Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products for editing and displaying cartographic data are described. Cartographic source data is retrieved from a first record set and displayed in a display device. Based on a selection by a user of a feature in the display device, source data corresponding to the selected feature is selected. Based on a modification of the selected feature by the user in the display device, cartographic edit data is created. The cartographic edit data is associated with the cartographic source data for the feature and the associated cartographic edit data is stored within a second record set that is editable by the user. An output record set is created for display on the display device, at least in part, from the associated cartographic edit data for the feature.

Abstract: Increasing quality of content provided to a user is provided. Communities of practice a user is associated with are determined based on login data. A corresponding set of tags is retrieved for each of the communities of practice. All corresponding sets of tags are aggregated to define a role for the user. A personal set of tags associated with the user is retrieved. The personal set of tags is added to the aggregate of all corresponding sets of tags to create a new set of tags. A context of the user in the particular task is recorded. The new set of tags is filtered based on the context to create a sub-set of tags. A defined number of tag aware information sources are queried using the sub-set of tags. Content is received from the defined number of tag aware information sources based on the query. The content is outputted.

Abstract: In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, systems, and programs for providing location-based information. A geographical location of a mobile computing device is received at a server system. A request for content is received at the server system and from the mobile computing device. A search area that corresponds to the geographical location is selected by the sever system. The search area is selected from among a collection of search areas that correspond to the geographical location. At least one of the search areas in the collection is geographically nested within at least one other of the search areas. A search result that is most-relevantly ranked for the selected search area is determined by the server system. Content that represents the determined search result is provided by the server system and for receipt by the mobile computing device.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, system and/or computer program product identify an appropriate resource for a user. A user profile is created for a user. A request, from the user, is received for a requested resource. Based on the user profile, a user-specific scope of the request, which defines a type of resource that is being requested by the user, is established. An identifier of an appropriate resource that meets the user-specific scope of the request is transmitted to the user.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method comprises receiving a tag cloud including tags that hyperlink to web content. The method can also comprise separating the tags into different linguistic categories, assigning a weight to each tag, and grouping the tags into clusters, wherein tags in a cluster are associated with a context. The method can also include determining one or more domains for the tag clusters, wherein a domain is a broadest class that defines one or more of the tags in a linguistic category, determining a hierarchy for the tags based on the weights of the tags, and identifying linguistic relationships between the tags. The method can also comprise determining properties associated with one or more of the tags and one or more of the domains, wherein the tag's properties are determined using linguistic analysis and storing the tags, the hierarchies, the linguistic relationships, and the properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reproducing apparatus for reproducing a plurality of pieces of content data stored in a content data storage unit according to a play list defining reproduction order of the content data. The apparatus includes a play list storage unit, a request information generating unit, and a play list reconstructing unit. The play list storage unit stores the play list having a play list generating rule and identifying information for identifying the content data matching the play list generating rule. The request information generating unit generates reconstruction requesting information for requesting reconstruction of the play list. The play list reconstructing unit reconstructs at least a part of the play list stored in the play list storage unit into a play list having the play list generating rule corresponding to an apparatus use condition in response to the reconstruction requesting information generated by the request information generating unit.

Abstract: In particular embodiments, a method comprising, accessing, at a client device, a set of search results in a structured document loaded into a client application, wherein the search results correspond to a search query of a first user, accessing a data store of social graph information to determine if one or more second users having an association with the first user have accessed any of the search results, and visually distinguishing, at the client device, in a user interface of the client application each of the one or more search results that have been accessed by one or more second users.

Abstract: Media objects, such as images or soundtracks, may be ranked according to a new class of metrics known as “interestingness.” These rankings may be based at least in part on the quantity of user-entered metadata concerning the media object, the number of users who have assigned metadata to the media object, access patterns related to the media object, and/or a lapse of time related to the media object.

