Patent Application
20090327268
Typically, when utilizing a search engine, users desiring to obtain as complete a set of information as possible regarding a particular entertainment-related topic of interest must perform a number of distinct steps. For instance, he or she generally must manually synthesize multiple search query terms to perform multiple queries, follow the resulting links to a myriad of web pages where answers and/or desired information may or may not be located, and negotiate a number of different, and not always intuitive, user interfaces found on these web sites. This process can be very time consuming and may not ultimately provide a complete picture of what the user desires to know.
Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for providing immediate access to comprehensive information and answers on a set of related search engine results pages for common searches executed in the entertainment domain relating to, for instance, music, musicians, movies and celebrities. Upon receipt of a keyword-based search query, a decision is made regarding what the user actually wanted to see as a search result. This information is then automatically presented as a summary in a dedicated region of the keyword search results page, typically with links to more refined information. The summary may be presented in conjunction with, or in lieu of, the search results matching the input search query. Upon selection of a link, the refined information is also displayed in a dedicated region of the keyword search results page. In this way, the user does not have to navigate multiple, different user interfaces on a variety of different web sites in order to view the information desired.
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:
The subject matter of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Moreover, although the terms “step” and/or “block” may be used herein to connote different elements of methods employed, the terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly described.
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for providing immediate access to comprehensive information and answers on a set of related search engine results pages for common searches executed in the entertainment domain relating to, for instance, music, musicians, movies and celebrities. Upon receipt of a keyword-based search query, a decision is made regarding what the user actually wanted to see as a search result. This information is then automatically presented as a summary in a dedicated region of the keyword search results page, typically with links to more refined information. The summary may be presented in conjunction with, or in lieu of, the search results matching the input search query. Upon selection of a link, the refined information is also displayed in a dedicated region of the keyword search results page. In this way, the user does not have to navigate multiple, different user interfaces on a variety of different web sites in order to view the information desired.
Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present invention provides one or more computer-storage media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon that, when executed, perform a method for presenting targeted information for entertainment-related search queries. The method comprises receiving an entertainment-related search query input by a user; determining at least one information item other than a search result that the user desires to obtain; and presenting the at least one information item in a dedicated area of a search engine results page.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides method for presenting targeted information for entertainment-related search queries. The method comprises receiving a search query input by a user; determining that the input search query is an entertainment-related search query; determining a plurality of information items other than search results that the user desires to obtain; and presenting at least one of one of the plurality of information items and a hyperlink to information related to one of the plurality of information items in a dedicated area of a search engine results page
In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides one or more computer-storage media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon that, when executed, perform a method for presenting targeted information items for entertainment-related search queries. The method comprises receiving a search query input by a user; dynamically determining that the input search query is an entertainment-related search query by determining that the input search query contains information related to at least one of musicians, music, movies or celebrities; dynamically determining a plurality of information items other than search results that the user desires to obtain, wherein the plurality of information items comprises one or more of an image, relevant content related to an instant answer, an audio snippet of a particular song, lyrics for a particular song, information related to an alternate version of a particular song, information about at least one of an artist, musician, or celebrity related to a particular first artist, musician, or celebrity, and scheduled local television listings for a particular movie; and presenting at least one of one of the plurality of information items and a hyperlink to information related to one of the plurality of information items in a dedicated area of a search engine results page
Having briefly described an overview of the present invention, an exemplary operating environment for the present invention is now described. Referring to the drawings in general, and initially to
The invention may be described in the general context of computer code or machine-useable instructions, including computer-executable instructions such as program components, being executed by a computer or other machine, such as a personal data assistant or other handheld device. Generally, program components including routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and the like, refer to code that performs particular tasks, or implement particular abstract data types. Embodiments of the present invention may be practiced in a variety of system configurations, including hand-held devices, consumer electronics, general-purpose computers, specialty computing devices, etc. Embodiments of the invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote-processing devices that are linked through a communications network.
With continued reference to
Computer 110 typically includes a variety of computer-readable media. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by computer 110 and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media may comprise computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by computer 110. Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.
Memory 112 includes computer-storage media in the form of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory. The memory may be removable, non-removable, or a combination thereof. Exemplary hardware devices include solid-state memory, hard drives, optical-disc drives, etc. Computing device 100 includes one or more processors that read data from various entities such as memory 112 or I/O components 120. Presentation component(s) 116 present data indications to a user or other device. Exemplary presentation components include a display device, speaker, printing component, vibrating component, etc.
I/O ports 118 allow computing device 100 to be logically coupled to other devices including I/O components 120, some of which may be built in. Illustrative components include a microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, printer, wireless device, etc.
Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods that utilize one or more of a plurality of tools that provide immediate access to comprehensive information and answers on a set of related search engine results pages for common searches executed in the entertainment domain relating to, for instance, music, musicians, movies and celebrities. Turning now to
The system 200 includes a user device 210, a search engine 212, and a data store 214, all in communication with one another via a network 216. The network may include, without limitation, one or more local area networks (LANs) and/or wide area networks (WANs). Such networking environments are commonplace in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets and the Internet. Accordingly, the network 216 is not further described herein.
The data store 214 is configured to store information related to entertainment-related search queries. In various embodiments, such information may include, without limitation, images, album information, song information (including audio snippets, lyrics, alternate song versions, related musicians/artists/celebrities, and the like), news stories, television movie listings, popularity information, and the like. In embodiments, the data store 214 is configured to be searchable for one or more of the items stored in association therewith. It will be understood and appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the information stored in the data store 214 may be configurable and may include any information relevant to entertainment-related search queries. The content and volume of such information are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the present invention in any way. Further, though illustrated as a single, independent component, data store 214 may, in fact, be a plurality of data stores, for instance, a database cluster, portions of which may reside on the user device 210, the search engine 212, another external computing device (not shown), and/or any combination thereof.
Each of the computing device 210 and the search engine 212 shown in
Embodiments of the present invention provide various tools that may be utilized by a search engine (for instance, search engine 212), upon receiving a keyword search, to determine what the user really wants to see and present such information in a dedicated area of the search results page. Such information may be presented alone or in addition to the traditional search results, as desired. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide tools that may be utilized by a search engine to query or poll a unique combination of data sources and present information obtained there from in a particular, convenient format for users to view. The tools described herein are designed to present a broad spectrum of information to the user and provide the user with the option to further investigate any of the presented information directly from the search engine results page. The tools illustrated in
Presenting Multiple Source Topic Summaries in a Search Engine Results Page
In embodiments, the present invention provides a multiple-source topic summary that presents, in a dedicated area of a search results page, highly relevant information and top-level entry points into a collection of search engine results pages covering a range of topics, with each targeted page containing more focused information
Frequently, search engine users input a simple, general query and subsequently investigate the resulting links for the specific information they actually desire to obtain. As more fully described below, the multiple source topic summary attempts to determine the most likely information the user may be seeking and dynamically assembles a summary of that information, generally with links to high-quality, more targeted information derived from federated data sources. This summary is then presented in a dedicated area of the search engine results page.
Turning now to
Next, as indicated at block 318, disparate data sources are polled to obtain the information determined to be desired. Again, data sources are polled dynamically at the moment in time the search query is being addressed. Thus, the same search query input at two different points in time sufficiently removed from one another may generate different search results. As indicated at block 320, the information obtained from the various data sources is rated/ranked utilizing pre-determined relevance rules and the highest ranking information is presented in a dedicated area of the search results page. This is indicated at block 322. Various relevance rules and methods for ranking information are known to those of ordinary skill in the art and, accordingly, are not further described herein. Any and all such rules and methods may be utilized within embodiments hereof.
In embodiments, the traditional search query results are presented in a distinct area of the search results page that is different from the dedicated area where the high ranking information is presented. This is indicated at block 324. In one embodiment, the dedicated area may be presented vertically near the top of the search results page with the traditional search query results being presented vertically beneath the dedicated area. In another embodiment, the dedicated area may be presented on one horizontal side of the search results page with the traditional search query results being presented on the other horizontal side of the search results page. Any and all such variations, and any combination thereof, are contemplated to be within the scope of embodiments of the present invention.
It should be noted that oftentimes, the information presented in the dedicated area of the search results page will be high-level links to more targeted information. In embodiments, upon user selection of a presented link, the content of the dedicated area will flex to present content associated with the selected link while the remaining content on the search results page will remain unchanged.
With reference to
Presenting Navigation Links Pertaining to Entities in a Search Engine Results Page
In embodiments, the present invention provides immediate one-click access to highly relevant information on other search engine results pages for topics directly related to entertainment-related entities (e.g., celebrities or musicians), the particular entity being identified based upon an input search query. Links to the highly-relevant information are dynamically determined and automatically tailored to an input search query.
More particularly, some high-value search terms are associated with multiple contexts. For example, a musician can have personal information, songs, albums, and videos. In embodiments, the present invention detects specific high-value scenarios pertaining to entertainment, identifies an entity or category to which the high-value scenario is related, and displays a set of links related to the identified entity that leads to one or more additional queries with targeted information especially crafted for the scenario. Each entity is a category that has a set of naturally occurring links. Upon identifying what the entity is, the links to be shown are determined. For instance, each entity has a specific type of information associated therewith, such as images or news. If the entity is determined to be a musician, the naturally occurring links that will be shown may be, for instance, songs, albums, videos, and the like. If the entity is a movie star, the naturally occurring links that will be shown may be, for instance, movies, images, biography, etc.
