U.S. patent application number 15/694808 was filed with the patent office on 2017-12-21 for system and method for event triggered search results.
The applicant listed for this patent is EXCALIBUR IP, LLC. Invention is credited to Beverly HARRISON, Sophia Thitirat PERL, Conrad WAI, Tingyi WU.
Application Number | 20170364947 15/694808 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54556374 |
Filed Date | 2017-12-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170364947 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HARRISON; Beverly ; et
al. |
December 21, 2017 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EVENT TRIGGERED SEARCH RESULTS
Abstract
Disclosed is a system and method for displaying search results
upon the occurrence or detection of an event and/or time-delay. The
present provides a user with the ability to view search results
upon satisfaction of an event trigger or specified time delay
(e.g., a rule). The disclosed systems and methods enable features
that allow a user to link a search query and/or a set or sets of
results for the search query to a trigger, whereby upon detection
and satisfaction of such trigger, the search (and/or related
results) are displayed. Such trigger can be associated with, but
not limited to, a calendar event, to-do list item, location, a
product or contact person, among other types of event based
information events.
Inventors: |
HARRISON; Beverly; (Palo
Alto, CA) ; PERL; Sophia Thitirat; (San Jose, CA)
; WU; Tingyi; (Sunnyvale, CA) ; WAI; Conrad;
(San Francisco, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
EXCALIBUR IP, LLC |
New York |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54556374 |
Appl. No.: |
15/694808 |
Filed: |
September 3, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14284639 |
May 22, 2014 |
9754284 |
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15694808 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/0256 20130101;
G06Q 30/02 20130101; G06F 16/00 20190101; G06Q 30/0252 20130101;
G06F 16/951 20190101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/02 20120101
G06Q030/02; G06F 17/30 20060101 G06F017/30 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A method comprising: receiving, at a computing device, event
data associated with an event of a user, said event data comprising
a trigger that causes a search to be performed upon arrival of said
event, said search associated with a context of said event;
detecting, via the computing device, said arrival of the event;
causing, via the trigger within said event data, the computing
device to execute a search based on said detection, said search
comprising the computing device, upon detection of said arrival of
the event, searching a content item database for a set of digital
content items that correspond to said context of the event;
generating, via the computing device, an alert for said event, said
alert comprising displayable information related to said event data
and information associated with the set of digital content items;
and communicating, via the computing device, said alert to a device
of said user, said communication causing the alert to be displayed
such that the event data and the information related to the set of
digital content items are displayed on a display of the user
device.
22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: searching, prior to
said detected event, the content item database for the set of
digital content items that correspond to said context of the event;
and pre-caching in a memory associated with the computing device
said information associated with the set of digital content
items.
23. The method of claim 22, further comprising: retrieving, from
said memory, said information associated with the set of digital
content items upon said detection, wherein said generating is based
on said retrieval.
24. The method of claim 21, wherein said event corresponds to an
activity of said user.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein said activity of the user is a
real-world activity.
26. The method of claim 24, wherein said activity of the user
corresponds to an electronic activity performed via the user device
on a network.
27. The method of claim 21, wherein said event is defined according
to information of an event application, wherein said alert data is
communicated to said user in accordance with the event
application.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein said event application is based
on a type of said event data.
29. The method of claim 27, wherein said searching comprises the
computing device initiating and executing a search application
separate from the event application used to detect said event.
30. The method of claim 21, wherein said generation of the alert
comprises embedding said information associated with the set of
digital content items with said event data.
31. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium tangibly
encoded with computer-executable instructions, that when executed
by a computing device, perform a method comprising: receiving, at
the computing device, event data associated with an event of a
user, said event data comprising a trigger that causes a search to
be performed upon arrival of said event, said search associated
with a context of said event; detecting, via the computing device,
said arrival of the event; causing, via the trigger within said
event data, the computing device to execute a search based on said
detection, said search comprising the computing device, upon
detection of said arrival of the event, searching a content item
database for a set of digital content items that correspond to said
context of the event; generating, via the computing device, an
alert for said event, said alert comprising displayable information
related to said event data and information associated with the set
of digital content items; and communicating, via the computing
device, said alert to a device of said user, said communication
causing the alert to be displayed such that the event data and the
information related to the set of digital content items are
displayed on a display of the user device.
32. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim
31, further comprising: searching, prior to said detected event,
the content item database for the set of digital content items that
correspond to said context of the event; and pre-caching in a
memory associated with the computing device said information
associated with the set of digital content items.
33. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim
32, further comprising: retrieving, from said memory, said
information associated with the set of digital content items upon
said detection, wherein said generating is based on said
retrieval.
34. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim
31, wherein said event corresponds to an activity of said user.
35. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim
34, wherein said activity of the user is at least one of a
real-world activity, an electronic activity performed via the user
device on a network, or some combination thereof
36. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim
31, wherein said event is defined according to information of an
event application, wherein said alert data is communicated to said
user in accordance with the event application.
37. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim
36, wherein said event application is based on a type of said event
data.
38. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim
36, wherein said searching comprises the computing device
initiating and executing a search application separate from the
event application used to detect said event.
39. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim
31, wherein said generation of the alert comprises embedding said
information associated with the set of digital content items with
said event data.
40. A computing device comprising: a processor; a non-transitory
computer-readable storage medium for tangibly storing thereon
program logic for execution by the processor, the program logic
comprising: logic executed by the processor for receiving, at the
computing device, event data associated with an event of a user,
said event data comprising a trigger that causes a search to be
performed upon arrival of said event, said search associated with a
context of said event; logic executed by the processor for
detecting, via the computing device, said arrival of the event;
logic executed by the processor for causing, via the trigger within
said event data, the computing device to execute a search based on
said detection, said search comprising the computing device, upon
detection of said arrival of the event, searching a content item
database for a set of digital content items that correspond to said
context of the event; logic executed by the processor for
generating, via the computing device, an alert for said event, said
alert comprising displayable information related to said event data
and information associated with the set of digital content items;
and logic executed by the processor for communicating, via the
computing device, said alert to a device of said user, said
communication causing the alert to be displayed such that the event
data and the information related to the set of digital content
items are displayed on a display of the user device.
Description
[0001] This application includes material that is subject to
copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the
facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it
appears in the Patent and Trademark Office files or records, but
otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to event-based
information display, and more particularly, towards systems and
methods for event triggered and/or time-delayed search result
display.
RELATED ART
[0003] Internet search engines identify resources that are relevant
to a user's immediate query. For example, a user can enter his/her
information needs and, as feedback, a search engine can provide
related web pages, images, text documents, multimedia content and
the like. Conventional search engines present such information
about the resources immediately upon receiving an execution input
responsive to the query. That is, users typically submit queries
that suggest the information the users want to retrieve, and search
engines immediately provide search results that are responsive to
these queries.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present disclosure describes systems and methods for
executing and displaying search results upon the occurrence or
detection of an event and/or after a time delay. Instead of
executing a query and providing search results immediately upon
receiving a query from a user, as with conventional systems, the
present disclosure addresses, among other shortcomings in the art,
providing the user with the ability to execute or view the search
results upon satisfaction of an event trigger or specified time
delay, such as an external event occurrence, or a time offset from
a past or future event. According to some embodiments, the systems
and methods discussed herein enable a user to link a search query
and/or a set or sets of results for the search query to a trigger
(or otherwise to specify a time offset from such a trigger),
whereby upon detection and satisfaction of such trigger, search
results are displayed to the user. The search results displayed may
be results from a search executed immediately after the trigger,
from a search performed when the trigger was set, or from any
combination or subset of one or more searches performed between
when the trigger was set and the when the trigger was satisfied.
Such triggers can be associated with, but not limited to, a
calendar event, to-do list item, location, proximity to or
interaction with a product (such as through viewing of a
description of the product), or contact person (such as by a phone
conversation or text message with the contact person), among other
types of event based information triggers.
[0005] According to some embodiments, the display of the search
results, such as, by way of non-limiting example, resources, web
pages, items, descriptions and other types of content, or other
such items of information, provided as a message to the user, can
be provided in association with the type of event trigger. That is,
for example, if the event trigger is set in accordance with a
calendar event, the search results can be displayed via a displayed
calendar reminder. As such, embodiments exist where event alerts
are provided to users in accordance with application protocols used
for providing the event alert. In some embodiments, the display of
the search results can be displayed, whether or not associated with
a native or third party or other application, in a browser or app
window, whereby upon detection of the event trigger, a window is
displayed providing the search and/or search results.