Abstract: A badge may be assigned to a person, where the badge represents a characteristic or recurrent behavior of the person. A query may be associated with a badge, and the query may be continually used in a search request in combination with the person's context, thereby allowing the person to be continually provided with fresh results that may be relevant to the person's durable characteristics and current context. In one example, the person carries a handheld device, and the results are presented to the user on the user's desktop or lock screen. The act of providing the results may be triggered in various ways, such as movement of the person who carries the device, or the availability of sufficiently high-quality results.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for analyzing information about a user are presented which include obtaining at least one search result based on at least one search terms describing the user; presenting the at least one search result to the user; receiving an indication from the user of the desirability of a search result; and performing an action based on the desirability of the search result. Systems, apparatuses, and methods are also presented for determining a reputation score representing the reputation of a user which include collecting search results from data source, determining an effect on the reputation of the user of the search results from the data source, and calculating a reputation score for the user based on the determined effect on the reputation of the user from the search results from the data source.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for personalized query suggestion are disclosed. The personalized query suggestion utilizes a personalized profile tree constructed using search history associated with a user. The personalized profile tree is a hierarchy of nodes representing categories of information that the user has previously searched or selected from search results. When a search query is received from the user, a ranked list of related queries can be generated for the received search query. Each of the related queries is compared against the nodes in the personalized profile tree, and a relevance score is given to the related query based on the depth of a matching node in the tree, and a child count for the matching node. The related queries are re-ranked based on their respective relevance scores. After the re-ranking, top-ranked related queries are presented to the user as query suggestions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for search engines are disclosed wherein the search engine results and the information on which such are based are altered based on users specifically providing feedback to the search engine the appropriateness of one or more of the search results provided in response to a search query made by the user to the search engine. Therefore, the search engine is a dynamic and evolving ranking system for determining search results to be displayed to users in response to a search query.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for creating a group profile based on user profile attributes and a rule. In use, a plurality of user profiles is identified. Furthermore, a group profile is created based on attributes of the user profiles and at least one rule.

Abstract: A method for training a ranking application. The method includes ranking the help postings to create an initial ranking using initial parameter values, and storing user interactions with the help postings to obtain stored interactions. Simulations are performed using the stored interactions to generate revised parameter values for the ranking application. Performing the simulations includes calculating relevance values from the stored interactions, creating a test posting, assigning, to the test posting, an initial score and a relevance value randomly selected from the relevance values to generate a test ranking, and simulating user interactions with the test ranking to generate simulated rankings. The simulated rankings are analyzed to obtain revised parameter values. The method further includes ranking, using the revised parameter values, the help postings to generate a revised ranking, and displaying the help postings in the forum according to the revised ranking.

Abstract: A system and machine-implemented method for providing a user with a set of user-generated labels for tagging an item, including receiving an indication of a request from a user to tag an item, identifying one or more user-generated labels of a plurality of user-generated labels corresponding to the item in response to receiving the indication, each user-generated label of the plurality of user-generated labels representing a sentiment regarding the item and being associated with a fitness value and providing for display of the one or more user-generated labels to the user, and for receiving an entry from the user, the entry comprising an alternative user-generated label corresponding to the item, wherein the alternative user-generated label is different from the one or more user-generated labels.

Abstract: A system for tracking and reporting of user behavior including tracking and recording of media viewed by a user. The media may include hypervideo video-enhanced pages and other media types. The system is operable to create a user-configurable report including data regarding user use of the media, such as indicating the number of times each media has been viewed and indicating the number of times each path has been taken through each hypervideo application.

Abstract: A preference extracting apparatus includes a text information obtaining section that obtains text information having correspondence with a scene being currently played when video contents having text information having correspondence with each scene is played, a keyword extracting section that extracts a keyword for measuring user's preference based on the text information, a presenting section that presents the user a fact that the keyword has been extracted, a preference value defining section that defines a preference value of the user regarding the extracted keyword in accordance with the response by the user to the presentation, a storage section that establishes correspondence between the keyword and the preference value and stores them as the user's preference information in predetermined storage means.

Abstract: A ranked set of users may be calculated from an expertise categorization for each user and a person's trust in the users for specific categories. The ranked set of users may be used for presenting search results, recommendations, social marketing, or other uses. A person's expertise may be determined through various online activities. A person's trust in another person may be related to their proximity and activity in one or more social networks.

Abstract: One embodiment involves a method and apparatus for mapping lexical keywords into entity description semantics in order to create unambiguous buyer-confirmed descriptions of entities. The method described herein relies on a computer program and some mechanism for computer data storage.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically assigning content information may include a processor. The processor may be configured to receive content information, and identify the usage type and the sub-usage type of the content information. The content information may comprise an indicator for a usage type and a sub-usage type. The processor may be further configured to automatically assign the received content information to the at least one user contact based on the sub-usage type, and to perform a specified function, based on a usage type. Associated methods and computer program products may also be provided. Another method, apparatus, and computer program product for providing content information may also be provided.

Abstract: A method and system for expanding attribute profiles are presented in which primary attributes from one or more attribute profiles are used to derive secondary attributes which are added to the respective attribute profiles to generate expanded attribute profiles. The expanded attribute profiles are generated to increase the strength of association of a query attribute with one or more attribute profiles associated with query-attribute-positive individuals.