Turning now to
Referring back to
Presenting Gallery Links in a Search Engine Results Page
In embodiments, the present invention provides links to galleries of images on image search results pages for specific entertainment-related topics (for instance, celebrities or musicians). Each image search results page contains only images related to the specific entertainment-related topic. The topics for each gallery are dynamically determined and assembled at the time a particular input search query is being addressed.
More particularly, when a user submits a search query, they often are interested in investigating closely related information that may not be identified as a direct search result of the input search query. To address this, search engines can determine what the most commonly searched related information is, based upon past aggregate user behavior. In embodiments of the present invention, rather than presenting this related information as a related search on the search engine results page, the presentation of related searches is modified, as more fully described below.
In embodiments of the present invention, related searches are first created by taking a list of queries with the same initial search term and noting the variations. The search term is removed (e.g., “Jennifer Lopez Grammys” becomes simply “Grammys”) leaving just the variation. The terms are ranked based on number of results, adjusting for adult terms and other extraneous factors, if desired. The top N items are then selected and presented as a list of hyperlinks (i.e., gallery links) in a dedicated area of the search engine results page. The underlying URL is formed using query augmentation to create a complete search query for the given subject with refinement. For example, if the user searched for “Jennifer Lopez” and subsequently selected the presented “Grammys” gallery link, the URL would be “search.live.com/results .aspx?x=jennifer+lopez+grammys”.
Turning now to
With reference to
Returning to
Presenting Links to Additional Instant Answers in a Search Engine Results Page
Upon determining with a high degree of confidence that, based upon an input search query, an immediate answer can be provided to a user's question, search engines may present an “instant answer. To see an instant answer, a user must knowingly or inadvertently form their query in such a way to trigger the answer. Typically, if the user wanted to find other instant answers related to the same topic, they would need to form a new query in such a way that would trigger another instant answer.
Embodiments of the present invention identify queries that lend themselves to multiple instant answers, detect additional instant answers related to the current search context, and present hyperlinks that will navigate the user to pages that present the related or additional instant answers. For instance, if a user inputs a search query (e.g., a song title) in the appropriate form that it triggers the presentation of an instant answer related to an artist (e.g., musician that recorded the song identified by the input song title), embodiments of the present invention may determine that, for instance, the album on which the song is recorded may also be desired information. Thus, embodiments of the present invention may also present a link to the additional album instant answer in a dedicated area of the search results page. Upon selection of the album instant answer hyperlink, the user may then be navigated to another page that presents the album title and all other songs recorded thereon.
Turning now to
If, however, it is determined that the context of the input search query lends itself to multiple instant answers, a whole page relevance and arbitration methodology (known to those of ordinary skill in the art and not further described herein) is utilized to query a plurality of data sources and identify the most relevant additional or related content. This is indicated at block 818. When a user inputs a query, it is desirable that the whole page presented with the results of the query be related to the query itself. Generally, however, there is far more information than can be displayed on a single page. Accordingly, all of the potential information that may be presented on a page is input into an arbitrator that decides relevance and identifies the most relevant information for presentation. Stated differently, the arbitrator statistically determines the relative relevance of the information and identifies the most likely desired information, i.e., ranks the identified information and identifies the highest-value information. This determined highly-desired information is then presented as an additional “instant answer” in a dedicated area of the search results page, as indicated at block 820. Lower ranking information may still be presented in a different area of the search results page, if desired. The arbitration methodology makes the relevance determination dynamically, taking into account such things as source, ranking, etc. If desired, hyperlinks to other highly relevant available content may be presented as well.
In Situ Audio Playing in a Search Engine Results Page
Embodiments of the present invention provide in situ audio playing, in a search engine results page. This functionality allows a user to play snippets of music related to a current search topic without leaving the search results page.
When searching for audio, users often desire to play a snippet of the music they are searching for to ensure they have found the desired version. In embodiments, the present invention presents a user-activated icon on the search engine results page that, when activated by, plays an audio snippet that is attached to the icon.
Turning now to
Next, an icon indicative of an audio snippet related to the input search query is presented in a dedicated area of the search results page. This is indicated at block 918.
Presenting Song Lyrics in a Search Engine Results Page
Searching for song lyrics is a popular search activity. Generally, if a user inputs a song title or other indication that song lyrics are desired, he or she is presented with a link to a web site, different from the search engine results page, where the lyrics may be found. Embodiments of the present invention provide availability to song lyrics directly on the search engine results page, in a dedicated area thereof, thereby precluding the need to use a third-party service.