[0006] In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method is
disclosed which includes receiving, at a computing device, search
information and event data, said event data comprising a trigger
indicating an event associated with a user; associating, via the
computing device, the search information with the event data;
storing, in a database, the event data; determining, via the
computing device, when an external event corresponds to the event
data; and based on said determination, communicating the event data
to the user, said communication also facilitating communication of
the search information.
[0007] In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method is
disclosed which includes receiving, at a computing device, event
data, said event data comprising a trigger indicating an event
associated with a user; determining, via the computing device,
search information based on the event data; associating, via the
computing device, the search information with the event data;
storing, in a database, the event data; determining, via the
computing device, when an external event corresponds with the event
data; and based on said determination, communicating the event data
to a user, said communication also facilitating communication of
the search information.
[0008] In accordance with one or more embodiments, a non-transitory
computer-readable storage medium is provided, the computer-readable
storage medium tangibly storing thereon, or having tangibly encoded
thereon, computer readable instructions that when executed cause at
least one processor to perform a method for event triggered and/or
time-delayed search result display.
[0009] In accordance with one or more embodiments, a system is
provided that comprises one or more computing devices configured to
provide functionality in accordance with such embodiments. In
accordance with one or more embodiments, functionality is embodied
in steps of a method performed by at least one computing device. In
accordance with one or more embodiments, program code to implement
functionality in accordance with one or more such embodiments is
embodied in, by and/or on a computer-readable medium.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of
the disclosure will be apparent from the following description of
embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which
reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the various
views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead
being placed upon illustrating principles of the disclosure:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a
network within which the systems and methods disclosed herein could
be implemented according to some embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a client device
in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating components
of a system in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0014] FIGS. 4A and 4B are flowcharts each illustrating steps
performed in accordance with some embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating steps performed in
accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; and
[0016] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating architecture of a
hardware device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
present disclosure.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0017] The present disclosure will now be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form
a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific
example embodiments. Subject matter may, however, be embodied in a
variety of different forms and, therefore, covered or claimed
subject matter is intended to be construed as not being limited to
any example embodiments set forth herein; example embodiments are
provided merely to be illustrative. Likewise, a reasonably broad
scope for claimed or covered subject matter is intended. Among
other things, for example, subject matter may be embodied as
methods, devices, components, or systems. Accordingly, embodiments
may, for example, take the form of hardware, software, firmware or
any combination thereof (other than software per se). The following
detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be taken in a
limiting sense.
[0018] Throughout the specification and claims, terms may have
nuanced meanings suggested or implied in context beyond an
explicitly stated meaning. Likewise, the phrase "in one embodiment"
as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment
and the phrase "in another embodiment" as used herein does not
necessarily refer to a different embodiment. It is intended, for
example, that claimed subject matter include combinations of
example embodiments in whole or in part.
[0019] In general, terminology may be understood at least in part
from usage in context. For example, terms, such as "and", "or", or
"and/or," as used herein may include a variety of meanings that may
depend at least in part upon the context in which such terms are
used. Typically, "or" if used to associate a list, such as A, B or
C, is intended to mean A, B, and C, here used in the inclusive
sense, as well as A, B or C, here used in the exclusive sense. In
addition, the term "one or more" as used herein, depending at least
in part upon context, may be used to describe any feature,
structure, or characteristic in a singular sense or may be used to
describe combinations of features, structures or characteristics in
a plural sense. Similarly, terms, such as "a," "an," or "the,"
again, may be understood to convey a singular usage or to convey a
plural usage, depending at least in part upon context. In addition,
the term "based on" may be understood as not necessarily intended
to convey an exclusive set of factors and may, instead, allow for
existence of additional factors not necessarily expressly
described, again, depending at least in part on context.
[0020] The present disclosure is described below with reference to
block diagrams and operational illustrations of methods and
devices. It is understood that each block of the block diagrams or
operational illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block
diagrams or operational illustrations, can be implemented by means
of analog or digital hardware and computer program instructions.
These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor
of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, ASIC, or
other programmable data processing apparatus, such that the
instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or
other programmable data processing apparatus, implement the
functions/acts specified in the block diagrams or operational block
or blocks. In some alternate implementations, the functions/acts
noted in the blocks can occur out of the order noted in the
operational illustrations. For example, two blocks shown in
succession can in fact be executed substantially concurrently or
the blocks can sometimes be executed in the reverse order,
depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
[0021] These computer program instructions can be provided to a
processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer,
ASIC, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that
the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer
or other programmable data processing apparatus, implement the
functions/acts specified in the block diagrams or operational block
or blocks.
[0022] For the purposes of this disclosure a computer readable
medium (or computer-readable storage medium/media) stores computer
data, which data can include computer program code (or
computer-executable instructions) that is executable by a computer,
in machine readable form. By way of example, and not limitation, a
computer readable medium may comprise computer readable storage
media, for tangible or fixed storage of data, or communication
media for transient interpretation of code-containing signals.
Computer readable storage media, as used herein, refers to physical
or tangible storage (as opposed to signals) and includes without
limitation volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable
media implemented in any method or technology for the tangible
storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data
structures, program modules or other data. Computer readable
storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EPROM,
EEPROM, flash memory or other solid state memory technology,
CD-ROM, DVD, or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic
tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or
any other physical or material medium which can be used to tangibly
store the desired information or data or instructions and which can
be accessed by a computer or processor.
[0023] For the purposes of this disclosure the term "server" should
be understood to refer to a service point that provides processing,
database, and communication facilities. By way of example, and not
limitation, the term "server" can refer to a single, physical
processor with associated communications and data storage and
database facilities, or it can refer to a networked or clustered
complex of processors and associated network and storage devices,
as well as operating software and one or more database systems and
application software that support the services provided by the
server. Servers may vary widely in configuration or capabilities,
but generally a server may include one or more central processing
units and memory. A server may also include one or more mass
storage devices, one or more power supplies, one or more wired or
wireless network interfaces, one or more input/output interfaces,
or one or more operating systems, such as Windows Server, Mac OS X,
Unix, Linux, FreeBSD, or the like.
[0024] For the purposes of this disclosure a "network" should be
understood to refer to a network that may couple devices so that
communications may be exchanged, such as between a server and a
client device or other types of devices, including between wireless
devices coupled via a wireless network, for example. A network may
also include mass storage, such as network attached storage (NAS),
a storage area network (SAN), or other forms of computer or machine
readable media, for example. A network may include the Internet,
one or more local area networks (LANs), one or more wide area
networks (WANs), wire-line type connections, wireless type
connections, cellular or any combination thereof. Likewise,
sub-networks, which may employ differing architectures or may be
compliant or compatible with differing protocols, may interoperate
within a larger network. Various types of devices may, for example,
be made available to provide an interoperable capability for
differing architectures or protocols. As one illustrative example,
a router may provide a link between otherwise separate and
independent LANs.
[0025] A communication link or channel may include, for example,
analog telephone lines, such as a twisted wire pair, a coaxial
cable, full or fractional digital lines including T1, T2, T3, or T4
type lines, Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDNs), Digital
Subscriber Lines (DSLs), wireless links including satellite links,
or other communication links or channels, such as may be known to
those skilled in the art. Furthermore, a computing device or other
related electronic devices may be remotely coupled to a network,
such as via a telephone line or link, for example.
[0026] For purposes of this disclosure, a "wireless network" should
be understood to couple client devices with a network. A wireless
network may employ stand-alone ad-hoc networks, mesh networks,
Wireless LAN (WLAN) networks, cellular networks, or the like. A
wireless network may further include a system of terminals,
gateways, routers, or the like coupled by wireless radio links, or
the like, which may move freely, randomly or organize themselves
arbitrarily, such that network topology may change, at times even
rapidly. A wireless network may further employ a plurality of
network access technologies, including Long Term Evolution (LTE),
WLAN, Wireless Router (WR) mesh, or 2nd, 3rd, or 4th generation
(2G, 3G, or 4G) cellular technology, or the like. Network access
technologies may enable wide area coverage for devices, such as
client devices with varying degrees of mobility, for example.