Abstract: Methods for dynamically ordering facets for search result presentation are provided. Facets specific to a query are determined and facet orderings are dynamically generated. A number of search result arrangements are generated based upon the facet orderings and, as users input the query, various search results arrangements are presented and user engagement with respect thereto is monitored. To determine which of the arrangements to present to a given user, a number of factors are taken into account, e.g., previous user engagement for each arrangement across a segment or population of users, and whether the user has previously been shown any of the arrangements and, if so, the nature of the user's engagement therewith. Each time an arrangement is presented to a user and the user's behavior with respect thereto is recorded, additional data becomes available for deciding what arrangement to show the next time a user inputs the query.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including medium-encoded computer program products, for searching a data set and returning search results organized in a hierarchy of categories are disclosed. A set of categories is provided for organizing a set of search results, wherein each category is associated with one or more search results. The set of search results is organized into a hierarchy of categories, the hierarchy including at least one category from the set of categories. At least a portion of the hierarchy of categories is displayed and a user request to modify the hierarchy of categories is received. The hierarchy of categories is modified in accordance with the user request.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, in which context can be used to rank search results. Context associated with a user session can be identified. A search query received during the user session can be used to identify a contextual click model based upon the context associated with the user session.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for constructing a user profile using a content tag, a method of recommending digital content by using a user profile including a tag included in the digital content and a preference value for the tag. According to the methods and apparatus, a user profile is generated by using a content tag, and thus the taste of the user according to digital content consumption can be expressed in more varied ways. Also, by suggesting a method of generating a tag from web content, construction of a user profile for digital content having no tag is enabled. Furthermore, a tag extracted from digital content used by a user is included in a profile and it can be used for a variety of purposes, such as expansion of a comparison scope, use of preference keywords, providing of content links, and expansion of search scope.

Abstract: A digital asset management system and method is responsive to user interactions with digital assets. A ranking of digital assets is generated based upon user interactions, to reflect the value of the digital assets to the user. The ranking is based in part on access frequency and recency, and the number and types of uses of the digital assets. An access hierarchy is derived from the ranking, wherein higher ranked digital assets are more easily accessed than lower ranked digital assets. Different types of uses can be distinguished, so that some types of uses imbue an asset with greater value than others. The types of uses may include passive viewing or playback, file sharing, transport, and editing. Subjective values may be assigned by the user to each digital asset that can be factored into the ranking independently of usage patterns. A volatility-dampening attribute moderates volatility in the access hierarchy.

Abstract: A statistical model may be created that relates human ratings of documents to objective signals generated from the documents, search queries, and/or other information (e.g., query logs). The model can then be used to predict human ratings/rankings for new documents/search query pairs. These predicted ratings can be used to, for example, refine rankings from a search engine or assist in evaluating or monitoring the efficacy of a search engine system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for selectively performing explicit and implicit data line reads. When a data line request is received, a determination is made as to whether there are currently sufficient data resources to perform an implicit data line read. If there are not currently sufficient data resources to perform an implicit data line read, a time period (number of clock cycles) before sufficient data resources will become available to perform an implicit data line read is estimated. A determination is then made as to whether the estimated time period exceeds a threshold. An explicit tag request is generated if the estimated time period exceeds the threshold. If the estimated time period does not exceed the threshold, the generation of a tag request is delayed until sufficient data resources become available. An implicit tag request is then generated.

Abstract: A system and method of data processing receives a query at a server computer system. The system and method utilizes the query to extract a search result from a data source. The system and method receives at least one search activity record and a user preference from a client computer system over a network at a server computer system. The server computer system stores at least one search activity record on the server computer system and deletes the at least one search activity record on the server computer system based on the user preference.

Abstract: A user's domain expertise may be estimated through several factors by monitoring different aspects of a user's interaction with a web browser. Based on the user's domain expertise, search results may be presented to the user that is commensurate with their expertise, resulting in a more efficient and productive on line session. A user's expertise in a knowledge domain may be determined from the user's behavior, including analyzing search queries, monitoring how the user navigates between and through websites, and analyzing the specific cites visited. As a user interacts with a browser, the user's estimated domain expertise may be updated and used to provide appropriate and useful search results. In many embodiments, a user may have different expertise levels for different technical domains.

Abstract: Content searching and configuration of search results are described. In an implementation, a method includes in response to a search query, selecting a keyword based on heuristic data which describes a plurality of previously performed searched. A search is performed utilizing the search query and the selected keyword to locate content.

