Abstract: A system and method of sensing and responding to service discoveries on a consumer's machine and, more particularly, to a system and method of sensing (discovering) service needs on a consumer's machine using a resident Daemon, and responding to the service discoveries using an extension of UDDI. The method comprises receiving a keyword from a local machine, locating a service associated with the keyword, and notifying the local machine about the service that matches the keyword.

Abstract: Techniques described herein assist users in satisfying complex information needs represented as long, detailed questions. A generalized search assistance framework for complex information needs is disclosed. Given a detailed question, the techniques enrich the original question with a set of related concepts. The types of questions handled are detailed, complex questions similar to the ones posted in Q&A portals. A generalized search assistance framework enriches complex detailed questions with topically related concepts. A basic pipeline represents an instantiation of such the search assistance framework. Given a detailed question, the pipeline relies on semantic and syntactic relationships in the detailed question in order to construct a set of related queries. The queries are issued to a commercial search engine and the retrieved results are processed by state-of-the-art document understanding techniques in order to retrieve important concepts.

Abstract: Network operators are striving to find ways to provide stable video services amid a rapid increase in video traffic. In order to provide stable video services with constrained network resources, network operators attempted to reduce video file sizes using a content adaptation engine (CAE). However, network operators failed to efficiently readdress video flows to CAEs. This disclosure provides systems and methods for efficiently readdressing video flows to CAEs.

Abstract: A question-answering device, a question-answering method, and a question-answering program that can obtain an answer to an inputted query with high probability are described. A score calculation element 305 determines a matching degree between the group of the style and the topic of an inputted query and the group of the style and the topic of the query of question-answer pairs. A search result presentation element 306 narrows the question-answer pairs on the basis of the matching degree.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer-storage media are provided for identifying query formulation suggestions in response to receiving a search query. A portion of a search query is received. Query formulation suggestions are identified by semantically analyzing the search query. The query formulation suggestions are used to further formulate the received search query. The query formulation suggestions include semantic-pattern-based query suggestions that are derived from semantic query patterns, one or more entities, and information associated with these entities. The query formulation suggestions are transmitted for presentation.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for social network relationship mapping. In an embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes identifying one or more terms within content displayed to a user; for each identified term: transmitting the identified term to one or more social networking servers supporting a social networking application, in response to transmitting the identified term to the social networking servers, receiving from the social networking servers a list of people that correspond with the identified term, directing a display device to display the list of people that correspond with the identified term, and in response to user input, adding an identification of a person from the list of people to a mapping clipboard; directing the display device to display a relationship graph that indicates how people identified in the mapping clipboard are connected to each other in the social networking application.

Abstract: The disclosed architecture leverages realtime continuous event processing (CEP) to address using a general input interface framework to import a dynamic set of event types (e.g., assets), and using a declarative, expressive query model to implement monitoring and management tasks on an asset level. This is in contrast to looking separately at single values from static databases and/or realtime streams as is common conventionally. The architecture uses the CEP data model to model assets as realtime event types. Thus, queries can be formulated per asset and not just per single stream. The architecture uses the query capabilities of CEP to formulate asset management and monitoring tasks as standing, declarative queries, and uses the input interface of a CEP platform to correlate data from different data sources with different dynamic properties.

Abstract: A method for extracting information associated with connection data in a mobile user terminal includes performing a search for connection data and obtaining connection data and associated information from a search result. Connection data includes any information in the search result that a user can employ to reach an intended target of the search such as a phone number, URI, e-mail address, etc. Associated information corresponding to the connection data is extracted from the search result to form extracted information. The extracted information is transmitted to a controller. The extracted information is reconfigured to a specified format to create formatted extracted information. The formatted extracted information is stored in a database.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of providing text entry assistance data includes receiving at a system location information associated with a user, receiving at the system information indicative of predictive textual outcomes, generating dictionary data using the location information, and providing the dictionary data to a remote device.

Abstract: Graphical user interface for filtering a population of items. The graphical user interface may be implemented as a method on a system comprising a computer server or other computing device. The system defines a library of available criteria to be used in filtering a population of items to identify items of interest. Each criterion has a graphical representation. The system receives an indication of at least one of the criterion to be applied to the population as a filter and also accepts an indication of a tier of the filter to which the selected criterion is to be associated. The system identifies a list of items of interest satisfying a current set of criteria defining the filter. A graphical representation of the filter is displayed by the system while it is being constructed by the user. In one embodiment, the items are securities such as stocks.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for processing query information includes receiving prior queries followed by a current query, the prior and current queries being received within an activity period an originating with a search requester. The method also includes receiving a plurality of search results based on the current query. Each search result identifying a search result document, each respective search result document being associated with a query specific score indicating a relevance of the document to the current query. The method also includes determining a first category based, at least in part, on the prior queries. The method also includes identifying a plurality of prior activity periods of other search requesters, each prior activity period containing a prior activity query where the prior activity query matches the current query, and where the prior activity period indicates the same first category.