[0027] For example, a network may enable RF or wireless type
communication via one or more network access technologies, such as
Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), Universal Mobile
Telecommunications System (UMTS), General Packet Radio Services
(GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), 3GPP Long Term
Evolution (LTE), LTE Advanced, Wideband Code Division Multiple
Access (WCDMA), Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Near Field
Communication (NFC), 802.11b/g/n, or the like. A wireless network
may include virtually any type of wireless communication mechanism
by which signals may be communicated between devices, such as a
client device or a computing device, between or within a network,
or the like.
[0028] A computing device may be capable of sending or receiving
signals, such as via a wired or wireless network, or may be capable
of processing or storing signals, such as in memory as physical
memory states, and may, therefore, operate as a server. Thus,
devices capable of operating as a server may include, as examples,
dedicated rack-mounted servers, desktop computers, laptop
computers, set top boxes, integrated devices combining various
features, such as two or more features of the foregoing devices, or
the like. Servers may vary widely in configuration or capabilities,
but generally a server may include one or more central processing
units and memory. A server may also include one or more mass
storage devices, one or more power supplies, one or more wired or
wireless network interfaces, one or more input/output interfaces,
or one or more operating systems, such as Windows Server, Mac OS X,
Unix, Linux, FreeBSD, or the like.
[0029] For purposes of this disclosure, a client (or consumer or
user) device may include a computing device capable of sending or
receiving signals, such as via a wired or a wireless network. A
client device may, for example, include a desktop computer or a
portable device, such as a cellular telephone, a smart phone, a
display pager, a radio frequency (RF) device, an infrared (IR)
device an Near Field Communication (NFC) device, a Personal Digital
Assistant (PDA), a handheld computer, a tablet computer, a laptop
computer, a set top box, a wearable computer including but not
limited to watches or glasses, an integrated device combining
various features, such as features of the forgoing devices, or the
like.
[0030] A client device may vary in terms of capabilities or
features. Claimed subject matter is intended to cover a wide range
of potential variations. For example, a cell phone may include a
numeric keypad or a display of limited functionality, such as a
monochrome liquid crystal display (LCD) for displaying text. In
contrast, however, as another example, a web-enabled client device
may include one or more physical or virtual keyboards, mass
storage, one or more accelerometers, one or more gyroscopes, global
positioning system (GPS) or other location-identifying type
capability, or a display with a high degree of functionality, such
as a touch-sensitive color 2D or 3D display, for example.
[0031] A client device may include or may execute a variety of
operating systems, including a personal computer operating system,
such as a Windows, iOS or Linux, or a mobile operating system, such
as iOS, Android, or Windows Mobile, or the like. A client device
may include or may execute a variety of possible applications, such
as a client software application enabling communication with other
devices, such as communicating one or more messages, such as via
email, short message service (SMS), or multimedia message service
(MMS), including via a network, such as a social network,
including, for example, Facebook.RTM., Linkedln.RTM., Twitter.RTM.,
Flickr.RTM., or Google+.RTM., Instagram.RTM., to provide only a few
possible examples. A client device may also include or execute an
application to communicate content, such as, for example, textual
content, multimedia content, or the like. A client device may also
include or execute an application to perform a variety of possible
tasks, such as browsing, searching, playing various forms of
content, including locally stored or streamed video, or games (such
as fantasy sports leagues). The foregoing is provided to illustrate
that claimed subject matter is intended to include a wide range of
possible features or capabilities.
[0032] The principles described herein may be embodied in many
different forms. By way of background, a search engine system can
perform a search and can provide information to a user upon the
user submitting a search query. In some embodiments, a search
engine provides search results prior to the execution of the search
query execution by auto-populating and/or detecting of search
information during a user's entry of the search query/input (for
example, by query rewriting). The search engine system, as a result
of the input and detected topic, can identify resource(s), in some
embodiments related to a topic, by causing a search to be
performed. The search engine system then provides a representation
of the identified resource(s) to the user. In general, conventional
search systems provide search results immediately upon reception of
the search query.
[0033] Mobile device users, in particular, often find themselves in
situations where they want to answers questions or otherwise
receive information from search results, but are at least for a
time unable or unwilling to execute a search or analyze search
results because such mobile users are currently in a situation that
prevents or inconveniences those activities. For example, it may be
difficult or impossible to perform a search or analyze search
results while driving, in a meeting, or on a call. More
specifically, mobile device users may be able to execute a search
query on a mobile device, but be unable to review a set of results
from the query until a later time. In some embodiments, as
discussed in more detail below, such users may wish to review the
results on another device with a display that permits a format more
conducive to careful analysis or deliberation on the results, such
as a laptop or large-format television display.
[0034] The present disclosure provides systems and methods that
enable users to embed, link or connect (or attach or designate)
search information, such as, by way of non-limiting example a
search query and/or a set or sets of results for the search query,
to an event alert, such as, for example, a calendar event, to-do
list item, location, product, or contact person, such that the
search (or related results) executes and displays in accordance
with display/execution of the event trigger associated with the
event alert. For example, a reminder to order flowers for a user's
mom's birthday could be attached to a calendar entry for 6 pm
tonight (which, for example, may be a more convenient task time for
the user). At 6 pm, when the appointment occurs, the search and its
results are launched and displayed to the user to take action upon.
In this example, the search could be related to flower-shops or
e-cards. In a similar manner, as discussed in more detail below, a
product, location, and/or person could trigger a search. For
example, when a user arrives at a sporting event, a search for key
player stats could be launched, whereby the search is triggered by
detection of the event location and/or event type.
[0035] According to some embodiments, the search query can be
performed prior to the event alert, and saved or buffered or cached
such that upon the event occurring, the search results can be
displayed in accordance with the event display. In some
embodiments, the search query can be received and performed upon
the event trigger occurring, such that upon the event alert
display, the search query is invoked and the search is performed at
the time of the event. In some embodiments, the search query can be
performed prior to the event trigger, and updated (e.g.,
periodically according to a predetermined time period) and/or
aggregated with subsequent searches until the event trigger's
occurrence. Thus, for example, the search query can be updated with
aggregated search and interest information from the time the search
is performed until the time the search is to be displayed, i.e.,
the event display.
[0036] Therefore, according to some embodiments, as discussed in
more detail below, search information (which can comprise a search
query and/or a search result of the query) can be pre-cached for
retrieval upon detection of the event trigger. According to some
embodiments, the pre-caching can occur in association with a
content server, web server, application server, local device,
remote device, and a device/server corresponding to providing an
alert responsive to the event trigger, and/or some combination
thereof
[0037] Thus, the disclosed systems and methods enable deferral of
search information for later display on the same or another device.
Such deferral, in some embodiments, may be based upon a user and/or
search-provider configured trigger. According to embodiments of the
present disclosure, triggers may be configured to anticipate when,
where, why and/or how it would be most convenient for users to
review search results. In some embodiments, triggered or delayed
searches can result from user intent expressed in prior queries, or
as a result of interaction or exposure to ads, products, locations,
users, or services, or some combination thereof.
[0038] As discussed herein, triggers can be implemented through
embedding or logical connection to other objects, such as, but not
limited to, calendar appointments, location coordinates, special
event information, or contacts, and the like. For example,
respective a user's contacts, whenever communication with that
person is detected or they are present at a location associated
with a user, a search could be invoked; in some embodiments, the
search can be based upon the interactions between the two users.
The features discussed herein respective the disclosed systems and
methods enable search capabilities to be integrated with other
applications. For example, search capabilities can be integrated
with, for example, and not limited to, location detection or route
maps, calendar data, to-do list data, email, phone calls, IMs, and
the like, and some combination therefore, where search results can
be embedded in context to an event based on content (or user
intent) derived from the integrated application(s).
[0039] Certain embodiments will now be described in greater detail
with reference to the figures. In general, with reference to FIG.
1, a system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure is shown. FIG. 1 shows components of a general
environment in which the systems and methods discussed herein may
be practiced. Not all the components may be required to practice
the disclosure, and variations in the arrangement and type of the
components may be made without departing from the spirit or scope
of the disclosure. As shown, system 100 of FIG. 1 includes local
area networks ("LANs")/wide area networks ("WANs")-network 105,
wireless network 110, mobile devices (client devices) 102a-102c and
client device 101. FIG. 1 additionally includes a variety of
servers, such as content server 106, application (or "App") server
108, email server 120 and advertising ("ad") server 130.
[0040] One embodiment of mobile devices 102a-102c is described in
more detail below. Generally, however, mobile devices 102a-102c may
include virtually any portable computing device capable of
receiving and sending a message over a network, such as network
105, wireless network 110, or the like. Mobile devices 102ka-102c
may also be described generally as client devices that are
configured to be portable. Thus, mobile devices 102a-102c may
include virtually any portable computing device capable of
connecting to another computing device and receiving information.