Abstract: Content searching and configuration of search results are described. In an implementation, a method includes in response to a search query, selecting a keyword based on heuristic data which describes a plurality of previously performed searches. A search is performed utilizing the search query and the selected keyword to locate content.

Abstract: A configurable item finder user interface (UI) is provided that helps users locate desired items within data stores of item data and item attribute data. The configurable item finder UI presents a set of selectors through which users can quickly indicate the desired attribute values. In contrast to a request-response model in which users are required to select desired values for individual attributes serially and iteratively and wait for matching results to be displayed on a page, the configurable item finder UI dynamically adjusts its result display based on user interaction with the one or more selectors. Instances of the configurable item finder UI can be configured by a content management service to be used at various times and in various locations within a deployed or third party environment.

Abstract: There is provided a method of managing discourse in a virtual community. The method comprises receiving a message from a virtual community user, the message being addressed to one or more recipient users of the virtual community; examining the message to identify any of a plurality of key expressions associated with virtual community forbidden communications; editing the message in response to identifying a forbidden key expression of the plurality of key expressions; determining a corrective prompt corresponding to the identified key expression; and issuing the corrective prompt to the virtual community user for managing discourse in the virtual community.

Abstract: A user's domain expertise may be estimated through several factors by monitoring different aspects of a user's interaction with a web browser. Based on the user's domain expertise, search results may be presented to the user that is commensurate with their expertise, resulting in a more efficient and productive on line session. A user's expertise in a knowledge domain may be determined from the user's behavior, including analyzing search queries, monitoring how the user navigates between and through websites, and analyzing the specific cites visited. As a user interacts with a browser, the user's estimated domain expertise may be updated and used to provide appropriate and useful search results. In many embodiments, a user may have different expertise levels for different technical domains.

Abstract: Relative to a given product or products, one or more attributes and, for each attribute, a plurality of possible attribute values, are defined. For a given product and attribute, one or more descriptions of the product are obtained and analyzed to determine the correspondence of the description(s), and hence the product itself, to each of the plurality of possible attribute values. In one embodiment, this analysis is based on previously-labeled training data. A knowledge base can be populated with information identifying the products and their correspondence to the plurality of possible attribute values for each attribute. This technique may be used to develop a profile of an entity, which in turn may be used to develop appropriate marketing messages or recommendations for other products.

Abstract: The invention describes a control node for a content distribution network and a method of automatically verifying content distributed over a network at a node in the network. In the method, a content description is received which comprises a content identifier, a publisher identifier, publisher authorization information and content checking information. The integrity and validity of this information are checked and if both the checks are passed, the content description is stored.

Abstract: Embodiments relate personalized data searches utilizing social activities. In one embodiment, a search query is received from a user. A set of search results that satisfy the search query is received from a search engine. A user interest profile associated with the user is identified. The user interest profile includes information associated with a set of activities performed by the user on one or more social systems. A ranking score is assigned to each result in at least a subset of search results in the set of search results based at least on the user interest profile. The subset of search results are sorted based on the score that has assigned to each result in the subset of results. The subset of search results that has been sorted is sent to the user.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for automatically determining the relevance of matches between entities. A set of one or more indicators of relevance for each of a plurality of matches may be detected, where each of the plurality of matches exists between a first entity and a different one of a plurality of entities. Each set of one or more indicators of relevance indicates a degree of two-way interest for a corresponding one of the plurality of matches, the degree of two-way interest indicating both a degree of interest of the first entity in the corresponding one of the plurality of entities and a degree of interest of the corresponding one of the plurality of entities in the first entity. A probability of relevance of each of the plurality of matches may be determined based at least in part upon a corresponding set of one or more indicators of relevance. Each of the plurality of matches may be ranked based at least in part on the corresponding probability of relevance.

Abstract: A system and methods are provided for automatically classifying data according to perceptual properties of the data to form a classification chain that is suited to the searching and sorting of large databases of media entities. During classification, experts assign each media entity in the training data set to one or more classes, with each class corresponding to a given subset of perceptual properties of the data. In conjunction with digital signal processing properties of the data corresponding to the perceptual properties, the classified data is then used to construct an initial classification chain. During operation, when presented with an unclassified entry, the classification chain returns an estimate of the class of the entry, as well as a confidence measure that is proportional to the level of confidence of the class assignment. Over time, as the classification chain evolves, the classification chain becomes more and more effective for quickly characterizing media entities.