Abstract: Systems and methods for natural language communication with a computer. A builder module constructs tables in a database by generating concept symbols for each language element in an expression to form a string of ordered concept symbols, and, in a series of rounds, combining pairs of concept symbols into newly generated concept symbols to form shortened strings of concept symbols until a single concept symbol remains. Each generated concept symbol is stored in a row in the database. A parser module may then utilize the database to parse an input expression by identifying rows in the database that correspond to language elements of the input expression to generate a string of concept symbols, and, in a series of rounds, replacing pairs of concept symbols in the string of concept symbols by identifying rows in the database that comprise the pairs of concept symbols until a single concept symbol remains.

Abstract: A user can define a filter to applied be to one or more datasets. The filter includes a specification of a field to filter. Upon applying the filter to a dataset, if the specified field cannot be found in the dataset, a field in the dataset is selected as a default field to filter. Selecting what field in the dataset should be the default field is based on evaluating a set of rules. The default field is then filtered according to the filter criteria.

Abstract: In a system and method for order-independent stream query processing, one or more input streams of data are received, and the one or more input streams are analyzed to determine data which is older than an already emitted progress indicator. The data which is older than the already emitted progress indicator is partitioned into one or more partitions, and each of the one or more partitions are independently processed using out-of-order processing techniques. A query is received, rewritten and decomposed into one or more sub-queries that produce partial results for each of the one or more partitions, where each of the one or more sub-queries correspond to a partition. A view is also produced that consolidates the partial results for each partition. The partial results are consolidated at a consolidation time specified by the query to produce final results, and the final results are provided.

Abstract: An “Interactive Word Lattice” provides a user interface for interacting with and selecting user-modifiable paths through a lattice-based representation of alternative suggested text segments in response to a user's text segment input, such as phrases, sentences, paragraphs, entire documents, etc. More specifically, the user input is provided to a trained paraphrase generation model that returns a plurality of alternative text segments having the same or similar meaning as the original user input. An interactive graphical lattice-based representation of the alternative text segments is then presented to the user. One or more words of each alternative text segment represents a “node” of the lattice, while each connection between nodes represents a lattice “edge. Both nodes and edges are user modifiable. Each possible path through the lattice corresponds to a different alternative text segment. Users select a path through the lattice to select an alternative text to the original input.

Abstract: A method and system for managing searches of a data set that is partitioned based on a plurality of events. A structure of a search query may be analyzed to determine if logical computational actions performed on the data set is reducible. Data in each partition is analyzed to determine if at least a portion of the data in the partition is reducible. In response to a subsequent or reoccurring search request, intermediate summaries of reducible data and reducible search computations may be aggregated for each partition. Next, a search result may be generated based on at least one of the aggregated intermediate summaries, the aggregated reducible search computations, and a query of adhoc non-reducible data arranged in at least one of the plurality of partitions for the data set.

Abstract: A user accessing a media service desires to find out more information about the media service by formulating a query, by operation of an input device, where a region of interest of said media service is selected by the user. The query is submitted to other users who are defined by various tiers defined by different types of criteria. The users belonging to such tiers respond back to the query with new information, which is rendered on the media device being used by the user. Such responses are then rendered on the media device of the user. Optionally, a computer assistance mode is operated where keywords are extracted from said communications between users, and such keywords a used to obtain additional results from a resource such as a search engine.

Abstract: While using an online application, information received or selected by a user is associated with a context. For example, a search query is received from a user and the search query is associated with a context. The user is provided with a recommendation to join a discussion forum that corresponds to the context, thereby dynamically aggregating users. The recommendation may be provided conditionally, if predefined criteria are satisfied. Alternately, in some embodiments a recommendation may be made unconditionally.

