery preference of one of the users, and receives at least one of a user attribute and a content preference of the one user. The content management module searches at least one location for content items that match at least one of the user attribute and the content preference. The document creation module receives at least one of the content items that match, and compiles a personalized digest document for the one user that includes the at least one content item that matches. The personalized digest document is in a print-ready format, and the interface delivers the personalized digest document to the one user in accordance with the delivery preference of the one user. Also provided is a method for delivering personalized digest documents to multiple users.

Abstract: Searching electronic content in an instant-messaging application includes obtaining input that specifies a search criterion and that further identifies a first set of users. Each user in the first set has stored electronic content that provides information about that user. The stored electronic content associated with each user in the first set is searched, and a second set of users that includes users in the first set with stored electronic content that satisfies the specified search criterion is identified. An indication of the identified users within the second set is provided.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for identifying intentions related to a user's present intention are provided. The user's present intention may be determined by mapping the user's current actions to a present intent. A related intent may be determined using an intent chain. The intent chain may be generated by analyzing patterns of user activities and mapping the patterns of activities to the underlying intents.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method can include building a multi-dimensional contextual model, receiving search terms from a user, performing a search based on the search terms and the multi-dimensional contextual model, generating search results based on the search, and visually displaying the search results.

Abstract: Systems and methods for presenting search results ordered, at least in part, based upon indicated user preferences are provided. User preferences for one potential search result over another that are free of position bias are obtained utilizing random relative order interchange of juxtaposed, ranked search results. Upon receipt of a search query, a determination is made to present at least a portion of search results satisfying the received query ordered based on user preferences, whether or not the order coincides with that determined using a ranking algorithm. In this way, presented search results are ordered, at least in part, according to user preferences, thus improving the relevance of the output relative to standard ranking algorithms alone.

Abstract: A system identifies purchasable digital content to be used in development of a digital composition by receiving a request to identify a set of digital content, and retrieving access history for individual portions of digital content that match the request. The access history includes a number of times the individual portions of digital content have been accessed. The system then produces a set of digital content indicative of the access history for each individual portion of digital content, and outputs the set of digital content that matches the request, and that reflects the access history for individual portions of digital content.

Abstract: Reporting tools possess improved filtering, display and alerting methodologies offering enhanced versatility. According to one aspect of the invention, the method has an independent data filtering mechanism, an independent output function that populates an n-dimensional array, and an independent display function. According to a different embodiment, a set of parameterized query relationships organizes a series of data filters into a graphical representation of a parent/child hierarchy in order to execute a series of hierarchical queries where each simple query builds a final query that is complex. According to yet a further alternative embodiment, Boolean logic is used in a series of n-number hierarchical filters, and a combination of n-number outputs, to generate notification in the form of emails/messages/etc. based on data that is dynamically entered into the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methodology to facilitate subscription, delivery, processing, and reception of notification services. A global service framework is provided that operates in conjunction with a notification platform architecture to deliver information from one or more event sources to one or more notification sinks that receive information from the services. The global framework includes discovery and description components that provide information relating to available notification services. Subscriptions can be obtained via subscription events, whereby notifications can be delivered via notification events, wherein such events can be modeled as part of the global service framework. Various communications protocols can also be provided to facilitate communications with the notification services and global services framework.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a user profile and for using the user profile to order search results returned by a search engine. The user profile is based on search queries submitted by a user, the user's specific interaction with the documents identified by the search engine and personal information provided by the user. Terms for the user profile may be selected from the documents accessed by the user by performing paragraph sampling or context analysis. Generic scores associated with the search results are modulated by the user profile to measure their relevance to a user's preference and interest. The search results are re-ordered accordingly so that the most relevant results appear on the top of the list. User profiles can be created and/or stored on the client side or server side of a client-server network environment.

Abstract: Search results, including sponsored links and algorithmic search results, are generated in response to a query, and are marked based on frequency of clicks on the search results by members of social network who are within a predetermined degree of separation from the member who submitted the query. The markers are visual tags and comprise either a text string or an image.

Abstract: Techniques for providing recommendations for content are provided. Content is received from a source at a service provider. The content includes first recommendation information from the source. A service provider does not own the content provided from the source. A model is generated for the content using the first recommendation information and additionally a second recommendation information that is associated with the service provider. One or more recommendations based on the model are then generated. The recommendations are then provided to an entity, such as the user that requested the content.

Abstract: Query logs are accessed to obtain queries, user information that specifies a user from which the query was received, a long with a selected result that was selected by the specified user who authored the query. This query log information is used to identify classes of users that looked for a similar result given a similar query. Those classes can then be used by a search engine in order to rank or provide search results to a user in response to a query input by the user.