Such devices include multi-touch and portable devices such as,
cellular telephones, smart phones, display pagers, radio frequency
(RF) devices, infrared (IR) devices, Personal Digital Assistants
(PDAs), handheld computers, laptop computers, wearable computers
including but not limited to watches and glasses, tablet computers,
integrated devices combining one or more of the preceding devices,
and the like. As such, mobile devices 102a-102c typically range
widely in terms of capabilities and features. For example, a cell
phone may have a numeric keypad and a few lines of monochrome LCD
display on which only text may be displayed. In another example, a
web-enabled mobile device may have a touch sensitive screen, a
stylus, and several lines of color LCD display in which both text
and graphics may be displayed.
[0041] A web-enabled mobile device may include a browser
application that is configured to receive and to send web pages,
web-based messages, and the like. The browser application may be
configured to receive and display graphics, text, multimedia, and
the like, employing virtually any web based language, including a
wireless application protocol messages (WAP), and the like. In one
embodiment, the browser application is enabled to employ Handheld
Device Markup Language (HDML), Wireless Markup Language (WML),
WMLScript, JavaScript, Standard Generalized Markup Language (SMGL),
HyperText Markup Language (HTML), eXtensible Markup Language (XML),
and the like, to display and send a message.
[0042] Mobile devices 102a-102c also may include at least one
client application that is configured to receive content from
another computing device. The client application may include a
capability to provide and receive textual content, graphical
content, audio content, and the like. The client application may
further provide information that identifies itself, including a
type, capability, name, and the like. In one embodiment, mobile
devices 102a-102c may uniquely identify themselves through any of a
variety of mechanisms, including a phone number, Mobile
Identification Number (MIN), an electronic serial number (ESN),
device ID, or other mobile device identifier.
[0043] In some embodiments, mobile devices 102a-102c may also
communicate with non-mobile client devices, such as client device
101, or the like. In one embodiment, such communications may
include sending and/or receiving messages, share photographs, audio
clips, video clips, or any of a variety of other forms of
communications. Client device 101 may include virtually any
computing device capable of communicating over a network to send
and receive information. The set of such devices may include
devices that typically connect using a wired or wireless
communications medium such as personal computers, multiprocessor
systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics,
network PCs, or the like. Thus, client device 101 may also have
differing capabilities for displaying navigable views of
information.
[0044] Client devices 101-102c computing device may be capable of
sending or receiving signals, such as via a wired or wireless
network, or may be capable of processing or storing signals, such
as in memory as physical memory states, and may, therefore, operate
as a server. Thus, devices capable of operating as a server may
include, as examples, dedicated rack-mounted servers, desktop
computers, laptop computers, set top boxes, integrated devices
combining various features, such as two or more features of the
foregoing devices, or the like.
[0045] Wireless network 110 is configured to couple mobile devices
102a-102c and its components with network 105. Wireless network 110
may include any of a variety of wireless sub-networks that may
further overlay stand-alone ad-hoc networks, and the like, to
provide an infrastructure-oriented connection for mobile devices
102a-102c. Such sub-networks may include mesh networks, Wireless
LAN (WLAN) networks, cellular networks, and the like.
[0046] Wireless network 110 may further include an autonomous
system of terminals, gateways, routers, and the like connected by
wireless radio links, and the like. These connectors may be
configured to move freely and randomly and organize themselves
arbitrarily, such that the topology of wireless network 110 may
change rapidly. Wireless network 110 may further employ a plurality
of access technologies including 2nd (2G), 3rd (3G), and/or 4th
(4G) generation radio access for cellular systems, WLAN, Wireless
Router (WR) mesh, and the like. Access technologies such as 2G, 3G,
4G and future access networks may enable wide area coverage for
mobile devices, such as mobile devices 102la-102c with various
degrees of mobility. For example, wireless network 110 may enable a
radio connection through a radio network access such as Global
System for Mobil communication (GSM), General Packet Radio Services
(GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), Wideband Code
Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), and the like. In essence,
wireless network 110 may include virtually any wireless
communication mechanism by which information may travel between
mobile device s 102a-102c and another computing device, network,
and the like.
[0047] Network 105 is configured to couple content server 106,
application server 108, or the like, with other computing devices,
including, client device 101, and through wireless network 110 to
mobile devices 102a-102c. Network 105 is enabled to employ any form
of computer readable media for communicating information from one
electronic device to another. Also, network 105 can include the
Internet in addition to local area networks (LANs), wide area
networks (WANs), direct connections, such as through a universal
serial bus (USB) port, other forms of computer-readable media, or
any combination thereof. On an interconnected set of LANs,
including those based on differing architectures and protocols, a
router acts as a link between LANs, enabling messages to be sent
from one to another. Also, communication links within LANs
typically include twisted wire pair or coaxial cable, while
communication links between networks may utilize analog telephone
lines, full or fractional dedicated digital lines including T1, T2,
T3, and T4, Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDNs), Digital
Subscriber Lines (DSLs), wireless links including satellite links,
or other communications links known to those skilled in the art.
Furthermore, remote computers and other related electronic devices
could be remotely connected to either LANs or WANs via a modem and
temporary telephone link. In essence, network 105 includes any
communication method by which information may travel between
content servers 106, application server 108, client device 101,
and/or other computing devices.
[0048] Within the communications networks utilized or understood to
be applicable to the present disclosure, such networks will employ
various protocols that are used for communication over the network.
Signal packets communicated via a network, such as a network of
participating digital communication networks, may be compatible
with or compliant with one or more protocols. Signaling formats or
protocols employed may include, for example, TCP/IP, UDP, DECnet,
NetBEUI, IPX, APPLETALK.RTM., or the like. Versions of the Internet
Protocol (IP) may include IPv4 or IPv6. The Internet refers to a
decentralized global network of networks. The Internet includes
local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), wireless
networks, or long haul public networks that, for example, allow
signal packets to be communicated between LANs. Signal packets may
be communicated between nodes of a network, such as, for example,
to one or more sites employing a local network address. A signal
packet may, for example, be communicated over the Internet from a
user site via an access node coupled to the Internet. Likewise, a
signal packet may be forwarded via network nodes to a target site
coupled to the network via a network access node, for example. A
signal packet communicated via the Internet may, for example, be
routed via a path of gateways, servers, etc. that may route the
signal packet in accordance with a target address and availability
of a network path to the target address.
[0049] According to some embodiments, the present disclosure may
also be utilized within a social networking site. A social network
refers generally to a network of individuals, such as
acquaintances, friends, family, colleagues, or co-workers, coupled
via a communications network or via a variety of sub-networks.
Potentially, additional relationships may subsequently be formed as
a result of social interaction via the communications network or
sub-networks. In some embodiments, multi-modal communications may
occur between members of the social network. Individuals within one
or more social networks may interact or communication with other
members of a social network via a variety of devices. Multi-modal
communication technologies refers to a set of technologies that
permit interoperable communication across multiple devices or
platforms, such as cell phones, smart phones, tablet computing
devices, personal computers, televisions, set-top boxes, SMS/MMS,
email, instant messenger clients, forums, social networking sites,
or the like.
[0050] In some embodiments, the disclosed networks 110 and/or 105
may comprise a content distribution network(s). A "content delivery
network" or "content distribution network" (CDN) generally refers
to a distributed content delivery system that comprises a
collection of computers or computing devices linked by a network or
networks. A CDN may employ software, systems, protocols or
techniques to facilitate various services, such as storage,
caching, communication of content, or streaming media or
applications. A CDN may also enable an entity to operate or manage
another's site infrastructure, in whole or in part.
[0051] The content server 106 may include a device that includes a
configuration to provide content via a network to another device. A
content server 106 may, for example, host a site, such as an email
platform or social networking site, or a personal user site (such
as a blog, vlog, online dating site, and the like). A content
server 106 may also host a variety of other sites, including, but
not limited to business sites, educational sites, dictionary sites,
encyclopedia sites, wikis, financial sites, government sites, and
the like. Devices that may operate as content server 106 include
personal computers desktop computers, multiprocessor systems,
microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network
PCs, servers, and the like.