Abstract: A method of selecting and presenting content based on inferred user preferences is provided. The method includes providing a set of content items having associated descriptive terms and receiving search inputs from an input device and presenting a corresponding subset of content items. The method includes receiving selection actions of content items and analyzing the descriptive terms associated with the selected content items to learn a composite set of preferred descriptive terms of the plurality of users of the input device. The method includes inferring preferences of individual users from the composite set of preferred descriptive terms by decomposing the composite set of preferred descriptive terms into individual sets of preferred descriptive terms. The decomposition act utilizes prespecified statistical models of preferences.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for estimating an actual age of a member of a website. A set of related members for the member is identified. The related members are members of the same website. Age information associated with one or more related members in the set of related members is examined. When a threshold of related members in the set of related members are of an estimated actual age within a certain age range, the member's actual age is estimated to be within the age range.

Abstract: Described is using per-user profile data (e.g., maintained in a browser cookie) as a factor in selecting advertisements to be presented to a user for a current context such as containing query keywords. For example, an advertiser may be willing to bid more if the current context's keywords match the user profile data that indicates a particular area of interest to the user and advertiser. Also described is updating the per-user profile data with the current context if doing so increases the expected utility of the per-user profile data, e.g., increases the predicted amount of revenue from advertisement clicking. Also described is other advertisement personalization based upon the per-user profile data, e.g., the ranking and/or appearance of the advertisements.

Abstract: A method and system for predisposition modification are presented in which a set of attributes for selective modification of the attribute profile of an individual are determined to enable the individual to modify their predisposition for acquiring an attribute of interest. The attribute of interest can be input in the form of a query attribute along with a minimum strength of association value which serves as a threshold to ensure that the results will provide at least a minimum degree of statistical certainty that the individual will acquire the attribute of interest upon modifying their attribute profile.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring behavior characteristics. For at least one specific user, a first concern score for respective key terms is calculated according to use frequency of respective key terms of network content corresponding to the specific user and all users. A first relation matrix for at least one specific key term is calculated according to at least two users corresponding to respective interaction behaviors between the key terms and a type weighting corresponding to respective interaction behaviors. A first interaction score for the specific user regarding the specific key term is calculated according to the first relation matrix. A first characteristic score for the specific user regarding the specific key term is calculated according to the first concern score and the first interaction score.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture that can create a wish list based upon a variety of inputs and criteria. In one aspect the architecture can generate a wish list based upon one or more images of an item desired by a user. Accordingly, the architecture can examine the image to identify the desired item and to extract relevant features from the item in order to, e.g., match the imaged item to a catalog item for sale by a vendor. In another aspect, the architecture can access information associated with a third party to build a wish list for a user. Appreciably, according to the particular aspect, the wish list can include items that are designated to a particular beneficiary.

Abstract: A system for supplying network content to a device. The system includes a first interface for communicating with a network content source for retrieving the network content. The system also includes a second interface for communicating with the device for delivering processed network content to the device. The system includes an agent framework operatively connected to the first interface and the second interface and which operates a plurality of autonomous agents including a content retrieval agent, a content personalization agent, and a content delivery agent. The content retrieval agent is for retrieving the network content from the network content source via the first interface. The content personalization agent is for processing the network content thereby producing the processed network content. The content delivery agent is for delivering the processed network content to the device via the second interface.

Abstract: A system and method for searching a collaborative website and displaying one or more words in a tag cloud. The system includes a search engine structured to search a collaborative website and a tag cloud generator configured to produce a tag cloud, which includes one or more words associated with one or more documents and configured to be weighted or scored according to importance within an online community, and based on a search term entered into the search engine. The method includes scoring one or more words within the collaborative website and displaying the one or more words via a tag cloud according to the score.

Abstract: A data source generates a requested page for an electronic network site to include inserted tracking parameters to aid in tracking the activities of the user at the site. The site receives the generated page with the inserted tracking parameters and returns to a user the received page as the requested page with the inserted tracking parameters removed therefrom. The site appends the removed tracking parameters to the URL associated with the returned page at the query string thereof, and sends to a tracking database the appended URL. The tracking database stores the sent URL for being accessed by one or more analytical tools to analyze the tracking parameters regarding the activities of the user at the site.

Abstract: Summary presentation of media consumption is described herein. An exemplary method for generating a personal highlight reel includes receiving personal consumption data indicating one or more media units consumed by a user computing device, and storing the personal consumption data in association with a user identifier. The method further includes identifying one or more relevant personal media units based on the personal consumption data. The method further includes generating a personal highlight reel including one or more personal media events representative of the one or more relevant personal media units, and outputting the personal highlight reel.