US008819659B2
(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 8,819,659 B2 Ramer et al. (45) Date of Patent: Aug. 26, 2014
(54) MOBILE SEARCHSERVICE INSTANT (56) References Cited ACTIVATION U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS (75) Inventors: Jorey Ramer, Cambridge, MA (US); Adam Soroca, Cambridge, MA (US); 5,521,631 A 5/1996 Budow et al. Dennis Doughty, Brookline, MA (US) 5,568,030 A 10, 1996 Nishikawa et al. (Continued) (73) Assignee: Millennial Media, Inc., Boston, MA (US) FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS (*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this E. 20SS3 58. patent is extended or adjusted under 35 inued U.S.C. 154(b) by 65 days. (Continued) OTHER PUBLICATIONS (21) Appl. No.: 13/074,103 Garmin, “Garmin nuvi Personal Travel Assistant Owners manual', (22) Filed: Mar. 29, 2011 Online). Sep. 2005, p. 1-68, Retrieved from Internet on Dec. 26, 2012,
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US 8,819,659 B2 1. 2 MOBILE SEARCH SERVICE INSTANT Ser. No. 1 1/414,740 filed on Apr. 27, 2006 and entitled ACTIVATION EXPECTED VALUE AND PRIORITIZATION OF MOBILE CONTENT,” which is a continuation of U.S. appli CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED cation Ser. No. 11/414,168 filed on Apr. 27, 2006 and entitled APPLICATIONS “DYNAMIC BIDDING AND EXPECTED VALUE, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/413,273 filed This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. on Apr. 27, 2006 and entitled “CALCULATION AND PRE No. 1 1/553,659 filed on Oct. 27, 2006 and entitled “CLIENT SENTATION OF MOBILE CONTENT EXPECTED LIBRARIES FOR MOBILE CONTENT, which is a con VALUE.” which is a non-provisional of U.S. App. No. tinuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 1 1/553,746 filed 10 60/785,242 filed on Mar. 22, 2006 and entitled 'AUTO on Oct. 27, 2006 and entitled “COMBINED ALGORITH MATED SYNDICATION OF MOBILE CONTENT and MIC AND EDITORIAL-REVIEWEDMOBILE CONTENT which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. SEARCH RESULTS,” which is a continuation of U.S. appli 1 1/387,147 filed on Mar. 21, 2006 and entitled “INTERAC cation Ser. No. 1 1/553,713 filed on Oct. 27, 2006 and entitled TION ANALYSIS AND PRIORITIZATION OF MOBILE “ON-OFF HANDSET SEARCH BOX, which is a continu 15 CONTENT' which is continuation-in-part of U.S. applica ation of U.S. application Ser. No. 1 1/553,569 filed on Oct. 27, tion Ser. No. 1 1/355,915 filed on Feb. 16, 2006 and entitled 2006 and entitled ACTION FUNCTIONALITY FOR PRESENTATION OF SPONSORED CONTENT BASED MOBILE CONTENT SEARCH RESULTS, which is a con ON MOBILE TRANSACTION EVENT, which is a con tinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 1 1/553,626 filed on Oct. tinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 1 1/347,842 filed on Feb. 27, 2006 and entitled “MOBILE WEBSITE ANALYZER, 3, 2006 and entitled “MULTIMODAL SEARCH QUERY.” which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 1 1/553, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 1 1/347, 598 filed on Oct. 27, 2006 and entitled “MOBILE PAY PER 825 filed on Feb. 3, 2006 and entitled “SEARCH QUERY CALL, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. ADDRESS REDIRECTION ON A MOBILE COMMUNI 1 1/553,587 filed on Oct. 27, 2006 and entitled “MOBILE CATION FACILITY,” which is a continuation of U.S. appli CONTENT CROSS-INVENTORY YIELD OPTIMIZA 25 cation Ser. No. 1 1/347,826 filed on Feb. 3, 2006 and entitled TION,” which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. PREVENTING MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACIL 1 1/553,581 filed on Oct. 27, 2006 and entitled “MOBILE ITYCLICKFRAUD” which is a continuation of U.S. appli PAYMENT FACILITATION' which is a continuation of cation Ser. No. 1 1/337,112 filed on Jan. 19, 2006 and entitled U.S. application Ser. No. 1 1/553,578 filed on Oct. 27, 2006 USER TRANSACTION HISTORY INFLUENCED and entitled “BEHAVIORAL-BASEDMOBILE CONTENT 30 SEARCH RESULTS,” which is a continuation of U.S. appli PLACEMENT ON A MOBILE COMMUNICATION cation Ser. No. 1 1/337,180 filed on Jan. 19, 2006 and entitled FACILITY” which is a continuation application of U.S. *USER CHARACTERISTIC INFLUENCED SEARCH application Ser. No. 1 1/553,567 filed on Oct. 27, 2006 and RESULTS which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. entitled “CONTEXTUAL MOBILE CONTENT PLACE No. 1 1/336,432 filed on Jan. 19, 2006 and entitled “USER MENT ON A MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITY, 35 HISTORY INFLUENCED SEARCHRESULTS, which is a which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 1 1/337,234 filed on 1 1/422,797 filed on Jun. 7, 2006 and entitled “PREDICTIVE Jan. 19, 2006 and entitled “MOBILE COMMUNICATION TEXT COMPLETION FOR A MOBILE COMMUNICA FACILITY CHARACTERISTIC INFLUENCED SEARCH TION FACILITY, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. RESULTS which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. application Ser. No. 1 1/383.236 filed on May 15, 2006 and 40 No. 1 1/337,233 filed on Jan. 19, 2006 and entitled “LOCA entitled LOCATION BASED PRESENTATION OF TION INFLUENCED SEARCHRESULTS, which is a con MOBILE CONTENT', which is a continuation-in-part of tinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 1 1/335,904 filed on Jan. U.S. application Ser. No. 1 1/382,696 filed on May 10, 2006 19, 2006 and entitled “PRESENTING SPONSORED CON and entitled “MOBILE SEARCHSERVICES RELATED TO TENT ON A MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITY” DIRECTIDENTIFIERS', which is a continuation-in-part of 45 which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 1 1/335, U.S. application Ser. No. 1 1/382.262 filed on May 8, 2006 900 filed on Jan. 18, 2006 and entitled “MOBILE ADVER and entitled “INCREASING MOBILE INTERACTIVITY, TISEMENT SYNDICATION, which is a continuation-in which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 1 1/382, part of U.S. application Ser. No. 1 1/281,902 filed on Nov. 16, 260 filed on May 8, 2006 and entitled “AUTHORIZED 2005 and entitled MANAGING SPONSORED CONTENT MOBILE CONTENT SEARCHRESULTS, which is a con 50 BASED ONUSER CHARACTERISTICS, which is a con tinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 1 1/382.257 filed on tinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 1 1/282,120 filed on May 8, 2006 and entitled “MOBILE SEARCH SUGGES Nov. 16, 2005 and entitled “MANAGING SPONSORED TIONS'', which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. CONTENT BASED ON USAGE HISTORY, which is a 1 1/382.249 filed on May 8, 2006 and entitled “MOBILE continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 1 1/274,884 filed on PAY-PER-CALL CAMPAIGNCREATION, which is a con 55 Nov. 14, 2005 and entitled “MANAGING SPONSORED tinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 1 1/382.246 filed on CONTENT BASED ON TRANSACTION HISTORY, May 8, 2006 and entitled “CREATION OF A MOBILE which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 1 1/274, SEARCH SUGGESTION DICTIONARY, which is a con 905 filed on Nov. 14, 2005 and entitled “MANAGING tinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 1 1/382.243 filed on SPONSORED CONTENT BASED ON GEOGRAPHIC May 8, 2006 and entitled “MOBILE CONTENT SPIDER 60 REGION', which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. ING AND COMPATIBILITY DETERMINATION', which No. 1 1/274,933 filed on Nov. 14, 2005 and entitled “PRE is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 1 1/382.237 filed SENTATION OF SPONSORED CONTENT ON MOBILE on May 8, 2006 and entitled “IMPLICITSEARCHING FOR COMMUNICATION FACILITIES, which is a continuation MOBILE CONTENT,” which is a continuation of U.S. appli of U.S. application Ser. No. 1 1/271,164 filedon Nov. 11, 2005 cation Ser. No. 1 1/382.226 filed on May 8, 2006 and entitled 65 and entitled “MANAGING SPONSORED CONTENT “MOBILE SEARCH SUBSTRING QUERY COMPLE BASED ON DEVICE CHARACTERISTICS, which is a TION', which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 1 1/268,671 filed on US 8,819,659 B2 3 4 Nov. 5, 2005 and entitled “MANAGING PAYMENT FOR Vertical that may be general search. The search vertical may SPONSORED CONTENT PRESENTED TO MOBILE alternatively be related to ring tones, images, games, a yellow COMMUNICATION FACILITIES', and which is a continu pages, weather, a white pages, news headlines, WAP sites, ation of U.S. application Ser. No. 1 1/267.940 filed on Nov. 5, web sites, movie show times, sports scores, stock quotes, 2005 and entitled MANAGING SPONSORED CONTENT flight times, maps, directions, a price comparison, WiFi FOR DELIVERY TO MOBILE COMMUNICATION hotspots, package tracking, hotel rates, fantasy sports stats, FACILITIES” which is a non-provisional of U.S. App. No. horoscopes, answers, a dictionary, area codes, Zip codes, 60/731,991 filed on Nov. 1, 2005 and entitled “MOBILE entertainment, and blogs. SEARCH, U.S. App. No. 60/720,193 filed on Sep. 23, 2005 In the method and system, the third party component may and entitled “MANAGING WEB INTERACTIONS ON A 10 be a storefront application, a portal application, a mobile MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITY, and U.S. App. browser, or an operating system. No. 60/717,151 filedon Sep. 14, 2005 and entitled “SEARCH These and other systems, methods, objects, features, and CAPABILITIES FOR MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those DEVICES’. Each of these applications is incorporated herein skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the by reference in its entirety. 15 preferred embodiment and the drawings. FIELD OF THE INVENTION BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
This disclosure relates to the field of mobile communica The invention and the following detailed description of tions and more particularly to improved methods and systems certain embodiments thereofmay be understood by reference for providing custom code libraries to operate with third party to the following figures: applications on a wireless platform. FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless platform. FIG. 2 illustrates a method for entering a search query, BACKGROUND manipulating the query, and delivering search results. 25 FIG. 3 illustrates sample elements involved in disambigu Online search driven by Web-based search engines has ating a search query. proven to be one of the most significant uses of computer FIG. 4 illustrates a generalized method for disambiguating networks such as the Internet. Computer users can employ a a search query. variety of search tools to search for content using different FIG. 5 illustrates a generalized method for ordering, dis user interfaces and search methods. In some circumstances, 30 playing, and adding sponsorship information to search mobile device users can also access Internet search tools to results. search for content. However, users of many mobile devices FIG. 6 illustrates a mobile communication search facility. Such as cell phones encounter difficulties using search tech FIG. 7A illustrates a mobile communication facility. nologies intended for conventional online use. Difficulties FIG. 7B illustrates a mobile communication facility. include the inability to display appropriate content, difficulty 35 FIG.7C illustrates a mobile communication facility. entering queries and taking other Suitable actions such as FIG. 8A illustrates a mobile communication facility. navigation in an environment adapted to full screen displays, FIG. 8B illustrates a mobile communication facility. full-sized keyboards, and high-speed network connections. FIG. 8C illustrates a mobile communication facility. Furthermore, Internet search engines are currently unable to FIG. 9 illustrates a series of screen shots associated with a optimally deliver search results for a mobile communication 40 search on a mobile communication facility. facility because these search engines are specifically FIG. 10 illustrates screen shots associated with a mobile designed for the Internet and not mobile uses. A need exists communication facility. for improved search capabilities adapted for use with mobile FIG. 11 illustrates a method of obtaining relevant search communication devices. results for a user and displaying the results on a mobile 45 communication facility. SUMMARY FIG. 12 illustrates a website prediction process based on misinformation entered in a mobile communication facility Aspects of the present invention relate to improved systems address bar. and methods adapted for compiling a code library that FIG. 13 illustrates a search query process based on misin enables a search functionality on a wireless platform, provid 50 formation entered in a mobile communication facility address ing a code library adapted for a third party application, dis bar. tributing the code library to a third party to create a combi FIG. 14 illustrates a search query process based on misin nation of the code library and a third party component, and formation entered in a mobile communication facility address enabling operation of the combination on the wireless plat bar. form. A system may include a complied code library that 55 FIG. 15 illustrates a redirection process based on misinfor enables a search functionality on a wireless platform, a code mation entered in a mobile communication facility address library adapted for a third party application, a combination of bar. a third party component and the code library for enabling FIG. 16 illustrates a mobile communication process for operation of the combination on a wireless platform, wherein managing misinformation entered in a mobile communica the code library is distributed to a third party for creating the 60 tion facility address bar. combination. FIG. 17 illustrates a mobile communication process for In the method and system, the search functionality may managing misinformation entered in a mobile communica include Suggestion retrieval, locally caching Suggestions, tion facility address bar, wherein at least a portion of the prefetching search results, Voice searching, previewing a management is provided in association with a wireless pro mobile content, location selection, location direction, Stor 65 vider. age, interstitial downloading Such as background download FIG. 18 illustrates a sponsored links platform. ing. The search functionally may be associated with a search FIG. 19 illustrates a sponsor entry facility user interface. US 8,819,659 B2 5 6 FIG. 20 illustrates a process for mobile advertisement syn rier business rules 158, voice recognition 160, sponsorship dication. 162, and/or implicit query 164, either alone or in combina tion. A search may be initiated on a phone idle Screen (which DETAILED DESCRIPTION may be coupled with one or more implicit queries), a Wireless Access Protocol (“WAP) site, a mobile storefront, or from a The methods and systems disclosed herein relate to the highlighted selection of text (e.g., from a website, email, domain of mobile communication facilities and to the domain SMS, or otherformat), or the search may be triggered by other of searches for content. website or local (e.g., cellular phone or other wireless device) FIG. 1 represents a wireless search platform 100 for facili activity. The mobile search host facilities 114 may link to tating the access to and integration of multiple data sources 10 additional databases 168 and data facilities 170. The mobile and data types for presentation on a mobile communication search host facilities may be accessed through the Internet, facility 102. The wireless search platform 100 includes a through the wireless provider 108, through the wireless com plurality of computer applications, devices, components, munication facility 104, through other mobile communica facilities, and systems, as well as a plurality of data facilities, tion facilities 104, or directly from the mobile communication including various data sources. The foregoing may be cen 15 facility 102. As indicated with the dashed lines on FIG. 1, the trally located or geographically dispersed, may be locally mobile search host facilities 114, either separately or in com and/or remotely interconnected, and may consist of distinct bination, may reside locally on the mobile communication components or be integrated into combined systems. In the facility 102, on the wireless communication facility 104, or illustrated embodiment, the wireless search platform 100 on the wireless provider 108, or may be accessible externally architecture facilitates the processing of user-initiated queries through a network, or otherwise accessible, to perform the entered into a query entry system 120 of a mobile communi functions described herein. cation facility 102. The mobile communication facility 102 The wireless search platform 100 illustrated in FIG.1 may may transmit this query to or via a wireless communication contain a mobile communication facility 102. The mobile facility 104 for further processing and/or routing to data communication facility 102 may be a device (e.g., a cellular Sources and/or processing facilities, such as one or more 25 phone, Blackberry, wireless electronic mail device, personal servers, such as HTTP servers or other servers that are suit digital assistant, or device combining a number of these able for handling data that are transmitted over computer devices) utilizing a mobile communications protocol, System networks. In embodiments, the wireless communication or technology, such as the advanced mobile phone system facility 104 may be linked to a locator facility 110 that gen (AMPS), code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband erates information about the location of the user (including 30 code division multiple access (W-CDMA), global system for geographic location, proximity to other locations, network mobile communications (GSM), universal mobile telecom location, or other location information). The locator facility munications system (UTMS), integrated digital enhanced 110 may enable linkage of other information, such as infor network (iDEN), and/or time division multiple access mation about a user query, with information about the user's (TDMA). The mobile communication facility 102 may be a geographic location at the time the query was initiated. 35 device utilizing one or more chipsets, such as the BREW The wireless communication facility 104 may link directly chipset and/or operating system, and/or Bluetooth technolo to a wireless provider 108 such as a corporation or carrier g1eS. providing the user's cellular phone service (e.g., Verizon, In embodiments the mobile communication facility 102 AT&T, Sprint, etc) or other wireless communication service. may be any device capable of wireless communication, The wireless provider 108 may, in turn, have a number of 40 including, but not limited to a mobile phone, cell phone, proprietary databases from which it can obtain information satellite phone, walkie-talkie, handheld device, personal digi that may be relevant to a user, Such as to operate appropriately tal assistant (PDA), mobile network appliance, or an email, in response to a query entered by a user. For example, the instant messaging, or chat device. The phone embodiment of wireless provider 108 may have access to a database contain the mobile communication facility 102 may be a cellular ing carrier business rules 130 describing the proper handling 45 phone, satellite phone, a straight phone (i.e. “candy bar’ ofuser queries. The wireless provider 108 may have access to phone), flip phone (i.e., “clamshell phone'). sliding top a database containing the mobile Subscriber characteristics phone, wireless phone, 3G phone, global positioning system 112 (e.g., age, address, customer history, call Volumes, call (GPS) phone, MP3 phone, music phone, or other mobile histories, patterns in call histories, etc.) that, in turn, are phone operating system utilizing MIDP compatible software, linked to the Internet and through which it can access addi 50 Symbian, or another proprietary operating system (e.g., tional servers 134 and data sources 138. The wireless provider Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Motorola, LG, Samsung, Sanyo, or 108 may also have access to a “content walled garden’ data Toshiba). The PDA embodiment of the mobile communica base 132 containing information from the wireless provider's tion facility 102 may be a combination PDA/phone, and/or a 108 business partners from which the wireless provider 108 GPS PDA, and may utilize operating systems including Palm, derives additional advertising or profit sharing revenues. Such 55 Windows, PocketPC, Psion, and/or PocketLinux. The mobile as content relating to cell phone offers, content relating to network appliance embodiment of the mobile communica other services provided by the wireless provider, premium tion facility 102 may be a web appliance, network appliance, content that is paid for by the user, or content suitable for a or a GPS network appliance. Email, instant messaging, and mobile communication facility (Such as a ringtone). The chat device embodiments of the mobile communication facil wireless provider 108 may also link the user query with 60 ity 102 may include appliances, such as the Blackberry, Treo, sponsor information residing in a sponsor database 128 or or SideKick. The device may also, or instead, include a por with another data facility 124. table computer Such as a laptop computer wireless coupled to The wireless search platform 100 may include mobile a data network using, e.g., WiFi, WiMax, or cellular data search host facilities 114. The mobile search host facilities communications. 114 may include one or more facilities for disambiguation 65 The mobile communication facility 102 may facilitate the 140, searching 142, algorithms/filters 144, results 148, paren collection of data from data sources as a result of a query entry tal controls 150, privacy 152, transactional security 154, car 120 or voice entry 122. Query entry 120 may be accomplished US 8,819,659 B2 7 8 through the use of a numeric keypad entry, full mobile device facility 102 may include any of the following: a hard drive, keyboard entry (e.g., that found on a Blackberry or Treo GPS/location capability, GAIT, an FM radio, infrared tech device), partial mobile device keyboard entry (e.g., that found nology, an integrated PDA, Java (J2ME), MMS, music on a Blackberry device with only one key for every two player, poly or mono ringtone capability, predictive text entry, letters), stylus/handwriting entry, bar code scanner (either 2D push-to-talk technology, ringer ID, ringer profiles, side keys, bar code or 3D bar code: “Ouick Response Code'), or pho speaker phone, SyncML, text keyboard, text messaging, text tographic entry using cellular phone-camera; through other messaging templates, to-do list generation, touch screen, navigational facilities (e.g., a stylus, arrow keys, scroll wheel, USB ports, WiFi technology, and wireless Internet. The etc.); or through access to a computer network, Such as mobile communication facility 102 may also contain a data through a physical connection (e.g., Ethernet or other net 10 work cable, wire, or the like), or through infrared, RF, Blue facility 118 for the storage of PIM data, IM logs, MMS logs, tooth or other wireless query entry. In embodiments, commu SMS logs, email logs, downloaded media, and a suggestion nication to the mobile communication facility may be and results cache. The mobile communications facility 102 compressed at the server and uncompressed at the mobile may include an operating system that is capable of running communication facility to accelerate data communication 15 applications, such as multimedia applications, word process over a slow network. ing applications, and the like. Referring to FIG. 1, a mobile communication facility may The mobile communication facility 102 may transmit and/ be adapted with an address bar 174. The address bar 174 may or receive data to/from the wireless communication facility be generated using a client application interface, for example. 104, mobile subscriber characteristics database 112, and/or The address bar may be presented in agraphical user interface any of the mobile search host facilities 114 by utilizing an on a display associated with the mobile communication facil internal antenna, a stub antenna, a patch antenna, an antenna ity 102. The address bar 174 may be provided to allow a user array, a stub/extendable antenna, or an extendable antenna. to enter a URL, website, key words, search terms and the like. The mobile communication facility 102 may have an In embodiments, the user is presented with an address bar 174 embedded camera enabling it to capture and transmit graphic and the user may enter a known URL (e.g. www.jumptap 25 data to the wireless communication facility 104, mobile sub .com) into the address bar. Once entered, the user may initiate scriber characteristics database 112, and/or any of the mobile a process to facilitate the connection of the mobile commu search host facilities 114. The resolution of the camera may nication facility 102 with the website associated with the be any of the following, or any other Suitable camera resolu URL. For example, the process may involve searching the tion: CIF (352x288), VGA (640x480), SVGA (800x600), 1+ Internet for a website with the entered URL. Once located, the 30 megapixels, 2+ megapixels, or 3+ megapixels. The graphic website may be loaded and displayed on a display associated capabilities of the mobile communication facility 102 may with the mobile communication facility 102. also include EMS picture messaging, picture ID, video cap The voice entry 122 function of the mobile communication ture, video calling, video messaging, PictBridge, and/or facility may be used through the speaker-receiver device of streaming multimedia. the mobile communication facility 102 or by use of the stan 35 The mobile communication facility 102 may have the hard dard SMS lexicon and syntax, and it may be adaptive to ware and/or software components enabling use of the mobile individual users’ Voice commands and usage patterns that are communication facility 102 via an optical mouse and/or stored on and accessed from the mobile subscriber character wired mouse. istics database 112. The voice entry 122 function may permit The wireless search platform 100 illustrated in FIG.1 may Voice dialing, Voice memo, Voice recognition, speech recog 40 contain a wireless communication facility 104. The wireless nition, or other functions related to audible input. communication facility 104 may be, for example, a cellular The mobile communication facility 102 may operate using telephone tower that routes the user's query. It may be asso a variety of operating systems, including, Series 60 (Sym ciated with a wireless provider 108, a locator facility 110, or bian), UIQ (Symbian), Windows Mobile for Smartphones, mobile search host facilities 114. The wireless search plat Palm OS, and Windows Mobile for Pocket PCs. The display 45 form 100 may include a wireless provider 108. type used by the mobile communication facility 102 may be The wireless search platform 100 illustrated in FIG.1 may a black and white LCD, grayscale LCD, color LCD, color contain a locator facility 110 enabling the collection of geo STN LCD, color TFT/TFD LCD, plasma, LED, OLED, fluo graphic or other location data on users of mobile communi rescent backlit, LED backlit, projection, flat screen, passive cation facilities 102. A locator facility 110 may be based upon matrix, active matrix, or touchscreen. The screen size may be 50 (i) a Cell-sector System that collects information pertaining Small, medium, or large. In addition, the mobile communica to cell and sector ID's, (ii) the Assisted-Global Positioning tion facility 102 may have a secondary display, Such as that Satellite (A-GPS) technology utilizing a GPS chipset in the situated on the outside of a clamshell-type cellular phone, that mobile communication facility 102, (iii) standard GPS tech is visible to the user when the primary display is not, due to nology, (iv) Enhanced-Observed Time Difference (E-OTD) the clamshell phone being closed. In embodiments the mobile 55 technology utilizing Software residing on a server and within communication facility 102 may have more than one second the mobile communication facility 102 that uses signal trans ary display. mission of time differences received by geographically dis The mobile communication facility 102 may include one persed wireless communication facilities 104 to pinpoint a or more ports, slots, or similar facilities to accommodate user's location, (v) Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA), (vi) expansion cards, such as a MultiMediaCard (MMC), a MMC/ 60 Time of Arrival (TOA), (vii) Angle of Arrival (AOA), (viii) Secure Digital (SD), an RS-MMC 3V, an RS-MMC 1.8v/ TDOA-AOA, (ix) triangulation of cellular signals, (x) trian MMCmobile, miniSD, TransFlash/microSD, a USB-based gulation based on receipt of broadcast TV signals, (xi) loca memory device, SIM card, or a Memory Stick Duo. The tion based on dead reckoning, (xii) location based on proX mobile communication facility 102 may also accommodate imity to known locations (including locations of other mobile high-speed data communications by utilizing GPRS, EGPRS 65 communications facilities 102), (xiii) map-based location, or (EDGE), 1xRTT, 1xEV-DO r0, WCDMA (UMTS), or iDEN any combination of any of the foregoing, as well as other protocols. Additional features of the mobile communication location facilities known to those of skill in the art. US 8,819,659 B2 10 In embodiments, the mobile communication facility 102 mation as part of the billing cycle and adding goods transac may use a locator facility 110 (e.g. GPS system) to locate tions automatically to the wireless provider's bill to the user. itselfin its present location, or locations of interest to the user, The mobile subscriber characteristics 112 database may whether explicitly stated or determined by PIM data, location also track data related to phone usage and location. For history, or previous searches. In embodiments, the location example, data collected could include a history of phone calls may be transmitted back to the locator facility 110 for dis made, phone calls received, the mobile subscriber character semination, processing, etc. Geographic information systems istics of the persons calling or called by the user, the duration may also be used to determine a location point in a polygon, of calls, a history of communications made via phone, Inter a location radius search, route calculation, points of interest, net, email, instant messaging, or chat (and the entities com 10 municated with by these technologies), history of phone calls and/or geocoding and reverse geocoding. In embodiments, a made linked with geographic/location information at the time user's location may also be self-entered into the wireless of each call, log of phone numbers, and a history of clicks and platform by the user. For example, the user may type in (or clickthroughs (or other keystroke or user interface equiva speak through a voice recognition system) an address, Zip lents thereof, including Voice-initiated actions) made using code, or other location information. 15 the mobile communication facility 102. In an embodiment, a GPS system may be used as the FIG.1 illustrates a sponsorship facility 175 associated with locator facility. The GPS system consists of a group of satel a sponsor database 128 according to the principles of the lites (>20) carrying atomic clocks that orbit the Earth twice a present invention. The sponsorship facility 175 may be pro day. Earth-based observatories record orbital data related to vided by a corporation, an individual, or some other entity the motion of the satellites. In order to determine global sponsoring results as described herein. positioning, a GPS receiver (e.g. one disposed inside of the The wireless search platform 100 illustrated in FIG.1 may mobile communication facility) must communicate with four contain mobile search host facilities 114. Within the mobile of the GPS satellites. The receiver computes its distance from search host facility 114 there may be other facilities, includ each of the four satellites to determine its latitude, longitude, ing, but not limited to, a disambiguation facility 140, search elevation, and time of day. The receiver computes the distance 25 facility 142, algorithm facility 144, results facility 148, paren to each of the four satellites by calculating the difference tal control facility 150, privacy facility 152, transactional between local time and the time the satellite signals were sent security facility 154, carrier business rules facility 158, voice and then decodes the satellites locations from their radio recognition facility 160, sponsorship facility 162, and/or an signals and an internal database. The location of the GPS implicit query facility 164. The mobile search host facility receiver is located at the intersection of the four spheres 30 114 may also link to another data facility 170. created by the four satellites, where each radius is equal to the The disambiguation facility 140 may complete or provide time delay between the satellite and the receiver multiplied by more meaning to ambiguous active user inputs. The disam the speed of the radio signals. The differences permit calcu biguation facility 140 may include SMS lingo translation, lation of three hyperboloids of revolution of two sheets, the single word initial Substring completion, multiple word Sub intersection point of which gives the precise location of the 35 string completion, stem completion (e.g., single into plural receiver. If the elevation of the receiver is known, it is possible format, verb into gerund), thesaurus lookups for homonyms to compute precise location using only three satellites. or synonyms, spell check algorithms, spell check tables, pho The wireless search platform 100 illustrated in FIG.1 may netic spelling algorithms, phonetic spelling tables, phone contain a data facility containing mobile Subscriber charac number keypad to word conversion (including completion of teristics 112 pertaining to individual users of a mobile com 40 possible Substrings from number sequence), frequency-based munication facility 102. This data may include, but is not algorithms, semantic analysis algorithms, location-based limited to, data collected by the wireless provider 108 when algorithms or other algorithms or facilities for reducing ambi an individual opens a wireless account, Such as age, sex, race, guity as to the meaning of a query or partial query entered by religion, area code, home address, work address, billing a U.S. address, credit card information, passwords, family informa 45 The search facility 142 may initiate a search, such as by tion (e.g., mother's maiden name), birthplace, driver's license causing a query (optionally a disambiguated query) to be number, employer, position, annual income, income bracket, executed on a search facility. Such as a search engine. The items purchased, friends and family information (including search engine might be a search facility that is based on any of the foregoing types of information) and the like. The Boolean search logic, categories of results, term frequencies, mobile subscriber characteristics facility 112 may continu 50 document frequencies, documents selected by other users ally, or periodically, update data for individual users, for who have entered similar queries, link structures of possible example, bill amount(s), average bill total, payment history, results, or any other known search facilities using any other on-time payment history, on-line usage amount, duration of known search algorithm. on-line interactions, number of on-line interactions, family A mobile search service (e.g. as disclosed herein) may be status and family information, number of children, shopping 55 accessed by a user through a user interface of a mobile com habits (e.g., views of or purchases of goods and services) click munication facility 102 such as a mobile phone, a cellular stream information, device type and device version, device phone, satellite phone, a GSM phone or other phone type. The characteristics, usage patterns (including those based on loca mobile communication facility 102 may need to be activated tion, time of day, or other variables), device and/or subscriber to access the mobile search service. A mobile communication unique identifiers, content viewing history, content presented 60 facility 102 may be activated by a user taking an action. The for viewed by/not viewed by user, content and programs action may be different for different phone embodiments of a downloaded, videos, music, and audio listened to and/or mobile communication facility 102. For example, a flip or downloaded, television watched, timing and duration of folding phone may be activated by unfolding or flipping open viewing/downloading, transaction history, and any other user the phone. In another example, a straight phone may be acti or user defined characteristics. The purchase of physical 65 vated by depressing a key on the phone keypad for a prede goods may be facilitated by a wireless provider 108 by having termined length of time. A sliding top or twist top phone may the wireless provider 108 collect the user's credit card infor be activated by sliding or twisting open (respectively) the top US 8,819,659 B2 11 12 to reveal a user interface of the phone. Other phone methods search box 908 type upon activation. Alternatively, the user ofactivating a phone based on the phone embodiment are also selection may be temporary, wherein the mobile search Ser possible. A phone may be activated by turning on the phone. vice searchbox 908 returns to the predetermined selection the Turing on the phone may include attaching a battery to the next time the phone is activated. The mobile search service phone, plugging the phone into a power source Such as a search box. 908 may be related to a search vertical which may desktop charger or an automobile charger, Switching the be a general search, or may be related to a vertical search of phone power Switch, depressing a key on a phone user inter one or more of the following: ring tones, images, games, a face for a minimum time, and the like. A phone may be yellow pages, weather, a white pages, news headlines, WAP activated by unlocking the phone which may include a user sites, web sites, movie show times, sports scores, Stock entering an activation code into the phone through the phone 10 quotes, flight times, maps, directions, a price comparison, user interface, or by speaking the activation code into the WIFI hotspots, package tracking, hotel rates, fantasy sports phone microphone. stats, horoscopes, answers, a dictionary, area codes, Zip Activating a phone may enable a user to have access to one codes, entertainment, blogs, and other mobile content asso or more features and functions of the phone such as making a ciated with a search vertical. call, answering a call, navigating menus of the user interface, 15 A mobile communication facility 102 may rely on a net using a mobile search service, and the like. Some features and work for connection to external resources. A network may at functions may require a user to first activate the feature or times experience poor communication or complete lack of function through the user interface, such as reviewing call communication. Such an event may compromise a substantial history. Other features may be activated immediately when benefit of searching for mobile content with the mobile com the phone is activated. As an example, a user can often imme munication facility 102. However, by managing the resources diately enter a telephone number to initiate a call without first of the mobile communication facility 102 such that it retains activating a call feature of the phone. critical, relevant, current, timely, popular, or otherwise char In embodiments, a mobile search service (e.g. as disclosed acterized information (such as mobile content), the mobile herein) may be activated immediately when a phone is acti communication facility 102 may retain at least a portion of the vated. A mobile search service, accessed through a searchbox 25 benefit even when the network connecting to the mobile com 908 of a mobile communication facility 102 user interface, munication facility 102 is out. Furthermore, by differentiat may be activated at the time a phone is activated Such that a ing between content located on and off the mobile commu user can immediately enter a search item in the search box nication facility 102, and providing search boxes for both, 908. As an example, immediately after a user flips open a flip content may be more efficiently delivered for presentation to phone, a mobile search service search box 908 may be pre 30 the user. sented and activated such that a query entry 120 through the Problems with wireless networks are experienced by many user interface may be entered in the searchbox 908. To further users. While network providers 108 attempt to increase wire this example, a user may flip open their flip phone and imme less network coverage and reliability, there remain barriers diately enter the name of their local sports team through the (such as political) to providing uninterrupted service every phone user interface. The mobile search service may provide 35 where. Additionally, users of devices on a wireless network search results through the phone user interface. In addition to may pay for use of network service. Therefore a user of a the search box 908 receiving input from the user interface mobile communication facility 102 may prefer to select immediately after the phone is activated, the mobile search between using network resources or local resources to fulfill service search box 908 may also receive voice entry 122. a search query. Network users that are roaming outside of The mobile search service search box. 908 and entries it is 40 their primary wireless network coverage area may be charged receiving may be presented on the display of the phone which very high fees for network usage and therefore may wish to may also include an indicator, controlled through the user carefully regulate it. interface, of the current state of the keypad and voice entry Wireless network requirements for connecting a device mode of the phone. In embodiments, the indicator may indi Such as a mobile communication facility 102 vary Such that a cate when the phone is enabled to place and receive phone 45 user's device may not connect with the local wireless net calls and when it is enabled to access the mobile search work. This is a known problem with digital CDMA cellular service. The indicator may be an aspect of the searchbox908, phones in a GSM only network. The mobile communication or a separate indication on the display of the phone. As an facility 102 capability for searching may still provide at least example, the search box 908 may display reduced contrast some benefit to the user in such a situation if mobile content entries in the box, Such as graying out the entry, when the 50 or other information useful for fulfilling a search query is phone state enables placing and receiving calls. In another stored locally on the mobile communication facility 102, and example, the search box 908 may include a blinking cursor at the user may perform a search within only this locally stored the point of entry when the phone is enabled to access the COntent. mobile search service. A phone call/search service state indi When connected to a network, a mobile communication cator may be beneficial when a mobile communication facil 55 facility 102 may use the resources of the mobile search host ity 102 has been activated such that the user interface display facilities 114 such as the search facility 142 to execute mobile is active but the phone has not yet completed an initialization content queries. Alternatively, or cooperatively to the search operation Such as connecting to a wireless network. In an facility 142, the mobile communication facility 102 may uti example, a mobile search service search box 908 may be lize an internet search facility, such as a search engine. A presented immediately upon activating the phone but may be 60 wireless provider 108 may also provide query search capa activated in close temporal proximity, Such as within 5 sec bilities such that information available to the wireless pro onds of activating the phone. vider 108 such as mobile subscriber characteristics 112, Upon activation, the mobile search service search box. 908 advertiser data 174, walled garden 132 content, and the like may be predetermined either as a network search box, a may be searched based on a query entered by a user on an wireless carrier's walled garden content 132 search box, or 65 mobile communication facility 102. other mobile content search box. Alternatively, a user may When disconnected from a network, these resources, select, through a feature of the user interface, whether the mobile content, data, characteristics, and the like may not be US 8,819,659 B2 13 14 available to a mobile communication facility 102 to complete When connected to a network, and a user selects a local a search query. Therefore a mobile communication facility result, the mobile communication facility 102 may automati 102 may include search capability and functionality to search cally use a corresponding link downloaded from the search local resources to complete a search query. The local search results of the network resources. This may facilitate a user query functionality may supplement a network or remote 5 accessing the latest mobile content associated with a local search or may operate independently of the network even if search result. As an example, a user may search for nearby the network is connected and fully operational. movie theaters to see what is playing tonight. The local search Local search query functionality may also be useful for result may present a name of a movie theatre and a link to finding information that a network resource may not access. access the theatre movie listing. The link may direct the user Information stored locally on the mobile communication 10 to the current movie listing on the website instead of an older facility 102 Such as cached content, data files, configuration listing associated with the link stored in cache on the mobile data, programs, deleted item, private items, and the like may communication facility 102. be searchable from a local search query facility. The foregoing describes some options for integrating local Local searching may be useful to find mobile content if the information with network search results using a local search mobile content, or a reference to it, can be found locally. 