[0052] Content server 106 can further provide a variety of services
that include, but are not limited to, search services, calendar
(e.g., scheduling) services, email services, photo services, web
services, third-party services, audio services, video services,
instant messaging (IM) services, SMS services, MMS services, FTP
services, voice over IP (VOIP) services, or the like. Such
services, for example, can include search services, whereby search
results can be provided in accordance with an event trigger, as
discussed in more detail below. In another example, email services
and an email platform can be provided via the email server 120 in
accordance with services provided by the content server 106.
Examples of content may include search results, calendar reminders,
images, text, audio, video, or the like, or some combination
thereof, which may be processed in the form of physical signals,
such as electrical signals, for example, or may be stored in
memory, as physical states, for example.
[0053] An ad server 130 comprises a server that stores online
advertisements for presentation to users. "Ad serving" refers to
methods used to place online advertisements on websites, in
applications, or other places where users are more likely to see
them, such as during an online session or during computing platform
use, for example. Various monetization techniques or models may be
used in connection with sponsored advertising, including
advertising associated with user. Such sponsored advertising
includes monetization techniques including sponsored search
advertising, non-sponsored search advertising, guaranteed and
non-guaranteed delivery advertising, ad networks/exchanges, ad
targeting, ad serving and ad analytics.
[0054] For example, a process of buying or selling online
advertisements may involve a number of different entities,
including advertisers, publishers, agencies, networks, or
developers. To simplify this process, organization systems called
"ad exchanges" may associate advertisers or publishers, such as via
a platform to facilitate buying or selling of online advertisement
inventory from multiple ad networks. "Ad networks" refers to
aggregation of ad space supply from publishers, such as for
provision en masse to advertisers. For web portals like Yahoo!
.RTM., advertisements may be displayed on web pages resulting from
a user-defined search based at least in part upon one or more
search terms. Advertising may be beneficial to users, advertisers
or web portals if displayed advertisements are relevant to
interests of one or more users. Thus, a variety of techniques have
been developed to infer user interest, user intent or to
subsequently target relevant advertising to users. One approach to
presenting targeted advertisements includes employing demographic
characteristics (e.g., age, income, sex, occupation, etc.) for
predicting user behavior, such as by group. Advertisements may be
presented to users in a targeted audience based at least in part
upon predicted user behavior(s). Another approach includes
profile-type ad targeting. In this approach, user profiles specific
to a user may be generated to model user behavior, for example, by
tracking a user's path through a web site or network of sites, and
compiling a profile based at least in part on pages or
advertisements ultimately delivered. A correlation may be
identified, such as for user purchases, for example. An identified
correlation may be used to target potential purchasers by targeting
content or advertisements to particular users. During presentation
of advertisements, a presentation system may collect descriptive
content about types of advertisements presented to users. A broad
range of descriptive content may be gathered, including content
specific to an advertising presentation system. Advertising
analytics gathered may be transmitted to locations remote to an
advertising presentation system for storage or for further
evaluation. Where advertising analytics transmittal is not
immediately available, gathered advertising analytics may be stored
by an advertising presentation system until transmittal of those
advertising analytics becomes available.
[0055] Servers 106, 108, 120 and 130 may be capable of sending or
receiving signals, such as via a wired or wireless network, or may
be capable of processing or storing signals, such as in memory as
physical memory states. Devices capable of operating as a server
may include, as examples, dedicated rack-mounted servers, desktop
computers, laptop computers, set top boxes, integrated devices
combining various features, such as two or more features of the
foregoing devices, or the like. Servers may vary widely in
configuration or capabilities, but generally, a server may include
one or more central processing units and memory. A server may also
include one or more mass storage devices, one or more power
supplies, one or more wired or wireless network interfaces, one or
more input/output interfaces, or one or more operating systems,
such as Windows Server, Mac OS X, Unix, Linux, FreeBSD, or the
like.
[0056] In an embodiment, users are able to access services provided
by servers 106, 108, 120 and/or 130. This may include in a
non-limiting example, email servers, social networking services
servers, SMS servers, IM servers, MMS servers, exchange servers,
photo-sharing services servers, and travel services servers, via
the network 105 using their various devices 101-102c. In some
embodiments, applications, such as a photo-sharing or viewing
application (e.g., Flickr.RTM., Instagram.RTM., and the like), can
be hosted by the application server 108. Thus, the application
server 108 can store various types of applications and application
related information including application data and user profile
information. In another example, email server 120 can host email
applications and associated calendar information typically
associated with a user's email account; therefore, the email server
120 can store various types of applications and application related
information including email application data and user profile
information. It should also be understood that content server 106
can also store various types of data related to the content and
services provided by content server 106 in an associated content
database 107, as discussed in more detail below. Embodiments exist
where the network 105 is also coupled with/connected to a Trusted
Search Server (TSS) which can be utilized to render content in
accordance with the embodiments discussed herein.
[0057] Moreover, although FIG. 1 illustrates servers 106, 108, 120
and 130 as single computing devices, respectively, the disclosure
is not so limited. For example, one or more functions of servers
106, 108, 120 and/or 130 may be distributed across one or more
distinct computing devices. Moreover, in one embodiment, servers
106, 108, 120 and/or 130 may be integrated into a single computing
device, without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0058] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a client device
showing an example embodiment of a client device that may be used
within the present disclosure. Client device 200 may include many
more or less components than those shown in FIG. 2. However, the
components shown are sufficient to disclose an illustrative
embodiment for implementing the present disclosure. Client device
200 may represent, for example, client devices discussed above in
relation to FIG. 1.
[0059] As shown in the figure, Client device 200 includes a
processing unit (CPU) 222 in communication with a mass memory 230
via a bus 224. Client device 200 also includes a power supply 226,
one or more network interfaces 250, an audio interface 252, a
display 254, a keypad 256, an illuminator 258, an input/output
interface 260, a haptic interface 262, and an optional global
positioning systems (GPS) receiver 264. Power supply 226 provides
power to Client device 200. A rechargeable or non-rechargeable
battery may be used to provide power. The power may also be
provided by an external power source, such as an AC adapter or a
powered docking cradle that supplements and/or recharges a
battery.
[0060] Client device 200 may optionally communicate with a base
station (not shown), or directly with another computing device.
Network interface 250 includes circuitry for coupling Client device
200 to one or more networks, and is constructed for use with one or
more communication protocols and technologies including, but not
limited to, global system for Client communication (GSM), code
division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access
(TDMA), user datagram protocol (UDP), transmission control
protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP), SMS, general packet radio
service (GPRS), WAP, ultra wide band (UWB), IEEE 802.16 Worldwide
Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), SIP/RTP, or any of a
variety of other wireless communication protocols. Network
interface 250 is sometimes known as a transceiver, transceiving
device, or network interface card (NIC).
[0061] Audio interface 252 is arranged to produce and receive audio
signals such as the sound of a human voice. For example, audio
interface 252 may be coupled to a speaker and microphone (not
shown) to enable telecommunication with others and/or generate an
audio acknowledgement for some action. Display 254 may be a liquid
crystal display (LCD), gas plasma, light emitting diode (LED), or
any other type of display used with a computing device. Display 254
may also include a touch sensitive screen arranged to receive input
from an object such as a stylus or a digit from a human hand.
[0062] Keypad 256 may comprise any input device arranged to receive
input from a user. For example, keypad 256 may include a push
button numeric dial, or a keyboard. Keypad 256 may also include
command buttons that are associated with selecting and sending
images. Illuminator 258 may provide a status indication and/or
provide light. Illuminator 258 may remain active for specific
periods of time or in response to events. For example, when
illuminator 258 is active, it may backlight the buttons on keypad
256 and stay on while the client device is powered. Also,
illuminator 258 may backlight these buttons in various patterns
when particular actions are performed, such as dialing another
client device. Illuminator 258 may also cause light sources
positioned within a transparent or translucent case of the client
device to illuminate in response to actions.
[0063] Client device 200 also comprises input/output interface 260
for communicating with external devices, such as a headset, or
other input or output devices not shown in FIG. 2. Input/output
interface 260 can utilize one or more communication technologies,
such as USB, infrared, Bluetooth.RTM., or the like. Haptic
interface 262 is arranged to provide tactile feedback to a user of
the client device. For example, the haptic interface may be
employed to vibrate client device 200 in a particular way when the
Client device 200 receives a communication from another user.
[0064] Optional GPS transceiver 264 can determine the physical
coordinates of Client device 200 on the surface of the Earth, which
typically outputs a location as latitude and longitude values. GPS
transceiver 264 can also employ other geo-positioning mechanisms,
including, but not limited to, triangulation, assisted GPS (AGPS),
E-OTD, CI, SAI, ETA, BSS or the like, to further determine the
physical location of Client device 200 on the surface of the Earth.