Abstract: A method, system, and article of manufacture for disambiguating ambiguous queries based on location information. The system receives a query and location information for where the query was transmitted. Business information is requested from a GPS service. Based on the business information, a plurality of item categories are constrained to an item category related to the business information that satisfies the query. The constrained item category is sent to the user. The system may detect the absence of an item category related to the business information that satisfies the query, and may then determine one or more item category that does not meet the query but is related to the business information, to provide to the user. Other information related to the transmission of the query, such as the type of device, background audio, and the activity of the user, may used to constrain the plurality of item categories.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to generate templates from web images for searching an image database are described. In one embodiment, one or more retrieved images (e.g., from the Web) may be used to generate one or more templates. The templates may be used to search an image database based on features commonly shared between sub-images of the retrieved images. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A computing system extracts, based on one or more electronic messages sent or received by a user of a mobile computing device, travel plan information associated with the user of the mobile computing device. The travel plan information may indicate a destination to which the user is planning to travel. In response to extracting the travel plan information, the computing system may send an instruction to the mobile computing device to cache, in advance of the user arriving at the destination, information associated with the destination. In this way, the mobile computing device may access the information associated with the destination while at the destination, even if the mobile computing device is unable to access the information via a wireless communication channel.

Abstract: A query is defined that has an answer formed of terms from electronic documents. A repository having facts is examined to identify attributes corresponding to terms in the query. The electronic documents are examined to find other terms that commonly appear near the query terms. Hypothetical facts representing possible answers to the query are created based on the information identified in the fact repository and the commonly-appearing terms. These hypothetical facts are corroborated using the electronic documents to determine how many documents support each fact. Additionally, contextual clues in the documents are examined to determine whether the hypothetical facts can be expanded to include additional terms. A hypothetical fact that is supported by at least a certain number of documents, and is not contained within another fact with at least the same level of support, is presented as likely correct.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extending LCDS imaging data stream imaging capabilities. An imaging data stream can be modified to permit the imaging data stream to implement at least one full-color call for rendering full-color forms and full-color jobs via at least one rendering device within a rendering system. This can be accomplished by creating and associating at least one full-color extension with a syntax of the imaging data stream in order to implement the at least one full-color call in an extensible set of color spaces, and also compactly decoding, storing indexing and searching the at least one full-color call within a particular job. In addition, an LCDS imaging data stream can be modified to provide an image substitution pathway to permit at least one full-color image included in said LCDS imaging data stream to be substituted for monochrome images or highlight color images.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for providing translated web content is disclosed. The method includes receiving a request from a user on a web site, the web site having a first web content in a first language, wherein the request calls for a second web content in a second language. The method further includes dividing the first web content into a plurality of translatable components and generating a unique identifier for each translatable component. The method further includes identifying a plurality of translated components of the second web content using the unique identifier of each of the plurality of translatable components of the first web content and putting the plurality of translated components of the second web content to preserve a format that corresponds to the first web content. The method further includes providing the second web content in response to the request that was received.

Abstract: Systems and methods for building an interface that receives and responds to varied natural language expressions. In an embodiment, the system receives a natural language expression in text or audio, and translates it by building at least one data structure which reflects the concepts expressed in the natural language expression. The data structure may comprise a symbol representing each concept. In an embodiment, a parser utilizes the data structure to parse language expressions to single concept symbols that represent the meaning of the expressions. Response actions may also be performed in response to the parsed language expressions. In addition, a parser may receive a single concept symbol, and generate one or many natural language expressions of the meaning of the concept symbol. Furthermore, the system may be configured to understand the local meaning of words and phrases.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described for searching and retrieving documents based on a natural language input. A computer-implemented natural language processor electronically receives a natural language input phrase from an interface device. The natural language processor attributes a concept to the phrase with the natural language processor. The natural language processor searches a database for a set of documents to identify one or more documents associated with the attributed concept to be included in a response to the natural language input phrase. The natural language processor maintains the concepts during an interactive session with the natural language processor. The natural language processor resolves ambiguous input patterns in the natural language input phrase with the natural language processor. The natural language processor includes a processor, a memory and/or storage component, and an input/output device.

Abstract: A method of generating an ontology index for use in mapping content fields to ontology terms from one or more ontologies, the method including, in an electronic processing device, selecting one or more ontologies, each ontology including a number of ontology terms, determining an ontology term meaning for at least some of the ontology terms and generating an index including index terms indicative of the ontology terms, wherein the index identifies ontology terms having equivalent ontology term meanings.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example and includes receiving data propagating in a network environment, separating the data into one or more fields, evaluating at least some of the fields in order to identify nouns and noun phrases within the fields, and identifying selected terms within the nouns and noun phrases to be tagged. The selected terms are tagged with respective expertise tags. The method may also include receiving a search query for a particular expertise, the search query includes the selected terms. The method may also include matching the expertise tags to an end user in order to generate a response to the search query, the response includes an identifier of the end user. In more specific embodiments, the identifying of the selected terms includes using synaptic analysis or word occurrence counting. The expertise tags can be provided in a profile for the end user.