15 facility. An alternative to the foregoing may include the net Therefore, providing a searchable store of mobile content work search facility performing the search on the network may be beneficial to the effectiveness of local mobile content resources as well as the locally stored information and mobile searching. Local storage may include any an all storage capa content on the mobile communication facility 102. By the bility and facilities herein disclosed for the mobile commu network Search facilities searching all available content, nication facility 102 including removable storage devices that including the content on the mobile communication facility may connect to one or more external ports of the and data 102, the search results presented to the user will integrate facility 118. local and network in a unified updated presentation. Information stored locally that may facilitate a local search To facilitate presenting updated information in response to may originate from the user or an external source. The exter a search query that combines local and network searching, nal source may be a network as herein described. The infor 25 synchronizing the local search results with the network mation from the network may include mobile content that has results may be performed. Synchronizing may significantly been provided to the mobile communication facility 102 as a reduce the amount of network communication required and response to a search query, as sponsored content associated therefore may be useful in slow or poor network environ with a web page, as an RSS feed, or other reasons. The ments. The mobile communication facility 102 may send information stored locally may be the content provided to the 30 essential information about the local search results (such as a mobile communication facility 102 or it may be header data, URL and a date) to a network resource Such as the search metadata, or search query results such a list of websites. facility 142. The search facility 142 may compare this data to Maintaining the information in the local storage resources network search results and only send results to the mobile to facilitate useful and relevant responses to a search query communication facility 102 with a matching URL that have a may be performed by a cache facility as herein described. 35 newer date than the local results. The network search facility Such a cache facility may provide storage and maintenance of may also send results not found locally. In this way, the information retrieved from the network (such as mobile con network resources may be used to ensure the freshest infor tent) such that the cached information is updated from time to mation is included in the reply to the search query without time to maintain its relevance and value. When the mobile using unnecessary network bandwidth. communication facility 102 is not connected to a network, the 40 Another option for reducing network traffic, and therefore local search facility may present local results to the user. reducing dependence on a good network connection, may However, it may record the query as entered so that when the include a network resource maintaining a current list of all mobile communication facility 102 is on-line again, the query content stored locally on a mobile communication facility can be provided to the network resources such that the infor 102. In this option, the network resource only sends results to mation stored locally can be updated. This may facilitate 45 the mobile communication facility 102 that cannot be found maintaining the local information Such that it has a relevance locally. By relying on the mobile communication facility 102 (because it satisfies a recent user search query) to the user. to provide search results from local resources, the network A local search facility may also provide a more timely dependency may be reduced. Search results from the network response to a search query thana network resource since there in response to queries entered by a user may be stored locally is no need for network communication to provide a reply to 50 on a mobile communication facility 102. This may facilitate a the search query. This may allow a user to review and interact user using a local search facility to further refine a network with search query results while a network search is proceed search by searching locally within the network search results. ing. Given that search results may change quickly at least in Such searching may be useful to find a name “Andrew K part due to the dynamic nature of mobile content, search Smith' in a list of results for “Smith.” The local search facility results from local storage may be identified as such to the user. 55 of the mobile communication facility 102 may determine that The local results may also be identified in other ways to the Subsequent search is a refinement of an earlier search and facilitate a user's understanding of the results. For example, a may automatically search the local resources. The local local result that was last updated more than a minimum search facility may compare the search query of the Subse amount of time, such as 2 days, may be identified by high quent search to any and all earlier search queries to make the lighting the item on the mobile communication facility 102 60 determination. display with a contrasting color Such as yellow. If the results In addition to using network search facilities to search the are older than a maximum time, Such as a week, they may be local storage on the mobile communication facility 102, any highlighted with red. In this way, the user can review the and all information stored locally on the mobile communica query results, identify the local results, and identify the age of tion facility 102 may be uploaded to a network storage facility the local results. The user interface of the mobile communi 65 as herein described. The uploaded information may then be cation facility 102 may offer an update results selection for included in a network search based on a level of privacy local results when the facility 102 is connected to a network. applied to the uploaded information. The information US 8,819,659 B2 15 16 uploaded may include mobile content, user data, play lists, aspects to determine what action command would provide the queries, user history, configuration files, databases, word pro user with the best result of interacting with the search result. cessing document, videos, audio files, and any other type of By example, the search facility 102 may associate a “bid file or content herein disclosed. action command with a search result that includes a link to bid The uploaded information in the network storage facility on an item in an on-line auction. In another example, a search may be private such that it is only visible to a user of the result that contains keywords that provide an address may mobile communication facility 102 from which it was have a 'map' action command associated with it. uploaded. The private information may also be searchable Since search results may closely match a search query, only by a query submitted to a network search facility by the aspects of the search query may also affect the action com mobile communication facility 102 from which it was 10 mand associated with a search result. A search query may be uploaded. The results of such search may only be provided to broad Such that a search facility 142 may return general the mobile communication facility 102 from which the infor results with general action commands. For example, a search mation was uploaded. of “guitars' may return a wide variety of results including The uploaded information may be shared by the user of the types of guitars, concert information, guitar songs, guitar mobile communication facility 102 from which it was 15 technology, on-line guitar auctions, musical instrument uploaded with other users of the mobile communication facil stores, and the like. A result to Such a broad search query may ity 102 or other mobile communication facilities 102 as des have an associated action command that provides more detail ignated by the user. Alternatively, the uploaded information about the result, thereby facilitating a user finding relevant may be public. Any portion, or all of the information may be results. Alternatively, a search query may be specific, or the private, shared, public, or some combination thereof. search facility 142 may provide specific, relevant results to a Uploading of information from the data facility 118 of the search query. The search facility 142 may associate aspects of mobile communication facility 102 may occur on schedule, the search query with other information such as mobile sub as a result of an event, or by a user command. Such uploading scriber characteristics 112, carrier business rules 130, or user may accomplish a form of backup of the information stored search history and preferences to identify relevant results that locally on the mobile communication facility 102. Uploading 25 may have a specific associated action command. A result of the information, or any portion of the information, on a sched Such a specific query may have a specific associated action ule may be included in a list of features of a mobile commu command. In an example, a result associated with a specific nication facility 102 backup utility. Uploading the informa guitar offered for sale from a local music store may have an tion as a result of an event may be useful in protecting the associated “purchase' action command. mobile communication facility 102 configuration when a new 30 Another aspect of the search result that an action command program, upgrade, or system file is to be installed. Searching may be based on is the source of the search result. This may the uploaded information may be useful to the backup utility include the website from which the search results was gener for purposes of retrieving a backup copy of an item on the ated, the wireless service provider 108 that generated the mobile communication facility 102 needing to be restored. search result, a provider of search services, the mobile com The uploaded information may be encrypted to provide 35 munication facility 102, and the like. Each of the plurality of further privacy and security protection to the mobile commu Sources of the search result may associate an action command nication facility 102 user. It may alternatively, or in addition, with a search result based on preferences, business arrange be password protected. The password protection may include ments, or other criteria that may at least be partially different restricting visibility to the existence of the content, to the files for each source. The action command presented may result in that store the content, or to the content within the files, or any 40 the same end action by the user (Such as ordering the guitar in combination as may provide security and privacy to the user. the example above). However, the action command may Mobile search results, as herein described, may include direct an aspect associated with the action differently for each one or more lists to content that are associated with the search Source. Continuing the example above of a “purchase' action query. A user may interact with the search results, such as command being presented to the mobile communication selecting a result and receiving further information, through a 45 facility 102, a result provided by a website may include an user interface of the mobile communication facility 102. An action command to purchase the guitar directly from the aspect of the present invention may facilitate a user with other manufacturer of the guitar. A result provided by a provider of actions associated with a search result such as making a search services may include an action command to purchase purchase, previewing content, saving a result, and the like. the guitar from an affiliate or distributor of the guitar manu Methods and systems for facilitating these and other actions 50 facturer. that may be associated with a search result are described A website may include action commands to be associated below. with search results that match aspects of the website content. Action commands presented to a user of a mobile commu The action commands may be included in the website con nication facility 102 may be associated with a search result tent, metadata, header information, HTML links, and the like. based on an aspect of the search result. The action commands 55 The mobile search platform 100 may identify one of the may be presented to the user through the user interface of the action commands included with a website to be associated mobile communication facility 102, and the user may access with a search result based on aspects of the search query. the action command through a feature of the user interface. Websites may include HTML links that result in actions such An action command may present additional search results or as purchases, registration, login, contact, service, repair, and action commands to the mobile communication facility 102. 60 the like. The search facility 142 of the mobile search platform A mobile search platform 100 may respond to a search 100 may associate an action command related to an HTML query from a mobile communication facility 102 by using a link on a website with a search result. In an example, a search search facility 142 as herein described. The search results query for "on-site guitar repair may generate a search result generated by the search facility 142 may include aspects Such for a guitar repair provider website that may include a link to as keywords, HTML links, metadata, and the like that may be 65 scheduling an on-site repair. An action command to facilitate used in associating an action command with the search result. scheduling an on-site repair may be associated with the The search facility 142 may examine one or more of these search result. US 8,819,659 B2 17 18 Alternatively, a website may include action commands for action commands may be presented to the mobile communi use with a mobile communication facility 102. The search cation facility 102 Such that the sponsored action command facility 162 may include a search result with an associated from the highest bidding sponsor is presented first. In a list of action command taken from website with a mobile action action commands, the sponsored action command from the commands. highest bidding sponsor may be at the top of the list. In a The action command may be presented to the user through sequential presentation of action commands, the sponsored any aspect of the user interface of the mobile communication action command from the highest bidding sponsor may be the facility 102 herein described such as a visual display, an audio first action command presented. Other orderings of present output, a vibration, an external port, and the like. Similarly, ing the sponsored action commands are possible such as the user may interact with the action command through any 10 based on relevance to the search result, based on location, and aspect of the user interface of the mobile communication many other aspects associated with the mobile search plat facility 102 herein described such as a keypad, a touchscreen, form 100. All such orderings are herein included. microphone, external port, and the like. Associating an action command to a search result may be An action command may be associated with each search performed through an action command provider that is sepa result presented Such that as each search result is selected, 15 rately associated with the mobile search platform 100. The Such as through highlighting or scrolling a displayed result, mobile search platform 100 may provide a search result to an the action command associated with the selected search result action command provider and receive back an action com is available to the user. The user may interact with the user mand for association with the search result. The mobile interface of the mobile communication facility 102 in a vari search platform 100 may provide additional information such ety of ways as herein described. In this way, the action com as user demographics, mobile communication facility 102 mand may be accessed by the user through a plurality of type, mobile communication facility 102 location and other inputs, such as sequential inputs. In an example, the user may information as may be beneficial in receiving a relevantaction provide a first input, such as selecting a search result. This first command. input may make an action command associated with the Action commands may include making a purchase, pre selected search result available to the user such that a second 25 viewing content, finding content related to the search result, user input may access the action command. The second user placing a phone call associated with the search result, map input may be pressing a send button on the user interface of ping a location, forwarding the search result, and saving the the mobile communication facility 102 and the action may search result. The forwarded search result may be sent to an make a call. A variety of first and second user inputs as may be email address. Examples of some of these action commands envisioned by one of average skill in the art are herein incor 30 are now presented. porated. An action command associated with a search result may The action command may be associated with a search facilitate a user previewing content associated with the search result through a sponsorship facility 162. The sponsorship result. In an example, a search result may be associated with facility 162 may associate a search result with an action a photo sharing webpage. An action command associated command based on sponsors 128 bidding to have an action 35 with the search result may be to display a thumbnail or a command associated with a search result. Sponsors 128 may plurality of thumbnails of photos, thereby providing a pre bid to have an action command associated with a search result view of the content available on the webpage. In another based on one or more aspects of the search Such as an aspect example, a search result may be associated with an invest of the search query, an aspect of the search result, an aspect of ment research website. The action command associated with the mobile communication facility 102, an aspect of the user 40 the search result may be to download a demonstration of the of the mobile communication facility 102, and the like. The website, thereby allowing a user to preview the content of the sponsorship facility 162 may select a sponsored action com website in an annotated demonstration. In another example, a mand from high bidder based on a relevance of the aspects search result may be associated with an independent film specified by the sponsor 128 with the search result. In an producer. An action command associated with the search example, a plurality of sponsors 128 may bid to have an action 45 result may be to present a portion of one or more of the film command to purchase tickets to an event associated with a producer's films to the mobile communication facility 102. In search result associated with the event. When a search query this way the user can preview the content (films) of the web generates a search result associated with the event, the action site. Similarly, audio, a book, a new clothing line, and the like command from the highest bidding sponsor 128 may be asso may be previewed through an action command. ciated with the search result and presented to the mobile 50 An action command associated with a search result may communication facility 102. facilitate a user forwarding the search result. The search result Alternatively, one sponsor may be offering tickets to the may be forwarded through email, test message, instant mes event, while another may be offering items associated with sage, Voice mail, video mail, message broadcast, and any the event. The mobile search platform 100 may select an other for of communicating with the mobile communication action command from a sponsor 128 based on a relevance to 55 facility 102 as herein described. In an example, an action the search result over a bid amount. If the search query was command associated with any search result may be to forward directed at items associated with the event, the mobile search the search result to another mobile communication facility platform 100 may associate the action command from the 102 by email. By accessing the action command through the item sponsor instead of the ticket sponsor with the search user interface of the mobile communication facility 102, the result. 60 user may be prompted to input or select the destination name An action command may include presenting additional from a list of email names. information to the mobile communication facility 102. In the An action command associated with a search result may example above, the action command associated with the facilitate bidding on an item associated with the search result. search result generated from a search query for the event may In an example, a user may search for a used bicycle on an be to present a plurality of action commands to the user. At 65 on-line auction website. The result may include one or more least one of the plurality of action commands may be a spon auction listing for a used bicycle. The action command asso sored action command as herein described. The plurality of ciated with this search result may facilitate a user entering a US 8,819,659 B2 19 20 bid for the item. The command may allow a user to enter a bid images of the user's face) and present these images to the amount and password and the mobile communication facility client application interface which may analyze the sequence 102 may provide any additional identifying information of images to determine a motion of the mobile communica about the user to the on-line auction site to accept the bid tion facility 102. An action command associated with a search result may In another embodiment, the mobile communication facil facilitate rating the search result. In an example, the action ity 102 may include a motion detector Such as an accelerom command may accept numeric input from the mobile com eter or a gyroscope. The client application interface may munication facility 102. Such as a cell phone number keypad monitor data recorded in or data output from the accelerom to rate the search result relevance to the search query. User eter, gyroscope, sensor, or other motion detector facility ana rating of search results may facilitate providing search results 10 lyzing the data to determine a motion of the mobile commu that have greater relevance to the user. The action command nication facility 102. may also delete a search result from the search results if the The motion of the mobile communication facility 102 may user rates it below a predetermined value, such as below 3 out be caused by the user physically moving the mobile commu of 10. nication facility 102. This physical movement may include An action command associated with a search result may 15 raising or lowering the mobile communication facility 102 facilitate storing the search result. In an example, the action which may be represented by a change in the menu selections command may facilitate a user saving a search result Such as or the user interface screens visible on the mobile communi in a favorite storage, or a follow-up list, or other storage that cation facility display 172. As an example, raising the mobile may be associated with the mobile communication facility communication facility 102 may result in the user interface 102 or the mobile search facility 100. screen displaying a higher level of menu structure selections. In embodiments, the search box may be presented upon In another example, the user may tilt the mobile communica activating the phone and the search box may be adapted to tion facility 102 resulting in a portion of the mobile commu relate to a specific search methodology. For example, the nication facility 102 raising and an opposing portion lower search box may be adapted to provide localized or personal ing. Tilting may result in the menu selection returning to a ized (e.g. searching in relation to mobile Subscriber charac 25 previous menu selection, much like an “undo' command on a teristics and the like as described herein). The searchbox may graphical computer user interface. In another example, rais also be adapted to target results based on time of day. For ing the mobile communication facility 102 may result in the example, the search user interface may be adapted to produce mobile search application display to Zoom out. Such an localized results and the keywords, filters, algorithms or other example may be useful when the search application display is search parameters identifying the relevant local results may 30 an image of a map or a satellite image. Lowering the mobile change as a result of the time of day. So if the user opens his communication facility 102 may result in Zooming in on the flip phone and is presented with the search box, he may display, thereby providing further detail of features or selec perform a search and the results may be localized and they tion. may be tailored to the time of day. At 6:00 pm the search In other embodiments, the user, or someone assisting the results may pertain, at least in part, to dinner options, while a 35 user, may move the mobile communication facility 102 in one search run at 8:00pm may relate to entertainment. In embodi or more horizontal directions such as left, right, forward, ments, the default search methodology preferences are set backward, and diagonally, with the motion causing an asso table by the user. The user may be able to set the type of search ciated change in the menu selection of the user interface that he would like to perform as a default when presented with screen. As an example, a righthorizontal motion may result in the search facility upon activation of the phone. The user may 40 highlighting of a mobile search application selection that is also be presented with options (e.g. menu options) through displayed to the right of the currently highlighted selection. which he can select a new search temporary search method As another example, a backward motion, herein defined as a ology. horizontal motion generally in the direction of the user hold In embodiments, a user may access a mobile search appli ing the mobile communication facility 102, may result in cation with a mobile communication facility 102. The mobile 45 highlighting a menu selection closer to the user on the mobile search application may include user interface screens gener communication facility display 172 than the current menu ated by the client application interface described herein. A selection. Generally, the horizontal and vertical motions of user accessing the mobile search application may navigate the mobile communication facility 102 described herein may through selections of the user interface Screens. A method of result in incremental change in menu selection. The rate and navigating the mobile search application may include receiv 50 duration of a movement may determine the extent of change ing information relating to a physical movement of the mobile in the menu selection or user interface Screen. As an example, communication facility 102, and linking the physical move a rapid forward horizontal movement may cause the menu ment with navigation through selections of the user interface selection to rapidly scroll through a list of selections. A slow screens. The link between the physical movement of the but long duration left horizontal motion may cause the display mobile communication device 102 and the mobile search 55 of a long menu entry to scroll across the mobile communica application may be based, at least in part, on mapping a three tion facility display 172. dimensional space of the physical movement onto a two A user may physically move the mobile communication dimensional space of a menu structure displayed on the facility 102 in an irregular motion Such as a non-linear move mobile communication facility display 172. ment, a random movement, or a shaking movement. Detec The client application interface may receive input from a 60 tion of one or more of these irregular motions may result in a motion detection device. The motion detection device may substantial movement of selection in the menu structure of the detect motion of the mobile communication facility 102 rela mobile search application. As an example, a shaking move tive to an external object, or it may detect motion relative to a ment may result in the search application canceling the cur previous position in the three dimensional space. rent search activity and beginning a new search by presenting In one embodiment, the mobile communication facility 65 a top level menu selection display on the mobile communi 102 may be equipped with a camera. The camera may acquire cation facility 102. Alternatively, an irregular motion of the a sequence of images within the camera's field of view (e.g. mobile communication facility 102 may be disregarded by US 8,819,659 B2 21 22 the client application interface, resulting in no change to the relevant information for the active user or removing incon menu selection or user interface screen. Other substantial gruent information from the predictive information set. menu selection movement associated with irregular motion of A collaborative filtering protocol generally involves the the mobile communication facility 102 may include clearing collection of preference data from a large group of users. This a text entry field, rearranging text in a text entry field of the preference data may be analyzed Statistically to identify Sub mobile search application, randomly selecting one of the groups, or characteristics of Subgroup members, with similar Suggestions presented by the client application interface, and preference profiles. Various weighted average, fuZZylogic, or shuffling the order of available menu selections (such as other techniques may be used to Summarize or model a pref shuffling the order of a music play list). erence Subgroup, and a preference function may be created One or more of the horizontal, vertical, and irregular direc 10 using the model/Summary. This function may then be used to tional movements may be coupled with acceleration or decel match new users to an appropriate preference subgroup. In eration of the movement. Accelerating or decelerating direc embodiments, such information may be collected from many tional movement may speed up (acceleration) or slow down individual mobile subscriber characteristic data sets, and data (deceleration) the change in menu selection or user interface may be collected from many mobile communication facility screen associated with the movement. As an example, a user 15 users. For example, a wireless provider 108 may collect pref may initially move the mobile communication facility 102 erence data from a large group of its customers. In embodi slowly in a downward vertical direction resulting in a slow ments, the data may be collected from non-mobile users and Zooming in on the image or screen displayed. As the user may relate to preference information collected from other accelerates the downward vertical motion, the rate of Zoom on-line or off-line activities. ing in may increase. User preferences may be derived from user behavior or Mobile search application display navigation linked to other implicit characteristics, or explicitly defined by a movement of the mobile communication facility 102 may mobile communication facility user, or some combination of include navigation of one or more of the following: Search these. If users were to explicitly state their preferences (e.g. results, a menu, a list of email messages, a product list, a for types of restaurants, books, e-commerce, music, news, calendar, a contacts list, a document list, a folder list, an 25 Video, formats, audio, etc.), the explicit preference informa application list, a map, and the like. tion may be stored in the mobile subscriber characteristic data The algorithm facility 144 may receive a user's input in the bases associated with their phones. Users may implicitly form of a problem and evaluate that problem by applying the register a preference through activity Such as purchasing a set of all potential solutions available within the search space. product online, visiting a site on line, making a phone call At its most basic, the algorithm facility 144 may apply naive/ 30 from a mobile communication facility, making a phone call uninformed search algorithms consisting of the most intuitive from another facility, viewing content, or engaging or not solution(s) available within the search space. Alternatively, engaging in other activities. For example, if the user looks at the algorithm facility 144 may also employ informed search a product and decides not to purchase the product, one can algorithms based on heuristics that utilize intelligence about draw an inference that the user is not interested in the product, the elements of the search space in order to minimize search 35 and this inference may be used as part of a collaborative time and resource allocation of the algorithm facility 144. The filtering algorithm. In addition, inferences may be drawn algorithm may serve to promote or demote content for display from the types of establishments the user has been calling 172 to the user based upon the frequency of queries, the recently on the mobile communication facility. If he or she frequency of clicks or clickthroughs, the Velocity of queries; has been calling auto dealerships repeatedly over the past two the site of the search launch, storefront visit, or mobile web 40 weeks, an inference can be drawn that the user is presently site; community tagging, mobile user scoring; or it may be looking for auto goods and/or services. Implicit preferences based upon domain restrictions (e.g., only “espn.com'). ofusers may also be collected by recording all pages that are An algorithm may be designed to create an index for infor visited by users and the frequency and/or duration of each mation specific to the mobile communication facility 102. For visit. Using a binary coding scheme in which visited pages are example, the algorithm may look only for mobile tags (e.g., 45 coded “1” and unvisited pages “0” one may create user-based WML, XHTML MP, MIME types, such as text, WAP and/ preference vectors and analyze statistically for both intra-user or WML, or mobile specific headers). An algorithm may also and inter-user cluster preferences or similarities. Other cod determine the aesthetic compatibility between the content ing techniques may group certain sites along dimensions of and the capabilities of the display 172 of the mobile commu commonality, with navigation behavior analyzed using any nication facility 102, including factors such as page width, 50 number of Euclidean or other distance and/or matching tech page weight (e.g., the number of images and byte size), Screen niques. In embodiments, user preference data may be col resolution and color capabilities, font types and sizes, client lected from within the mobile subscriber characteristics data side rendering capabilities, page complexity (e.g., features base. In embodiments, user preference data may be collected incompatible or specific to a mobile communication facility from outside of the mobile subscriber characteristics data 102), and the like. This compatibility information may also be 55 base. In embodiments, off-line behavior may also be used to blended with other information, such as popularity data (e.g., characterize the preferences of the user. WAP gateway, editorial scoring, and/or traffic market data). An implicit mobile search query may be automatically The algorithm facility 144 may contain a collaborative generated from a mobile communication facility 102 based at filtering protocol, category filtering, a recommendation sys least on one parameter in order to deliver relevant mobile tem and/or other process facilities for analyzing, refining, or 60 content to a mobile communication facility 102, wherein the filtering user input and/or search results. A collaborative filter relevance may be based in part on information relating to a may employ a two step process. During the first step, other mobile communication facility 102. users are identified who have similar rating patterns as those The automatic generation of the search query may be an of the active user. Secondly, the ratings obtained from these implicit search. This implicit search may not require user similar users provide the empiric basis for predicting infor 65 manipulation of a mobile communication facility command. mation of relevance to the active user. The collaborative filter For example, a user may not need to select a menu item, can be both an inclusive and an exclusive process, gathering depress a button, select a touch screen icon, issue a Voice US 8,819,659 B2 23 24 command, or explicitly employ other commands associated eters of geographic location and time, the automatically gen with a mobile communication facility 102. erated search query may return results containing the current In embodiments, the automatic generation of a search days weather conditions for that location. These results query may also be accomplished by a server 134. might be locally cached on a mobile communication facility In embodiments, a parameter may be used to determine, in 5 102 with an expiration of 11:59 pm on that same day. In part, the relevancy of a mobile content. A parameter may be embodiments, the prior viewing of a cached content. Such as information relating to a mobile communication facility 102. a video, may be used to determine a permitted future use of This information may relate to a user characteristic. User the content. For example, a cached concert video from a jazz characteristics may include a users age, sex, race, religion, artist may be allowed to play five times on a mobile commu area code, Zip code, home address, work address, billing 10 nication facility 102 after which time it expires and requires address, credit information, family information, income the user to purchase the video in order to view it again. information, birth date, birthplace, employer, job title, length In embodiments, relevance may be based at least in part on of employment, and other information associated with user a statistical association. The relevance may be a score. The characteristics. For example, the user characteristic, statistical association may relate to an association between employer, may be used to determine, in part, the relevancy of 15 the mobile content and the information relating to a mobile news headlines within a search result derived from an auto communication facility 102. The information relating to a matically generated search query of news headlines. If the mobile communication facility 102 may include a user his user's employer was an automotive manufacturer, news head tory, a user transaction, a geographic location, geographic lines relating to autoworker layoffs may be determined to be proximity, a user device, a time, a user characteristic, or a more relevant than headlines relating to currency fluctuations mobile communication facility characteristic. A user charac in China, and, thus, prioritized for delivery to the user's teristic may be selected from the group consisting of age, sex, mobile communication facility 102. Similarly, the parameter race, religion, area code, Zip code, home address, work of the user's employer might also result in the generation of a address, billing address, credit information, family informa search query relating to the employer's current Stock price, tion, income information, birth date, birthplace, employer, and result in delivery of that information to the user's mobile 25 job title, length of employment, and other user characteristics. communication facility 102. A mobile communication facility characteristic may be In embodiments, a parameter may also relate to a user selected from the group consisting of display capability, dis history, a user transaction, a geographic location, geographic play size, display resolution, processing speed, audio capa proximity, a user device, a time, and or other user character bility, Video capability, cache size, storage capability, istics. For example, parameters relating to a user may include 30 memory capacity, and other mobile communication facility age (27), Sex (male), previous user transactions (purchase of characteristics. For example, a mobile communication facil a jazz recording), and geographic location (New York City). ity 102 may be associated with the parameters of a geographic The automatically generated search may return search results location (San Francisco), a user history (previous calls to that are ranked, ordering, indexed, and or prioritized by their Chinese restaurants), and a time (7pm). The mobile commu relevance to a user characteristic or plurality of user charac 35 nication facility 102 may automatically generate a search teristics. In this example, the fact that the user is a young, query and prioritize the presentation of content based on the male, located in New York City with a history of purchasing relevancy of the content to a restaurant, or a Chinese restau jazz recordings, may result in the prioritization of relevant rant, or having the location of San Francisco, or being open content for delivery to the user's mobile communication for business at 7 pm, or Some combination of these. facility 102, such as, retail establishments selling jazz record 40 In embodiments, the information relating to a mobile com ings, retail establishments sellingjaZZ recordings within New munication facility 102 may be provided by a wireless opera York City, retail establishments selling jazz recordings within tor, a wireless service provider 108, a telecommunications walking distance of the user, and so forth. service provider, or other providers associated with a mobile In embodiments, a parameter may also include a mobile communication facility 102. communication facility characteristic, which may be selected 45 In embodiments, a basic implementation of a collaborative from the group consisting of display capability, display size, filtering algorithm entails tracking the popularity of a prod display resolution, processing speed, audio capability, Video uct, service, business, transaction, or website by recording the capability, cache size, storage capability, memory capacity, total number of users in the set that rate it favorably (which and other mobile communication facility characteristics. The may include a degree of favorability) or by recording the information relating to a mobile communication facility 102 50 number of users that repeatedly visit the site. In essence, this may be provided by a wireless operator, a wireless service algorithm assumes that what previous users liked, new users provider 108, a telecommunications service provider, or other will like. In embodiments, a weighted averaging process is providers associated with a mobile communication facility implemented to carve out Subgroups of users who all highly 102. To further the previous example of the user who is a jazz ranked a product that has an overall unpopular rating with the aficionado, if a new video is available of a jazz artist in 55 overall user dataset. concert, the automatically generated query may determine A more robust collaborate filtering procedure, sometimes whether the user's mobile communication facility 102 has referred to as the K-nearest neighbor algorithm, uses a “train appropriate video capability, and if so offer the user the ing data set that is based upon previous users behavior to opportunity to download the video. predict a variable of interest to members of a “target data set In embodiments, relevant mobile content may be locally 60 comprised of new users. In addition to user preference data, cached on a mobile communication facility 102. The locally the training data set may have additional predictor variables, cached information may be loaded prior to new content asso Such as might be contained in a mobile Subscriber character ciated with a new search query. The locally cached informa istics database (e.g., age, income, sex, date or place of birth, tion may be associated with an expiration, which may be a etc.). Variables of interest may include type of product pur date, a time, a previous usage of the locally cached informa 65 chased, amount of purchase, and so forth. For each row tion, or other characteristics governing expiration of the (single user data) in the target data set, the algorithm locates locally cached information. For example, using the param the “K” closest members of the training data set. Closeness, or US 8,819,659 B2 25 26 distance, as used by the algorithm is generally a Euclidean Suggestions may be generated for display 172 based upon Distance measure. Next, the algorithm finds the weighted each keystroke the user enters into the mobile communication sum of the variable of interest for the K nearest neighbors, facility 102. Suggestions may be cached locally on the mobile where the weights are the inverse of the calculated distances. communication facility 102 and blended with the perfor This process is then repeated for all remaining rows in the mance of server updates in order to optimize the overall target set. From this information, models may be derived for performance of the wireless platform 100. Updates may also future prediction. As the user population increases, the train be provided to the cache memory of the mobile communica ing data set may be updated to include new rows and thus tion facility 102 without requiring a user keystroke. Addi capture any changes in user preference for use in revising the tional Suggestions may be supplied to users by ranking con prediction model. 