It is understood that under different conditions, GPS transceiver
264 can determine a physical location within millimeters for Client
device 200; and in other cases, the determined physical location
may be less precise, such as within a meter or significantly
greater distances. In one embodiment, however, Client device may
through other components, provide other information that may be
employed to determine a physical location of the device, including
for example, a MAC address, IP address, or the like.
[0065] Mass memory 230 includes a RAM 232, a ROM 234, and other
storage means. Mass memory 230 illustrates another example of
computer storage media for storage of information such as computer
readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other
data. Mass memory 230 stores a basic input/output system ("BIOS")
240 for controlling low-level operation of Client device 200. The
mass memory also stores an operating system 241 for controlling the
operation of Client device 200. It will be appreciated that this
component may include a general purpose operating system such as a
version of UNIX, or LINUX.RTM., or a specialized client
communication operating system such as Windows Client.RTM., or the
Symbian.RTM. operating system. The operating system may include, or
interface with a Java virtual machine module that enables control
of hardware components and/or operating system operations via Java
application programs.
[0066] Memory 230 further includes one or more data stores, which
can be utilized by Client device 200 to store, among other things,
applications 242 and/or other data. For example, data stores may be
employed to store information that describes various capabilities
of Client device 200. The information may then be provided to
another device based on any of a variety of events, including being
sent as part of a header during a communication, sent upon request,
or the like. At least a portion of the capability information may
also be stored on a disk drive or other storage medium (not shown)
within Client device 300.
[0067] Applications 242 may include computer executable
instructions which, when executed by Client device 200, transmit,
receive, and/or otherwise process audio, video, images, and enable
telecommunication with another user of another client device. Other
examples of application programs include calendars, browsers,
contact managers, task managers, transcoders, database programs,
word processing programs, security applications, spreadsheet
programs, games, search programs, and so forth. Applications 242
may further include messaging client 245 that is configured to
send, to receive, and/or to otherwise process messages using email,
SMS, MMS, IM, VOIP, and/or any of a variety of other messaging
communication protocols. Although a single messaging client 245 is
illustrated it should be clear that multiple messaging clients may
be employed. For example, one messaging client may be configured to
manage email messages, where another messaging client manages SMS
messages, and yet another messaging client is configured to manage
serving advertisements, IMs, or the like.
[0068] Having described the components of the general architecture
employed within the disclosed systems and methods, the components'
general operation with respect to the disclosed systems and methods
will now be described.
[0069] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the components of
system 300 for performing the systems and methods discussed herein.
FIG. 3 depicts an event engine 302 for delivering/displaying search
results upon the determination of an event trigger and/or
time-delay, as discussed herein. As understood by those of skill in
the art, the display of search results can be provided via messages
301. The messages 301 that are provided to a user (e.g., displayed)
may be hosted by a web server, content provider, application
server, calendar provider, email service provider, ad server, a
user's computing device, or any combination thereof. The types of
messages 301 that display the event/event alert (comprising
embedded search information) can be many different forms and/or any
type of message. Examples of such messages can include, but are not
limited to, calendar appointments/notifications, telephone call
messages, email messages, HTML forms, SMS/MMS messages, Skype.RTM.
messages, Twitter.RTM. messages and other social messages, word
processing documents, help desk messages, portable document format
(PDF) documents and/or other types of documents, and the like. In
some embodiments, the messages 301 that will ultimately be
displayed can be stored in a database 305 of stored messages, which
can be associated with, for example, the content provider, such as
Yahoo!.RTM.. For example, if a message is to be displayed at a
certain time, and the message is associated with a trigger set in
accordance with a user's calendar (e.g., Yahoo! Calendar.RTM.), the
message may be stored in association with the email server
associated with the Yahoo! platform. Such database 305 can be any
type of database or memory that can store the messages 301 and
associated message template information, as discussed above.
[0070] According to some embodiments, the display of the search
information, provided as a message 301 to the user, can be provided
in association with the type of event. That is, for example, if the
event alert is set in accordance with a calendar event, the search
results can be displayed via a displayed calendar reminder message
301. In some embodiments, the display of the search results can be
displayed, despite being associated with an application/third party
software, in a browser window, whereby upon detection of the event
trigger, a browser window is displayed providing the search and/or
search results message 301.
[0071] As discussed above, with reference to FIG. 1, the network
303 can be any type of network such as, but not limited to, a
wireless network, a local area network (LAN), wide area network
(WAN), the Internet, or a combination thereof. The network 303
facilitates connectivity between the messages 301, the event engine
302, and the database of stored resources 305.
[0072] The event engine 302 includes a search module 304, trigger
module 306, identification module 308, detection module 310 and
display module 312. It should be understood that the engine(s) and
modules discussed herein are non-exhaustive, as additional or fewer
engines and/or modules may be applicable to the embodiments of the
systems and methods discussed. The operations, configurations and
functionalities of each module, and their role within embodiments
of the present disclosure will be discussed with reference to FIG.
4, whereby the components of system 300 are implemented to perform
the steps and processes of process 400.
[0073] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate embodiments of process flows for
performing the systems and methods discussed herein. As discussed
above, the present disclosure involves displaying search results
upon the occurrence or detection of an event. That is, a user's
search query (or search result) can be linked (or embedded) in an
event, such that upon satisfaction (or occurrence) of an event
trigger corresponding to the event, the search query/result can be
displayed in accordance with the event alert. As discussed above,
embodiments exist where the search query can be performed prior to
the event trigger's occurrence, such that upon the event occurring,
the pre-cached search results can be displayed in accordance with
the event display. In other embodiments, the search query can be
received (and cached) and only performed upon the event trigger
occurring, such that upon event detection (e.g., satisfaction of a
rule associated with even trigger), the search query is invoked and
the search is performed at the time of the event trigger, where the
results can be displayed in accordance with the event alert. In
some embodiments, the search query can be formulated based on event
information.
[0074] Thus, as discussed herein, the disclosed systems and methods
enable deferral of search information (i.e., search query and/or
results) for later display in accordance with an event alert that
is associated with an event trigger. As discussed below, the event
trigger comprises at least one rule, which can be associated with
the detection and identification of events satisfying the at least
one rule. For example, the rule may be associated with spatial,
temporal, logical or social activity identified or derived from a
user's activity, or some combination thereof. Indeed, a user's
activity may also comprise interest information, in that a user's
interests may be derived from his/her observed and/or determined
behavior and/or behavioral patterns.
[0075] FIG. 4A is a process 400 diagram illustrating steps
performed in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
Process 400 begins with Step 402 where search information and the
event information are received. In some embodiments, the search
information and event information can be received in separate
iterations, and in some embodiments, they can be received together.
In some embodiments, the search information can be received then
the event information can be received; and in some embodiments, the
event information can be received, then the search information.
[0076] As discussed above, the search information, according to
some embodiments, can include a search query or search results or
both. The search query can include at least one character or an
image, or any other type of content that can be searched via a
search engine, as understood by those of skill in the art. The
search query can also be resultant of an auto-population, as
understood by those of skill in the art. The search result can be
the result of a search query, which can be an auto-populated to
produce a result without the need for a user to enter an action to
actually execute the search and display results, as understood by
those of skill in the art. Thus, embodiments exist, as discussed in
more detail below, where Step 402 includes receiving a search query
and/or receiving a search result. In some embodiments where the
search result is received, a search query is performed and the
results of such query are then provided. Step 402 can be performed
by search module 304. That is, search module 304, which can be
connected to or associated with a search provider/engine, can
receive the search information.
[0077] According to some embodiments, the search information can be
received from a user; such as, for example, upon a user entering a
search query. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, the
search information can be performed by the event engine 302. That
is, Process 420 includes receiving event information (Step 422), as
discussed below, and formulating search information from the
information comprised within, or inferred from the event
information (Step 424). For example, upon a user arriving at a
location, a search can be performed by the search module 302,
without user input (or direct input), whereby a search can be
performed respective information about, involving or surrounding
the location. In some embodiments, a search can be suggested to a
user (e.g., a suggested search query), allowing a user to approve
or discard such search suggestion. In some embodiments, search
information can comprise ad information for sponsored searches, as
discussed in more detail below. In some embodiments, search
information can appear in an alert as graphic or as a URL link or
text link, or some combination thereof, providing the user the
ability to perform an action respective the search information.