With reference to
If, however, it is determined that the search query is indicative of a desire to see song lyrics for a particular song, the appropriate song lyrics are next identified, as indicated at block 1018. Song lyrics may be identified, for instance, by querying a song lyric database utilizing word or character sequences and the like. In embodiments, song lyrics may be obtained in real time from a data file obtained by a feed. Once the appropriate song lyrics are identified, at least a portion thereof is presented in a dedicated area of a search results page, as indicated at block 1020. In embodiments, only a portion of the song lyrics are presented in the search results page initially, in addition to a hyperlink, selection of which will navigate the user to a second search engine details page that presents the complete lyrics. Alternatively, upon selection of the hyperlink, a hidden portion of the web page that contains the remaining lyrics may be presented. Any and all such variations are contemplated to be within the scope of embodiments of the present invention.
Presenting Alternate Song Versions in a Search Engine Results Page
When a user inputs a query indicative of a specific song (e.g., when the query contains a song title (or portion thereof) or song lyric (or portion thereof)), it is likely they may want to discover alternate versions of the song done by the same or another performer. In embodiments, the present invention locates alternate song versions utilizing one or more of song title, lyrics and melody and exposes the alternate song versions as hyperlinks to search results about the alternate versions in a dedicated area of a search results page.
With reference to
If, however, it is determined that the search query is indicative of a desire to see information pertaining to alternate versions of a particular song, alternate song versions are identified, as indicated at block 1118. In embodiments, alternate song versions may be identified utilizing one or more of song title, lyrics and melody. Once identified, hyperlinks to search results about the alternate song versions (e.g., links that, when selected, trigger a re-query for the alternate song version) are presented in a dedicated area of a search results page. This is indicated at block 1120.
Presenting Artists/Musicians/Celebrities Related to a Received Search Query in a Search Engine Results Page
When users input search queries pertaining to entertainment-related persons or entities (e.g., artists, musicians, musical groups, celebrities, and the like), they often desire to obtain information pertaining to other, related musical artists/musicians/celebrities. In embodiments, the present invention determines that an input search query is related to a musician or musical group, determines other artists/musicians/celebrities that are in some way related to the entertainment-related person or entity, and presents hyperlinks that, when selected, navigate the user to information about the related artists/musicians/celebrities.
Turning now to
If, however, it is determined that the search query is indicative of a desire to view information pertaining to related artists/musicians/celebrities, query logs and other sources are data mined to identify related artists/musicians/celebrities. This is indicated at block 1218. Any identifiable relationship between the artist/musician/celebrity indicated by the input search query and another artist/musician/celebrity, may be utilized to indicate some relationship there between. In embodiments, related artists/musicians/celebrities that link to the same sites as the input artist/musician/celebrity may also be utilized to impute a relationship there between. Once a related artist/musician/celebrity is identified, hyperlinks to search results having information pertaining to the identified related artist/musician/celebrity are presented in a dedicated area of the search results page, as indicated at block 1220.
Presenting Local Television Listings for a Movie in Search Engine Results Page
Once a movie leaves the theaters, it oftentimes is shown on broadcast, cable, and satellite television stations. In embodiments, upon determining that a received search query is or contains the title of a particular movie, the present invention presents local television listings for the movie in a dedicated area of the search engine results page. Such listings may include broadcasts on cable, satellite, or local terrestrial television stations, as desired.
With reference to
If, however, it is determined that the search query is indicative of a particular movie, the user's locale is subsequently determined, as indicated at block 1316. Locale may be detected, for instance, based on the user's Internet provider as generally the user is in the same city as the provider. This can, however, be overridden if the user has provided location information, for instance, if they are looking for information in a locale different from where they are currently located. Next, as indicated at block 1318, local broadcast, cable and/or satellite television showings of the particular movie are identified within a particular time frame (e.g., the current day or the current week). Such information may be identified, for instance, by consulting federated data sources. Information regarding when and where the particular movie is scheduled to be shown in the user's locale is subsequently presented in a dedicated area of the search engine results page. This is indicated at block 1320.
As can be seen, embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for providing immediate access to comprehensive information and answers on a set of related search engine results pages for common searches executed in the entertainment domain relating to, for instance, music, musicians, movies and celebrities. Upon receipt of a keyword-based search query, a decision is made regarding what the user actually wanted to see as a search result. This information is then automatically presented as a summary in a dedicated region of the keyword search results page, typically with links to more refined information. Upon selection of a link, the refined information is also displayed in a dedicated region of the keyword search results page. In this way, the user does not have to navigate multiple, different user interfaces on a variety of different web sites in order to view the information desired
Embodiments of the present invention have been described in relation to particular embodiments, which are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from its scope.
From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects set forth above, together with other advantages which are obvious and inherent to the system and method. It will be understood that certain features and sub-combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.