10 tent based upon popularity, the frequency of query activity, Other methods that may also be used successfully for sta frequency within content, the acceleration of the frequency of tistical clustering of user preference groups include the content, the frequency of purchases, the sales conversion rate, weighted majority, Bayesian prediction, Pearson product cor as well as any changes that occur to any of these metrics. relation, and factor analysis. Suggestion lists can also be derived by “de-duping with In addition to the description of collaborative filtering sum 15 frequent terms, such as “Tyra Banks out of 1, 2, 3, and marized above, the following text may be referenced for more categorizing, for instance, by title, artist, or a yellow pages information relating to collaborative filtering and is incorpo type taxonomy or other Subject matter organization. The Sug rated herein by reference: Nakamura, A. and Abe, N., 1998. gestions may be specific to a mobile communication facility Collaborative Filtering using Weighted Majority Prediction 102, mobile subscriber characteristic 112, result facilities, Algorithms in: Proceedings of ICML '98, 395-403. Morgan carrier business rules 130, and/or search algorithm facilities Kaufman Eds. (see Appendix A). 144. Suggestions may be dynamically displayed in a Java or In addition to, or instead of collaborative filtering, or other BREW application. Suggestions may also be presented in a preferential treatment of various information as determined browser. For example, ifa user types BRSP as their query, the by other methods, non-preferential or objective type data may responding WAP page may ask the user if they intended on be employed to further target search results about the user of 25 entering Britney Spears or Bruce Springsteen. Then the user a mobile communication facility 102. For example, a location may click on the link of the intended query. of the user may be determined through a GPS system (or other Recommendations may be specific to a mobile communi location based service), and this location may be used to filter cation facility 102, mobile subscriber characteristic 112, results with or without the use of a collaborative filter. In result facilities, carrier business rules 130, and/or sponsorship embodiments, elements such as time of day, type of device, 30 facility 162. Providing a recommendation to the user about activities associated with time of day, activities associated other relevant content may be done either during search result with location, invoice activity, and the like may be used to display 172 or after a search item has been selected. The further refine a search. In an embodiment, Such information relationships between items may be based on transactions, may be used in a category style filter (i.e. a filter designed to searches, and query behaviors and may include cross-selling include or exclude results based on the data). In embodi 35 products (e.g., recording artists within the same genre) or ments, such information may be used by a collaborative filter offering users additional products and services (e.g., offering algorithm. In embodiments, such information may be used to a taxi service following a user's purchase of movie tickets in filter results without being considered in the collaborative an urban setting). Query classification may use a yellow filter algorithm. pages-type taxonomy (e.g., restaurants or physicians, or for In embodiments, data used in the process of obtaining 40 inferring that a five digit number is a postal Zip code) and may search results, refining search queries, making corrections, be specific to a mobile communication facility 102, mobile making Suggestions, disambiguating search queries, catego subscriber characteristic 112, delivery facility, disambigua rizing results, performing explicit or implicit searches, filter tion facility 140, and/or parental controls 150. The wireless ing, collaboratively filtering, or performing other processes platform 100 may also use keyword mapping to a query defined herein may be stored in a database (e.g. a relational 45 classification based upon a taxonomy. For example, a user database). In embodiments, the data may be mined, associat query of “screwdriver may map onto the category “hard ing, linked, extracted, or otherwise manipulated or used. For ware.” This keyword mapping may be specific to a mobile more information relating to the association and mining of communication facility 102, mobile subscriber characteristic Such data, refer to the following document, incorporated 112, delivery facility, disambiguation facility, and/or parental herein by reference: Integrating Association Rule Mining 50 controls. with Relational Database Systems. Alternatives and Implica The results facility 148 may include general content and tions, by Sunita Sarawagi, Shiby Thomas, Rakesh Agrawal, services, specific content catalogs, carrier premium content, published by the IBM Almaden Research Center (see Appen carrier portal content, device based results, or home computer dix B). desktop search results. The general content and services pro A recommendation system may use information from a 55 vided in the results facility 148 could be podcasts, websites, user's profile to make predictions regarding other informa general images available online, general videos available tion/products that might interest the user. Data used in the online, websites transcoded for MCF, or websites designed recommendation system may be obtained through the use of for mobile browser facilities. Specific content catalogs may explicit and implicit data collection. Explicit collection refers include travel, driving directions, results displayed on a map. to data collected from users who, for example, are directly 60 white and yellow page telephone directories, movie show rating items, ranking products, stating preferences, listing times and reviews, comparison shopping and product favorites or least favorites, etc. Implicit collection refers to reviews, weather, Stock quotes, general knowledge questions, data collected as, for example, a byproduct of user behavior, word definitions, a thesaurus, restaurant reviews and reserva Such as products viewed in an online store or products pur tions, WiFi hotspot locations, horoscopes, area codes, Zip chased. The recommendation system may compare the col 65 codes, sports scores, flight times, fantasy sports statistics, lected data to similar data collected from others and calcu drink recipes, pick-up lines, jokes, information within a lates a list of recommended items for the active user. physical store (e.g., inventory), a mobile wallet, an encyclo US 8,819,659 B2 27 28 pedia, adult content, gambling content, and FAQs. The car The carrier business rules 158 of the wireless provider 108 rier premium content provided in the results facility 148 may may be associated with, or included in, the mobile search host include ringtones (monophonic, polyphonic, or real tones), facilities 114. These rules may govern what content users may ringback, music streaming, MP3, video, games, screensavers, access (e.g., walled garden vs. non-walled garden), where images designed for cell phones, mobile books, or other within the user interface sponsor logos and links are placed, mobile applications. Carrier portal content includes news, which sponsor facilities are included, rules for the inventory Such as the current top stories, entertainment, business, tech of advertisements, rules allowing categories of transactions nology, and finance, and sports, weather, stock quotes, and by users (e.g., based on access conditions, employer controls, account information. Device based results provided in the parental controls, or the like) and managing auctions. In the results facility 148 may include messaging, such as SMS 10 instance of duplicate information occurring in a search result, MMS and instant messaging, email, chat, PIM (address the preferred provider's content may be given priority over book), and monetary services for a mobile wallet. Finally, others. home computer desktop search results may include text docu In addition to voice recognition 160 residing on the mobile ments, Portable Document Format (“PDF) documents, maps communication facility 102, it may be contained within the in various formats including annotated maps, or a similar 15 mobile search host facilities 114 and use both software algo facility, spreadsheets, presentations, photos and images, web rithms and hardware-based solutions for accurate Voice rec pages, email, IM, and chat. ognition. Ordering and displaying search results may be based upon The sponsorship facility 162 stores premium content from a mobile communication facility 102, mobile subscriberchar sponsors that pay the wireless provider 108 to display this acteristic 112, delivery facility, disambiguation facility, content to relevant users. Sponsors information may link to a parental controls 150, search algorithm facilities 144, carrier web site visited by the user (i.e., pay-per-click), or link to a business rules 158, and/or a sponsorship facility 162. The call (i.e., pay-per-call). Sponsor information may include ordering of content for display may also be based upon the information that is text only, graphic information in the form amount of content available within a category. The display of photographs, graphic art designs, or video, as well as 172 may be changed based upon the screen size of the mobile 25 various combinations of these. Sponsor information may also communication facility 102, and Sounds or other multimedia take the form of an interactive Software application (i.e., a content may adapt to capabilities of the mobile communica game), or special ringtones (e.g., jamtones). Sponsor infor tion facility 102. Ordering and display of content may be mation may be displayed to users based on the relation of the organized by the type of content, the artist, the date, or con sponsor information and user search queries, results lists, cept (e.g., Jaguar as a car, or jaguar as an animal), and other 30 items or categories, and the websites visited by the user. Web categories may derive from deduction within the mobile pages may display content for syndicated ads or links for search hostfacilities 114. In addition to ordering, content may syndicated ads. Furthermore, the wireless search platform be emphasized or deemphasized by weighting within the 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 may contain the sorts of sponsor display 172. For example, weighting may occur through the information described above in a separate database 128. use of size, motion, lack of symmetry, use of garish colors, 35 The implicit query facility 164 provides for the display of Sounds, multimedia, or other means of accenting content. For relevant content to users based on user activities other than sponsored links, there may be opportunities for yield optimi explicit search queries. For example, in GPS data the locator Zation (e.g., clicks multiplied by the bid cost). facility 110 may indicate that the cell phone user is in the The parental controls 150 function may be set up by the vicinity of a sponsor's restaurant. In addition, the clock con wireless provider 108 at the time that the user account is 40 tained in the mobile communication facility 102 and/or the created. A web-based interface may be used for changing or wireless communication facility may indicate that it is mid modifying the parent controls and for entering/changing the evening. A predictive algorithm could merge this information password protection. Alternatively, the parental controls may and make the implicit query that the user is interested in also be managed via an interface contained within the mobile restaurants in his immediate vicinity at which he could pur communication facility 102. 45 chase dinner, and then push content (ads, phone numbers, The privacy facility 152 may include one or more facilities menus, reviews) to his mobile communication facility 102 for for protecting user privacy. Such as an encryption facility for immediate display. Other implicit queries could similarly be encrypting sensitive user data. The privacy facility 152 may based upon a user's parental controls 150, the carrier business also include a facility for protecting the user from undesired rules 158, results facility 148, and so forth, either alone or in content, Such as unwanted commercial email, spam, Spyware, 50 combination. viruses, or the like. A privacy facility may, for example, filter The wireless search platform 100 illustrated in FIG.1 may Such content prior to revealing results or may, in other contain a server 134 and database 138 connected to the Inter embodiments, Suggest modified queries that are less likely to net. Databases 138 connected to the wireless platform 100 reveal a user's confidential information or that are less likely over the Internet may store information, such as individual to return undesired content. A privacy facility 152 may also 55 business websites with which the user transacts. function in a manner similar to a secure channel. Such as via The wireless search platform 100 illustrated in FIG.1 may VPN, with a wireless provider 108. This secure channel may contain a database storing wireless carrier business rules 130. permit sensitive information to be shared securely. The carrier business rules 130 may prioritize advertising con The transactional security facility 154 may contain addi tent (see walled garden content 132 below) based on the tional privacy and parental control settings, transactional 60 financial interests of the wireless provider 108 or the impor security settings for the protection of wireless shopping, and tance of the sponsor 128. Additional carrier business rules the management of digital rights. In embodiments such a 130 may include those described herein and in the documents facility may include password-based security, a public-key/ incorporated by reference herein. private-key facility, or other suitable security protocol for The wireless search platform 100 illustrated in FIG.1 may ensuring the authenticity of the participants in a transaction 65 contain a database storing “walled garden' content 132. that is executed using the mobile communications facility Walled garden content 132 may be content from which the 102. wireless provider 108 derives additional revenues based, for US 8,819,659 B2 29 30 example, on user clickthroughs or content downloads (e.g. quency signals. An antenna may be an omni-directional ringtones, wall paper, ringbacks, music, videos). Because of antenna (Such as a “whip’ antenna) that transmits and this additional revenue, the wireless provider 108, through its receives radio frequency signals in a 360-degree radial pat carrier business rules 130, may ensure that this advantageous tern, a directional antenna (Such as a “panel antenna) that content is given priority over search results that are equally transmits and receives radio frequency signals in a specific relevant but do not have financial benefits for the wireless directional pattern of less than 360 degrees, or a parabolic provider 108. antenna (Such as a “dish' antenna), a bowl-shaped device for FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram 200 showing a plurality of the reception and/or transmission of radio frequency commu processes for handling a user query and producing a delivered nication signals in a specific directional pattern. Otheranten result to the user. In the illustrated embodiment, the query 10 mode 202 is entered. The query mode may be in the form of nae that may be included in a wireless communication facility an explicit query entered by an active user, or it may be an are accessory antenna devices, such as test mobile antennas implicit query initiated not by the user but by some charac and global positioning antennas which are less than 12 inches teristic related to the user and/or his behaviors (e.g., his GPS in height or width, excluding the Support structure. location). The start of the query entry 208 made explicitly by 15 One or more wireless providers 108 may mount equipment the user may be paired with additional information derived on a single wireless communication facility 104. from a related implicit query 204. Depending on the clarity of Other examples of devices that may comprise a wireless the query entry 208, the query may need correction 244. communication facility include a lattice tower, a wireless disambiguation 240, or redirection 250. The query entry 208 communication Support structure which consists of metal may also be paired with recommendations 248, Suggestions crossed strips or bars to Support antennas and related equip 242, or categorized 254 prior to further processing. If the start ment, a monopole which is a wireless communication facility of the query entry 208 is made by voice, rather than text, it 104 consisting of a Support structure, and related equipment, may be aligned with a voice recognition 252 program. Any or including all equipment ancillary to the transmission and all of the processes used to optimize the search may be refined reception of voice and data. Such equipment may include, but with information relating to the mobile communication facil 25 is not limited to, cable, conduit and connectors, stanchions, ity, Such as, for example, mobile Subscriber characteristic monopoles, lattice towers, wood poles, or guyed towers. information, location, time, filter algorithms, and the like. A wireless provider 108 may include any for-profit, non Once the initial explicit and/or implicit query is made, the profit, or governmental entity offering wireless communica query 212 is processed and the initial results retrieved 214. tion services. A wireless provider 108 may include services Both the query 212 and the initial retrieved results 214 may 30 utilizing a broad array of wireless technologies and/or spec undergo additional filtering 258 and aggregation 260. Walled tra, including, but not limited to, Cellular, Advanced Wireless garden content 262 and sponsored content 220 may also Services (AWS) Spectrum, Broadband PCS, Narrowband attach to the query 212 and present tailored results 222 to the PCS, Paging, Wireless Communications (WCS), Wireless user. The results 222 may also, in turn, trigger the posting of Medical Telemetry (WMTS), Specialized Mobile, Private additional sponsor 224 messages and advertisements. Infor 35 Land Mobile, Maritime Mobile, Low Power Radio Service mation from pay-per-click (PPC) sponsors 228 may link to (LPRS), Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC), the results, making it possible for the user to quickly learn 218-219 MHz, 220 MHZ, 700 MHZ Guard Bands, Air about sponsors services, phone numbers, addresses, hours of Ground, Amateur, Aviation, Basic Exchange Telephone, operation, sales, and so forth. If the start of the query entry Broadband Radio Service (BRS), Citizens Band (CB), Com 208, for example, undergoes redirection 250, it may either be 40 mercial Operators License Program, Educational Broadband routed back to the query stage 212 or immediately present the Service (EBS), Family Radio Service (FRS), General Mobile user with the results 222 based upon the query. Once results Radio, Industrial/Business Radio Pool, Intelligent Transpor are retrieved, but prior to display 172, the content may be tation Systems (ITS), Instructional Television Fixed (ITFS) tested for compatibility with the user's mobile communica See Educational Broadband Service, Lower 700 MHz, Medi tion facility 102 by using a spider to run mock compatibility 45 cal Implant Communications (MICS), Microwave, Millime trials during which it emulates the processing characteristics ter Wave 70-80-90 GHz, Multipoint Distribution (MDS/ of a broad array of commercially available wireless commu MMDS), Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS), Offshore, nication facilities, including the user's mobile communica Personal Locator Beacons (PLB), Personal Radio, Public tion facility 102 type, in order to determine the content within Safety, Radio Control Radio Service (R/C), and Rural ser the result set that is compatible with the user's mobile com 50 vices. munication facility 102. A locator facility may work with the mobile communica The query results 222 may be ordered 230 prior to display tion facility 102 in identifying the current geographic or other 232 based, for example, upon the sponsor 224, mobile sub location of the mobile communication facility. A locator scriber characteristics, information relating to the mobile facility 110 may, for example, be used to locate the geo communication facility, location, carrier rules, filter results, 55 graphic location of a wireless device through the use of geo and/or walled garden 262 priorities. Once the results 222 are graphically-tagged personally identifiable data or personally displayed 232, the user may initiate interactions/transactions identifiable data. Geographically-tagged personally identifi 234 with the information (e.g., placing a call, click on a link, able data describes personally identifiable data that is linked or an online order) that is then delivered 238 wirelessly to a particular location through use of location-based ser through the wireless platform 100 described in FIG. 1. 60 vices. Personally identifiable data is information that can be Referring back to FIG. 1, a wireless communication facil used to identify a person uniquely and reliably, including but ity 104 may be an equipment enclosure, antenna, antenna not limited to name, address, telephone number, e-mail Support structure, and any associated facility used for the address and account, or other personal identification number, reception or transmittal of a radio frequency, microwave, or as well as any accompanying data linked to the identity of that other signal for communications. An antenna may include a 65 person (e.g., the account data stored by the wireless provider system of poles, panels, rods, reflecting discs or similar 108). In addition to orasan alternative to geographic location, devices used for the transmission or reception of radio fre a locator facility 110 may identify other locations, such as US 8,819,659 B2 31 32 proximity to other users, proximity to a network location, or may be the result of a search result auction based on the user position relative to other users (e.g., in a line). relevant information, or the sponsor information may be As described above, mobile subscriberinformation may be related to local restaurants wherein the sponsored link is a pay stored in an accessible form in a mobile subscriber character per call sponsored link, for example. istics database 112. The information may be accessible There are many ways in which the mobile subscriber char directly from a mobile communication facility 102, from the acteristic information can be used in a mobile communication wireless provider 108, or from another user and or handler of facility search for information, whether it is an explicit, the information. In addition, the mobile subscriber database implicit, or other form of search, and several such embodi 112 may be loaded with information relating to a mobile ments are presented in more detail below. communication facility 102, a user of the mobile communi 10 As described above, the sponsor database 128 may store cation facility (e.g. a customer of the wireless service pro sponsor information in an accessible form in the sponsor vider 108), and a wireless service provider 108 or other source database 128 to be used in the searching for information, of useful information. The mobile subscriber information presentation of information, accessing of information, or may be used in conjunction with a search for information on other activity associated with the mobile communication a mobile communication facility 102. For example, the 15 facility 102. In embodiments, the sponsor information may be mobile subscriber information may be used to help better used to present syndicated sponsor links, advertising, content, assess the desired search targets of a user using a mobile or other information on the mobile communication facility communication facility. In embodiments, the user may per 102. form a search based on key words (or disambiguated, cor A sponsored result may be presented to the user of a mobile rected, suggested or other terms as described herein), and communication facility 102 as a result of an auction for adver some or all of the mobile subscriber characteristic informa tising space on the mobile communication facility 102. The tion may be used in addition to the key words as a way of auction may be keyword based, term based, phrase based, refining or customizing the search to the particular user. For algorithm based, or some other system of associating infor example, the users age, location, time of day, past mobile mation, a site, content, and the like with a search query or communication facility transactions (e.g. phone calls, clicks 25 inquiry. For example, the user of a mobile communication or click-throughs) may be used to predict what the user is facility 102 may conduct a network search by entering a more interested in. In embodiments, the information that is search query, and the query, or some related form of the query predicted as valuable may be listed at the top of the search (e.g., a disambiguation of the query, correction of the query, results; they may be the only results produced or they may be Suggestion related to the query), may be processed through an highlighted in some way. The mobile subscriber characteris 30 auction in which the highest bidder for the auction receives an tic information may be used in connection with an algorithm elevated right to advertise its content. The content may be facility 144 for example. The mobile subscriber characteristic presented as a sponsored link on a display associated with the information may be used in connection with a category filter mobile communication facility. The sponsored link may be or other filter used to refine search results according to Such highlighted, prioritized, or otherwise presented. In embodi information. 35 ments, the sponsored information may be presented on a site By way of another example, the mobile subscriber infor visited by the mobile communication facility user. For mation stored in the mobile subscriber characteristics data example, the user may click on a link other than the sponsored base 112 may be used in an implicit search as described in link. Once the website content is displayed on the mobile further detail herein. The wireless provider may gain infor communication facility, information relating to the sponsored mation pertaining to the user's location, time of day, likes and 40 link may also be displayed, offering another chance for the dislikes (e.g. through interpretation of other transactions user to click on the sponsored link. e.g., phone activity or web activity related to the mobile In embodiments, a user of the mobile communication facil communication facility 102), and the wireless provider may ity 102 may perform a search for information, or a search for facilitate the downloading of apparently relevant information relevant information may be performed in anticipation of the to the mobile communication facility in anticipation of the 45 user desiring Such information (e.g., an implicit search) and user's desire for Such information. For example, a location included in the results presented may be a sponsored link, facility 110 may locate the mobile communication facility. content, or other information. The sponsored content may be The location may be associated with the time of day at which the result of an auction (e.g., a keyword based auction, algo the location was obtained. The location information may be rithm based auction, location based auction, mobile Sub associated with the other mobile subscriber characteristic 50 scriber characteristics based auction, or combination auction information through a phone number associated with the wherein information, such as from the search query, is com mobile communication facility. The location may be Harvard bined with other information, such as location or mobile Square in Cambridge, Mass. The time may be 6:30 p.m. and Subscriber characteristics), and it may be presented and dis the user may have called Chinese restaurants ten times over played on a display associated with the mobile communica the past two months at about this same time. This may be 55 tion facility in a prioritized manner, highlighted manner, determined based on previous queries or by history of phone exclusive manner, or presented in Some other manner. calls that may then be reverse-searched to check for relevance In embodiments, sponsor information may be presented to to future queries. a mobile communication facility 102 as the result of an auc With this information, the system may make an inference tion. In embodiments sponsor information may be presented that the user is interested in dinner at a Chinese restaurant and 60 as a pay-per-call link or content. In a pay-per-call embodi download information pertaining to such in the area of Har ment, there may not have been an auction for the right to post vard Square. In addition, information pertaining to dinner the information on the mobile communication facility 102. categories or other results may be presented. In embodiments, The information may have been presented because it this collection of user relevant information may be used in appeared relevant or for Some other reason. In Such situations, connection with sponsor information stored in the sponsor 65 the user of the mobile communication facility may be pre database 128, and some or all of the results presented to the sented with a special phone number associated with the spon user may be sponsored information. The sponsor information sor. When the special number is called, the receiver of the call US 8,819,659 B2 33 34 (e.g., a vendor of goods or services) is presented with an operator, wireless service provider, telecommunications pro option to receive the call and pay a commission to the poster vider, mobile search provider, and the like. Alternatively, of the information (e.g., the wireless service provider) or mobile content available for syndication may derive from decline the call. In another somewhat similar scenario, the outside of a contextual syndication program and be used for vendor may be allowed to accept the first call for free, or pay generating a mobile sponsor campaign for presentation to a forfbilled for the call later, but have to accept such charges in potential participant in a contextual syndication program. the future if referrals are desired. The user of the mobile The relevancy of the contextual information associated communication facility 102 may store the sponsored or with a website and the mobile context available for syndica referred phone number in an address book of the mobile tion may be indicated through the use of a relevancy score. communication facility 102, and every time the number is 10 The relevancy score may be a numerical Summary of the called, the wireless service provider may be paid for the statistical association between contextual website data referral. In embodiments, the referral/sponsor fee may go parameters and mobile content parameters. The relevancy down with use, go up with use, or remain stable with use. In score may be a proprietary score assigned to a mobile content embodiments, the referral/sponsor fee may change with time by a wireless operator, wireless service provider, mobile or other parameters. In embodiments, a pay per call number is 15 search provider, or telecommunications service provider. The the result of an auction process. Advertising syndication may contextual data parameters associated with websites may be be segmented by mobile communication facility 102, mobile standardized in a list. Mobile content may receive a relevancy subscriber characteristics 112, delivery facilities, and/or score for each element in the contextual data parameters list. parental controls 150. For example, a mobile content, such as a ringtone download An aspect of the present invention relates to a syndication advertisement, may receive a relevancy score for each of a program where mobile content may be added to a website plurality of websites. “Entertainment' websites may receive a when the website is presented to a mobile communication higher relevancy score than the “Weather websites. Simi facility (e.g. a cellphone). Such syndication may be decided larly, the contextual information of an inbound link relating to by the wireless operator, wireless service provider, telecom “Music' may receive a higher relevancy score than an munications provider or may be at the decision of the website 25 inbound link relating to “Pets.” A mobile content relating to a owner through an opt-in process. The opt-in process may ringtone derived from a popular Chinese-language song may involve signing up with a wireless provider, mobile search receive a higher relevancy score for the contextual informa provider, or other related entity. The opt-in process may also tion of “Server Host=China than for “Server involve the insertion of a tag on the website. Mobile content Host=Argentina. Contextual information parameters may automatically be added to website pages for a specified 30 “Keyword-Ringtone' or “Keyword=Music Download” URL or plurality of URLs. The addition of mobile content could also be scored as highly relevant to syndicated mobile may be done without an indication on the page of where content relating to ringtones, and so forth. The relevancy mobile content should be placed. A tag or other coded infor scores of a syndicated mobile content may be stored in a mation may be included in the website to indicate where on mobile content relevance dictionary. the site the mobile content should be placed when delivered to 35 A program of automatically syndicating mobile content to a mobile communication facility. The syndication process a website may be based upon the relevance of the mobile may be context based relevancy, behavioral based relevancy content to the contextual information associated with the or it may be based on a combination of the two techniques to website. The automation of syndicating mobile content may associate relevant mobile content with the site. A server appli be based at least in part on associating electronic information cation (e.g. a WAP server application, WAP Gateway, Mobile 40 associated with a website (e.g. metadata). Contained within Application Gateway, and the like) may automatically add the metadata may be information regarding the relevance of mobile content to a website when delivering it to a mobile the website's contextual data parameters with mobile content communication facility whether or not the website is tagged. data parameters. Examples of only a few of the many The mobile content may involve a web content placement examples of how a metadata may contain relevance informa auction or other process for determining which content will 45 tion include: metadata indicating relevance to the website be associated with keywords, topics, websites, and the like (e.g., “Ringtones'), metadata indicating the minimum rel during the presentation. evancy score associated with a contextual data parameter that Automatic syndication of mobile content to a website may is required for syndicating a mobile content to the website, be based at least in part on using contextual information and the like. The metadata may communicate with the mobile associated with the website in order to determine the rel 50 content relevance dictionary in order to identify, receive and evancy of mobile content that is available for syndication. present relevant mobile content to a website. Contextual information that may be associated with a website In embodiments, an entity associated with a website may may include keywords, terms, or phases located on the web be able to opt into an automated Syndication program. The site, the inbound links to the website, the outbound links from opt-in may be done in association with a wireless operator, the website, click patterns and clickthroughs associated with 55 wireless service provider, mobile search provider, or telecom the website (including click patterns and clickthroughs asso munications provider. The opt-in may be done through a ciated with sponsored content appearing on the website), self-service website, through an entity conducting the auto metadata, website usage patterns including time, duration, mated syndication program, through a ground mailed Solici depth and frequency of website usage, the website host, tation, phone call Solicitation, through a website tag, and the search verticals relating to the website, and other indicia of 60 like. Once an entity associated with a website has opted into website context. the program, the automated Syndication program may asso The contextual information relating to a website may be ciate an electronic tag within the entity's website in order to associated with mobile content that is available for syndica commence the automated syndication. The automated Syndi tion and presentation to the website based at least in part on cation program may operate in conjunction with a WAP relevance. Mobile content available for syndication may 65 server, WAP Gateway, Mobile Application Gateway, remote derive from a pool of mobile content sponsors participating in server, a server that is serving pages to a mobile communica a contextual syndication program provided by a wireless tion facility (e.g. phone), and the like. In embodiments, the US 8,819,659 B2 35 36 opt-in process involves tagging the target website with a used for the Syndication of a webpage, portion of a webpage, syndication indication tag. For example, a website operator an image, video, movie, skin, graphical user interface, pro may tag the website (and each of its associated pages) with a gram interface, web content, downloadable content and other syndication indication tag indicating that it is to be syndicated Such content. when presented to a mobile communication facility (e.g. In embodiments, the carrier rules database includes infor phone). The tag may also indicate the position of the mobile mation relating to search techniques, search methodologies, content on the page. Opt-in websites may choose not to insert locations for searchable content, walled garden rules, out of a tag and allow the mobile content to appear automatically on garden rules, out-of-network searching rules, in-network the page. A server application designed for downloading the searching rules, search result presentation rules, sponsor pre website to the mobile communication facility (e.g. a WAP 10 server, WAP gateway, Mobile Application Gateway, and the sentation rules, sponsor search rules, sponsor rules, content like) may read websites looking for the syndication indication presentation rules, and other information and rules pertaining tag or may associate the website location with a database of to the search, display, ordering, and/or presentation of infor URLs that have requested to participate (opt-in). Once the mation on the mobile communication facility 102. server confirms the site is to include syndicated mobile con 15 Carrier business rules may provide guidance on how, for tent, the server may automatically add mobile content to the example, a search term is to be disambiguated or corrected, website. The process of tagging the site may involve going to what search terms should be suggested as a result of an a wireless provider site or mobile search provider site to entered or submitted query, how results and in what order obtain the proper tag. In embodiments, the tag may be pro results should be presented, or how sponsors should be vided by any number of different entities or sources. For selected and or presented. The carrier business rules may example, the tag may be provided by a third party tagging provide guidance about when to search in-network databases website. In embodiments, the format of the tag may be known (e.g., walled garden content 132) and when to search out-of and a site administrator may insert the tag. network databases (e.g., database 138 through server 134). The automated syndication program may be a flat fee, For example, a wireless provider 108 may want to cause users revenue sharing, or no-fee service program offered to an 25 of mobile communication facilities 102 to order music, vid entity of a website. The automated syndication program may eos, ringtones, wallpaper, Screensavers, and the like from an involve a split fee service program offered to an entity of a in-network database of walled garden content 132, while the website in which the entity shares revenues with the wireless wireless provider may want current news to come from an operator, wireless service provider, telecommunications pro out-of-network source. The wireless provider may then set vider, mobile search provider conducting the automated Syn 30 these rules and store them in a carrier business rules database dication program, server service provider and/or other enti 130. These rules can then be accessed by the wireless provider ties involved in the transaction. Fees may be derived from (or optionally from the mobile communication facility 102 or sponsors of mobile content participating in the automated other related facility) during the search, presentation, or syndication program. The fees derived from the sponsors of ordering, or other parameter according to the present inven mobile content, competitive bidding process, auction, flat fee 35 tion. service, or the like. The fee structure and bidding may be A walled garden database 132 may be associated with a based on the relevancy score associated with a data parameter. wireless provider and a mobile communication facility 102 In embodiments, a website may be tagged for syndication according to an aspect of the present invention. The walled and there may be no fee, a flat fee, a revenue sharing arrange garden 132 refers to subset of carrier business rules 130 that ment or other arrangement made when a server application 40 determine the type of access to wireless content that a user is syndicates the webpage. The content used to syndicate the permitted. The walled garden may limit the scope of permit website may have been provided through the an auction or ted content to a pre-defined content set that is determined by other Such arrangement and the fees received for the syndi the wireless provider 108. For example, a wireless provider cation application may be shared with a number of entities 108 may license content from third parties and offer the including the site owner, the wireless provider delivering the 45 provider's subscribers abundled package of the licensed con site to the mobile communication facility, the server operator tent, while restricting access to other content. The wireless and/or other entities involved in the transaction. provider 108 may direct the content layout, authentication, Alternatively, mobile content syndicated to a website may royalty tracking and reporting, billing, quality of service, etc. include a searchbox that may allow for searching the website through the provider's carrier business rules, or this function alone or a set of content broader than the website alone. 50 may be outsourced to a third party. The walled garden 132 As described above for an automatic syndication program permits a wireless provider 108 to offer its subscribers a suite based upon contextual information associated with a website, of content as part of the subscriber's wireless basic account, so too may an automatic syndication program be based upon thereby eliminating the need for the subscriberto individually behavioral information relating to a user of a mobile commu pay for discrete licensed products within the licensed content nication facility. Within an automated Syndication program 55 package. The walled garden 132 restricts the choice of con based upon behavioral information, the relevancy scores of tent that is available to subscribers. Typically, the wireless mobile content may be based on a user's behavioral data provider 108 is compensated for content distributionina form parameters including, but not limited to, at least one of a user of revenue split between itself and the licensed content pro history, transaction history, geographic location, user device, viders. time, mobile Subscriber characteristic, mobile communica 60 Related to the walled garden 132 model of content distri tion facility characteristic and/or other such user information bution is the gated garden model. In the gated garden, the as described herein. A mobile communication facility may be wireless provider 108 may create a virtual toll gate through a phone, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, and a GSM phone. which third parties may offer their proprietary content to the While many of the embodiments herein have been wireless provider's subscribers. In exchange, the wireless described in connection with a syndicated website, it should 65 provider 108 shares in the revenues derived from its subscrib be understood that the techniques apply to other forms of ers accessing the third party content. Unlike the walled gar network content as well. For example, the techniques may be den 132, in the gated garden model the wireless provider 108 US 8,819,659 B2 37 38 typically does not assume responsibility for the content or tion or other discrete Fourier transform or statistical tech customer service related to problems accessing the content. niques to compare the stored patterns against the output of the The algorithm facility 144 may perform algorithms of all analog-digital converter. types including algorithms for combining information relat The capacity of a Voice recognition facility 160. Such as ing to a search, ordering results from a search, or displaying Vocabulary, speed, and length of digital samples that can be results, sponsoring results, and the like. For example, an analyzed, may be constrained by hardware capabilities of the algorithm facility may include an algorithm to define how to Voice recognition facility 160, Such as memory capacity, Sam incorporate the mobile Subscribercharacteristics into a search pling rates, and processing speed, as well as the complexity of query entered on the mobile communication facility 102. The algorithms used for comparisons. 