[0078] The event information can include, but is not limited to,
spatial, temporal, logical or social data. The event information is
associated with an event, which can be recorded, acknowledged and
indicated via an application or third party program. For example,
the event information can be associated with a specific time,
specific location, task, activity (e.g., playing a sport, reading a
webpage), and/or contact and/or planned contact (e.g., a meeting)
with a specified person (e.g., from a user's contact list, as
discussed above). Therefore, the event trigger can comprise an
alert that displays an indication that an event has occurred. For
example, it is understood that a user can set a calendar reminder
for a specified time. For example, Bob sets a reminder to call his
wife Jane at 8 pm in the evening for her birthday. The event would
be set at 8 pm on Bob's calendar, which could be calendar software
or a calendar application (e.g., Yahoo! Calendar.RTM.), as
understood by those of skill in the art. The event information
could comprise the context: that it is Jane's birthday, and to call
her. The event trigger would occur at 8 pm. Therefore, at 8 pm on
the day set by Bob, the event trigger could be recognized, whereby
the event information is displayed in the event alert.
[0079] In some embodiments, as discussed above, the event trigger
can comprise a time delay. That is, in addition to being set in
accordance with a specific time, place and or activity, the trigger
can be time delayed according to a preset time period, which can be
set by the user, system as a whole, content provider, application
and the like, and/or some combination thereof. In some embodiments,
the event trigger can also include a rule, which dictates how the
event alert is to be displayed, when it is to be displayed and on
which (or type of) device it is to be displayed.
[0080] In some embodiments, in accordance with Process 400 and 420,
a search query can be performed prior to the event trigger, and
updated and/or aggregated with subsequent searches until the event
trigger's occurrence. That is, after the collection of the search
information and event information, in either form provided above
respective Process 400 and/or 420, multiple searches may be
performed during the period ranging from the creation of the event
to the eventual display of the search results. Indeed, updating
and/or aggregating of search results can be performed respective a
predetermined time period or threshold. Thus, for example, the
search query can be updated with aggregated search and interest
information from the time the search is performed until the time
the search is to be displayed, i.e., the event display. That is,
according to some embodiments, multiple searches can be performed
(and, in some embodiments, multiple search results collected) over
a period of time between when an event is set and an external event
triggers the event. In some embodiments, the multiple search
results in such period can be analyzed to provide a visualization
of how the results changed over that period. As such, as discussed
in more detail below, upon displaying the search results, a
visualization respective the updated/aggregated search results can
be displayed to the user. In some embodiments, if the period
between the event creation and the display of the search
information exceeds a certain threshold, the query and trigger can
be referred to a queue so that search results might be subject to
further processing not capable of being performed immediately in
response to a query, including, in some embodiments, a manual
curation.
[0081] Process 400 and Process 420, from FIGS. 4A and 4B,
respectively, each proceed in a similar manner after identification
and collection of the event information and search information.
That is, in some embodiments, as in Process 400, search information
and event information can be received; whereas in Process 420,
event information can be received, and search information is based
on such event information. Thus, after these steps, Process 400 and
420 each proceed to steps 404-408, as discussed herein.
[0082] According to some embodiments, the event information, which
comprises the event trigger information and search information, can
be stored in a database. In some embodiments, the event information
and the search information are stored in accordance with each
other. In Step 404, the search information is associated with the
event. That is, in some embodiments, the association of the search
information can include, but is not limited to, embedding, linking,
forming a part of, and the like, the search information with the
event. In some embodiments, upon creation of the event (and in some
embodiments, and upon indication by the user or system to associate
the event with the search information) the search information is
stored in association with the event. This can be stored in
accordance with the software/program protocol providing the event.
In some embodiments, this can also, or alternatively be stored in a
database affiliated with the systems and methods providing the
delayed search results display discussed herein (e.g., content
provider, search provider, and the like). The creation, reception
and embedding associated with the triggers can be performed by the
trigger module 306.
[0083] According to some embodiments, event triggers can be
implemented through embedding or logical connection to other
objects, such as, but not limited to, calendar appointments,
location coordinates, special event information, or contacts, and
the like. For example, respective a user's contacts, whenever
communication with that person is detected or they are present at a
location associated with a user, a search could be invoked. Such
embedding of the search information with the event enables search
capabilities to be integrated with other applications. For example,
search capabilities can be integrated with, for example, and not
limited to, location detection or route maps, calendar data, to-do
list data, email, phone calls, IMs, and the like, and some
combination therefore, where search results can be embedded in
context to an event based on user intent derived from the
integrated application(s). In some embodiments, embedding may be
resultant of a drag-and-drop of the search information to the
created event alert.
[0084] In Step 406, each process determines when an external event
corresponds to the event information. That is, it is determined
when the event trigger occurs, such that the event is to be
displayed. In some embodiments, such determination involves
monitoring activities of a user to determine whether the event
trigger has occurred. In other words, a user's activities are
monitored. Such monitoring respective the external event can
include, but are not limited to, tracking the location of the user,
the time of day, which day it is, specific events/activity the user
engages in, with whom the user interacts with, and the like. Such
activity monitoring can be performed by the identification module
308. Indeed, the identification module 308 can also infer a user's
activity and or intent to perform activities based on a collection
of the user's activity (e.g., behavior information) stored in a
user profile, or identification/determination of activities the
user is currently performing. Based on such monitored activity,
which can occur in substantial real-time, or periodically with
deference to event trigger information, determinations are made
regarding whether an event trigger is recognized. That is, the
event engine 302, through the detection module 310, compares the
results of the monitoring (from module 308) with the user's
activities (from module 306). Upon an event occurring, or the event
trigger being detected, event data as an event alert is
communicated to the user. Step 408. As discussed above, the event
alert is associated with the event trigger and comprises embedded
search information. Therefore, upon the event trigger being
triggered (i.e., the rule associated with the event being
satisfied, as discussed above), the event alert is communicated to
the user, whereby along with the event information, the embedded
search information is also displayed to the user. Step 408 can be
performed by the display module 312. Thus, for example, search
information can be provided by a user on a desktop computer, and
subsequently displayed on the user's mobile device upon the event
alert being displayed on the device at satisfaction of the rule
associated with the event trigger.
[0085] Thus, the disclosed systems and methods implementing
Processes 400 and 420 provide the ability to create a time or event
triggered search query and/or a time or event triggered search
result, where query/results are directly actionable in accordance
with a user's activity. The present disclosure allows users to
defer searches to times or contexts when they are most relevant or
convenient. Additionally, another advantage provided by the
disclosed systems and methods includes the ability to seamlessly
integrate search into other applications where it has previously
not be integrated and was run as a completely independent
process.
[0086] FIG. 5 includes a Process 500 for serving relevant
advertisements based on the content of an event. Specifically, FIG.
5 illustrates how advertisements are served in accordance with
event alerts. That is, ads can be based on the specific content
derived from the event alert. The derived content can be associated
with the search information (i.e., search query or search result)
or the event information, or some combination thereof. Indeed, any
and all types of event and search information, as well as
information forming the basis for such event and search
information, as discussed above, can form the basis for such
content.
[0087] In Step 502, content from an event alert is identified
and/or extracted from the event. That is, content, or a type of
content, associated with the event forms a basis for a context for
serving advertisements having a similar context. As discussed
above, such content can be based upon, but is not limited to,
information derived/identified/inferred from the event and/or the
search information. In Step 504, the content (or content data) is
communicated (or shared) with an advertisement server 130. Upon
receipt of the content data, the advertisement server 130 performs
a search for a relevant advertisement within an associated
advertisement database. The search for an advertisement is based at
least on the extracted content.
[0088] In Step 504, the advertisement server 130 searches the
advertisement database for advertisements that match the identified
(and extracted) content. In Step 506, an advertisement is selected
(or retrieved) based on the results of Step 504. In some
embodiments, the advertisement can be selected based upon the
result of Step 504, and modified to conform to attributes of the
event display within which the advertisement can be displayed,
and/or to the device for which it will be displayed. In some
embodiments, as in Step 508, the selected advertisement is shared
or communicated via the application/platform that displays the
event. In some alternative embodiments, the selected advertisement
is sent directly to each user's computing device. Thus, in
conjunction with the above discussion, the selected advertisement
is shared/communicated upon the event information (and comprised
search information) being visibly displayed to the user (in the
user's event providing program). In some embodiments, the steps of
Process 500 can be performed prior to the event trigger being
recognized, whereby the advertisement can be pre-cached along with
the search information (and event information), and displayed upon
display of the event alert.