Abstract: A method, machine readable storage medium, and system for providing a self learning semantic search engine. A semantic network may be set up with initial configuration. A search engine coupled to the semantic network may build indexes and semantic indexes. A user request for business data may be received. The search engine may be accessed via a semantic dispatcher. And based on the access, search engine may update the indexes and semantic indexes.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of a curated answers system includes automatically populating a profile markup page of a user with information describing an initial query of a database that the user has generated using a processor and a memory, determining that another user of the database has submitted a similar query that is semantically proximate to the initial query of the database that the user has generated, and presenting the profile markup page of the user to the other user. The method of the curated answers system may include enabling the other user to communicate with the user through a communication channel on the profile markup page. A question of the other user may be published to the user on the profile markup page of the user, and/or other profile markup page of the other user. The question may be associated as being posted by the other user.

Abstract: A question is received to be answered by a question answering (QA) system. The question may be a business intelligence question that is expressed in a natural language. The question is parsed. The parsed question is matched to a pattern from a number of patterns. A technical query associated with the matched pattern is processed to retrieve data relevant to the question from a number of data sources. The QA system generates an answer to the question based on retrieved data. In one aspect, the QA system generates answers based contextual information.

Abstract: Retrieving stored data is disclosed. A retrieval request is received for an object. A retrieval response is generated that includes: 1) a first set of searchable attributes associated with the object, wherein an attribute of the first set of attributes is stored in a database in a manner that enables a database query to be performed against the attribute of the first set of attributes; and 2) a second set of non-searchable attributes associated with the object, wherein an attribute of the second set of attributes is stored in the database in a manner that does not enable a database query to be performed against the attribute of the second set of attributes.

Abstract: Automatically generating a parser is disclosed. Raw data is received from a first remote device. A determination that the raw data does not, within a predefined confidence measure, conform to any rules included in a set of rules is made. A clustering function is performed on the raw data. At least one parser rule is generated based on the clustering.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing terminal includes a generator, an acquisition unit, and an output unit. The generator analyzes an electronic document to generate a metadata item including text information in an electronic document and structure information on the electronic document. The acquisition unit transmits the metadata item to an information management apparatus, causes the information management apparatus to estimate a similar metadata item similar to the metadata item and acquires an annotation information item corresponding to the similar metadata item. The output unit outputs the annotation information item in association with the electronic document.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically determining, from a body of emails, blogs, and other documents, authors of the documents who are authorities on certain subjects, and what those subjects are. An intersection of the semantic footprints of documents by an author are deemed to be the derived skills footprint of the author. The derived skills footprints of many authors are compared with a user's query to determine who is the best person that could respond to the user.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a system, computer-readable medium, and method for querying configuration management databases. A topological query from an interpretation of an ambiguous query is executed in a configuration management database.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method receives a query for analyzing data in a database. The method then determines a constant in the query and determines an operator applied to the constant in the query. The operator explicitly controls a behavior of the constant. The constant is represented as a scalar representation in the query instead of as a vectorial representation where the constant would have been used as the vectorial representation without the use of the operator due to a rule governing use of constants. Then, the method performs a calculation for the query to determine a query result using the constant as the scalar representation.

Abstract: A system for providing collaborative tag sets to assist in the navigation and use of a folksonomy. The collaborative tag sets are social in nature. As more users group two tags together into tag sets, the disclosed system causes the association between those two tags to grow stronger, as exposed in the bookmark system user interface when alternative tags are suggested for browsing the bookmarks in a folksonomy. Tags that are grouped together by a user into a tag set have the strongest possible weight for that user, and accordingly the disclosed system automatically applies all tags in a set when that user is retrieving bookmarks if the user selects at least one of tags in the set. Tags not in the user's tag sets, but included in the public tag set(s) of another user(s) are displayed in the user interface as tag suggestions.

Abstract: Included herein is a method for providing seamless access to time series data located in multiple time series data storage units. A user makes a data query without knowing where the data is stored or in what format. The data request is received and parsed by a query interface and the data interface formulates one or more data requests for the specific time series data storage device where the queried data are stored. The time series data received from the data storage device is assembled by the query interface and displayed to the user.

Abstract: Measures, including methods, apparatus and computer program products, are provided for creating display space in relation to a page requested by a client from a server for display by that client. A method comprises: configuring a domain name service to route requests for pages hosted at the server to a system; receiving at the system a request from the client for a page from the server, the system being configured to communicate with the client and the server, the request being received on the basis of the configuring; and transmitting, from the system to the client, a reference to a frame-set whereby to cause the client to request that frame-set, wherein, at least one frame of the frame-set includes a reference to cause the client to display the page.