10 An implicit query facility 164 may automatically generate algorithm may, for example, determine what information to context-sensitive queries based on a user's current activities, use in combination with a search query, what information to characteristics, and/or the user's device characteristics. For use in an implicit search, what weight to provide to the Vari example, the implicit query facility 164 may retrieve Internet ous parts of the search (e.g. location receives a high weight in links, music files, e-mails, and other materials that relate to an an implicit search), what sponsors are acceptable, how results 15 active user's query, but which the user did not specifically should be ordered, how results should be displayed (e.g., query. Other data linked to the user's mobile communication highlighted), and/or determine other parameters related to the facility 102, for example geographic location obtained from search. An algorithm facility 144 may also include sponsor the locator facility 110, may be used to initiate an implicit ship algorithms, algorithms related to auctions, algorithms query for stores in the user's general facility that, based on the related to pay per click, algorithms related to pay per call, or user's previous Internet usage, are of likely interest to the other algorithms related to the development of a search as user. An implicit query facility may gather and download described herein. content onto the mobile communication facility 102 in antici The algorithm facility 144 may be a software tool used for pation of a mobile communication facility user's desire for evaluating a number of possible solutions based upon a user Such information. This technique of providing results in query. The set of all possible solutions may be called the 25 advance of the search query may be used to increase speed of search space. In general, uninformed searching may employ content delivery, for example. brute force searching or "naive' search algorithms for rela A client application interface may be associated with a tively simple, direct traversal of the search space. By contrast, mobile communication facility 102. The client application informed search algorithms may use heuristics to apply interface may be a Software program operating through a knowledge about the structure of the search space during a 30 processor (and operating system) on the mobile communica search. Potential algorithms that may be used in the algorithm tion facility, and the program may facilitate processes used in facility 142 include, but are not limited to, the uninformed the mobile communication facility and/or generate informa search, informed search, tree search, list search, adversarial tion through the display 172. The client application interface search, constraint satisfaction, genetic search, probabilistic may perform a number of functions associated with the pro search, simulated annealing, String search, taboo search, and/ 35 cesses and devices as described herein. For example, the or federated search. client application interface may produce the search query A parental control facility 150 may be a software-based entry facility, operate in association with a voice activation means of restricting access to certain types of (user-defined) facility, operate in association with transmission and recep objectionable content. The parent control facility 150 may tion circuitry on the mobile communication facility, operate include multi-level and/or dynamic web filtering technology 40 in association with mobile host facilities 114, produce a to filter and block out inappropriate content. The parental graphical user interface on the mobile communication facil control facility 150 may link to other features of the wireless ity, or perform other functions related to the mobile commu search platform 100 or mobile communication facility 102. nication facility and/or systems and processes as disclosed For example, the parental control facility 150 may, upon herein. The client application interface may perform several blocking objectionable content, send an email notification or 45 functions, such as producing a graphical user interface on the cell phone alert about inappropriate web browsing, instant mobile communication facility. Another function may be messaging, and chat sessions, etc. Comprehensive log reports expanding a line item (e.g. a category, a download configu can Summarize a child’s activities. The parental control facil ration or option, etc.) when a cursor or other interface is ity 150 may also include the means to control the total time hovering on the item or otherwise interacting with the item. that a user is permitted to use a mobile communication facility 50 Another function may be to represent a hierarchy by a visual 102 or the Internet, filter web based email accounts, block cue (e.g. with an arrow, multifaceted arrow, plus sign, or the objectionable pop up ads, etc. like) with the sub-items appearing below when the visual cue A voice recognition facility 160 may be a software com is selected. Another function may be representing a hierarchy ponent enabling a machine or device (e.g., a cellular phone) to as line items with selection scrolling in another screen with understand human spoken language and to carry out spoken 55 the Sub-items. Another function may be to provide instrumen commands. Typically, a human Voice is received by the device tation to allow for tracking of user clicks just as web pages and converted to analog audio. The analog audio may in turn would be tracked for click patterns. Another function may be be converted into a digital format using, for example, an using a camera associated with the mobile communication analog-to-digital converter, which digital data may be inter facility to track phone movement as a method for navigating preted using Voice recognition techniques. Generally this is 60 on the screen (e.g. Scrolling up/down & left/right on a picture, done through the use of a digital database storing a Vocabu map, or text to facilitate selection of an item, or the like). lary of words or syllables, coupled with a means of comparing Another function may be to provide Smooth visual transitions this stored data with the digital voice signals received by the (e.g. hierarchy screen movements and expanding line item) device. The speech patterns of a unique user may be stored on which may provide further visual indication, thereby increas a hard drive (locally or remotely) or other memory device, 65 ing usage and sales. Another function may be to provide tool and may be loaded into memory, in whole or in part, when the tips for icons. The tool tips may be presented after a prede program is run. A comparator may use, for example, correla termined hover time is achieved or there may be a visual cue US 8,819,659 B2 39 40 near an action icon, for example. Another function may be to Another function may be to automatically update the appli download suggestions in the background while cached Sug cation, with the user's permission. This particular function gestions are already displayed. Another function may be to may be deployed in a phased manner that does not force all download Suggestions to display next to cached suggestions. devices do not require updating at the same time. Another function may be to cache results (e.g. operate simi In a wireless search platform 100, a mobile communication larly to Suggestions). Another function may be to operate with facility 102 may include a cache Such as a cache memory, or preinstalled cached suggestions. Another function may be to a portion of a memory organized as a cache. The memory may perform Software update notification, wherein the user may be a hard drive, a static memory, or a non-volatile memory. have the option to update. Another function may be to present The memory may be permanently installed in the mobile notifications. Such notifications may be phased in to prevent 10 millions of handsets from trying to update at the same time, communication facility 102, or may be removable Such as a for example. The client application interface may be designed memory card. to handle multiple mobile communication facility variations The cache may contain suggestions, such as mobile con without requiring different versions of the software. The cli tent, which may be accessed and presented on a display of the ent application interface may generate a gradient shading 15 mobile communication facility 102 as a result of an action by and/or dithering to give color depth without putting a bitmap a user of the mobile communication facility 102. The cached in the application. This may be provided to reduce the appli information may also be accessed and presented as a result of cation size to facilitate downloads (e.g. increase speed of an action by a provider of services to the mobile communi downloads). Another function may be to provide multi-lin cation facility 102, or by an automated application running on gual Support. Another function may be to allow a user to send the mobile communication facility 102. Suggestions may be to a friend results or an item result (e.g. this may apply to any cached locally on the mobile communication facility 102 and of the delivery facilities presented herein). Another function blended with the performance of network updates to facilitate may be to provide pagination for results to increase page load optimizing the overall performance of the wireless platform speed and minimize network costs. Another function may be 1OO. to search history stored locally to allow quick access from 25 Data stored in the cache may be input directly by the user every list screen. The client application interface may be (e.g. a user name, address, search query). Alternatively the designed to incorporate carrier branding and the carrier data stored in the cache may be transferred from the mobile branding may be in color and a logo may be presented. network from a server 134, wireless provider 108, or a mobile Another function may be to provide different data transfer search host facility 114. The cached data may be compressed modes to allow for different mobile communication facilities, 30 prior to transmission to the mobile communication facility carrier network speeds, user data plans, or other situations. 102, and may be decompressed after receipt on the mobile Another function may be to provide a thin visual cue for communication facility 102. The data may be decompressed background network activity without taking significant upon receipt, or may be decompressed as the data is accessed screen real-estate and allowing for continued interactivity of to be presented. application. Another function may be to provide a skinnable 35 The cached data may be mobile content Such as sponsored search application whose arrangement and/or appearance content, a sponsored link, a sponsored call, downloadable may be customized, or the client application interface may be content, an audio stream, a video, a graphic element, an index locally skinnable. Another function may be to provide a Such as a yellow pages or a white pages. Caching mobile dynamic font selection and display based on information content facilitates fast access and display of the content when relating to the mobile communication facility 102. Another 40 needed to reply to a user query or input. function may be to provide a dynamic screen reformatting A client application interface of the mobile communication based on information relating to the mobile communication facility 102 may download suggestions in the background facility 102. Another function may be to provide for entry of while cached suggestions are displayed. Another client appli a general topic with categories and associated results dis cation interface function may be to download and display played to allow for selection of the rest of the query without 45 network Suggestions next to cached suggestions. The client having to type in the entire query on a limited Query Entry application interface may cache search results (e.g. operate Facility 120. Another function may be to provide or associate similarly to caching Suggestions), or it may operate with with a dynamic cache size based on information relating to preinstalled cached suggestions. the mobile communication facility capabilities. Another Suggestions, information, and mobile content to be down function may be to pre-download information through search 50 loaded to the mobile communication facility 102 may be experience (e.g. downloading results in background before generated by a server 134 or mobile search host facility 114 selecting content type). Another function may be to provide by ranking content based upon popularity, the frequency of high speed and low speed network communication based on query activity, frequency within content, the acceleration of changing data usage pattern or on other factors (e.g. process the frequency of content, the frequency of purchases, the sales ing more transactions in the background when the mobile 55 conversion rate, as well as any changes that occur to any of communication facility is associated with a slow network). these metrics. Another function may be to provide query composition using Suggestions may be retrieved from the cache in response to a combination of suggestions. The client application interface a query input by the user. If the cache cannot provide a full list may perform other functions as needed on the mobile com of Suggestions, a request may be sent to a server 134 or a munication facility in connection with the functions and 60 mobile search host facility 114. However, a request for sug facilities outlined herein as well as other conventional func gestions may be sent by the mobile communication facility tions of the mobile communication facility 102. Another 102 independent of the amount of relevant Suggestions in the function may be to use dynamic memory management, spe cache. This facilitates keeping the cached Suggestions cifically using more or less memory for previous screens, updated. These updated Suggestions may be displayed along pre-fetched information or cached databased on the capabili 65 with the cached suggestions, and then the updated Sugges ties of the device, and based on the other memory demands of tions may be cached to speed up future Suggestions. The the device. Such as otherapplications or content on the phone. updated Suggestions may supplement or replace the previ US 8,819,659 B2 41 42 ously cached suggestions. The previously cached Suggestions processing of results may increase the speed at which some may be replaced if the new Suggestions are ranked higher. results can be presented to a mobile communication facility Suggestions, content, and other information cached on the 102. In embodiments, certain categories of results may be mobile communication facility 102 may be identified with a presented to the mobile communication facility 102 before date stamp or time stamp of caching. A function of the client other categories. For example, images may take longer to application interface may be to request updates to cached download, process, and/or collect as compared to ringtones, information based on the age of the cached information. As an so the category of ringtones, or individual ringtones, may be example such a function may ensure that cached Suggestions presented to the mobile communication facility 102 before or are updated every 48 hours or sooner. while the image results or image category is presented. To effectively use the cache memory resources of the 10 FIG.3 illustrates a generalized disambiguation process for mobile communication facility 102, a server may reply to a a disambiguation facility 140 associated with a mobile com request for an update of cached Suggestions with information munication facility 102 and a data source, such as a mobile that indicates the cached suggestions no longer rank high Subscriber characteristics database 112, according to an enough relative to other suggestions or user characteristics to aspect of the present invention. The disambiguation facility continue to be stored on the mobile communication facility 15 140 is a means for deriving greater clarity from ambiguous 102. In Such an example, the client application interface may user queries. As depicted in the FIG. 3 schematic, a query delete the appropriate cached information such that it will not entry 120 may be processed through a wireless communica appear in response to future searches or queries, freeing up tion facility 104 and/or wireless provider 108 to a disambigu the memory for other uses. Upon detecting a query to which ation facility 140. Although the example provided in FIG. 3 the server indicates cached information is obsolete, the server shows a disambiguation facility 140 linked to a mobile sub 134 may also download new suggestions, information, con scriber characteristics database 112, the disambiguation tent, or the like to the mobile communication facility 102 for facility 140 may link to any number of other data sources caching. (e.g., carrier business rules 130, content walled garden 132, Suggestions, mobile content, or information may be down etc.). Similarly, disambiguation may proceed through facili loaded to the cache of a mobile communication facility 102 25 ties other than a disambiguation facility 140 (e.g., a parent through an explicit search, or through an implicit search. An controls facility 150 or algorithm facility 144). As shown in example of an explicit search includes a user entering a search FIG.3, the disambiguation facility 140 may receive the query query in the user interface of a mobile communication facility from the wireless communication facility 104 or the wireless 102 and requesting a search. An implicit search includes provider 108 and link the query to information known about search activity performed either as a result of a query by the 30 the user that is stored in the mobile subscriber database 112 client application interface of the mobile communication (e.g., age, sex, past Internet usage, etc.). This additional infor facility 102 without a user query entry, or by one or more mation, coupled with the original query entry 120, may per applications running on the server 134 or the mobile search mit an unambiguous query to be processed. For example, a host facility 114. Implicit searches may be triggered based on user may enter a query entry 120 of “Royals.” This query a schedule, based on a change in location of a mobile com 35 entry 120 may be processed through the wireless communi munication facility 102, and based on the age of the cached cation facility 104 or a wireless provider 108 to a disambigu information in the mobile communication facility 102 cache ation facility 140 that is linked to a mobile subscriber data memory. As an example, a user's location may change Such as base 112 containing, among other data, the user's residence when a user travels to a different city. This change in location of Kansas City, Mo. The disambiguation facility 140 may link may trigger an implicit search of local restaurants meeting a 40 this demographic information to the query entry 120 “Roy criteria established based on prior user behavior, perhaps als' and predict (i.e., disambiguate) that the user is more including other users behavior upon entering this location. likely seeking information pertaining to the Kansas City Roy The presentation of information, such as cached sugges als baseball team than information about the family of Swed tions, may be the result of user search query. If there is a ish Royals. Disambiguation may include part-of-speech dis matching relationship between the search query and the pre 45 ambiguation, word sense disambiguation, phrase viously downloaded results in the mobile communication identification, named entry recognition, or full sentential facility 102 cache, the previously downloaded results may be parsing. Part-of-speech disambiguation refers to the process presented. The user may perceive this as a very fast search or of assigning a part-of-speech tag (e.g., noun, verb, adjective) a high bandwidth connection because the search results are to each word in a query. By assigning the part-of-speechtag to presented from a memory of the mobile communication facil 50 each word, the device can draw inferences about each word ity 102. by virtue of its context. For example, the word “house' may Cached Suggestions may also be presented to a user even if be a noun or a verb. By tagging this word with an appropriate the user cannot connect to the wireless network, enabling the part-of-speech tag, additional information about the user user to gain access to important network information which query, and its ultimate goal, may be derived. Word sense has been cached on the user's mobile communication facility 55 disambiguation refers to the process of Sorting words that 102. have multiple meanings. Phrase identification refers to the The cached information may be presented in categorized process of relating each word to others within a phrase to groups, in thumbnail format, or in a preview format such as an derive the context of individual words. Named entity recog audible ring tone preview, a text excerpt, a video excerpt, or nition generally refers to recognition of proper nouns that an audio file excerpt. 60 refer to specific names, places, countries, etc. Full sentential A client application interface may process or cause pro parsing is the process of decomposing a sentence into Smaller cesses to occur in the background. For example, in embodi units and identifying the grammatical role of each and its ments, results may be presented to the mobile communication relation to the other units. These and other techniques may be facility 102 as they are retrieved without waiting for the entire employed within the disambiguation facility 140 to infer a result set to be retrieved. In embodiments, certain results may 65 users intended meaning for a search or search String. be presented and displayed while other results are in the FIG. 4 depicts an interactive process between the mobile process of being presented or displayed. This background communication facility 102 and the query assistance facility US 8,819,659 B2 43 44 210 that may be used for assisted query formation 2400. Once that are in the user's immediate vicinity and further filtered by a user Submits a query entry 120 to the mobile communication the subscriber's characteristics to recommend only that sub facility 102, a process of correction 244 may be necessary for set of restaurants serving lunch in the user's current vicinity assisted query formation 2400 that is sufficient to yield intel that have received high ratings by restaurant patrons with a ligible and useful result set(s). This process may occur on the demographic profile similar to the users. As with the above client side 102 and/or within the mobile communication facil restaurant example, similar processes for generating mean ity 104. As part of the correction 244 process, information ingful recommendations may be applied to other services and specific to the type of mobile communication facility 102 may products, including transportation, food, theater, sports, be used; for example, if the device has unique delivery capa entertainment, movies, corporations, work, banks, post bilities, the query may need correction in order to derive a 10 offices, mail facilities; location of and directions to gas sta result set compatible with these capabilities. Information tions, taxis, buses, trains, cars, airports, babysitters, and other stored in the mobile subscriber characteristics database 112, service and goods providers such as drug stores, drive through location information 2408, or time information 2410 may restaurants, bars, clubs; times of movies and entertainment; also be used with the correction 244 process. news; and local information. For example, a user may provide a query entry 120 "Col 15 Various aspects of the assisted query formulation 2400 train' that is sent through a wireless communication facility may be activated or de-activated under user or provider con 104 so that the query assistance facility 210 may begin. trol. For example, a user with a particular search, such as a Because the query assistance facility 210 is linked to other phone number for a particular individual, may wish to Sup data sources, as part of the correction 244 process, informa press corrections or suggestions that might be generated with tion from the filter algorithm facility 144 may be linked to the assisted query formulation 2400, which might otherwise try query entry 120 to provide more information to be used in the to replace a correct, but unusual, name spelling with more process of producing a more useful search query. In this conventional or popular Subject matter. Thus in one aspect, a example, the user's filteralgorithm facility 144 may use infor user interface for an assisted query formation system may mation Such as a history of online purchases, product names, include controls for selectively activating various ones of the numbers, purchase amounts, and purchase dates and times. 25 tools available to the system. The tools may include, for Within the databases associated with the filter algorithm facil example, the recommendations, predictions, disambigua ity 144 there may be a history of many recent purchases of tions, categorizations, and the like discussed above. In compact discs recorded by the saxophonist, John Coltrane. another aspect, a service provider Such as the wireless pro Because the original user query entry 120, “Coltrain' is not a vider 108 or mobile communication facility 102 described known word, the query assistance facility 210 may predict a 30 above may offer selected ones of the tools as value-added correction 244, taking into account user-specific data con services that may be provided to select customers, such as tained in the purchase history of the filter algorithm facility full-service or premium customers, or offered on an a la carte 144. Such as that the user seeks information pertaining to basis individually or in packages. In Such embodiments, “Coltrane, as opposed to “CoalTrain” or “SoulTrain.” etc. In query assistance may be requested by a customer using, e.g., various embodiments, or particular user searches within one 35 a web site, cellular phone data access, or telephone Voice embodiment, the query assistance facility 210 may involve access, and may be requested on a Subscription basis. Such as one of these additional data facilities, a plurality of the data recurring monthly, or on a daily or per search basis. facilities, or none of the data facilities. FIG. 5 shows a generalized process for the ordering 500, It is possible that a user's query entry 120 returns a null displaying 502, and sponsorship 504 prioritization of query result set or an improbable result set. In this case, the search 40 results based upon the association of a query entry 120 with facility, in conjunction with the mobile communication facil additional data sources, such as a mobile Subscriber charac ity 102, could automatically trigger correction 244 and itera teristics database 112, a filter algorithm facility 144, a loca tively cycle through alternative query entries 120 until a non tion database 2408, and/or a time data 2410. The ordering null or higher probability result set is delivered. 500, display 502, and sponsorship 504 prioritization may In embodiments, additional recommendations may be 45 involve one of these additional data facilities, a plurality of the made following a user's query entry based upon the informa data facilities, or none of the data facilities as appropriate. tion related to the mobile communication facility. For In embodiments, the methods and systems disclosed herein example, mobile Subscriber characteristics, carrier business can be adapted to provide an optimized search based on rules, or sponsor information, in conjunction with the query mobile subscriber characteristics 112, including any of the entry, may suggest relevant recommendations for the user. 50 characteristics 112 described herein and in the documents The recommendations may be paired with the query entry incorporated by reference herein. Thus, these methods and search results or presented prior to, or following, the display systems may include providing a search function adapted for of the search results. a mobile device and adapting the search function based on A user's prior search activities and search results may also characteristics of the subscriber of the mobile device, wherein be used to create recommendations for the user. Prior search 55 the subscriber characteristics are derived at least in part from activities may include transactions, search queries, visits to a mobile subscriber data facility that is maintained by a carrier websites, and other acts initiated by the user on the mobile of mobile device services. communication facility. The geographic location of the In embodiments the adapted search function may be an mobile communication facility may foster recommendations implicit query, an active query, a disambiguation action, a including, but not limited to, sponsor information (e.g. prod 60 retrieval function, a filtering function, a presentation func ucts and services) in the user's current geographic vicinity. tion, a routing function, or another function or action related The current time may be used independently or in conjunc to initiation, processing, or completion of a search or presen tion with other information to create user recommendations. tation of search results. For example, the independent fact that it is noon, may create In one embodiment the search function is adapted based on recommendations for restaurants serving lunch. This infor 65 age. The age-adapted search function may be an implicit mation may be further filtered by the location of the mobile query, an active query, a disambiguation action, a retrieval communication facility to recommend only those restaurants function, a filtering function, a presentation function, a rout US 8,819,659 B2 45 46 ing function, or another function or action relating to the sentation function, a routing function, or another function or initiation, processing, or completion of a search. For example, action relating to the initiation, processing, or completion of a mobile communication facility 102 may have an implicit a search. The information may be obtained from a mobile query 204 running, so that upon viewing a user interface of subscriber characteristics 112 database, either obtained by a the mobile communication facility 102, the user sees results carrier based on application or transactions, or inferred based of a query that is automatically pre-formulated for the user. on past behavior or searches of the user. The religion-adapted The implicit query 204 may be based on the age of the user, search function may, for example, run implicit queries that are Such as running the query most frequently run by persons of most popular among members of the same religious affilia similar age on the same day. For example, a teenager might tion. A religion-adapted disambiguation facility may disam have an implicit query 204 that relates to a music group or 10 biguate queries based on religious affiliation. For example, a movie, an adult might have an implicit query that relates to query for “Muhammed might return information about the major new headlines, and a retired person might have an prophet for members of Islamic religions, while it might implicit query that relates to information relevant to financial return information about the boxer for those who don't have markets. An age-adapted search function may also operate in religious affiliations. connection with an active query; for example, a given query 15 In one embodiment the search function is adapted based on may return results that are age-appropriate, age-filtered, age area code. The area code-adapted search function may be an ranked, or age-disambiguated. For example, entering “Pink' implicit query, an active query, a disambiguation action, a might return results for Pink Floyd if the user is overage 30, retrieval function, a filtering function, a presentation func while it might return results for the female artist Pink if the tion, a routing function, or another function or action relating user is under 30. A user might be prompted to resolve such an to the initiation, processing, or completion of a search. For ambiguity, or the ambiguity might be automatically resolved example, a user with a given area code could receive implicit for the user. Thus, an age-adapted search function may be query results based on other searches by members of the same provided for a mobile communication facility. In embodi area code. Also, queries may be disambiguated or results ments, the age of the user may be obtained from a mobile filtered, sorted, or presented based on area code (or other subscriber data facility that stores mobile subscriber charac 25 location information). For example, a user entering “Paris' in teristics 112. the 270 area code might receive results for Paris, Tenn.; a user In one embodiment the search function is adapted based on entering “Paris' in the 310 area code might receive results for gender. The gender-adapted search function may be an Paris, Hilton; and a user entering the same word in the 617 implicit query, an active query, a disambiguation action, a area code might receive results for Paris, France. retrieval function, a filtering function, a presentation func 30 In one embodiment the search function is adapted based on tion, a routing function, or another function or action relating home address. The address-adapted search function may be to the initiation, processing, or completion of a search. Gen an implicit query, an active query, a disambiguation action, a der may be determined by reference to a database that stores retrieval function, a filtering function, a presentation func mobile subscriber characteristics 112, such as a database of a tion, a routing function, or another function or action relating carrier of wireless services. A gender-adapted search function 35 to the initiation, processing, or completion of a search. As may, for example, inform an implicit query 204. Such as with the area code-adapted search function example above, presenting results of the searches that are most popular for the implicit query, disambiguation, or results can be varied that gender for that day. Similarly, results may be disambigu based on the location of the user's home address (information ated by a disambiguation process 210 that is informed by that can be obtained from, for example, a carrier's database of gender. For example, the search process might run a query on 40 mobile subscriber characteristics 112). a database of female-oriented sites if the user is female while In one embodiment the search function is adapted based on running a query on male-oriented sites if the user is male. work address. The work-address-adapted search function Similarly, a disambiguation process 210 may filter results may be an implicit query, an active query, a disambiguation based on gender. For example, a query Such as “uprights' action, a retrieval function, a filtering function, a presentation might return results for vacuum cleaners for a female user 45 function, a routing function, or another function or action while returning results for football kickers for a male user. relating to the initiation, processing, or completion of a In one embodiment the search function is adapted based on search. For example, a user may see results of an implicit ethnicity. The ethnicity-adapted search function may be an query 204 that is the same as other queries from the user's implicit query, an active query, a disambiguation action, a employer, Such as press releases that mention the employer. A retrieval function, a filtering function, a presentation func 50 disambiguation facility 210 may resolve ambiguity (includ tion, a routing function, or another function or action relating ing with help of the user) based on work address. For to the initiation, processing, or completion of a search. For example, a user with a work address at a location of General example, an implicit query 204 may generate results that are Electric might receive search results on that company when most popular among members of an ethnic group. A search or entering the term “light' in a search engine, while a user with query formation process may search for results that relate to 55 a different work address might receive results relating to a targeted ethnic group. A disambiguation process 210 (either lighting products. Again, the work address information may upon query formation or upon result retrieval or presentation) be obtained from a database of mobile subscriber character may disambiguate based on ethnicity. For example, a query istics 112. Such as maintained by a carrier of wireless Ser related to “paris' might return results for Paris, France, for a vices. French person, while returning results for Paris Hilton for an 60 In one embodiment the search function is adapted based on American. Ethnicity information may be obtained from a billing address. The billing-address-adapted search function database of mobile subscriber characteristics 112, or it might may be an implicit query, an active query, a disambiguation be entered by the user in the user interface. action, a retrieval function, a filtering function, a presentation In one embodiment the search function is adapted based on function, a routing function, or another function or action religion or cultural affinity. The religion-adapted search func 65 relating to the initiation, processing, or completion of a tion may be an implicit query, an active query, a disambigu search. The billing address information may be obtained from ation action, a retrieval function, a filtering function, a pre a database of mobile subscriber characteristics 112, such as US 8,819,659 B2 47 48 may be maintained by a carrier of wireless services. The search may be running that presents searches or results that billing-address-adapted search function may, for example, are similar to those recently run by family members or friends present implicit query results similar to those of other users of the user. A disambiguation process 210 may operate based with the same billing address (such as queries relevant to the on family information, such as resolving ambiguity in queries business enterprise that exists at that billing address). Simi based on searches conducted by family members, or based on larly, queries may be disambiguated or results filtered, Sorted, the status of the family. Similarly, results may be filtered, presented, or routed based on billing address. For example, a sorted, presented, or routed based on family information. For user with a billing address at a location of a large company example, a search for the term custody might lead to results on may be presented with results that relate to that company, child custody for a divorced user, while it might reveal infor while a user with a residential address as the billing address 10 mation on trust and custody accounts for a married user. may receive results that are tailored to users in the general In one embodiment the search function is adapted based on area of that location. birthplace. The birthplace adapted search function may be an In embodiments, information about the user's home implicit query, an active query, a disambiguation action, a address, area code, billing address, or other location informa retrieval function, a filtering function, a presentation func tion may be combined with information about a user's current 15 tion, a routing function, or another function or action relating location as determined by a location facility 110, such as to to the initiation, processing, or completion of a search. Thus, determine whether a user is in proximity to the user's home or an implicit search based on birthplace may include searches workplace. If so, a user may receive query results suitable for or results that are similar to those of other users with the same one of those environments (such as receiving work-related birthplace or users currently located in proximity to the birth information while at work and consumer information while at place. Similarly, results may be filtered or queries disambigu home). If the user is far from home and work, then the user ated based on birthplace. For example, entering "derby may may receive (by implicit query, or as a result of a search) retrieve results relating to horse racing for users born in Ken results that are pertinent to travel in the location where the tucky, while it may retrieve results relating to hats for users user is located. Such as hotel, car rental, and restaurant infor born elsewhere. mation. Similarly, an away-from-home user may have an 25 In one embodiment the search function is adapted based on implicit query formed, or a partial query disambiguated, driver's license information. The license-information based on the user's status as a traveler. For example, a partial adapted search function may be an implicit query, an active entry for “hot” might return shopping bargains for a user close query, a disambiguation action, a retrieval function, a filtering to home, while it might return hotels for a user who is trav function, a presentation function, a routing function, or eling. 30 another function or action relating to the initiation, process In one embodiment the search function is adapted based on ing, or completion of a search. License information may credit card information. The credit card information-adapted include age and address information, which may be used as search function may be an implicit query, an active query, a contemplated by the various age- and location-based search disambiguation action, a retrieval function, a filtering func function examples provided herein. License information may tion, a presentation function, a routing function, or another 35 also include height, weight, hair color, eye color, vision sta function or action relating to the initiation, processing, or tus, and the like. For example, a user may be presented results completion of a search. The credit card information may be that are similar to those of persons of similar appearance. obtained from a database of mobile subscriber characteristics In one embodiment the search function is adapted based on 112 or from a credit card provider. The information may employment data. The position-adapted search function may include information relating to current balances, credit limits, 40 bean implicit query, an active query, a disambiguation action, or the like. For example, an implicit query may present results a retrieval function, a filtering function, a presentation func based on the available credit balance for a user, such as tion, a routing function, or another function or action relating presenting searches or results for expensive goods for a user to the initiation, processing, or completion of a search. The who has a low balance and high credit limit, while presenting employment data may be obtained from a database of mobile searches or results for financial counselors for users who have 45 Subscriber characteristics 112. Such as that maintained by a high balances and low credit limits. carrier of wireless services. The employment data may, for In one embodiment the search function is adapted based on example, indicate a user's status as an officer of a company, as passwords. The password-adapted search function may be an an employee of a certain type (e.g., sales and marketing, implicit query, an active query, a disambiguation action, a Supply chain management, finance, human resources, or the retrieval function, a filtering function, a presentation func 50 like) or level (e.g., associate, manager, Vice-president, etc.), tion, a routing function, or another function or action relating length of employment, or other status. For example, an to the initiation, processing, or completion of a search. Thus, implicit query 204 may present results similar to those for a mobile search facility may include a password-protected searches run by users holding similar positions in other com search capability, such as allowing searches for certain types panies. Similarly, a query may be disambiguated, or a result of content only if the user enters the correct password. For 55 retrieved, sorted, filtered, presented, or routed, based on the example, walled garden content like ringtones or video clips user's position. For example, a sales manager entering might be available only if the user enters a password that is “incentive” might receive information on promotions related stored in the database of mobile subscriber characteristics to his employer's products, while a human resources manager 112. might receive information relating to employee incentive In one embodiment the search function is adapted based on 60 stock options. family information (e.g., mother's maiden name, number of In one embodiment the search function is adapted based on siblings, marital status, or the like). The family information employer. The employer-adapted search function may be an adapted search function may be an implicit query, an active implicit query, an active query, a disambiguation action, a query, a disambiguation action, a retrieval function, a filtering retrieval function, a filtering function, a presentation func function, a presentation function, a routing function, or 65 tion, a routing function, or another function or action relating another function or action relating to the initiation, process to the initiation, processing, or completion of a search. An ing, or completion of a search. For example, an implicit employer-adapted implicit query may show results similar to US 8,819,659 B2 49 50 those for other searches run by employees of the same a retrieval function, a filtering function, a presentation func employer on the same day or in recent days. An employer tion, a routing function, or another function or action relating adapted disambiguation facility 204 may resolve ambiguities to the initiation, processing, or completion of a search. For as to the query or results based on the status of the employer, example, a user may be presented implicit query 164 results and an employer-adapted search function may retrieve, sort, similar to those of family members or friends. A user query present, or route results based on employer characteristics, may be disambiguated, or search results retrieved, sorted, such as obtained from a database of mobile subscriber char presented, or routed based on friends and family information. acteristics 112. For example, a user whose employer is the For example, a user entering "sister” in a user interface may United States Patent Office might receive information on receive results obtained by a sister's most recent searches, processing patents in response to a query on “application'. 