[0089] For example, Bob performs a search for flowers to send to
his wife for her birthday. At the 8 pm, the event alert is
displayed. As discussed above, the search results are displayed,
and in some embodiments, as discussed herein, an advertisement will
also be displayed. The advertisement can be associated with local
flower stores for which Bob may purchase flowers. The information
forming the basis for the flower ads can be based on, for example,
the search for flowers, the search results of the flowers, the
event information indicating it was his wife's birthday, Bob's
location (current location, home address or location at time of the
event creation), Bob's prior purchase history, and/or any
combination thereof.
[0090] As discussed above, some advertisement models can include
advertisers paying fees based at least in part on any of various
metrics associated with advertisement delivery or performance, or
associated with measurement or approximation of particular
advertiser goal(s). For example, models may include, among other
things, payment based at least in part on cost per impression or
number of impressions, cost per click or number of clicks, cost per
action for some specified action(s), cost per conversion or
purchase, or cost based at least in part on some combination of
metrics, which may include online or offline metrics, for
example.
[0091] In some embodiments, in addition to event information and
search information, advertisement information may be logged in a
recording database. Such logging can be performed to determine the
performance of such information--related to the frequency and
duration users' view such advertisements and/or information
associated with such events and searches. Thus, such information
can be utilized for tracking and enabling differential billing/fee
structures for types of content. That is, particular content for
advertisements (or specific types of ads) may be offered at premium
prices due to the metrics associated with the advertisement
delivery and/or performance. In some embodiments, the billing/fee
structure for types of ads may be contingent upon information
surrounding or comprised within an event and/or search, including,
but not limited to, the temporal data (time or day of the event
and/or search), spatial data (location of the event or search), and
social data (person or persons, parties or entities involved or
associated with the event or search), and the like, and/or some
combination thereof. For example, if the day is Mother's Day, and
the search is for flowers, serving advertisements for flowers may
carry a premium fee for the day or days leading up to Mother's Day.
Thus, the billing/fee structure for ads can be based upon a type of
event, a type of search result, or type of ad that is selected
pursuant to the event information and embedded search information,
as discussed above.
[0092] As shown in FIG. 6, internal architecture 600 includes one
or more processing units, processors, or processing cores, (also
referred to herein as CPUs) 612, which interface with at least one
computer bus 602. Also interfacing with computer bus 602 are
computer-readable medium, or media, 606, network interface 614,
memory 604, e.g., random access memory (RAM), run-time transient
memory, read only memory (ROM), media disk drive interface 620 as
an interface for a drive that can read and/or write to media
including removable media such as floppy, CD-ROM, DVD, media,
display interface 610 as interface for a monitor or other display
device, keyboard interface 616 as interface for a keyboard,
pointing device interface 618 as an interface for a mouse or other
pointing device, and miscellaneous other interfaces not shown
individually, such as parallel and serial port interfaces and a
universal serial bus (USB) interface.
[0093] Memory 604 interfaces with computer bus 602 so as to provide
information stored in memory 604 to CPU 612 during execution of
software programs such as an operating system, application
programs, device drivers, and software modules that comprise
program code, and/or computer executable process steps,
incorporating functionality described herein, e.g., one or more of
process flows described herein. CPU 612 first loads computer
executable process steps from storage, e.g., memory 604, computer
readable storage medium/media 606, removable media drive, and/or
other storage device. CPU 612 can then execute the stored process
steps in order to execute the loaded computer-executable process
steps. Stored data, e.g., data stored by a storage device, can be
accessed by CPU 612 during the execution of computer-executable
process steps.
[0094] Persistent storage, e.g., medium/media 606, can be used to
store an operating system and one or more application programs.
Persistent storage can also be used to store device drivers, such
as one or more of a digital camera driver, monitor driver, printer
driver, scanner driver, or other device drivers, web pages, content
files, playlists and other files. Persistent storage can further
include program modules and data files used to implement one or
more embodiments of the present disclosure, e.g., listing selection
module(s), targeting information collection module(s), and listing
notification module(s), the functionality and use of which in the
implementation of the present disclosure are discussed in detail
herein.
[0095] Network link 628 typically provides information
communication using transmission media through one or more networks
to other devices that use or process the information. For example,
network link 628 may provide a connection through local network 624
to a host computer 626 or to equipment operated by a Network or
Internet Service Provider (ISP) 630. ISP equipment in turn provides
data communication services through the public, worldwide
packet-switching communication network of networks now commonly
referred to as the Internet 632.
[0096] A computer called a server host 634 connected to the
Internet 632 hosts a process that provides a service in response to
information received over the Internet 632. For example, server
host 634 hosts a process that provides information representing
video data for presentation at display 610. It is contemplated that
the components of system 600 can be deployed in various
configurations within other computer systems, e.g., host and
server.
[0097] At least some embodiments of the present disclosure are
related to the use of computer system 600 for implementing some or
all of the techniques described herein. According to one
embodiment, those techniques are performed by computer system 600
in response to processing unit 612 executing one or more sequences
of one or more processor instructions contained in memory 604. Such
instructions, also called computer instructions, software and
program code, may be read into memory 604 from another
computer-readable medium 606 such as storage device or network
link. Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in
memory 604 causes processing unit 612 to perform one or more of the
method steps described herein. In alternative embodiments,
hardware, such as ASIC, may be used in place of or in combination
with software. Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure are not
limited to any specific combination of hardware and software,
unless otherwise explicitly stated herein.
[0098] The signals transmitted over network link and other networks
through communications interface, carry information to and from
computer system 600. Computer system 600 can send and receive
information, including program code, through the networks, among
others, through network link and communications interface. In an
example using the Internet, a server host transmits program code
for a particular application, requested by a message sent from
computer, through Internet, ISP equipment, local network and
communications interface. The received code may be executed by
processor 602 as it is received, or may be stored in memory 604 or
in storage device or other non-volatile storage for later
execution, or both.
[0099] For the purposes of this disclosure a module is a software,
hardware, or firmware (or combinations thereof) system, process or
functionality, or component thereof, that performs or facilitates
the processes, features, and/or functions described herein (with or
without human interaction or augmentation). A module can include
sub-modules. Software components of a module may be stored on a
computer readable medium for execution by a processor. Modules may
be integral to one or more servers, or be loaded and executed by
one or more servers. One or more modules may be grouped into an
engine or an application.
[0100] For the purposes of this disclosure the term "user",
"subscriber" "consumer" or "customer" should be understood to refer
to a consumer of data supplied by a data provider. By way of
example, and not limitation, the term "user" or "subscriber" can
refer to a person who receives data provided by the data or service
provider over the Internet in a browser session, or can refer to an
automated software application which receives the data and stores
or processes the data.
[0101] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the methods and
systems of the present disclosure may be implemented in many
manners and as such are not to be limited by the foregoing
exemplary embodiments and examples. In other words, functional
elements being performed by single or multiple components, in
various combinations of hardware and software or firmware, and
individual functions, may be distributed among software
applications at either the client level or server level or both. In
this regard, any number of the features of the different
embodiments described herein may be combined into single or
multiple embodiments, and alternate embodiments having fewer than,
or more than, all of the features described herein are
possible.
[0102] Functionality may also be, in whole or in part, distributed
among multiple components, in manners now known or to become known.
Thus, myriad software/hardware/firmware combinations are possible
in achieving the functions, features, interfaces and preferences
described herein. Moreover, the scope of the present disclosure
covers conventionally known manners for carrying out the described
features and functions and interfaces, as well as those variations
and modifications that may be made to the hardware or software or
firmware components described herein as would be understood by
those skilled in the art now and hereafter.
[0103] Furthermore, the embodiments of methods presented and
described as flowcharts in this disclosure are provided by way of
example in order to provide a more complete understanding of the
technology. The disclosed methods are not limited to the operations
and logical flow presented herein. Alternative embodiments are
contemplated in which the order of the various operations is
altered and in which sub-operations described as being part of a
larger operation are performed independently.
[0104] While various embodiments have been described for purposes
of this disclosure, such embodiments should not be deemed to limit
the teaching of this disclosure to those embodiments. Various
changes and modifications may be made to the elements and
operations described above to obtain a result that remains within
the scope of the systems and processes described in this
disclosure.
* * * * *