Abstract: An apparatus which searches for an image containing an object requested from a distribution destination apparatus, and manages an object of an image and a user of a distribution destination apparatus by categories; a unit which receives information about the user of the distribution destination apparatus and information about the requested object; a unit which determines a distribution destination user category to which the user of the distribution destination apparatus belongs; a unit which determines an object category to which the object requested from the distribution destination apparatus belongs; a unit which decides a search condition of an image based on the distribution destination user category and the object category; and a unit which searches for an image based on the decided search condition.

Abstract: Enterprise data can be accessed via a natural language user interface. In one embodiment, a mobile application can receive voice data and text data corresponding to the voice data. A conversion from voice to text can be performed by the mobile application or a third-party dictation service. Based on the text data, a command can be generated for use by a business analytics engine or by an enterprise search engine. In the case of the business analytics engine, it can perform analysis on the retrieved enterprise data, such as by applying business algorithms on the retrieved enterprise data in order to generate analytical results. In the case of the enterprise search engine, it can perform a search of enterprise data based on the command. In either case, results can be presented to the user on a user interface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying which video segment is being displayed on a screen of a television system. The video segment is identified by deriving data from the television signals, the derived data being indicative of the video segment being displayed on the screen. This feature can be used to extract a viewer's reaction (such as changing the channel) to a specific video segment (such as an advertisement) and reporting the extracted information as metrics. The systems and methods may further provide contextually targeted content to the television system. The contextual targeting is based on not only identification of the video segment being displayed, but also a determination concerning the playing time or offset time of the particular portion of the video segment being currently displayed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for a dynamic information connection search engine. User actions may be detected on at least one client system. In response, a determination may be made whether the user is searching for supported information. When the user is searching for supported information, information may be extracted electronically from, for example, third party websites, direct supplier connections, and/or intermediate databases. Potential suppliers may be automatically selected in response to the detected user search. Queries may be formulated from the user search and transferred to one or more selected suppliers over a network coupling (e.g., the Internet and/or an intranet). The queries may include one or more requests for information. One or more responses may be received from the suppliers, and the responses may be used to generate a result list for the user. The result list may include information and/or query status information.

Abstract: Performing string analysis based on three-valued logic by including expressing a property of a string in a computer software application as a three-valued logic shape predicate, performing a three-valued logic shape analysis using the shape predicate to reach a fixpoint solution, and evaluating the fixpoint solution to determine a three-valued logic value of the property.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for generating a discussion group based on different electronic images. A mixed media reality database receives MMR objects that correspond to source material and indexes the MMR objects. A content management engine generates a cluster that includes MMR objects based on a similarity of source material. An MMR engine receives an electronic image from a user device, performs a visual search and identifies an MMR object that is associated with the electronic image. A social network application identifies a discussion group associated with the cluster that includes the MMR object and provides the user device with access to the discussion group.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for locating experts is provided. The method includes receiving a first query from a first user requesting the identity of persons having desired skills. The names of persons in a database having the desired skills are then identified. A second query is sent to a plurality of additional users requesting the verification of the information relating to the skills of the identified persons. Responses from the plurality of users are used to amend the information relating to skills of the identified persons.

Abstract: The PORTAL-DOORS System has been designed as a distributed network system with hierarchical authorities for entity registering and attribute publishing of mobile metadata. An alternate bootstrapping design with self-referencing and self-describing features has been implemented with an integrated model for the combined registry-directories that co-exists with the independent model for the separate registries and directories. The concept of multilevel metadata about metadata has been implemented with the use of entity, record, infoset, representation and message metadata. This multilevel metadata about metadata improves the efficiency of search and analysis of the metadata content within the networked system. The methods facilitate search of varying scope both within and across the registries, directories and registry-directories focused on different problem oriented domains. Maintaining the integrity of these problem oriented domains serves to improve the efficiency of search throughout the system.

Abstract: A method includes, receiving social network information of a user. The received social network information represents social graph data of the user and social network interactions of the user. The method also includes determining one or more subjects from content of the social graph data of the user and the interactions of the user. The method also includes identifying an initial collection of one or more individuals prominent in the one or more subjects from one or more measures of potential prominence provided by social network information of the individuals. The method also includes enhancing the initial collection of one or more prominent individuals to include additional prominent individuals. The method also includes providing a list of selectable entries to the user that includes each of the identified and additional prominent individuals.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and methods are provided for parsing search queries. In accordance with some embodiments, search records including character strings are retrieved, and search query templates are generated comprising sequences of categories corresponding to character substrings of the character strings. Also, in accordance with some embodiments, search queries are parsed into character substrings and matched with a search query template. The search query template may then be used to associate categories with the character substrings. A search engine may use the categories to focus or otherwise refine a search based on parsed search query.