10 while a user who does not have friends and family might while a Microsoft employee might receive information on receive results relating to nuns. Software applications in response to the same query. In one embodiment the search function 142 is adapted In one embodiment the search function is adapted based on based on bill amount(s). The bill-amount-adapted search annual income. The annual income adapted search function function 142 may be an implicit query 164, an active query, a may be an implicit query, an active query, a disambiguation 15 disambiguation action, a retrieval function, a filtering func action, a retrieval function, a filtering function, a presentation tion, a presentation function, a routing function, or another function, a routing function, or another function or action function or action relating to the initiation, processing, or relating to the initiation, processing, or completion of a completion of a search. For example, a user whose bill is search. Annual income may be obtained from a database of declining may be presented with offers to obtain more mobile mobile subscriber characteristics 112, such as that main services, while a user whose bill is very high might receive tained by a carrier of wireless services. An implicit query 204 information about making choices that will reduce the cost of may thus present results that are for searches by incomes of wireless services. similar annual income, or searches that are designed to fit the In one embodiment the search function 142 is adapted demographic characteristics for that annual income. For based on average bill total. The average bill-adapted search example, middle-income individuals may be presented 25 function 142 may be an implicit query 164, an active query, a results for mid-sized, value-based cars, while high-income disambiguation action, a retrieval function, a filtering func individuals may be presented results for luxury items, vaca tion, a presentation function, a routing function, or another tions, or the like. A disambiguation facility 204 may resolve function or action relating to the initiation, processing, or ambiguities about queries, and a search function may retrieve, completion of a search. For example, a user whose current bill sort, present, or route results based on annual income. For 30 exceeds the average may be presented with results relating to example, a query for “boat' might runa query or reveal results saving money, while a user whose current bill is less than the for commuter boat schedules for individuals of middle average may be presented with opportunities to purchase income but might run a query or reveal results for yachts for other services or content, Such as walled garden content 132. high-income individuals. In one embodiment the search function 142 is adapted As with annual income-adapted searches, in one embodi 35 based on payment history. The payment-history-adapted ment the search function is adapted based on income bracket. search function 142 may be an implicit query 164, an active The income-bracket adapted search function may be an query, a disambiguation action, a retrieval function, a filtering implicit query, an active query, a disambiguation action, a function, a presentation function, a routing function, or retrieval function, a filtering function, a presentation func another function or action relating to the initiation, process tion, a routing function, or another function or action relating 40 ing, or completion of a search. For example, a user who is to the initiation, processing, or completion of a search. up-to-date on payments may receive offers for additional In one embodiment the search function is adapted based on services, while a user who is delayed may receive reminders items purchased. The items-purchased-adapted search func or may receive results that relate to managing debt. Similarly, tion may be an implicit query, an active query, a disambigu users whose payment histories are favorable may be pre ation action, a retrieval function, a filtering function, a pre 45 sented with results that relate to more expensive goods and sentation function, a routing function, or another function or services. action relating to the initiation, processing, or completion of In one embodiment the search function 142 is adapted a search. Items purchased may be obtained from a database based on on-time payment history. The on-time payment maintained by a carrier, such as showing transactions made history adapted search function 142 may be an implicit query using a mobile communication facility 102. For example, 50 164, an active query, a disambiguation action, a retrieval implicit queries may be run and results presented based on function, a filtering function, a presentation function, a rout transaction history, such as presenting results for peripherals ing function, or another function or action relating to the and software applications for individuals who have recently initiation, processing, or completion of a search. For example, purchased a computer, or the like. Similarly, queries may be users with very good records of making payments on time disambiguated, or search results retrieved, sorted, presented, 55 may be presented with more favorable offers, such as incen or routed based on items purchased by a user. For example, a tives or promotions, based on the prediction that their pay user who has recently purchased a car and who enters "car in ment histories will continue to be favorable. a user interface may receive information about registering the In one embodiment the search function 142 is adapted car, obtaining insurance, or the like, while a user who has based on on-line usage amount. The on-line usage amount recently shopped for, but not purchased, a car may receive 60 adapted search function 142 may be an implicit query 164, an results showing ratings of cars. active query, a disambiguation action, a retrieval function, a In one embodiment the search function 142 is adapted filtering function, a presentation function, a routing function, based on friends and family information (including any of the or another function or action relating to the initiation, pro foregoing types of information as stored in a database of cessing, or completion of a search. The usage amount may be mobile subscriber characteristics 112). The friend-and-fam 65 obtained from a database maintained by a wireless service ily information-adapted search function 142 may be an provider. On-line usage amount may be used to generate implicit query 164, an active query, a disambiguation action, implicit query 164 results. For example, heavy users may be US 8,819,659 B2 51 52 presented with results similar to other heavy users (such as In one embodiment the search function 142 is adapted more specialized types of results), while less heavy users may based on number of children. The number-of-children be presented with more general results, such as news head adapted search function 142 may be an implicit query 164, an lines. Queries may be disambiguated, or results retrieved, active query, a disambiguation action, a retrieval function, a Sorted, presented or routed, based on on-line usage amount. filtering function, a presentation function, a routing function, For example, a heavy on-line user entering "blog may be or another function or action relating to the initiation, pro sent to the day's most popular blogs, while a light user might cessing, or completion of a search. The number of children be presented with more general results describing the blog may be obtained from a database of mobile subscriber char ging phenomenon. acteristics 112, Such as that maintained by a wireless provider In one embodiment the search function 142 is adapted 10 108. An implicit query 204 may run based on number of based on duration of on-line interactions. The duration children. For example, a childless user may receive results adapted search function 142 may be an implicit query 164, an based on other factors, while a user with four children might active query, a disambiguation action, a retrieval function, a receive implicit query 204 results that relate to childrearing or filtering function, a presentation function, a routing function, to educational funding products. Similarly, queries may be or another function or action relating to the initiation, pro 15 disambiguated, or results returned, sorted, presented, or cessing, or completion of a search. For example, in an implicit routed based on number of children. For example, a user with query 164204, a user with a history of long interactions may children entering the term “cold might receive health-related be presented with a more complex or extensive result set, information relating to outbreaks of the common cold, while while a user with a history of short interactions may be pre a user with no children might receive general weather infor sented only with basic information. Similarly, a disambigua mation. tion facility 204 or a search function 142 that retrieves, sorts, In one embodiment the search function 142 is adapted presents, or routes results may do so based on duration of based on shopping habits (e.g., views of or purchases of goods on-line interactions. For example, a user whose interactions and services made with a technology like Mobile Lime). The are long may be presented with long articles, scientific shopping-habit-adapted search function 142 may be an research, or the like, while a user with shorter duration inter 25 implicit query 164, an active query, a disambiguation action, actions may be presented only with news headlines or the like. a retrieval function, a filtering function, a presentation func Similarly, for example, a short-duration user entering “foot tion, a routing function, or another function or action relating ball may receive a list of the day's scores, while a long to the initiation, processing, or completion of a search. For duration user may receive articles on football. example, a user who shops frequently for music may be In one embodiment the search function 142 is adapted 30 presented with music-oriented content in an implicit search based on number of on-line interactions. The interaction 204, while the implicit search may present different items to adapted search function 142 may be an implicit query 164, an other users whose shopping habits are different. Similarly, active query, a disambiguation action, a retrieval function, a queries may be disambiguated, or results returned, sorted, filtering function, a presentation function, a routing function, presented, or routed, based on shopping habits. For example, or another function or action relating to the initiation, pro 35 a frequent book purchaser may be presented with Stephen cessing, or completion of a search. For example, in an implicit King books upon entering "King' in a query interface, while query 204, a user with a history of many interactions may be a frequent music purchaser may be presented with results presented with more results, while a user with few interac related to Elvis Presley. tions may be presented only with the most pertinent results. In one embodiment the search function 142 is adapted Similarly, a disambiguation facility 204 or a search function 40 based on click stream information. The click stream-adapted 142 that retrieves, sorts, presents, or routes results may do so search function 142 may be an implicit query 164, an active based on number or frequency of on-line interactions, such as query, a disambiguation action, a retrieval function, a filtering indicated by a database of a wireless provider 108. For function, a presentation function, a routing function, or example, a user whose interactions are many may be pre another function or action relating to the initiation, process sented with long result sets, while a user with fewer interac 45 ing, or completion of a search. The click stream information tions may be presented only with the most relevant results. may be stored on the mobile communication facility 102 or in Similarly, for example, a frequent user entering “Peter may a remote location, such as a database or server maintained by receive only information relating to uses of that name in the a wireless provider 108 or an entity operating on behalf of a day's news, while a less frequent visitor might receive more wireless provider 108. A click stream-adapted search func general results, ranging from Peter the Great to Pete 50 tion 142 may run implicit queries 204 based on past behavior, Townsend to Peter Rabbit. Such as running queries for new cars if the user has recently In one embodiment the search function 142 is adapted viewed cars with the mobile communications facility 102. based on family status and family information. The family Similarly, queries may be disambiguated, or results returned, information adapted search function 142 may be an implicit Sorted, presented, or routed, based on click stream informa query 164, an active query, a disambiguation action, a 55 tion. For example, a user entering a partial URL into a query retrieval function, a filtering function, a presentation func facility may be directed to a recently visited web site, while tion, a routing function, or another function or action relating another user would be directed to a process for resolving to the initiation, processing, or completion of a search. For ambiguity. Click stream information may be used to infer a example, an implicit search may present results about dating wide range of behaviors and characteristics. Thus, the other or relationships to a single user, while a married user may 60 embodiments described herein may take place in combina receive results relating to child rearing. Similarly, a disam tion with deriving one or more mobile subscriber character biguation process 210 or a search function 142 that retrieves, istics 112 from clickstream information. For example, if click sorts, presents, or routes results may use family status and stream information shows that a user has visited twenty family information. For example, a single user entering female-oriented sites, then the information can be used to “love' may receive results relating to dating and relation 65 infer the gender of the user, after which various embodiments ships, while a married user might receive information relating of gender-adapted search function 142s described herein are to anniversaries. enabled. US 8,819,659 B2 53 54 In one embodiment the search function 142 is adapted ity 102 does not have a photo imaging capability, then photo based on device type. The device type-adapted search func related results can be filtered out of the process. Similarly, tion 142 may be an implicit query 164, an active query, a queries may be disambiguated, or results retrieved, sorted, disambiguation action, a retrieval function, a filtering func presented, or routed based on device characteristics. For tion, a presentation function, a routing function, or another example, a user may be presented with results of walled function or action relating to the initiation, processing, or garden content 132 that is consistent with the correct charac completion of a search. For example, implicit queries may be teristics of a device. Uponentering a query, a user may receive run to retrieve results that are suitable for the type of device results that are filtered to include content items that are view and filter out other results. For example, if a mobile commu able and/or downloadable for the characteristics of the device nications facility 102 does not have a video rendering capa 10 and to exclude other content. For example, a user with a bility, then video-related results can be filtered out of the device that plays .mp3 files may receive music files upon process. Similarly, queries may be disambiguated, or results entering a query for “bruce', while a user without music retrieved, sorted, presented, or routed based on device type. capabilities may receive web search results related to Bruce For example, a user may be presented with results of walled Springsteen. Device characteristics, which may be obtained garden content 132 that is consistent with a device. Upon 15 from the database of mobile subscriber characteristics 112, entering a query, a user may receive results that are filtered to may also be used to infer other items. For example, particular include content items that are viewable/downloadable for the device characteristics may be most popular with a particular device and to exclude other content. Device type, which may age of user or gender, in which case the results can be adapted be obtained from the database of mobile subscriber charac in a manner similar to that described in connection with the teristics 112, may also be used to infer other items. For age-adapted search function 142 described herein. example, a particular device may be most popular with a In one embodiment the search function 142 is adapted particular age or gender of users, in which case the results can based on usage patterns (including those based on location, be adapted in a manner similar to that described in connection time of day, or other variables). The usage-pattern-adapted with the age-adapted search function 142 described herein. search function 142 may be an implicit query 164, an active In one embodiment the search function 142 is adapted 25 query, a disambiguation action, a retrieval function, a filtering based on device version. The device version-adapted search function, a presentation function, a routing function, or function 142 may be an implicit query 164, an active query, a another function or action relating to the initiation, process disambiguation action, a retrieval function, a filtering func ing, or completion of a search. For example, if a user fre tion, a presentation function, a routing function, or another quently searches for restaurants on weekends, then an function or action relating to the initiation, processing, or 30 implicit query 204 may run restaurant searches on weekends. completion of a search. The device version may be retrieved Similarly, the same query (e.g., “rest may return restaurant from a database of mobile subscriber characteristics 112, related results on weekends, while revealing results related to such as that maintained by a wireless provider 108. For restructured text during work hours (particularly if the usage example, implicit queries may be run to retrieve results that pattern indicates that the user is a software engineer). Thus, a are suitable for the particular version of a device and filter out 35 disambiguation process 210 or a search function 142 to other results. For example, ifa mobile communication facility retrieve, sort, present, or route results may use usage patterns 102 does not have a video rendering capability, then video to accomplish those functions. Usage patterns may be related results can be filtered out of the process. Similarly, obtained from a database of mobile subscriber characteristics queries may be disambiguated, or results retrieved, sorted, 112, such as that maintained by a wireless provider 108. A presented, or routed based on device version. For example, a 40 wide range of usage patterns may be used to assist with user may be presented with results of walled garden content formation of queries (implicit and explicit) and with retrieval 132 that is consistent with the correct version of a device. and organization of results. The algorithm facility 144 may Upon entering a query, a user may receive results that are include one or more modules or engines Suitable for analyZ filtered to include content items that are viewable/download ing usage patterns to assist with Such functions. For example, able for the version of the device and to exclude other content. 45 analgorithm facility 144 may analyze usage patterns based on Device version, which may be obtained from the database of time of day, day of week, day of month, day of year, work day mobile subscriber characteristics 112, may also be used to patterns, holiday patterns, time of hour, patterns Surrounding infer other items. For example, a particular device version transactions, patterns Surrounding incoming and outgoing may be most popular with a particular age or gender of users, phone calls, patterns of clicks and clickthroughs, patterns of in which case the results can be adapted in a manner similar to 50 communications (e.g., Internet, email and chat), and any that described in connection with the age-adapted search other patterns that can be discerned from data that is collected function 142 described herein. by a wireless provider 108 or Internet service provider. Usage In one embodiment the search function 142 is adapted patterns may be analyzed using various predictive algo based on device characteristics. The device characteristics rithms, such as regression techniques (least squares and the adapted search function 142 may be an implicit query 164, an 55 like), neural net algorithms, learning engines, random walks, active query, a disambiguation action, a retrieval function, a Monte Carlo simulations, and others. For example, a usage filtering function, a presentation function, a routing function, pattern may indicate that a user has made many work-related or another function or action relating to the initiation, pro phone calls during a holiday (Such as by determining that the cessing, or completion of a search. The device characteristics user was located at work and making calls all day). Such a may be retrieved from a database of mobile subscriber char 60 user may be presented preferably with content that is related acteristics 112. Such as that maintained by a wireless provider to a vacation, such as showing hotels, rental cars, or flight 108. Characteristics may include the type of device, applica promotions in an implicit query 164, or preferentially pre tions running on the device (e.g., capability to show photos, senting Such items in response to explicit queries (including render video, play music, or the like). For example, implicit disambiguating partial queries or ambiguous queries). For queries may be run to retrieve results that are suitable for the 65 example, such a user might receive hotel information in particular characteristics of a version of a device and filter out response to entering the partial query “hot” while another other results. For example, if a mobile communications facil user receives weather information. In one Such embodiment US 8,819,659 B2 55 56 the search function 142 is adapted based on phone usage. The RFID scanner. The user of the mobile communication facility phone usage-adapted search function 142 may be an implicit 102 may use a scanner as described herein to acquire the query 164, an active query, a disambiguation action, a direct identifier. retrieval function, a filtering function, a presentation func Alternatively, a camera or any scanner may be remotely tion, a routing function, or another function or action relating connected to the mobile communication facility 102 for pur to the initiation, processing, or completion of a search. poses of acquiring the direct identifier and transferring it to In one embodiment the search function 142 is adapted the mobile communication facility 102. based on device and/or subscriber unique identifiers. The The direct identifier to be acquired by the mobile commu identifier-adapted search function 142 may be an implicit nication facility 102 may take one or more of several formats 10 and embodiments. The direct identifier may be a barcode such query 164, an active query, a disambiguation action, a as a two-dimensional code, a 3-D code (e.g. a "bumpy' code), retrieval function, a filtering function, a presentation func a 3-DI code (e.g. a circular 3-DI code). The barcode may be tion, a routing function, or another function or action relating selected from a group including an array tag, an Aztec code, to the initiation, processing, or completion of a search. Here, a small Aztec code, a codablock, a Code 1 code, a Code 16K as with usage-pattern-adapted search functions 142, the iden 15 code, a Code 49 code, a CP Code code, a DataGlyph code, a tifier may be used to identify the user in the search facility Data Matrix code, a Datastrip Code code, a Dot Code A code, 142, allowing targeted queries, disambiguation, and results. a hueCode code, a Intacta.Code code, a MaxiCode code, a A wireless search platform 100 may be used to provide MiniCode code, a PDF417 code, a Micro PDF417 code, a information to users who present a direct identifier to the QR code, a SmartCode code, a Snowflack Code code, a wireless search platform 100. A method of providing mobile SuperCode code, an Ultracode code, a multicolor code, a content relating to direct identifiers may include a user con Quick Response code, or a UPC code. trolling a mobile communication facility 102 to receive input Alternatively the direct identifier may be an RFID. The of a direct identifier, and using the direct identifier input to RFID may include formats such as EPC Gen 2, EPC Class 0+, receive mobile content, or information relating to mobile EPC Class 1, UCODE EPC 1.19, ISO 18000-6b, I-CODE1, content, for display on the user's mobile communication 25 I-CODE SLI, My-d (HF), ISO 15693, Picotag, Tag-It, Tag-it facility 102. HF, Tagsys, EPC (HF), and Tag-it HF-I. Other formats and A mobile communication facility 102 may be a phone such embodiments of barcodes and RFID tags may exist and may as a mobile phone, a cellular phone, or a GSM phone, or other be possible, including custom formats and embodiments. The mobile communication device 102 described herein. The formats and embodiments herein disclosed are meant to be 30 representative, and therefore such other formats and embodi mobile communication facility 102 may be used to acquire a ments are herein incorporated. direct identifier. The mobile communication facility 102 may decode the The direct identifier may be acquired in various ways. The direct identifier or may transmit the direct identifier (or an user of a mobile communication facility 102 may enter text image containing the direct identifier) to a server 134, a representing a direct identifier through a user interface of the 35 mobile search host facility 114, a wireless provider 108, and mobile communication facility 102. The user may alterna the like to be decoded. The direct identifier may be partially or tively audibly enter (such as speaking) the characters and/or fully decoded to determine a sufficient amount of information numbers representing the direct identifier into a microphone about the direct identifier's subject to direct mobile content or of the mobile communication facility 102. The user may enter information related to mobile content to the mobile commu the full text, characters and/or numbers of the direct identifier, 40 nication device 102 user interface display. The mobile com or a portion thereof. Such as a visible portion. munication facility 102 may decode a portion of the direct The mobile communication facility 102 may include a identifier and transmit the portion, or the portion and the camera, Such as a camera phone described herein. The user direct identifier, or the portion and the image containing the may employ a direct identifier entry application running on direct identifier. the mobile communication facility 102 to use the phone's 45 The direct identifier may include primary source informa camera to capture an image of the direct identifier. tion related to the direct identifiers subject. The primary Alternatively, the image of the direct identifier may be Source information may include, without limitation, a product received by the mobile communication facility 102 through name, a model number, a serial number, a manufacturers the wireless communication facility 104. Examples in which name, an owner's name, a band name, a sporting event, a the mobile communication facility 102 may receive an image 50 public event title, a date, a location, an invitation code, a including a direct identifier include an EMS picture message, movie title, a URL, and the like. The primary source infor a picture ID, a video message, or a video call. Alternatively mation may be abbreviated, condensed, compressed, or the image of the direct identifier may be input through any encoded. appropriate port on the mobile communication device 102 as The direct identifier may also include secondary source herein described including a memory expansion slot, an infra 55 information related to the direct identifier's subject. The sec red port, or a USB port, and through PictBridge. Other ondary Source information may include a product category, a sources from which the mobile communication facility 102 product price range, or a list of products related to the direct may receive an image of the direct identifier include the identifiers subject, an opening act, a venue, a list of music mobile service provider 108 (through the wireless communi titles, and the like. The relation may be based on a category, on cation facility 104), a mobile subscriber characteristics data 60 price, on consumer purchase data, a music genre, and the like. base 112, and a mobile search host facilities 114, or through The direct identifiers primary and/or secondary source streaming multimedia Such as from the internet. The direct information may be used to receive further information identifier may be newly acquired or may be retrieved from a related to the direct identifiers subject. This may be desir memory, such as a hard drive of the mobile communication able, or it may be necessary if the direct identifiers primary facility 102. 65 and/or secondary source information is insufficient for com The mobile communication facility 102 may be equipped paring it to information relating to mobile content. The infor with a barcode scanner, a 2D code or 3D code scanner, or an mation relating to the direct identifier's Subject may include US 8,819,659 B2 57 58 mobile web sites containing information relating to one or information relating to mobile content of other products listed more of the following: a product description, a product in the yellow pages category may be presented to the user. review, an inventory at current location, a price at current Another example has a user at a retail electronics store. The location, a price at an online location, a price at a local offline user acquires a direct identifier of a portable DVD player and location, an inventory at an online location, oran inventory at the user is presented with product reviews of the DVD player. a local offline location, a public event, a private event, a In addition to the user being presented with information celebrity, a political party, a law, and the like. related to mobile content, the user may be presented with The direct identifier's primary and/or secondary source mobile content. The mobile content may be an advertisement, and/or related information may be compared to information a sponsored link, a sponsored call, downloadable content, an related to mobile content. The comparison may occur in the 10 audio stream, a video, or a graphic element. In an example, a mobile communication facility 102, or it may occur in a user may acquire a direct identifier whose subject is a country server 134, or mobile search host facility 114. The compari and western band. The user may be presented with a phone son may result in a match of the information compared. The number for ordering tickets to the band's upcoming concert information may match exactly, or partially, or a portion of tour. Alternatively, the user may receive a call with further the information may match exactly or partially. 15 information about the direct identifier's subject. The call may The information related to mobile content may be stored on provide automated information, allow interaction with an the mobile communication facility 102 or may be down automated information system, or may be an operator with loaded dynamically based on mobile communication facility information related to the band. 102 characteristics, user characteristics, location, current In one embodiment the search function 142 is adapted events, and recent comparison activity of other users. As an based on content viewing history. The viewing-history example, a first user carrying a mobile communication facil adapted search function 142 may be an implicit query 164, an ity 102 may be in close proximity to a train station. Other active query, a disambiguation action, a retrieval function, a users of the wireless communication facility 104, or the filtering function, a presentation function, a routing function, server 134, or the mobile search host facilities 114 associated or another function or action relating to the initiation, pro with the first user, may have recently acquired and compared 25 cessing, or completion of a search. Viewing history may be direct identifiers posted in the train station. The information obtained by a local facility on the mobile communication related to mobile content matching the information related to facility 102. Such as a database or cache on a cellular phone, the direct identifiers acquired by the other users may be down or it may be obtained at a central facility, Such as an Internet loaded to the first user's mobile communication facility 102. server, or a central office for phone services. Such data may be Therefore, if the first user acquires the same direct identifier 30 retrieved, for example, from a database of mobile subscriber as the other uses, the matching information will be available characteristics 112. Viewing history may be analyzed, in on the first user's mobile communication facility 102, thereby embodiments, by an algorithm facility 144, such as to infer speeding up the first user's access to the information. This behavior based on content viewing patterns. In embodiments may also reduce the instantaneous demand for download viewing history may include content viewed using a mobile bandwidth of the wireless communication facility 104 at the 35 communication facility 102. In other embodiments viewing time of acquiring the direct identifier. history may include history with respect to other content The information related to mobile content may be directed provided by the same entity that is the wireless provider 108. from a mobile web site or may be a Summary, a list of key For example, Such a provider may provide television content words, a result of a search query of the information related to via DSL or cable, Internet content to a home, or other content. the direct identifier's subject, content walled garden informa 40 Viewing histories for all such content may be analyzed to tion 132, a list of products with at least one similar feature, a assist with improving search function 142s, including assist list of compatible products or services, and the like. As an ing with development of implicit queries, resolving ambigu example, a user may acquire a direct identifier for a Plasma ities with explicit queries, and retrieving, sorting, filtering, TV. The comparison of the direct identifier related informa presenting, and routing search results. For example, if a data tion may result in the manufacturer's webpage for the Plasma 45 base of mobile subscriber characteristics 112 shows that a TV being display on the mobile communication device 102 particular viewer watched the first six episodes of 24” but display. However, the comparison may result in a presenta missed the seventh episode, then a search for the element “24 tion of related products such as different models of the Plasma may retrieve online sources for the seventh episode, while TV, accessories such as Surround Sound systems, extended another user entering a similar query might receive general warranty offers, entertainment center furniture, TV wall 50 information about the show or information about 24-hour mounts, reviews of the Plasma TV, white papers on Plasma fitness centers. Viewing history should be understood to TV technology, and the like. encompass all types of interactions with content. Such as The selection of mobile content related information to downloading, listening, clicking through, sampling or the present to the user may be based, at least in part on a relevance like, including all types of content, such as text, data, music, to the information relating to the direct identifiers subject. As 55 audio, Sound files, video, broadcast content, and the like. an example, direct identifier related information may be a In one embodiment the search function 142 is adapted manufacturer's name such as Chrysler. This may result in based on content presented for viewed by/not viewed by user. presenting information related to mobile content that shares The declined-content-adapted search function 142 may be an the manufacturer name Chrysler. In another example, infor implicit query 164, an active query, a disambiguation action, mation related to a direct identifier's subject may include a 60 a retrieval function, a filtering function, a presentation func product Such as a beach chair and a consumer price for the tion, a routing function, or another function or action relating beach chair. In this example, the information relating to to the initiation, processing, or completion of a search. Infor mobile content presented to the user may include alternate mation about declined content may be obtained from a data beach chairs at a comparable consumer prices, or alternate base of mobile subscriber characteristics 112, such as that local sources of the beach chair, or a combination thereof. In 65 maintained by a wireless provider 108, which may also be a another example, the information related to a direct identifi provider of various other content sources that have been pre er's Subject may be matched to a yellow pages category and sented and declined (such as by explicitly declining an option US 8,819,659 B2 59 60 to view content or by implicitly declining ignoring the 3rd-party (partner) APIs. The search engine may be accessed content, such as upon repeated opportunities to view it). Wire via a query API. A query is a set of words, possibly restricted less providers 108 frequently have access to such viewing to specific fields, coupled with restrictions on content type, histories, because the same carriers also provide television, category, and format. Internet, and other content sources. Declined content can be In embodiments, the search facility 142 may use a ranking analyzed, with an algorithm facility 144, to assist with form algorithm which incorporates a number of features, including ing implicit queries, resolving explicit queries, and with one or more of full-text relevance (using, e.g., term fre retrieving, sorting, filtering, presenting, and routing results. quency/inverse document frequency or “TFIDF, or variants For example, if a user has consistently declined, or failed to and enhancements thereto), word order and proximity scores, view, music-oriented programming content (whether on a 10 number of words matching scores (with thresholds), popular cellular phone, TV, or Internet), then a query for the term ity (overall and within-demographic), editorial boosts, and “U2” might return information on Soviet-era spy planes, not field-by-field boosts. The wireless provider 108 may control withstanding that for other users such a query would return the editorial boosts. content related to the rock group U2. As in analysis of usage In an aspect of the invention, mobile content may be patterns, a wide range of algorithms, including learning algo 15 reviewed to generate a relevance that can be used to determine rithms, regression analyses, neural nets, and the like may be if the content should be presented to a mobile communication used to understand patterns in declined content that assist facility 102. The relevance may alternatively be used to deter with handling queries and results. mine if at least Some portion of content presented to the In one embodiment the search function 142 is adapted mobile communication facility 102 should be presented to the based on content and programs downloaded. The download user of a mobile communication facility 102. Mobile content history-adapted search function 142 may be an implicit query may relate to one or more of blogs, sports, gambling, Social 164, an active query, a disambiguation action, a retrieval networking, travel, news, community, education, product, function, a filtering function, a presentation function, a rout service, government, and the like. In an example, mobile ing function, or another function or action relating to the content that relates to gambling may be prevented from being initiation, processing, or completion of a search. Downloaded 25 presented to a mobile communication facility 102 that is content and programs may be determined from a database of being used by a government employee. mobile subscriber characteristics 112, such as based on cel The review of mobile content may be an algorithmic lular phone usage, television viewing, Internet usage, email review. The algorithmic review may include a review of usage or the like. Such content and programs may be analyzed inbound links to the mobile content, outbound links from the and used in the manner described above for usage pattern 30 mobile content, text of the mobile content, keywords of the adapted search functions 142. In one such embodiment the mobile content, a link structure of the mobile content, meta search function 142 is adapted based on videos, music, and data associated with the mobile content, and other aspects of audio listened to and/or downloaded. Again, the content mobile content that may be herein described. action-adapted search function 142 may be an implicit query Outbound links in the mobile content may be reviewed to 164, an active query, a disambiguation action, a retrieval 35 determine a relevance as part of an algorithmic review. Out function, a filtering function, a presentation function, a rout bound links may link to mobile content that has been black ing function, or another function or action relating to the listed, whitelisted, or not yet reviewed. An outbound link to initiation, processing, or completion of a search. In another blacklisted content may be edited such that the link presented such embodiment the search function 142 is adapted based on to the mobile communication facility 102 is disabled. Alter television watched. The television viewing-adapted search 40 natively the link may not be presented to the mobile commu function 142 may be an implicit query 164, an active query, a nication facility 102. If an outbound link is to whitelisted disambiguation action, a retrieval function, a filtering func mobile content, it may be included in content presented to the tion, a presentation function, a routing function, or another mobile communication facility 102. A review of mobile con function or action relating to the initiation, processing, or tent with outbound links to blacklisted content may result in completion of a search. In another Such embodiment the 45 the reviewed mobile content to be blacklisted. search function 142 is adapted based on television Subscrip If an outbound link of reviewed mobile content points to tions. The Subscription-adapted search function 142 may be mobile content that has not yet been reviewed, the outbound an implicit query 164, an active query, a disambiguation link may be followed such that the linked content may be action, a retrieval function, a filtering function, a presentation reviewed. If the linked content is determined to be inappro function, a routing function, or another function or action 50 priate or blacklisted, then the mobile content containing the relating to the initiation, processing, or completion of a outbound link may be blacklisted. search. In one such embodiment the search function 142 is Text in the mobile content may be reviewed to determine adapted based on timing and duration of viewing/download relevance as part of an algorithmic review. Text may be parsed ing. The view/download timing- and duration-adapted search and compared to a list of words and phrases to determine function 142 may be an implicit query 164, an active query, a 55 relevance. Text may also be processed using language pro disambiguation action, a retrieval function, a filtering func cessing techniques such as those employed by Microsoft tion, a presentation function, a routing function, or another Natural Language Processor to derive a context of the text. function or action relating to the initiation, processing, or The derived context may be compared to known contexts to completion of a search. determine relevance. A variety of known search algorithms In embodiments, the search facility 142 may be a high 60 may be applied in an algorithmic review of mobile content Volume, Scalable, redundant search engine specifically tuned text to determine relevance of the text. Techniques such as for mobile content. The engine may be implemented in Java word Stubbing, word aliasing, misspelling variants, and the and deployed in a two-tier architecture in which the presen like may also be applied to an algorithmic review of mobile tation logic runs on web servers which format the results COntent teXt. returned by passing the actual search requests off to search 65 Mobile content keywords or metadata may be reviewed to servers. Search servers may use proprietary algorithms that determine relevance as part of an algorithmic review. Key blend results from full-text metadata indices with results from words and/or metadata may represent critical aspects of the US 8,819,659 B2 61 62 content because they may be visible to search engines and torial review of mobile content may be performed by the web crawlers. As an example, a website that contains one or wireless provider 108 or some other entity. Editorial review more keywords associated with radical political activism may may also include Substitutions that may improve the useful be detected by an algorithmic review seeking these keywords. ness of a mobile communication facility 102. In an example, The website may be blacklisted, whitelisted, or assigned a links to websites with relevant content that is not appropriate relevance score based on these keyword matches. for presentation to aparticular mobile communication facility A relevance as generated from a review of mobile content 102 due to its display characteristics may be replaced by links may be represented by a score such as a number within a to websites with relevant content that are appropriate for range. The range of relevance scores may extend from presentation to the mobile communication facility 102. whitelisted content to blacklisted content with the relevance 10 In embodiments, the search facility 142 may be optimized score indicating the degree to which the mobile content con for mobile input methods by using, for example, partial word tains aspects that prevent it from being whitelisted. Black matching, Suggestions, and mobile communication facility listed mobile content may be prevented from being presented 102 compatibility. Partial word matching coupled with popu to the mobile communication facility 102. Whitelisted mobile larity scoring may provide the best possible results for the content may be allowed to be fully presented to the mobile 15 user. Partial word matching may also work for multiple word communication facility 102. phrases. Thus, a search for “ro st' may suggest results match A relevance score may be a composite of a review of one or ing "Rolling Stones'. A suggestion is a recommended search more aspects of the mobile content. For example, each aspect string. For example, for the query string "piz" a suggestion may be reviewed and assigned a value Such as 0 for a could be "pizza'. Suggestions may permit users to enter the whitelisted aspect and 1 for a blacklisted aspect. In an wanted search terms with the fewest number of characters. example with 10 aspects of a website reviewed, a first mobile Suggestions may be provided by the engine and cached content with a relevance score of 2 may indicate mobile locally for performance enhancement. content with few aspects that may not be whitelisted while a In embodiments, the mobile communication facility 102 second mobile content with a relevance score of 8 may indi may customize the search engine results to the capabilities of cate mobile content that has a high percentage of blacklisted 25 the mobile communication facility 102. For example, the aspects. A user may identify a maximum relevance score search engine may not present search results that are inappro associated with mobile content to be presented to the mobile priate for the device (e.g., a ringtone that is incompatible). communication facility 102. In this example, if a user set a When compatibility information cannot be determined, maximum relevance score for presentation of mobile content results that require particular hardware or software may to 4, the first mobile content would be presented while the 30 receive lower rankings or scores. The recommendation second mobile content would not be presented. Additionally, engine may also, or instead, use the device type as one of the the user may indicate a maximum relevance score associated attributes when calculating recommendations. with content to be whitelisted for presentation to the mobile In embodiments, content may be segregated Such that the communication facility 102. If the user sets a maximum rel search facility 142 may take contextual queues based on evance score for whitelisting to 2, then the first mobile content 35 where the user enters the search experience. For example, would be whitelisted. However, if the user set the maximum users entering search from the ringtone area may receive relevance score for whitelisting to 1, both the first and the ringtone-restricted results. In addition, the wireless provider second mobile content would not be whitelisted. 108 may have multiple content partners and may wish to A user of a mobile communication facility 102 may iden restrict the search to certain content partners in certain situa tify a policy or preference associated with determining which 40 tions. For example, the wireless provider 108 may wish to mobile content may be presented to a mobile communication provide a search box in an entertainment section which only facility 102. A wireless provider 108 may apply this personal searches content from a specific partner, where a search box policy or preference when reviewing mobile content for pre in the travel section would search different content. The sentation to the user's mobile communication facility 102. As search facility 142 may limit results to a specific partner or set an example, a personal policy or preference may identify 45 of partners. foreign language mobile content to be excluded from search In embodiments, discovery services may be provided to results to be presented to the mobile communication facility end users in order to build a content index. This index may be 102. populated by means of an explicit data feed of content ele A wireless provider 108 may have a content policy that ments or by spidering a Web or WAP site containing the determines appropriateness for mobile content to be pre 50 metadata about the content. A data feed may be provided with sented to mobile communication facilities 102. The content a regularly scheduled transfer of data from the wireless pro policy may allow a user of a mobile communication facility vider 108. Feeds may consist of content, taxonomy, and trans 102 to select one or more aspects of appropriateness to be action history data. Content may include one record per item applied to mobile content presented to the user's mobile including metadata about handset compatibility, previews, communication facility 102. As an example, a user may select 55 price, artists, size, purchase location, etc. Taxonomy may an aspect of appropriateness associated with adult matter. In include a description of the categorization system used for the the example, mobile content with adult matter would be pre data elements. (Sometimes content and taxonomy data may vented from being presented to the mobile communication be distributed separately; sometimes they may be inter facility 102. Therefore content that is determined to be inap mingled into one data file.) Transaction History may include propriate may not be presented to the mobile communication 60 the data associating a unique Subscriber with the content facility 102 through the wireless provider 108. elements he or she has interacted with. The content and tax Editorial review of mobile content may be combined with onomy feeds may be processed to extract the metadata asso algorithmic review. Editorial review may identify aspects of ciated with each element. From this metadata a search index mobile content, such as links, images, video, audio, and other may be built. Data Feeds may be scheduled to run at pre aspects. Mobile content may be presented to a mobile com 65 defined times or may be triggered upon request. If the wire munication facility 102 based on a relevance that is deter less provider 108 Supplies content in multiple languages each mined by a combined algorithmic and editorial review. Edi collection of language-specific content may be set up as a US 8,819,659 B2 63 64 separate data feed. A content data feed may be a single XML spidering. This agent may be a web crawler, a web spider, an or CSV file containing one record per item. ant, and the like. For example, spidering may begin with the In embodiments, for carriers that create an editorial cat agent retrieving a webpage at a known URL. That webpage egorization of items, a content data feed may be blended with may contain hyperlinks or reference to other webpages. Spi a taxonomy data feed. A taxonomy data feed may describe the 5 dering may continue with the agent retrieving the other specific taxonomy of the wireless provider 108 content For webpages, which may also contain hyperlinks or references example, the ring tone for Britney Spears' "Oops, I did it to other webpages. Spidering may continue with the agent again might exist in the “Pop' and “Female Vocalists' cat retrieving those webpages may likewise be processed by the egories. A taxonomy feed may consist of a single XML or agent. Many other examples and embodiments of spidering CSV file. 10 will be appreciated from this disclosure and Such examples The wireless search platform 100 may be associated with a and embodiments are intended to be encompassed by the method for indexing mobile content. In this context, mobile present invention. content may refer to any content that may be delivered to, In embodiments, the finding process may include process presented by, and/or adapted to be presented to the mobile ing gateway data (e.g. WAP gateway data, mobile server communications facility 102. This mobile content may 15 gateway data, server gateway data, and/or wireless provider include any of the content described herein and/or in the gateway data). Gateway data may be associated with a WAP documents referenced herein. Without limitation, this mobile gateway, or other such facility, the wireless communication content may comprise the walled garden content 132, content facility 104, the additional or remote server 134, or any other provided by the additional or remote server 132 and/or its server or facility associated with the wireless search platform database 138, content from and/or stored in the wireless pro 100. The gateway data may include any message that is com vider data facility 124 (also referred to hereinas “another data municated between the mobile communication facility 102 facility 124), and so forth. A concrete and tangible result of and a facility, server, or data source, wherein during the com the method of indexing mobile content is an index of mobile munication the message is converted between a WAP data content wherein the mobile content is associated with a format and an HTTP data format, for example. The gateway mobile communication facility compatibility indication. The 25 data may also include any data associated with a WAP gate compatibility indication may be an indication of the compat way. Such data may without limitation be associated with a ibility of the content with a particular mobile communication configuration, an uptime, a capability, a network, a protocol, facility, type of mobile communication facility, manufacturer the wireless provider 108, the wireless communication facil of a mobile communication facility, operating system, audio ity 104, the mobile communication facility 102, the mobile system, display system, video system, text reproduction sys 30 search host facility 114, the additional or remote server 134, tem or other parameter as indicated herein. and so forth. It should be appreciated that some or all of the The mobile content may, from the perspective of the wire information that is received or transmitted by the finding less search platform 100, originate from a webpage. In this process may be the WAP gateway data. Thus, finding the disclosure, the term webpage should be interpreted as broadly webpage that contains the content may be achieved by pro as possible, to include all instances, formats, types, and vari 35 cessing the WAP gateway data. ants of data. Thus, a webpage may, for example and without In embodiments, the finding process may comprise self limitation, comprise an HTML or DHTML file; a result pro Submission. A provider of the webpage may submit an iden vided to a computing device by a Web service, such as via tifier of the webpage to the provider of the finding process. SOAP or RPC-XML; information received via an RSS feed; This self-submission may involve a manual input, with the data received via an e-mail protocol such as IMAP, POP3, or 40 user of the webpage provider entering a webpage identifier SMTP: content received via a peer-to-peer information shar for the webpage into the provider's user interface. Alterna ing facility; an SMS message; a table in a relational database, tively, the self-submission may be automatic, with the or an entry therein; any information that may be received by, webpage provider automatically Submitting the webpage produced by, presented by, and/or adapted to be presented by identifier to the provider of the finding process. Additionally the mobile communications facility 102; and so forth. A 45 or alternatively, the provider of the webpage may submit a set webpage identifier may identify the webpage. For example of identifiers. For example, the set may comprise a site map. and without limitation, this identifier may be a name: a URL: which may include identifiers of a plurality of webpages a URI: a DOI: a permalink; a message identifier, a unique associated with a Web site. The provider of the webpage may identifier, a globally unique identifier; a temporary identifier; provide any of these webpages. The set of identifiers may be a persistent identifier; and the like. 50 represented in a flat arrangement; a hierarchical arrangement; The first step in the method for indexing mobile content a relational arrangement; an object-relational arrangement; or may comprise finding a webpage that contains the content. any other arrangement. Without limitation, the set of identi The finding process may be performed once, periodically, fiers may be embodied as a flat file, an XML file, or any other from time to time, in response to a manual input, automati file or representation of data. Many other examples of self cally, and so forth. In embodiments, an instance of the addi 55 Submission will be appreciated. tional or remote server 134 may provide the finding process In certain embodiments of the finding process that include and/or the webpage. Generally, any computing facility asso self-submission, a payment may be associated with providing ciated with the wireless search platform 100 may provide the the webpage identifier or set of webpage identifiers to the finding process and/or the webpage. In cases where the find provider of the finding process. In particular, an enterprise or ing process involves a manual input, the provider of the find 60 business entity that is associated with the provider of the ing process may both have a human user and provide a user webpage may provide the payment to an enterprise or busi interface to the user, wherein this user provides the manual ness entity that is associated with the provider of the finding input via this user interface. A concrete and tangible end process. This payment may be a one-time payment to allow result of finding the webpage may be receiving one or more unlimited Submissions; a one-time payment to allow a certain webpage identifiers at the provider of the finding process. 65 number of Submissions; a per-use payment that occurs each In embodiments, the finding process may comprise spider time a Submission is made and that may vary depending upon ing. An autonomous agent or software agent may provide the an aspect of the Submission; a periodic or Subscription-ori US 8,819,659 B2 65 66 ented payment to allow unlimited Submission during a lim mobile content that is associated with the profile into a second ited period of time; a periodic or Subscription-oriented pay kind of mobile content that is associated with a second profile, ment to allow a certain number of Submissions during a wherein the second profile does match all of the capabilities limited period of time; and so forth. The payment may be and properties. If the result of this test is also negative, then optional, required, prepaid, delayed, complete, partial, cred the determining process may return a negative result. Other ited, debited, negotiated, fixed in amount, dynamic in wise, the determining process may return an affirmative amount, and so forth. In one example, the payment may be result. When applicable, the affirmative result comprises a related to a paid inclusion service creates an index of mobile code or other indication of the method for adapting the con content, wherein the mobile content originates from tent. In any case, the affirmative result comprises the mobile webpages that are identified in Submissions that are associ 10 content profile. A concrete and tangible result of the deter ated with a payment. mining process is the returned result. After the finding process receives the webpage identifier, The capabilities and properties that are related to the the finding process may note the mobile content originating mobile content profile may be associated with a MIME type. from the identified webpage. This noting may include deter The MIME type may conform to RFC 1521, RFC 1522, RFC mining and storing a URI, a MIME type, a file size, a resolu 15 1550, RFC 1590, RFC 1847, RFC 2045, RFC 2046, RFC tion, a fidelity, a compression format, a file format, a digital 2049, RFC 2387, RFC 3023, or any subsequent RFC that rights management (DRM) restriction, or any other feature or obsoletes these RFC, all of which are hereby included by aspect of the mobile content. A concrete and tangible result of reference. The MIME type may indicate that the mobile con this noting may be a mobile content profile, which is a data tent is comprises any of the past, present, or future IANA element that includes indications of these features and registered MIME media types, including those that have been aspects. requested but not approved, all of which may be described at The mobile content may be a sponsored link, a sponsored the Web site located at http://www.iana.org/assignments/me call, a downloadable instance of content, an audio stream, a dia-types/, the content of which is hereby included by refer Video file, a video stream, a graphic element, a result of a ence. In embodiments, the MIME type may indicate a content search query, and so forth. In the case that the content is the 25 type of text/vnd.wap.wml or text/HTML. result of a search query, the search query may be initiated by The capabilities and properties that are related to the the mobile communication facility 102, which may without mobile content profile may be associated with a mobile com limitation a type of phone, mobile phone, cellular phone, munication facility identifier, such as a browser identification GSM phone, and the like. string; a mobile Subscriber characteristic; or user agent string. The next step in the method for indexing mobile content 30 In embodiments, the user agent string may be a textual or may comprise determining compatibility of the mobile con binary representation of a brand and/or model identifier of the tent based upon the type of the mobile communication facility mobile communication facility 102; a name and/or version of 102. Determining compatibility may be provided by a deter an application; a name and/or version of a host operating mining process of the method for indexing mobile content. system; a host operating language; a compatibility flag; a The determining process may be performed when mobile 35 version token; a platform token; and the like. content is found, in serial with the finding process. In this In embodiments, the browser identification string may case, a step in the finding process may provide to the deter identify a Web browser or WAP-enabled application in the mining process the mobile content profile associated with the mobile communication facility 102; the mobile subscriber mobile content. Alternatively, the determining process may characteristic may be a call history of a mobile subscriber be performed from time to time, no sooner than when indi 40 who is associated with the mobile communication facility vidual items are found but otherwise in no particular temporal 102; the user agent String may identify a user agent (Such as an relation to the finding process. In this case, a step in the e-mail agent or client) in the mobile communication facility finding process may place into a queue the mobile content 102; the name and/or version of an application may be those profile associated with the mobile content. From this queue, a of an application in the mobile communication facility 102; step in determining process may retrieve the mobile content 45 the name and/or version of a host operating system may be profile. In embodiments, an instance of the additional or those of the operating system in the mobile communication remote server 134 may provide the determining process. Gen facility 102; the compatibility flag, version token, and plat erally, any computing facility associated with the wireless form token may be structural elements of the user agent search platform 100 may provide the determining process. String. The computing facility (or additional or remote server 134) 50 The capability and properties that are related to the mobile that provides the determining process may or may not be the content profile may be associated with a Wireless Universal same facility or server 134 that provides the finding process. Resource File (WURFL), or any criterion specified therein; a The determining process may compare the mobile content browser; an operating system; an element of usability; and the profile to capabilities and properties associated with the type like. of mobile communication facility 102. These capabilities and 55 In embodiments the element of usability may be a W3C properties may be related to the mobile content profile or to mobile content standard; support of XHTML; adherence to a elements thereof. The capabilities and properties may be metadata guideline (which may be related to a title, a descrip embodied as a data element, which may be provided by the tion, a keyword, and so on); a text emphasis rule (which may additional or other server 134; its database 138; the wireless be related to a bolded text element, an italicized text element, provider data facility 124; the additional data facility 170; the 60 an underlined text element, and so on); an image use guide data facility 118; or any other data facility, computing facility, line (which may be an image height, an image width, an or element of the wireless search platform 100. When com image resolution, a number of images within a plurality of paring the mobile content profile to the capabilities and prop images, image formatting, a sequential image download erties, the determining process may test to see if all of the order of a set of images, and so forth); a page weight rule capabilities and properties match the mobile content profile. 65 (which may relate to reducing a total page size to ten or fewer If the result of this test is negative, the determining process kilobytes, reducing table size, reducing text by removing may test to see if there exists a method for adapting a kind of comments associated with a page, minimizing page format US 8,819,659 B2 67 68 ting by inserting a tab or space or paragraph delimiter, short provided to a user of the mobile communication facility 102 ening a file name, shortening a CSS class name, shortening a in response to a query submitted by or on behalf of this user. CSS ID name, and so forth); and so on. It should be appreciated that numerous embodiments of the The final step in the method for indexing mobile content process for indexing content are possible. These embodi may comprise producing an index of the mobile content. ments without limitation include a single instance of a mono Producing the index may be provided by an index production lithic computer program that implements the entire method of process of the method for indexing mobile content. The index indexing mobile content, including all of the processes production process may be performed when the determining thereof multiple instances of the monolithic computer pro process returns an affirmative result, in serial with the deter gram, perhaps arranged in a load-balancing or failover con mining process. In this case, a step in the determining process 10 may provide to the indeX production process the affirmative figuration; an instance of each of a number of modular com result. Alternatively, the index production process may be puter programs, wherein each computer program implements performed from time to time, no sooner than when the deter Some but not all processes but when taken in the aggregate the mining process returns the affirmative result but otherwise in computer programs implement all of the processes; at least no particular temporal relation to the production process. In 15 one instance of each of the modular computer programs, this case, a step in the determining process may place into a wherein multiple instances of the same program are arranged queue the affirmative result. From this queue, a step in index in load-balancing or failover configuration; an instance of production process may retrieve the affirmative result. In each of the modular computer programs, wherein the embodiments, an instance of the additional or remote server instances reside on the same facility or server 134; an instance 134 may provide the index production process. Generally, of each of the modular computer programs, wherein some or any computing facility associated with the wireless search all of the instances reside on different facilities or servers 134; platform 100 may provide the index production process. The at least one instance of each of the modular computer pro computing facility (or additional or remote server 134) that grams, wherein the instances reside on the same facility or provides the index production process may or may not be the server 134; at least one instance of each of the modular same facility or server 134 that provides the finding process or 25 computer programs, wherein some or all of the instances the determining process. reside on different facilities or servers 134; multiple instances Based at least in part upon the affirmative result, the index of the monolithic computer program that reside on the same production process may automatically generate an index of facility or server 134; multiple instances of the monolithic the mobile content that is associated with the mobile content computer program, wherein some or all of the instances profile of the affirmative result. In various embodiments, for 30 reside on different facilities or server 134; and so forth. example and without limitation, this data element may rep In embodiments web content is presented to mobile com resent or be associated with a hash value, a priority, a rel munication facilities based at least in part on the compatibility evancy, a market, a categorization, a classification, a rating, a of the mobile content with the mobile communication facili grading, a ranking, a designation, an assessment, an evalua ties. The compatibility may be determined through an exami tion, an appraisal, a mark, a score, a value, a reference, a color, 35 nation of information relating to the mobile communication a code, an icon, a position, a preference, a suggestion, a hint, facility (e.g. mobile Subscriber characteristics, information a clue, a cross-reference, an alternate embodiment of the stored by the wireless provider, or information stored locally mobile content associated with the mobile content profile, a on the mobile communication facility). Once information reference to such an embodiment, a reference to a Web ser relating to the mobile communication facility is determined a vice that provides such an embodiment, an alternate URI for 40 comparison between the information relating to the mobile the URI of the mobile content profile, a position in a hierar communication facility and the mobile content may be deter chy, a hierarchy, a compatibility flag, a flag, a tag, a keyword, mined. In the event the mobile content is deemed compatible, a translation, a transliteration, a synonym, an antonym, a the mobile content may be delivered to the mobile commu homonym, a measurement, a usage statistic, a popularity, a nication facility. The delivery of the mobile content may be peer review, a point rating (such as on a ten-point scale), a star 45 the result of an auction for the placement of content to the rating (Such as on a five-star Scale), a value, a future value, a mobile communication facility where the advertiser sponsor past value, an estimate, a projection, a layman's term, a term ing the content pays for delivery of compatible content. This of the art, a colloquialism, a preferred name, a nickname, a methodology may be used to improve the projected conver formal name, a source, a destination, a location, a time, a date, sion rate of the mobile content because of its likely compat a creator, a modifier, a size, a file size, a resolution, a hue, an 50 ibility. color, an intensity, a bit depth, a file type, a protocol, a require It will be appreciated that the various steps identified and ment, an item, an action, a location, areason, a method, and so described above may be varied, and that the order of steps forth. may be changed to Suit particular applications of the tech A plurality of indexes may be generated. In some embodi niques disclosed herein. All Such variations and modifications ments, the indexes may be ordered based upon the value of the 55 are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. As index. In one example, the value is a rank and the indexes are Such, the depiction and/or description of an order for various ordered based upon the rank. steps should not be understood to require a particular order of The index of the mobile content may be stored in a database execution for those steps, unless required by a particular or a data facility Such as and without limitation any of the application, or explicitly stated or otherwise clear from the database or data facilities associated with the wireless search 60 COInteXt. platform 100. The index of the mobile content may be stored In embodiments, the transaction history data may enumer in a unified or distributed fashion. The index of the mobile ate specific behavior for specific users. This may be used to content may be replicated, archived, compressed, decom compute popularity information and be used as an input to the pressed, transmitted, received, interpreted, processed, ulti recommendation engine. This data feed may be used whether lized, or otherwise associated with any of the elements of the 65 or not the content index is built via regular data feeds or by wireless search platform 100. In one example, the index of the spidering. A common format for this information is the mobile content may represent relevant information that is Apache Log Format. US 8,819,659 B2 69 70 In embodiments, full-text relevance may compute a TFIDF calls-received-adapted search function 142 may be an metric in which the frequency of words within the overall implicit query 164, an active query, a disambiguation action, item set influences the relevancy score. In embodiments, a retrieval function, a filtering function, a presentation func “stop words' may be used to improve search result relevancy. tion, a routing function, or another function or action relating Stop Words may be words which do not contribute to the to the initiation, processing, or completion of a search. overall ranking of a document and are not searched, or not In one embodiment the search function 142 is adapted used in query formulation. The search facility 142 that does based on the mobile subscriber characteristics 112 of the not use stop words explicitly may nonetheless specify certain persons calling, or called by, the user. This may include, for words that influence relevance less than others. In embodi example, usage patterns, usage plans, mobile device type, ments, the search facility 142 may use query analysis to 10 firmware, capabilities, and so forth, as well as demographic identify specific verticals with specific queries in certain con and other information concerning the parties, to the extent texts. Thus, it may be possible for a search for “ice cream to that it is available, and as described generally above. The prefer local listing results to general web pages. characteristic-adapted search function 142 may be an implicit In one embodiment the search function 142 is adapted query 164, an active query, a disambiguation action, a based on services purchased from a carrier (e.g., phone lines, 15 retrieval function, a filtering function, a presentation func television packages, wireless services, DSL, cable services, tion, a routing function, or another function or action relating broadband services, data services, and other services). The to the initiation, processing, or completion of a search. carrier-services-adapted search function 142 may be an In one embodiment the search function 142 is adapted implicit query 164, an active query, a disambiguation action, based on the duration of calls. The call-duration-adapted a retrieval function, a filtering function, a presentation func search function 142 may be an implicit query 164, an active tion, a routing function, or another function or action relating query, a disambiguation action, a retrieval function, a filtering to the initiation, processing, or completion of a search. Such function, a presentation function, a routing function, or information may be retrieved from a database of mobile sub another function or action relating to the initiation, process scriber characteristics 112, such as that stored by a wireless ing, or completion of a search. provider 108 who may also be a provider of various other 25 In one embodiment the search function 142 is adapted services. The other services may be analyzed. Such as by an based on a history of communications made via phone. The algorithm facility 144, to infer information about a user's communications-history-adapted search function 142 may be intent when executing a search function 142, including for an implicit query 164, an active query, a disambiguation presenting implicit queries, resolving ambiguous queries, or action, a retrieval function, a filtering function, a presentation retrieving, Sorting, filtering, presenting, or routing results. For 30 function, a routing function, or another function or action example, if a user has DSL, has purchased a premium sports relating to the initiation, processing, or completion of a television package, and has bookmarked sports-related sites, search. then the user may be presented with implicit queries that In one embodiment the search function 142 is adapted retrieve sports results for that day. Similarly, upon entering based on Internet usage. This may include, for example, his “Jason, such a user might receive results on the Red Sox or 35 tories of URLs or specific IP addresses, as well as topical or Jason Varitek, while another user might receive information semantic information concerning same. The Internet-usage about the Friday the 13th series of movies, or the JASON adapted search function 142 may be an implicit query 164, an foundation. Again, the algorithm facility 144 may use a wide active query, a disambiguation action, a retrieval function, a range of techniques, including simple category-based infer filtering function, a presentation function, a routing function, ences, learning algorithms, neural nets, regression analysis 40 or another function or action relating to the initiation, pro and other statistical techniques, or the like to draw inferences cessing, or completion of a search. about how purchasing various services relates to query for In one embodiment the search function 142 is adapted mation. Such techniques may include collaborative filtering based on email usage. The email usage-adapted search func techniques (as described elsewhere herein and in the docu tion 142 may be an implicit query 164, an active query, a ments incorporated by reference herein) for determining how 45 disambiguation action, a retrieval function, a filtering func a user's preferences align with other users having similar tion, a presentation function, a routing function, or another characteristics. function or action relating to the initiation, processing, or In one embodiment the search function 142 is adapted completion of a search. based on transaction history. The transaction history-adapted In one embodiment the search function 142 is adapted search function 142 may be an implicit query 164, an active 50 based on instant messaging. This adaptation (and other adap query, a disambiguation action, a retrieval function, a filtering tations discussed herein) may be based on Such usage specific function, a presentation function, a routing function, or to a particular device, a particular time of day, a particular day another function or action relating to the initiation, process of the week, a particular season, or the like, or may be based ing, or completion of a search. on all traffic associated with the user, regardless of other In one embodiment the search function 142 is adapted 55 factors. The IM-usage-adapted search function 142 may bean based on history of phone calls made using, for example, the implicit query 164, an active query, a disambiguation action, telephone numbers or identities of called parties, or portions a retrieval function, a filtering function, a presentation func of telephone numbers such as area codes or exchanges. The tion, a routing function, or another function or action relating call history-adapted search function 142 may be an implicit to the initiation, processing, or completion of a search. query 164, an active query, a disambiguation action, a 60 In one embodiment the search function 142 is adapted retrieval function, a filtering function, a presentation func based on chat (and the entities communicated with by these tion, a routing function, or another function or action relating technologies). The chat usage-adapted search function 142 to the initiation, processing, or completion of a search. may be an implicit query 164, an active query, a disambigu In one embodiment the search function 142 is adapted ation action, a retrieval function, a filtering function, a pre based on phone calls received using, for example, the tele 65 sentation function, a routing function, or another function or phone numbers or identities of called parties, or portions of action relating to the initiation, processing, or completion of telephone numbers such as area codes or exchanges. The a search. US 8,819,659 B2 71 72 In one embodiment the search function 142 is adapted User information 112. Such as personal information or based on history of phone calls made linked with geographic? information used to set up the user account with the wireless location information at the time of each call. The location provider 108, may be kept in a database that is accessible by and call history-adapted search function 142 may be an the personal filter 644. implicit query 164, an active query, a disambiguation action, The personal filter 644 may receive a search query from a a retrieval function, a filtering function, a presentation func mobile communication facility 102, extract information from tion, a routing function, or another function or action relating each of the databases 612, 112, and 608, process all of the to the initiation, processing, or completion of a search. information through an optimization algorithm, and perform In one embodiment the search function 142 is adapted an optimized search for results. Likewise, results may be based on log of phone numbers. The phone number log 10 obtained, and the personal filter 644 may be used to process adapted search function 142 may be an implicit query 164, an the results, along with the other mobile communication active query, a disambiguation action, a retrieval function, a related information, and produce filtered results to the mobile filtering function, a presentation function, a routing function, communication facility 102. or another function or action relating to the initiation, pro While the databases 612, 112, and 608 are illustrated as cessing, or completion of a search. 15 separate databases, it should be understood that these may be In one embodiment the search function 142 is adapted combined into one or more databases, such as a relational based on history of clicks and clickthroughs (or other key database. While the personal filter 644 is illustrated as resid stroke or user interface equivalents thereof, including Voice ing in the wireless provider 108 domain, it should be under initiated actions). The user-action-history adapted search stood that the personal filter 644 may reside elsewhere, function 142 may be an implicit query 164, an active query, a including on the mobile communication facility 102 or in disambiguation action, a retrieval function, a filtering func another related facility. tion, a presentation function, a routing function, or another FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate various form factors of mobile function or action relating to the initiation, processing, or communication facilities that may be used with the systems completion of a search. described herein. FIG. 7A illustrates a candy bar or open FIG. 6 illustrates a mobile communication search facility 25 faced fixed cell phone. FIG. 7B illustrates a flip phone and 142 according to the principles of the present invention. In FIG. 7C illustrates a slide phone. this embodiment, the wireless provider 108 facilitates voice FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate various form factors of mobile access from the mobile communication facility 102 through a communication facilities that may be used with the systems voice gateway 602. The voice gateway 602 may be a telecom described herein. FIG. 8A illustrates a PDA phone with a munication router for example. Information pertaining to 30 touch screen and a full QWERTY keyboard. FIG. 8B illus what voice calls have been made or received by the mobile trates a PDA phone with a two-letter-per-key keypad. FIG. 8C communication facility 102 may be stored in access informa illustrates a slide-up phone revealing the keypad. tion database 608. Once the voice access information is stored FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate a progression of user interface in the access information database 608, the information may screens 400 associated with a search on a mobile communi be retrieved by the personal filter 644, and the personal filter 35 cation device 102. The user interface screens may be gener 644 may also process the Voice activation information to gain ated by the client application interface described above. more information about the access. For example, the personal Beginning with screen shot 9A, a query entry facility 120 is filter 644 may perform a reverse phone number process on provided. The screen may be labeled with a logo 902 and a calls received by or made from the mobile communication suggestion box 908 may be provided. As an example based facility 102 to determine information about the establish 40 upon this interface, an abbreviated search query “BrSp” may ments and individuals called. Such information may also be be typed into the search query entry facility 120. A disam matched with the time of day the call was made, the duration biguation facility 140 (not shown in this figure) may operate of the call, who initiated the call, etc. The information relating in conjunction with a personal filter 644 (not shown in this to voice calls may be further processed or inferences may be figure) to disambiguate the partially entered terms. In addi made from the information indicating user preferences. For 45 tion, a Suggestion facility may be operational (not shown in example, if the user is making calls most days at lunch time to this figure) Such that suggestions to the partially entered take out restaurants, one may infer that the user is going to search query are presented in the search box. 908. In the event make more calls to take out places for lunch. Likewise, if the that the first page of Suggestions does not include the desired user has made ten phone calls to different new car dealers in search query, more results may be displayed by activating the the past two weeks, an inference may be made that the user is 50 down arrow 924. A navigation facility 910 may be provided in the market for a car. The information may also be used in (e.g. a multi-directional joystick style keypad on the face of connection with a collaborative style filter (a process within the mobile communication facility 102, a touch screen, key the personal filter 644) to predict future behavior or likes and pad, or the like). The navigation facility 910 may be used dislikes based on other people's similar behaviors. (shown in the down position as indicated by the darkened Access information may also be collected based on internet 55 arrow) to highlight “Britney Spears. Once “Britney Spears' activities through an internet gateway 604. Search queries, is highlighted 910, the navigation facility 912 may be used to click-throughs, and the like may be tracked and stored in an select (as indicated by the darkened center square) and access database 608 for retrieval from the personal filter 644. expand the category (as indicated by the darkened right side As with the voice information, the web interaction data may arrow). Once the suggestion “Britney Spears' is selected and be manipulated, and predictions of future behavior, likes, and 60 expanded, categories of search results 914 may be presented. dislikes may be made. In the monitoring of internet behavior, In embodiments, a user of the wireless search platform 100 in garden and out of garden activities may be tracked. may enter a query into a mobile communication facility 102. Location information and time of day information may As the user is entering this query, a method of the wireless also be tracked and stored in a location information database search platform 100 processes the portion of the query that the 612. As with the voice information and the web interaction 65 mobile communication facility 102 has received. This pro information, the location and time of day information may cessing may take into accounta context that is associated with also be used by the personal filter 644. the query. Based upon this processing, the wireless search US 8,819,659 B2 73 74 platform 100 creates an ordered list of expected search que In embodiments, the location of the mobile communica ries that may be associated with a search vertical. The ordered tion facility 102 may be determined according to a unique list may be ordered, based at least in part, on a factor, Such as identifier associated with the mobile communication facility an information relating to a mobile communication facility, a 102. A unique identifier may include, but is not limited to, a user characteristic, a user history, a user transaction, a geo phone number, an area code of a phone number, a billing graphic location, a user device, a time, and or a mobile com address, and or a postal Zip code of a billing address. munication facility characteristic. The ordering based on a In embodiments, the location of the mobile communica factor may be performed based at least in part on a relevancy tion facility 102 may be determined according to the location (e.g., a relevancy score) or some other value that may be used coordinates of a particular mobile communication facility 10 102. The location coordinates may be determined through to express the association between a mobile content and a GPS, triangulation, and or WiFi triangulation. The location factor. The ordered list may be used as a Suggestion dictionary may also be determined by a user-entered location or a plu in order to present suggested search queries to a user of a rality of locations, such as geographic regions including one mobile communication facility. or more states, or one or more cities. For example, a user located in Boston in the evening may 15 In embodiments, the location of the mobile communica wish to locate a French restaurant. The user may enter the tion facility 102 may be determined by a distance from a search vertical "Restaurants' on a mobile communication specified location. facility, and type “French into the searchbox associated with For example, a user of a mobile communication facility this search vertical. The wireless search platform 100 may use 102 may initiate a text search query titled “restaurant from a factors associated with the mobile communication facility in first location. The wireless provider, wireless operator, and or order to determine which of the possible Suggestions that are telecommunications provider may locate the mobile commu located in the Suggestion dictionary may be appropriate for nication facility 102 based upon information relating to the this user's search query. These factors may include: “Time-8 user's mobile communication facility 102. The user's home pm.” “Location=Boston. The Suggestion dictionary may address may be on Hanover St. in Boston, Mass. A GPS have relevancy scores assigned to mobile content within the 25 location, triangulation, and or WiFi triangulation may indi search vertical “Restaurants’ based at least in part on the cate that the user is currently in the vicinity of Hanover St. in relevance of each to “Time' and “Boston. A restaurant Boston, Mass. The user may be located a specific distance located in Boston may be assigned a high relevance. A res from cell towers located in Boston that are congruent with the taurant located in Missouri may be assigned a low relevance. user being in the vicinity of Hanover St. in Boston, Mass. Similarly, a restaurant that is open for business at 8pm may be 30 Alternatively, the user may self-enter his current location as assigned a high relevance, whereas a restaurant not serving being Hanover St. Using this location information, the search customers at 8 pm may be assigned a low relevance. Rel results that pertain to restaurants that are on or near Hanover evancy scores may also be combined in order to determine a St. in Boston, Mass. may be presented exclusively or in pri cumulative relevance which takes into account a plurality of ority to other restaurants that are distant from Hanover St. factors associated with the mobile communication facility 35 Continuing this example, later in the evening the user has now and the pluralities association with a mobile content. Con moved to a second location and would like to find a restaurant tinuing the previous example, the ordered list of content for for dinner Again a text entry of “restaurant' is entered into the presentation to the user that is derived from the Suggestion query entry facility 120 of the mobile communication facility dictionary may rank the following restaurants in descending 102. Using one or all of the same means of determining the cumulative relevance to the user: (i) a restaurant in Boston 40 location of the mobile communication facility 102 described that is open at 8 pm; a restaurant in Boston not open at 8 pm. above, the search results may now display information The platform may either omit entirely restaurants that are not regarding restaurants that are in the vicinity of the user's in Boston (and, hence, of minimal relevance to the user), or second location. present them very low in the hierarchy of presented search In embodiments, a mobile search application disclosed results. Many other examples and embodiments of the 45 herein may include receiving a location of a mobile commu method and system of presenting an ordered list of suggested nication facility and presenting search results to the mobile search queries will be appreciated from this disclosure and communication facility based on a predicted future location. Such examples and embodiments are intended to be encom The location of the mobile communication facility may be passed by the present invention. determined by a predicted future location that is based at least Information regarding the current location of a mobile 50 in part on a relationship of prior locations. The relationship of communication facility 102 may be used by a mobile search the locations may be used to predict a travel trajectory. The application for receiving search results that include mobile travel trajectory may be coupled with information regarding content relating to that location. As the mobile communica time. The timing of the residence in the future locations, and tion facility 102 enters a second location, the mobile search their relationships, may be used to predict a travel speed that results may be updated based at least in part on the second 55 is, in turn, used to predicta time of arrival at a predicted future location information and used to present search results relat location. The predicted time of arrival at a predicted future ing to the second location. In embodiments, a mobile search location may be used to pre-load mobile content to a cache of application may include tracking a mobile communication the mobile communication facility for display upon arrival at facility, presenting search results based at least in part on a the future predicted location, or its vicinity. first location, and presenting updated search results based at 60 In embodiments, the location of the mobile communica least in part on a second location. tion facility may be determined based at least in part on as Mobile content may be a sponsored content, a sponsored association with a route. A route may be a street, highway, link, a sponsored call, a downloadable content, an audio railroad track, Subway track, bus route, flight path, recre stream, a video, or a graphic element. The search request may ational course, and the like. A route may be established by be initiated by a mobile communication facility 102, includ 65 repetition and associated with a user of a mobile communi ing a phone, mobile phone, cellular phone, and or a GSM cation facility. Such a repeated route may include, but is not phone. limited to, a commute to a workplace, a commute form a US 8,819,659 B2 75 76 workplace to a client’s workplace, a commute to a friends also enter the query entry Vocally via the Voice entry system residence, a commute to a family members residence, a 122. In this case, the “substring query entry’ will be under commute to a place of business (e.g., a grocery store), and the stood to be that portion of the verbal query that has been like. received by the voice entry system 122. For example, a person traveling on an interstate highway In embodiments, a user of a wireless search platform 100 may wish to find a restaurant at an upcoming exit. A wireless may enter a query into a mobile communication facility 102. platform 100 may be able to record the location of a mobile As the user is entering a query, or upon Submission of the communication facility 102, using any of the methods query, a method of the wireless search platform 100 may described above, at time intervals to establish a travel line or process the portion of the query that the mobile communica trajectory that the user of the mobile communication facility 10 102 is currently on. This trajectory may be compared to tion facility 102 has received. This processing may determine known routes, such as those described above. Here the route that the query is not a fully formed query. Based upon this of the user may match an interstate highway route. This processing, the wireless search platform 100 may generate a information may be used to predict the future locations of the list of search queries that contain the partially formed query. mobile communication facility. Because the location is taken 15 These generated search queries may be ordered in a list at a time interval, this information may be combined with the according to at least one factor. Such as a relevancy score or distance traveled between locations in order to predicta speed some other value. Then, the list may be presented to the user of travel. The predicted speed, coupled with the predicted as a list of search terms, one of which the user may choose in future location, may enable the search results for “restaurant” lieu of entering the rest of the query. In one example, a user entered by the interstate traveler to present exclusively or in wishes to locate a French restaurant. The user may enter the priority, those restaurants that are along the route on which letters “F” “r,” “e,” into the query entry field of the mobile the user is traveling. Because the direction of travel is also communications facility 102. Before he has a chance to enter known, those restaurants that may be close to the traveler in more letters, the wireless search platform 100 may process terms of distance, but whose exit the traveler has already the letters (a partially formed query) and produce a list of passed may be excluded or given a lower priority due to the 25 complete search terms, which may be alphabetized (i.e., greater difficulty involved in returning to them rather than ordered based upon a factor). The system may then present simply visiting a restaurant located at an upcoming exit. the list of complete search terms to the user. For the purposes In embodiments, the predicted time of arrival at a predicted of illustration and not limitation, this list is: “French Market,” future location may be used to pre-load mobile content to a “French Restaurant,” “French Wine.” Instead of completing cache of the mobile communication facility for display upon 30 the query in a letter-by-letter fashion, the user may select arrival at the future predicted location, or its vicinity. “French Restaurant” from the list. Many other examples and The wireless search platform 100 may be associated with a embodiments of the method and system of presenting an method for creating an ordered list of expected search queries ordered list of Suggested search queries will be appreciated and presenting this list to a user as Suggested search queries. from this disclosure and Such examples and embodiments are Suggested search queries may refer to any queries that may be 35 intended to be encompassed by the present invention. delivered to, presented by, and/or adapted to be presented to The wireless search platform 100 may be associated with a the mobile communications facility 102. These queries may method for receiving a partial search query from a mobile include any of the queries described herein and/or in the communications facility 102 and creating an ordered list of documents referenced herein. These queries may comprise or complete search terms and presenting this list to a user for be associated with the query entry system 120, the voice entry 40 selection. Complete search terms may be any terms that can system 122, the search facility 142, the algorithm facility 144, be delivered to, presented by, and/or adapted to be presented and any other element of the wireless search platform 100. A to the mobile communications facility 102. These search concrete and tangible result of this method is the presentation terms may include any of the search terms described herein to a user of the ordered list of search queries. and/or in the documents referenced herein. The expected search queries may be associated with a 45 The search queries may be associated with a query entry mobile search Suggestion dictionary. The dictionary may be a field, Such as and without limitation a name field, an address logical and/or physical grouping of the expected search que field, a date field, a product name field, a product number ries. The dictionary may exist in the additional or remote field, a numeric field, a Voice recognition field, a biometric server 134, its database 138, or any other database or data field, a graphics field, and so forth. Presenting complete storage facility associated with the wireless search platform 50 search terms to the mobile communication facility 102 may 100, including without limitation a memory device of the be associated with the query entry field. For example and mobile communication facility 102. The dictionary may be without limitation, if the user is entering a query into an automatically or manually generated. The expected search address field, a drop-down list that is visually and function queries in the dictionary may be indexed or otherwise ally associated with the address filed may display the list of ordered, sorted, or related to facility rapid retrieval or search 55 completed search terms. ing. The expected search queries may relate to completions of In embodiments, the user may provide a query entry as a a partial query, corrections to a query (for example, to correct textual string via the query entry system 120 (which may be for misspellings), queries that are conceptually related to a the query entry field) of the mobile communication facility query, and so forth. 102. While the user is providing a query entry, that portion of In embodiments, a user may provide a query entry as a 60 the query entry that has been provided to the wireless com textual string via the query entry system 120 of the mobile munication facility 102 may be referred to as a substring communication facility 102. While the user is providing a query entry. Eventually, the user may finish entering the query entry, that portion of the query entry that has been query, at which point the Substring query entry and the query provided to the wireless communication facility 102 is entry are the same thing. The Substring query entry may be the referred to as a Substring query entry. Eventually, the user 65 search query that is incomplete or not fully formed. may finish entering the query, at which point the Substring In embodiments, a user may enter the query entry Vocally query entry and the query entry are the same thing. A user may via the voice entry system 122. In this case, the “substring US 8,819,659 B2 77 78 query entry’ will be understood to be that portion of the vided to the wireless search platform 100 via a client appli verbal query that has been received by the voice entry system cation running on the mobile communication facility 102 that 122. is associated with the query entry system 120. The client In embodiments, the user may provide the query entry as a application may include a search application, a location barcode, image, Scanned value, or any other input that may be based search application, a WAP application, a mobile appli received by the query entry system 120. In this case, a query cation, or any other application associated with the mobile may comprise one or more barcodes, one or more images, one communication facility 102. In other embodiments, a method or more scanned values, and/or one or more other values. As of the wireless search platform 100 may access the mobile the query entry is being provided, the query entry system 120 search suggestion dictionary when the user has finished pro receives a sequence of barcodes, images, Scanned values, and 10 viding the query. In any case, the method or system receives other values. In this case, the “substring query entry’ will be an expected search query from the mobile search suggestion understood to be those things that have been received by the dictionary. This may take into account not just the query entry, query entry system 120. but also a factor associated with that entry. In embodiments, The search query may derive from a browser based (WAP) this may be a search vertical, which may be a classification interaction oraclient application based interaction. The client 15 within a taxonomy of content. The factor may be a time, date, application based interaction may be a BREW application or location, or any other temporal, geographic, physical, or con a Java application. ceptual context, an information relating to a mobile commu The ordering of the generated search queries may be based nication facility, a user characteristic, a user history, a user at least in part on information relating to the mobile commu transaction, a user device, and or a mobile communication nication facility 102. The information relating to a mobile facility characteristic. By taking the factor(s) into account, the communication facility 102 may be a user characteristic method or system may extract expected search queries from selected from the group consisting of age, sex, race, religion, the mobile search Suggestion dictionary that are associated area code, Zip code, home address, work address, billing with both the factor(s) and the mobile content relating to the address, credit information, family information, income query entry. This, in turn, yields suggested search queries that information, birth date, birthplace, employer, job title, length 25 are associated with the same context as the Substring query of employment, and the like. Alternatively or additionally, the entry that the user is providing. information may be a user history, a user transaction, a geo The search vertical may be associated with a taxonomy of graphic location, a user device, a time, a mobile communica content and may be a general search or related to a search, tion facility characteristic, provided by a wireless operator, ringtones, images, games, yellowpages, weather, whitepages, provided by a wireless service provider, provided by a tele 30 news headlines, WAP sites, web sites, movie showtimes, communications service provider. The mobile communica sports scores, stock quotes, flight times, maps, directions, a tion facility characteristic may be selected from the group price comparison, WiFi hotspots, package tracking, hotel consisting of display capability, display size, display resolu rates, fantasy sports stats, horoscopes, answers, a dictionary, tion, processing speed, audio capability, Video capability, area codes, Zip codes, entertainment, blogs, and so forth. cache size, storage capability, memory capacity, and the like. 35 The ordering of the list of expected search queries may be The mobile communications facility 102 may comprise a based on a factor, such as a search query popularity or infor phone, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a GSM phone, and mation relating to a mobile communication facility 102. So forth. The information relating to a mobile communication The information relating to a mobile communication facil facility 102 may be provided by a wireless operator, a wire ity 102 may be a user characteristic selected from the group less service provider 108, a telecommunications service pro 40 consisting of age, sex, race, religion, area code, Zip code, vider, and the like home address, work address, billing address, credit informa It will be appreciated that the various steps identified and tion, family information, income information, birth date, described above may be varied, and that the order of steps birthplace, employer, job title, length of employment, and the may be changed to Suit particular applications of the tech like. Alternatively or additionally, the information may be a niques disclosed herein. All Such variations and modifications 45 user history, a user transaction, a geographic location, a user are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. As device, a time, a mobile communication facility characteris Such, the depiction and/or description of an order for various tic, provided by a wireless operator, provided by a wireless steps should not be understood to require a particular order of service provider, provided by a telecommunications service execution for those steps, unless required by a particular provider. The mobile communication facility characteristic application, or explicitly stated or otherwise clear from the 50 may be selected from the group consisting of display capa COInteXt. bility, display size, display resolution, processing speed, In alternate embodiments, a user may provide a query entry audio capability, Video capability, cache size, storage capa as a barcode, image, Scanned value, or any other input that bility, memory capacity, and the like. may be received by the query entry system 120. In this case, The Suggested search query may be associated with a a query may comprise one or more barcodes, one or more 55 human language; may be associated with a handset, may be images, one or more scanned values, and/or one or more other associated with an input box; may be associated with a mobile values. As the query entry is being provided, the query entry communication facility type; may be a WAP query; a Java system 120 receives a sequence of barcodes, images, Scanned letter sequence; a BREW letter sequence; and so forth. The values, and other values. In this case, the “substring query human language may, without limitation, be English, Span entry’ will be understood to be those things that have been 60 ish, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese, received by the query entry system 120. Russian, Hindi, Urdu, and so forth. The input box may, with In embodiments, a method or system of the wireless search out limitation, be an address box, a name box, an email box, platform 100 may access the mobile search Suggestion dic a text box, a numeric box, an alphanumeric box, a search tionary as the user of the wireless communication facility 102 engine, a song name box. provides the query. Here, accessing the mobile search Sug 65 The mobile communication facility may be a phone, a gestion dictionary is directed at creating a list of expect search mobile phone, a cellular phone, a GSM phone, or any other queries associated with the query entry, which may be pro form of tethered or wireless communications device. US 8,819,659 B2 79 80 The presentation of a suggested search query or a list FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate several more screen shots in a thereof may be initiated by a query entry, a Substring query progression of Screen shots associated with a search from a entry, Voice query, or by characters entered into a client appli user interface of a mobile communication facility 102. A cation. search result is selected 1002, in this case a song related to It will be appreciated that the various steps identified and 5 Britney Spears; once the Song is selected, the user may be described above may be varied, and that the order of steps presented with options of delivery. For example, the user may may be changed to Suit particular applications of the tech be provided with a preview option 1004 to sample the song. niques disclosed herein. All Such variations and modifications The user may also be presented with an option relating to the are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. As content, indicating the content use 1008, so it can be properly 10 formatted, installed, and associated with the appropriate Such, the depiction and/or description of an order for various application(s) or device(s), and/or the user may be presented steps should not be understood to require a particular order of with an option of different file types 1010. execution for those steps, unless required by a particular In embodiments, results may be presented to the mobile application, or explicitly stated or otherwise clear from the communication facility 102 as they are retrieved without COInteXt. 15 waiting for the entire result set to be retrieved. In embodi It will be appreciated that the above processes, and steps ments, certain results may be presented and displayed while thereof, may be realized in hardware, Software, or any com other results are in the process of being presented or displayed bination of these suitable for a particular application. The This background processing of results may increase the speed hardware may include a general purpose computer and/or at which some results can be presented to a mobile commu dedicated computing device. The processes may be realized nication facility 102. In embodiments, certain categories of in one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, embedded results may be presented to the mobile communication facil microcontrollers, programmable digital signal processors or ity 102 before other categories. For example, images may other programmable device, along with internal and/or exter take longer to download, process, and/or collect as compared nal memory. The processes may also, or instead, be embodied to ringtones, so the category of ringtones, or individual ring in an application specific integrated circuit, a programmable 25 tones, may be presented to the mobile communication facility gate array, programmable array logic, or any other device that 102 before or while the image results or image category is may be configured to process electronic signals. It will further being locally loaded for presentation. be appreciated that the process may be realized as computer FIG.11 illustrates a scenario where a user 1104 of a mobile executable code created using a structured programming lan communication facility 102 would like to obtain relevant guage such as C, an object oriented programming language 30 search results through the use of his mobile communication Such as C++, or any other high-level or low-level program facility 102. Prior to making the search, there is already ming language (including assembly languages, hardware information relating to his presence, his person, his calling description languages, and database programming languages habits, his web habits, other people's habits, information and technologies) that may be stored, compiled or interpreted relating to inferences about other people's behavior when to run on one of the above devices, as well as heterogeneous 35 presented with options, and other information that may be combinations of processors, processor architectures, or com used in the development of results to this particular user 1104. binations of different hardware and software. At the same For example, the user may be connected with a wireless time, processing may be distributed across a wireless search service provider 108 either directly or through another facil platform and/or a computer in a number of ways, or all of the ity. By interacting with the wireless service provider 108, the functionality may be integrated into a dedicated, standalone 40 user can obtain information through the internet, such as open device or other hardware. All such permutations and combi content 1138, information within the confines of the wireless nations are intended to fall within the scope of the present provider's 108 domain, walled garden content 132, carrier disclosure. rules 130, mobile subscriber characteristic information 112, It will also be appreciated that means for performing the sponsor information 128, time of day (e.g. either local time, or steps associated with the processes described above may 45 time related to another region), and location information as include any of the hardware and/or software described above. indicated by or provided through a location facility 110. Any In another aspect, each process, including individual process orall of this information may be processed through a personal steps described above and combinations thereof, may be filter 644 (e.g. a collaborative filter) within the mobile search embodied in computer executable code that, when executing host facility 114 to refine a search query or refine (filter) on one or more computing devices, performs the steps 50 results before they are presented to the user 1104 on the thereof. mobile communication facility 102. In the following discussion, the term “deck” is generally As described in connection with FIG. 1, the mobile search used to refer to in-garden content, or optionally, a discrete host facility 114 may include an algorithm facility/filter 144 group of explicitly interrelated content items, while “mobile (e.g. a collaborative filter or personal filter). The personal web' generally refers to WAP sites, and “web' generally refer 55 filter 144 may be used in conjunction with a search query to open web search results. Thus an effort is made in the entered and transmitted from the mobile communication following description to distinguish between in-garden con facility 102 along with information from one of the associated tent, general mobile device content, and general web content. databases and/or its location information. The personal filter However, it will be appreciated that these distinctions are not 144 may use an algorithm that predicts the desired results always exclusive, and not rigidly followed in the following 60 based on information collected from other searchers (e.g. discussion, so the context may appropriately suggest or collaborative filtering), as well information relating to the require a narrower or broader meaning to any of these terms. user (e.g. mobile Subscriber characteristic information from As indicated by the navigation facility, the category database 112, or location information). "Deck’ has been selected and expanded to reveal sub catego An implicit search scenario associated with the illustration ries 920 related to the category "Deck. Again, the user can 65 of FIG. 11 could be as follows. The person 1104 is walking select the sub category (in this embodiment “Music' is down the street at 7:00 p.m. The location of the mobile com selected) to drill down into further categories or results. munication facility 102 is assessed using a GPS system (i.e. in US 8,819,659 B2 81 82 association with the location facility 110). The location is they are in the area and knowing the Volume of restaurant then stored. An implicit search is initiated either because it is traffic, the restaurant may be able to offer a more targeted sale the time of day for the periodic implicit search, because user offer. habits indicate the user is going to be looking for results soon, Likewise, the bookstore in a building 1102B may want to because there are advertisers interested in pushing an adver 5 advertise to the user 1104 because he is in the area and has tisement, there is a local sale, there is an activity nearby, or Some history of searching amazon.com and the like. The there are other temporal, activity based, or other reasons to restaurant may have signed up to participate in an auction for initiate the implicit search. Once the search is initiated, the mobile communication facility 102 advertising space relating stored location information may be transmitted to a mobile to people in the area of the building 1102B, within the hours search host facility. The mobile host search facility 142 may 10 the store is open, where the people have a history of activities also collect information from other associated sources (e.g. related to the purchase of books (e.g. searching amazon.com, the mobile subscriber characteristics 112 database 112, the purchasing books on-line, or are frequent travelers). sponsor information database 128, carrier rules 130). The A flower shop in a building 1102D may employ similar mobile search host facility is now prepared to perform a techniques to target Suitable users in the area. search based on the personal filter in the mobile search host 15 While embodiments involving implicit searching have facility 114 in conjunction with the user's location, time of been described in connection with FIG. 11, it will be appre day, and/or other information relating to the several data ciated that the same or similar techniques may be applied to sources available to the mobile search host facility 114 (e.g. explicit searches. For example, the user 1104 may be in the the mobile subscriber characteristics 112 database 112, the area of an office building 1102A and may be looking for the sponsor database 128, the content 132, the carrier rules 130, office building 1102A. The user 1104 may enter a search and the open web content 1138). All of the information may query with the name of the office building 1102B, and the indicate that this is the general time when the user 1104 eats name of the office building may be combined with the user's dinner, so the mobile search host facility 114 may provide location and time of day to better target search results for the results to the mobile communication facility 102 that pertain USC. to dinner. In these results, a sponsor may have participated in 25 An explicit search scenario associated with the illustration a search marketing auction in an attempt to get his informa of FIG. 11 could be as follows. The person 1104 is walking tion onto the user's mobile communication facility 102. For down the street at 7:00 p.m. The location of the mobile com example, a restaurant located in a building 1102C may be the munication facility 102 is assessed using a GPS system (i.e. in high bidder on a keyword auction related to dinners within association with the location facility 110). The location is five miles of another building 1102C where the user 1104 is 30 then stored. An explicit search is initiated by the user 1104. located, so the information the restaurant wanted sponsored Once the search is initiated, the stored location information and displayed on the mobile communication facility 102 will may be transmitted to a mobile search host facility. The be displayed if the user 1104 interacts with the restaurant mobile host search facility 142 may also collect information information presented. The information may not be presented from other associated Sources (e.g. the mobile Subscriber until the user decides to look at search results, which may not 35 characteristics database 112, the sponsor information data ever happen. If the user 1104 does not interact with the spon base 128, or carrier rules 130). The mobile search host facility sored result that was downloaded to the mobile communica is now prepared to perform a search based on the personal tion facility 102, the sponsor may or may not have to pay a fee filter in the mobile search hostfacility 114 in conjunction with to the wireless provider 108 for the sponsored content. If the the user's location, time of day, and other information relating user 1104 does interact with the restaurant information that 40 to the several data sources available to the mobile search host was downloaded on the mobile communication facility 102. facility 114 (e.g. the mobile subscriber characteristics 112 the restaurant may or may not have to pay a fee to the wireless database 112, the sponsor database 128, the content 132, the provider 108. carrier rules 130, and the open web content 1138). The search To continue with this implicit search scenario, the user may may be performed in conjunction with the personal filter and enter into a results mode or search mode on the mobile com 45 other relevant filtering information to obtain results. In these munication facility 102. In a results mode, results may appear results, a sponsor may have participated in a search marketing without the need for a search. In this mode, the user may auction in an attempt to get his information onto the user's simply be presented with information that he may be inter mobile communication facility 102. For example, the restau ested in, given all of the prior information that is known about rant located in a building 1102C may be the high bidder on a him (e.g. location, time of day, and mobile Subscriber infor 50 keyword auction related to dinners within five miles of the mation). In a search mode, the user may enter a search query, building 1102C, so the information the restaurant wanted and, if there is a relationship between the search query and the sponsored and displayed on the mobile communication facil previously downloaded results, the previously downloaded ity 102 will be displayed if the user 1104 interacts with the results may be presented. The user may perceive this as a very restaurant information presented. If the user does not interact fast search or a high bandwidth connection because the search 55 with the sponsored result that was downloaded to the mobile results are presented from local memory. communication facility 102, the sponsor may or may not have The previously downloaded results presented may include to pay a fee to the wireless provider 108 for the right to post. a sponsored link from the restaurant, and the user may acti If the user 1104 does interact with the restaurant information vate the sponsored link (e.g. by clicking on it). Once acti that was downloaded on the mobile communication facility vated, or clicked or interacted with, the user may be presented 60 102, the restaurant may or may not have to pay a fee to the with information relating to the restaurant. The information wireless provider 108. may include contact information (e.g. phone, address, email, The downloaded results presented may include a spon URL) as well as a description of the restaurant. The user may sored link from the restaurant, and the user may activate the be presented with a general section of the restaurants website sponsored link (e.g. by clicking on it). Once activated, or or a space tailored for the user 1104. For example, the restau 65 clicked or interacted with, the link may present the user with rant may present users with a coupon or other sale if they information relating to the restaurant. The information may arrive at the restaurant within a predetermined time. Knowing include contact information (e.g. phone, address, email, US 8,819,659 B2 83 84 URL) as well as a description of the restaurant. In one sors of the mobile content, and/or the users of the service, as embodiment, the information may include a form or active a source of revenue on a per-interaction basis. control (Such as a button) for making reservations. The user Sponsored mobile content may be an advertisement or may be presented with a general section of the restaurants Some other form of sponsored content. Advertisements may website or a space tailored for the user 1104. For example, the relate to services provided by the sponsors of the wireless restaurant may present the user with a coupon or other sale if search platform 100, such as new cell phone models, addi he or she arrives at the restaurant within a predetermined time. tional services, accessories, and the like; or consumer prod Knowing they are in the area and knowing the Volume of ucts, such as electronics, household items, cars, beauty aids, restaurant traffic, the restaurant may be able to offer a more and the like; or for other purchases such as real estate, college 10 tuition, time-shares, vacations, and the like. Other forms of targeted sale offer. sponsored content may be political advertisements, religious Likewise, the bookstore in a building 1102B may want to messages, community programs, and the like. Sponsored advertise to the user 1104 because he is in the area and has content may be associated with a bid process. The wireless Some history of searching amazon.com and the like. The search platform 100 may use information gathered about the restaurant may have signed up to participate in an auction for 15 user, along with keywords in the search query to determine mobile communication facility 102 advertising space relating what mobile content would be most relevant to the user. to people in the area of the building 1102B, within the hours Relevance to the user may be based at least in part on the the store is open, where the people have a history of activities keywords in the search query. Examples of relevance to key related to the purchase of books (e.g. searching amazon.com, words may be a search query for a car show resulting in an purchasing books on-line, is a frequent traveler). advertisement for a car, or a search query for treatment of Sun In embodiments, search results are presented to the user burn resulting in an advertisement for Sun tan lotions, or a 1104 on the mobile communication facility 102 that are tar search query for information for ski conditions resulting in an geted to the user based on information relating to the user, the advertisement for time-share condominiums in the moun mobile communication facility 102, the location, and/or other tains, or a search query for election results resulting in a information as described herein in conjunction with a per 25 sponsored content for a political party, and the like. Sonal filter. In embodiments, the information is also used to In embodiments, relevance to the user may be based at least better target advertising, and sponsored advertisements may in part on the information relating to the mobile communica be provided to the mobile communication facility 102 tion facility, including user characteristics Such as age, sex, through a pay for auction advertisement scheme. Such a race, religion, area code, Zip code, home address, work scheme could be similar to the desktop featured Google 30 address, billing address, credit information, family informa AdWords and AdSense by Google, Inc. of Mountain View, tion, income information, birth date, birthplace, employer, Calif. job title, length of employment, and alike; user history, such By way of another example made in connection with FIG. as past interactions with mobile content, web sites visited, 11, the user 1104 may receive a search result that includes a phone usage types, and alike; user transactions for purchases pay per call link, where the vendor associated with the call 35 and services; geographic location; time of day and time of (typically the company being called) pays a fee when receiv usage; mobile communication facility characteristics, such as ing a call through the pay per call number. For example, the display capability, video capability, cache size, storage capa user 1104 may search for results related to flowers and receive bility, memory capacity, and alike; or other Such information. back a phone number and possibly other contact information Examples of relevance to information relating to the mobile for the flower shop in building 1102D. The link may have 40 communication facility may include a search query for a car been provided as a result of processing a search through a show resulting in an advertisement for a sports car, because process involving a personal filter in conjunction with infor personal information about the user indicates that a sports car mation relating to the user, the mobile communication facility may be more relevant to the user because the user is young 102, and/or the mobile subscriber characteristic information and male with an income that could afford a sports car, or a (as indicated in the implicit search example and the explicit 45 search query for treatment of arthritis resulting in an adver search example illustrated in connection with FIG. 11). Once tisement for an electric convertible bed, because information the user activates the phone number for the flower shop, the about the user indicates that the user is elderly, and the user flower shop may be able to receive the call for a fee, or reject has been also recently searching for sleeping aids and has the call. been placing calls from hospitals; or a search query about A wireless search platform 100 may use the keywords from 50 interior design resulting in sponsored content for a university a mobile communication facility 102 search query, and infor program for interior design, because information about the mation stored in the wireless search platform 100, to display user indicates that the user is young, female, living at home, user-relevant sponsored mobile content on the mobile com and has recently been searching and visiting universities, munication facility. Information stored in the wireless search furthermore, the relevant advertisement that is selected may platform 100 may include personal user information, user 55 be presented on a mobile communication facility in a higher patterns of behavior with the mobile communications facility, resolution format, because the user's mobile communication characteristics of the mobile communications facility, and the facility characteristics indicate that the user's mobile phone is like. Access to such user information, in combination with the newer model that can accept the higher resolution format of keyword content of the search query, may increase the rel the advertisement. evance of mobile content delivery to users, and increase the 60 When the user is persuaded to call the phone number pro probability of user interaction with the sponsored mobile vided by the mobile content, the user may click on a hyperlink content. The sponsored mobile content may be displayed on to make the call, manually dial the number, enter the number the mobile communication facility 102 with a phone number into the mobile communication facility using a voice com to enable the user to place a call to the number in order to learn mand, or use some other method to call the number provided. more about the displayed content, make a purchase, or carry 65 A hyper-link may involve clicking a hyper-linked phone out some other call-based activity. User interaction may then number on the displayed content, or a hyper-linked image on be tracked, and service providers may then charge the spon the displayed content. The user may choose to store the dis US 8,819,659 B2 85 86 played phone number for Subsequent use, or dial the phone to a content item, to an advertisement, or to other material of number manually. When the user places the call, the wireless a commercial provider, such as a vendor of goods or services. search platform 100 may then store and track the interaction The link may, for example, be to an item on an electronic for Subsequent billing to the sponsoring agent. The sponsored commerce site, to an auction site, to a reverse auction site, to mobile content may require the user to pay a fee for placing a news site, to an information site, or to other content on a the call. Examples of user-fee calls may be stock information, computer network, Such as web content, content located on fan club updates, sports tips, and alike. In the case of user-fee other networks, or the like. The link may include or be asso calls, the wireless search platform 100 may directly bill the ciated with various e-commerce features, such as those user's account as a part of the service provided to the spon enabling single click purchasing, bidding, targeted advertis Soring service. 10 ing, instant purchasing (e.g., “buy it now'), tracking of clicks Another example of a mobile pay-per-call interaction may or transactions, tracking of referrals, affiliate program fea be a user whose information stored in the mobile search tures, or the like. In embodiments the link is a sponsored link platform 100 shows they are 42 years old, male, married, with that is presented to a user on the user interface of a mobile three young children, and owns a house. The user's mobile communication facility 102. Such as a cell phone. The spon communication facility 102 information shows that the user's 15 sored link may be presented in association with an implicit device is older, and only capable of processing lower resolu query 164 (and may be related to Such a query). The spon tion mobile content. In addition, recent user activity shows sored link may be presented in response to entering an explicit search queries for toys. The user then inputs a new search query (or partial entry of Such a query). The sponsored link query for tent rentals. The mobile search platforms 100 data may be presented upon making of a telephone call or other base indicates that it is also Summertime. Given this informa action of a user of the mobile communication facility 102. tion, the mobile search platform 100 shows a high relevance The sponsored link may be presented upon retrieval of results, for Supplies to Support an outside birthday party for young sorting of results, filtering of results, presentation of results, children. The mobile search platform 100 than delivers an or routing of results, such as in response to a search function advertisement to the user's mobile communication facility 142 that is executed in response to a query. 100 for an inflatable water slide from a local party rental store. 25 In embodiments the right to sponsor a link is obtained via The advertisement is displayed in a lower resolution format to a bidding process among a plurality of candidate sponsors. coincide with the user's device capabilities. A phone number The bidding process may be automated, whereby a bid (or a is provided in the advertisement that the user may now store reserve bid, reserve price, or the like) is automatically com for later use, click on to call immediately, dial manually, and pared to other bids made by other candidate sponsors for a so on. When the user places the call, the mobile search plat 30 link in an auction format. In other embodiments bids need form 100 tracks the interaction and directs charges to the only meet a required price in order to be accepted. An algo party rental store for the user interaction with the displayed rithm facility 144 may determine what link or links relate to phone number. “winning bids for sponsoring particular links. Bids can be Another example of a mobile pay-per-call interaction may for presenting links at a particular position in the user inter be a user whose information stored in the mobile search 35 face, at a particular point in a navigation sequence (Such as on platform 100 shows they are 18 years old, female, and living a home page, on a search screen, after a call has been made, at home. The user's mobile communication facility 102 infor after a transaction has been executed, after navigation to a mation shows that the user's device is new and capable of particular screen, upon presentation of an implicit query 164, displaying video content. In addition, recent user activity upon entry of an explicit query, upon retrieval of results, upon shows search queries calling for information about members 40 routing of results, and/or upon consummation of a transac of various rock bands, and downloads of rock videos. The tion, or the like). Bids can be made for associating a link with user then inputs a new search query for information about particular content, such as particular forms of queries, par members of the Dave Matthew’s Band. Given this informa ticular results, or particular content items. For example, a tion, the mobile search platform 100 shows a high relevance sponsor who sells golf equipment might bid to sponsor links for advertisements for new music and concerts for rock bands. 45 whenever an implicit or explicit query uses the terms 'golf.” The mobile search platform 100 then delivers an advertise “tee,” or “par” while a sponsor who sells video content might ment to the user's mobile communication facility 100 for seek to sponsor links when a query uses the terms “movie.” tickets to a local Dave Matthew’s concert. The mobile content “film.’ “cinema’ or “show.” In embodiments a bidding pro is delivered as a short music video, with audio and text that cess may occur in close proximity in time to the presentation highlights the concert’s date and time, and that tickets are still 50 of the link. available. The mobile content indicates a hyperlink, with a In embodiments, an advertisement may be presented to a phone number, to get more information about the purchase of mobile communication facility based at least in part on concert tickets. The user may now store the mobile content for receiving a webpage request from the query facility of a later retrieval, or connect immediately for more information. mobile communication facility, receiving information asso When the user places the call, the mobile search platform 100 55 ciated with the mobile communication facility, and associat may track the interaction and directs charges to the agency ing at least one advertisement with a webpage at least in part selling the concert tickets for the user interaction with the based on the information relating to the mobile communica displayed phone number. The mobile search platform 100 tion facility. For example, a user of a mobile communication may also direct charges to the user's mobile account as a facility may initiate a search query for “Sonny Rollins.” The service charge for purchasing the tickets using the mobile 60 potential search results that may be presented to the user's pay-per-call functionality. mobile communication facility may include advertisements In embodiments of the present invention, methods and and websites for CD's of Sonny Rollin's music, videos of his systems may include presenting a link in a user interface of a performances, etc. Information about the mobile communi mobile communication device, where the link is configured to cation facility (e.g., its video streaming capabilities) may be link to a commercial item that is available via a computer 65 used in order to determine which of the advertisement/ network, thus enabling a party to sponsor the link. The link webpage results may be presented Successfully to the user's may be to an item of goods or services for sale, to a promotion, mobile communication facility. This information may, in US 8,819,659 B2 87 88 turn, be used to pair webpages and advertisements that are the commercial entity to pay some consideration, which may each capable of presenting in the display of the user's mobile be a sponsored link basis, an auction basis, a pay per call communication facility. basis, or the like. In certain embodiments, the right to sponsor the link is In embodiments, a generalized process may be used for obtained via an auction, which may be an online auction. disambiguating a user query entry 120 by pairing the query In embodiments a link may be associated with a disam information with at least one element from the mobile sub biguated version of a query, so that a link appears only after scriber characteristics 112 database 112. Once the user sub the relevancy of a query has been assessed. mits a query entry 120 via the mobile communication facility In embodiments a sponsored link may be associated with a 102, the query is wirelessly routed to the wireless communi result that is retrieved via a search that is executed using the 10 cation facility 104 and then to the wireless provider 108. The mobile communication device 102. For example, a link for a wireless provider 108 may then abstract data stored in the camera Vendor may appear only when one of the highest mobile subscriber characteristics 112 database 112 that is ranked search results uses the words “digital camera.” relevant to the user query entry 120. Relevance may be based In embodiments, the sponsored link may be associated 15 upon semantic similarities, temporal factors, and geographic with the sorting of results that are retrieved via a search and/or demographic congruence between the Substance of the function 142 that is executed using the mobile communica query entry 120 and that found in the mobile subscriber tion device. For example, a link may be sponsored (including characteristics 112 database 112. Once this information is after a bidding process) only if associated results are ranked linked, the disambiguation facility 140 may carry out opera Sufficiently high after they are sorted (such as being Sorted as tions to elucidate the probable best meaning of the user's a result of a ranking or disambiguation process). query entry 120 and route the result(s) back through the In embodiments, a sponsored link may be associated with wireless provider 108 and wireless communication facility the filtering of results that are retrieved via a search function 104 to the mobile communication facility 102 for display 172 142 that is executed using the mobile communication device. to the user. For example, the sponsored link may only appear after certain 25 Representative elements that may be stored within the types of results have been filtered out. For example, a sponsor mobile subscriber characteristics 112 database 112 include of travel to Paris, France, might bid to sponsor a link only in location, personal information relating to a user, web inter situations where results relating to Paris Hilton have been actions, email interactions, messaging interactions, billing filtered out before results are presented to the user. history, payment history, typical bill amount, time of day, In embodiments a sponsored link may be associated with 30 the presentation of results that are retrieved via a search duration of on-line interactions, number of on-line interac function 142 that is executed using the mobile communica tions, family status, occupation, transactions, previous search tion device. For example, if certain results are modified or queries entered, history of locations, phone number, device filtered, such as based on the capability of a particular device identifier, type of content previously downloaded, content to present certain content, a sponsored link may be sponsored 35 previously viewed, and sites visited. only for situations where relevant results can be presented on Similarly, the query entry 120 may be disambiguated based the mobile communications facility. For example, a sponsor upon characteristics of the user's mobile communication may bid to sponsor links to instructional videos for yoga, but facility 102 (e.g., unique phone number, device identifier, or only for presentation on devices that are capable of rendering other unique identifier), information stored within the mobile sample video. 40 communication facility 102 (e.g., information stored in the In embodiments a sponsored link may be associated with memory of the device), or information stored on a database the routing of results that are retrieved via a search function associated with a server. 142 that is executed using the mobile communication device. In embodiments, mobile search host facilities 114 may be For example, if an algorithm facility 144 includes rules for used for providing mobile communications facility 102 users routing certain types of results, a sponsored link may be 45 additional relevant result set(s) based upon a query entry 120. associated with the execution of Such rules. For example, For example, the mobile communication facility 102 may rules related to parental controls 150 may route content or have a cache 2300 of memory wherein salient information is messages to parents if children appear to be attempting to stored, such as aspects of the mobile communication facility access inappropriate content. A sponsored link may allow a 102, the user's profile, and a user behavioral history (e.g., provider of parental control Software or services to present a 50 phone calls, websites visited, search queries, frequency of link that is associated with the routed results. queries, frequency of downloading content, rate changes in In embodiments, a link may be provided to a commercial the frequency of events, and frequency of purchases). item of a party who has not yet sponsored the link. The party This information may be automatically refreshed and may then be offered the opportunity to sponsor the continued transferred, at set temporal intervals, from the mobile com presentation of the link. In embodiments, the offer to continue 55 munication facility 102 to the wireless communication facil to sponsor the link may be presented to a commercial entity ity 104, and then on to either the user's wireless provider 108 contemporaneously with or upon a user's execution of the or directly to the mobile search host facilities 114. Within the link. In embodiments such an offer may include an invitation mobile search host facilities 114, the query content may be for the commercial entity to participate in an auction orbid filtered by an algorithm facility 144 that scrutinizes the query ding process for continued sponsorship of the link or for 60 content for the purpose of providing the user additional Sug sponsorship of at least one additional link. gestions in the result set(s). For example, the frequency of In embodiments, the link to a commercial entity may terms used by the user in the query entry 120 may be used by include a phone number for a provider of the commercial the algorithm facility 144 to Suggest related results based item. In embodiments, the phone number may be a dedicated upon similar frequency indexing of key words or upon the phone number, which, when called by a user, conveys an 65 popularity of query terms and results. As the user amends his intermediate message to the commercial entity that includes query entry 120, the cache 2300 may implicitly transfer the an offer to continue the link in exchange for an agreement by content to the mobile search host facilities 114 for real time US 8,819,659 B2 89 90 processing within the disambiguation facility 140, search users. As with the above restaurant example, similar pro facility 142, or other facility within the mobile host search cesses for generating meaningful recommendations may be facilities 114. applied to other services and products, including transporta Additional facilities within the mobile search hostfacilities tion (navigation, taxis, buses, trains, cars, airports, etc.), food 114 may be used to add meaningfulness to the query entry and drink (groceries, drive through restaurants, bars, etc.), 120. For example, the disambiguation facility 140 may cat entertainment (theater, sports, movies, clubs, etc.), business egorize the query entry 120 based upon key words, word (corporations, workplaces, banks, post offices and other mail frequency, and/or word combinations, thereby enabling the ing or shipping facilities. etc.), consumer needs (gas stations, resulting categories, such as title, artist, and yellow page-type drug or clothing stores, baby sitters, parking, etc.), and infor categories. Carrier business rules 158, parental controls 150, 10 mation specific to the locale (directions, locations, starting and a sponsorship facility 162 may also be used to generate times, news, etc.) Suggestions for these and related search query and/or result In embodiments, classifications of search categories may set(s). be presented that relate to the search query on a display An interactive process between the mobile communication associated with the mobile communication facility 102. facility 102 and the disambiguation step 210 may be used for 15 In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be mapped to a unambiguous query formation 2400. Once a user Submits a taxonomy of query categories and classification schema (e.g., query entry 120 to the mobile communication facility 102, a the yellow pages phone book taxonomy). process of correction 244 may be necessary or helpful for In embodiments, results may be retrieved based on submit unambiguous query formation 2400 that is sufficient to yield ting a query entry 120 in conjunction with information relat intelligible and useful result set(s). As part of the correction ing to the mobile communication facility 102. This informa 244 process, information specific to the type of mobile com tion may include the mobile subscriber characteristics 112, munication facility 102 may be used; for example, if the carrier business rules 130, and sponsor information. The addi device has unique delivery capabilities, the query may need tional information stored in these databases may form search correction in order to derive a result set compatible with these parameters that limit the search query and the display of result capabilities. Information stored in the mobile subscriberchar 25 set(s) by omitting information, prioritizing information (e.g., acteristics database 112 or parental controls facility 150 may presenting sponsor links prior to all others), highlighting a also be integral to the correction 244 process. In embodi subset of the search result set, or ordering the display of ments, the search engine may automatically suggest correc information based upon a sponsor auction (i.e., highest bidder tions for common misspellings, including those which are presented first). In the case of the sponsor auction, sponsors unique to the mobile experience (e.g., “2nite') 30 may bid on keywords that they would like to be associated A user's query entry 120 may return a null result set or an with their products, services, and links thereto. improbable results set. In this case, the search facility 142, in In embodiments, results may be ordered in relation to the conjunction with the mobile communication facility 102, query entry 120 based at least in part on information relating could automatically trigger correction 244 and iteratively to the mobile communication facility 102. This information cycle through alternative query entries 120 until a non-null or 35 may include mobile subscriber characteristics 112, a search higher probability result set is delivered. algorithm facility 144, parental controls 150, carrier business In embodiments, items which have been more recently rules 130, and/or sponsor information. Ordering results added or updated may receive a ranking priority indicative of related to a query entry 120 based on sponsor information their freshness. may be done by associating sponsors with key words used in In embodiments, additional recommendations may be 40 query entries, and/or associating query entries with sponsor made following a user's query entry 120 based upon the content. When a query entry 120 matches a sponsor's key information related to the mobile communication facility word(s) or content, that sponsors information may be priori 102. For example, mobile subscriber characteristics 112, car tized in the search result display, highlighted, or otherwise rier business rules 130, or sponsor information, in conjunc given Superiority over other content related to the query entry tion with the query entry 120, may suggest relevant recom 45 120. Association of key words with sponsors may occur mendations for the user. The recommendations may be paired through an auction in which bidders compete for sole asso with the query entry 120 search results or presented prior to, ciation with keywords or for a shared frequency of keyword or following, the display of the search results. association (e.g., every other occurrence of a keyword). Fur A user's prior search activities and search results may also thermore, the auction process could include bidding to deter be used to create recommendations for the user. Prior search 50 mine the size of the resulting sponsor content display (e.g., activities may include transactions, search queries, visits to expressed as a percentage of the users total display space on websites, phone calls, and/or other acts initiated by the user the mobile communication facility 102) and the addition of on the mobile communication facility 102. The geographic multimedia content to the results display, such as adding location of the mobile communication facility 102 may foster graphics, audio, or a video stream. recommendations including, but not limited to, sponsor infor 55 Query results may also be ordered, at least in part, based on mation (e.g. products and services) in the user's current geo the capabilities of the mobile communication facility 102. graphic vicinity. The current time may be used independently wherein the capability is an audio, visual, processing, or or in conjunction with other information to create user rec screen capability. ommendations. For example, the independent fact that it is In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be made by pro noon may create recommendations for restaurants serving 60 ducing predictive text based, at least in part, on information lunch. This information may be further filtered by the location relating to the mobile communication facility 102. Such as of the mobile communication facility 102 to recommend only mobile subscriber characteristics 112, a search algorithm those restaurants that are in the user's immediate vicinity, and facility 144, a personal filter, parental controls 150, carrier it may be further filtered by the subscriber's characteristics to business rules 130, or sponsorship information. Additionally, recommend only that Subset of restaurants serving lunch in 65 predictive text may be based on the mobile communication the user's current vicinity that have received high ratings by facility's 102 SMS conversion and/or keypad sequence con restaurant patrons with a demographic profile similar to the version. Additionally, T9 errors may be corrected. For US 8,819,659 B2 91 92 example, ifa user seeks “Britney' and dials 2748.639. T9 may acting with the mobile content through the mobile interpret that as “Argumenw’ instead. communication facility 102 user interface. Such a malfunc In embodiments, a voice-based query entry 120 may be tion may result in a variety of downstream issues for the user associated with information relating to the mobile communi as the improper response may include changes in the mobile cation facility 102, such as voice interpretation based, at least communication facility 102 configuration, interface, or other in part, on SMS conversion. aspects. In embodiments, an auction may be associated with a query Aspects of mobile content may be analyzed with respect to entry 120. Performing the auction may involve using infor compatibility with a mobile communication facility 102. mation relating to the mobile communication facility 102, for Each aspect may also be ranked based on one or more mea example, mobile subscriber characteristics 112, a search 10 Sures of compatibility. As an example, an aspect of mobile algorithm facility 144, a personal filter, parental controls 150, content may involve a rudimentary function of wireless com or carrier business rules 130. The result set(s) display may munication. Such an aspect may be ranked based only on prioritize or highlight sponsor results. meeting a minimum degree of compatibility. In another In embodiments, a search query may be entered on a example, an aspect of mobile content that enables advanced mobile communication facility 102 and results presented on a 15 capabilities if they are present in a mobile communication screen associated with the mobile communication facility facility 102 may be ranked only for mobile communication 102, and a transaction may be performed in association with facilities 102 that have the capabilities. Other aspects of the a sponsored link, where the transaction may occur by the user mobile content may be ranked for all mobile communication clicking on a sponsored link or engaging in a commercial facilities 102. transaction, such as purchasing downloadable content. Measures of mobile content compatibility may vary based In embodiments, aggregated content may be presented to on criteria Such as mobile communication facility 102 manu the mobile communication facility 102. Content may be facturer, or product line. For example, an aspect of mobile aggregated through a spider, including, for example, ringtone content that is directed toward a specific manufacturer or content, music content, or video content. The spider may product line or even model number, such as a BIOS upgrade, determine the compatibility of the content with the capabili 25 may be unranked for use on mobile communication facilities ties of the mobile communication facility 102. Compatibility 102 from other manufacturers. may be determined by running a series of mock mobile com A mobile content rank may include any and all rankings of munication facility 102 trials and using the results to extract aspects of the mobile content. The rankings of aspects of the results from sites on a preferred basis. The preferred basis content may be combined in a variety of ways including may provide for the extraction from a WAP compatible con 30 adding the rankings to generate a mobile content rank total. tent site first, or extraction from content type sites first, where Each aspect may be weighted Such that all aspects may not the content was aggregated in relation to information relating contribute equally to the total rank. A mobile content rank to the mobile communication facility 102. total may represent a single aspect rank. In embodiments, spiders may be used to determine the Mobile content ranking may also provide an indication of compatibility between content and the capabilities of mobile 35 the extent of compatibility based on a ranking range (such as communication facilities. For example, a spider may present 1 to 10). Alternatively, ranking may provide a binary yes or no to a content provider as a particular type of mobile commu measure of compatibility. The ranking may be associated nication facility in order to detect the level of compatibility with a specific mobile communication facility 102 model between that type of mobile communication facility and the number Such that a mobile content may have a plurality of content offered by the content provider. Furthermore, a con 40 rankings. In an example, a model A of a mobile communica tent provider, such as a mobile storefront, may provide dif tion facility 102 may support a subset of features present in a ferent content for each type or class of mobile communication first mobile content, while model B supports all of the fea facility. The spider may be able to present to the content tures present. In comparison with other mobile content, the provider and determine the associations between a given pro first mobile content may be ranked higher than other mobile vider's content classes and types or classes of mobile com 45 for model B, while other mobile content may be ranked munication facilities. higher than the first mobile content for model A. In embodiments, spiders may be able to determine the A wireless provider 108 may use mobile content rankings compatibility of content with mobile communication facility for selecting mobile content to be provided to a mobile com types by detecting webpage content qualities that are specific munication facility 102. Compatible mobile content may to a type or class of mobile communication facility (e.g., 50 allow a user to interact with the content and thereby increase HTML tags, color depth, number of images, size of images, the chance of the user responding positively to the sponsored etc). Once the compatibility data is compiled by a spider, the content. If the mobile content is not compatible or has poor data may be stored in a database and used in conjunction with compatibility, the user may not be able to interact with the a search engine to optimize content presentation by sending content at all. Therefore, mobile content that has greater only compatible content, or the most compatible content 55 compatibility with a mobile communication facility 102 may available, to the mobile communication facility from which have greater value to the wireless provider 108 because a the search query is sent. content sponsor may pay a higher commission for delivering Mobile content may require certain capabilities to be such content than for delivering content that has little or poor enabled on a mobile communication facility 102 for proper compatibility. presentation of the mobile content to the user. However, at 60 Mobile content may include features such as video and least some of the certain capabilities may not be available on audio in a basic format that may be properly displayed on a all mobile communication facilities 102. Without proper pre wide variety of mobile communication facilities 102. How sentation to the user, mobile content may lack value or inter ever these features may also be adapted in mobile content est to the user. It may alternatively cause an inconvenience for such that mobile communication facilities 102 with capabili the user Such as a presentation error, or may cause malfunc 65 ties that support the adapted video may offer the user more tion of the mobile communication facility 102. The malfunc satisfaction, reduce time and frustration, or simply enable tion may include improperactions in response to a user inter viewing the video. US 8,819,659 B2 93 94 Analyzing mobile content may include examining the erence of the mobile content owner as it may be provided in source of the mobile content such as the HTML source. the mobile content or the mobile content metadata. While a Syntax and constructs of the source may reveal information user may choose to allow the presentation of mobile content about aspects of the mobile content that may be compared to that has poor compatibility with an mobile communication features or aspects of a mobile communication facility 102. facility 102, the content owner may prefer that the content not Such a comparison may yield an assessment of the compat be presented to the user rather than the content being poorly ibility of the mobile content with the mobile communication presented to the user. The mobile content presentation facility 102. For example, links within the source of the resources (display resource, audio resource, and the like) of mobile content that link to certain types of data files (such as the mobile communication facility 102 as herein disclosed Video, audio, and the like) may indicate the need for certain 10 may evaluate any or all of the mobile content, the rankings, capabilities in the mobile communication facility 102 to the metadata, user preferences, owner preferences and the properly present the mobile content. Syntax of the mobile like to make a determination of presentation. content source may represent specific functions or commands In embodiments, a sponsored link may be displayed on a to resources of a mobile communication facility 102. These display associated with a mobile communication facility 102 commands, and/or the arguments included with the com 15 that allows a vendor associated with the sponsored link to mands may be compared to a list of commands and/or argu selectively receive a connection or receive search results (in ments supported by a mobile communication facility 102 cluding a sponsored phone number) where an economic resulting in analysis of compatibility. transaction takes place when the sponsored number is at least Links and other references to mobile content may also one of those called and answered. provide information regarding compatibility. While the In embodiments, content may be delivered to a mobile music file format MP3 is a standard and an iPod supports MP3 communication facility 102 based at least in part on informa formatted files, music files provided on-line by the vendor for tion relating to the mobile communication facility 102, and the iPod, are not fully compatible with the MP3 standard. This later content may be produced as the result of a search query. results in these files being incompatible with other vendor's The content presented may be information relating to the mobile communication facilities 102 that support MP3 files. 25 location of the mobile communication facility 102, such as By examining the links to determine a potential owner of the restaurants, entertainment, theaters, and show times. Infor mobile content, compatibility may be determined. mation may also relate to the time of day, mobile subscriber Links in mobile content may reference other portions of the characteristics 112, or parental controls 150. The content may mobile content and as such the link may not include a file type include advertisements and may be stored locally on the or owner. Therefore analyzing other aspects of the mobile 30 mobile communication facility 102 (e.g., in the cache content may provide a measure of compatibility. One Such memory) and periodically updated according to the time of aspect is the size of the mobile content. A portion of the day and/or changes in location of the mobile communication memory facility 118 on a mobile communication facility 102 facility 102. may provide storage for mobile content. However the amount In embodiments, a wireless carrierreport may be generated of mobile content that can be stored in a mobile communica 35 based upon the click through performance following one or tion facility 102 may be limited. Therefore, a measure of more search query entries on a mobile communication facil compatibility between mobile content and a mobile commu ity 102. The report may contain information relating to search nication facility 102 may be the size of the mobile content. result quality, keyword management, and revenue generation, Mobile content that Supports streaming to the mobile com and it may be segmented by the type of mobile communica munication facility 102 for presentation to the user may over 40 tion facility 102 used. come content storage limitations in mobile communication In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be made in a search facilities 102 with Small content storage capacity. box of a mobile communication facility 102 where the search Mobile content may include metadata that may describe or box is presented on an idle Screen. include properties of the mobile content. The metadata may In embodiments, a search query may be entered into a include information such as size, type of content (audio, 45 search facility 142 that is adapted to produce results based on Video, and the like), specific features Supported (such as the mobile compatible page rank. The mobile compatible streaming), and the like. Analysis of mobile content may be page rank may derive from the page's compatibility with the based, at least in part, on an examination of the metadata. The screen, the processing capability of the mobile communica metadata may include rankings of compatibility with a vari tion facility 102, or upon the complexity of the page(s). ety of mobile communication facilities 102. The rankings 50 In embodiments, a relationship may be generated between may be generated by the owner of the content or by a third a query entry 120 and at least one mobile subscriber charac party such as a wireless provider 108. teristic. The mobile subscriber characteristics 112 may Rankings of mobile content may be stored in one or more include location, personal information, history of the user's of the memory facilities of the mobile search platform 100. To web interactions, and or other characteristics, which may also ensure the rankings are up to date, the mobile content may be 55 be used in combination with other data concerning the Sub analyzed from time to time and the rankings may be updated. scriber, the mobile device, and so forth. This analysis may be automated by processing the content In embodiments, a relationship may be generated between with a computer program adapted to analyze mobile content. a query entry 120 and the location of a mobile communication The computer program may execute on a server 134 as herein facility 102 using a location-based service. The relationship disclosed. 60 may be between at least one query entry 120 and the location A mobile communication facility 102 may receive a rank and a time of day. Location may be provided by a GPS system ing for mobile content along with the mobile content Such that or a cell phone triangulation service. the mobile communication facility 102 may use the ranking to In embodiments, the location of a mobile communication determine if the mobile content should be presented. The facility may be used by its user to perform comparison shop determination may be based, at least in part, on user prefer 65 ping. For example, a user searching for electronics may be ences regarding presentation of ranked mobile content. The provided with the contact information (e.g., web address, determination may also be based, at least in part, on a pref street address, email address, phone number, etc.) for elec US 8,819,659 B2 95 96 tronics retailers within a given distance of the current location pUSA, University Computers. Alternatively, the mobile com of the user's mobile communication facility. Both the online munication facility 102 may provide a list of categories of and offline (bricks-and-mortar) inventories of stores may be Vendors (e.g., retail, wholesale, university-based) for the user presented to the mobile communication facility user in order to select; upon selecting the category, the user may receive to comparing Stores offerings. data about vendors within the category. The Internet provides systems and methods for comparison It is understood in the art that a merchant or a vendor may shopping using, for example, product descriptions and prod also be a service provider, and that a product may also be a uct rankings that a consumer may find online. Internet-based service. For example, a query regarding a dentist may pro systems and methods, however, may not be adaptable to duce an ordered list of dentists, with the ordering based at mobile use, so that comparison shopping using Such systems 10 and methods take place at a static location. Described herein least in part on information relating to the mobile communi are systems and methods for comparison shopping that are cation facility 102. A query regarding a product may also advantageously adapted for mobile use. The systems and produce a list of associated products, ordered by relevance, or methods described and exemplified herein take advantage of by any other characteristic. For the laptop computer query, for features of a mobile communication facility 102. Use of a 15 example, a list of merchants selling computer accessories and mobile communication facility 102 may enable the consumer peripherals may be generated. to identify and compare products without reliance upon a It is further understood that ordered lists of merchants may computer or an internet connection. Features of the mobile be reordered according to other search terms entered by the communication facility 102 have been presented previously user or according to any other information related to the in detail. Use of a mobile communication facility 102 in mobile communication facility 102. For example, a list of conjunction with other elements of the systems and methods merchants selling a desired product may be re-sorted based described herein may permit mobile comparison shopping, on proximity, on price, on hours of business, or on any other desirable to consumers with active, mobile lifestyles. Further characteristic that is provided by the user, that resides in the description of these systems and methods follows, with ref mobile communication facility 102, or that is provided by a erence in part to FIG. 1. 25 third party. As an example, the list of merchants selling laptop In embodiments, a consumer may activate a mobile com computers may be culled to include only those who are open parison shopping system by entering a product selection into at a particular time of day, whether the time of the query or a mobile communication facility 102. As described in more some other time (9 AM, for example). That list may then be detail above, the mobile communication facility 102 may be re-sorted according to price, inventory, proximity or some any device capable of wireless communication. The con 30 other characteristic. In this example, the list may be sorted Sumer may enter the product selection into the mobile com based on inventory, with only those merchants having the munication facility 102 using any input process suitable for desired product being listed. the particular type of mobile device. Without limitation, the In embodiments, a number of characteristics may be used product selection may be performed by use of text, Voice, to sort or to order a list of merchants who sell a particular touch (e.g., a touchscreen), optical reading (e.g., a barcode), 35 product or who provide a particular service. Information image recognition, or click signal (e.g., a clickthrough). The relating to the mobile communication facility 102 may product selection may be performed through an explicit oran include user characteristics input by a user, or usage informa implicit search. tion tracked by the mobile communication facility 102 or For example, a consumer may wish to perform mobile other tracking system, or information provided by a third comparison shopping in search of a new computer. She may 40 party, for example a wireless operator, a wireless service enter a search query ("laptop computer) that provides a list provider or a telecommunications service provider. of search results for the product selection, from which she can In embodiments, information used to order a list of mer then select the type of laptop for which she wishes further chants may include information directly provided by the user, shopping comparison information. Alternatively, the search Such as user characteristics. For example, the mobile commu results may be organized according to PC-based systems and 45 nication facility 102 may provide user characteristics such as Mac-based systems, so that the consumer has to choose one demographic information to order a list of physicians: a user category to click through to get to the particular type of laptop who is female and under 35 may be presented with an ordered for which she wishes further shopping comparison informa list of physicians that features family doctors and gynecolo tion. gists, while the over-65 user may be presented with an As another example, a consumer may take her cell phone 50 ordered list of physicians that features internists or cardiolo camera or comparable device into a store where she sees a gists. A mobile communication facility 102 may order the list product for which she wishes more shopping comparison of merchants according to proximity, by noting the geo information. She may take a digital picture of a product and graphic location of the mobile communication facility 102 electronically Submit the picture to an image recognition via GPS and the like. A mobile communication facility 102 facility, where the picture may be compared to an image of a 55 may also order the list of merchants according to proximity by particular product to provide the basis for product selection. referencing the user's home address, business address, Zip She may also take a picture of a barcode, or use a mobile code, and the like. A mobile communication facility 102 may communication facility 102 equipped with a barcode reader, sort through a list of physicians or dentists based on the user's so that the product’s barcode may provide the basis for prod health insurance plan. uct selection. 60 In embodiments, information used to order a list of mer In response to the Submission of a product selection to a chants may include information indirectly provided by the product selection facility, the mobile comparison shopping user, Such as user history or user transactions. Information system may identify merchants who sell Such products, or indirectly provided by the user includes all such information who sell products associated with the product selection. In that may be derived from a pattern of use. For example, a response to the search query about a laptop computer, for 65 search for laptop computers may prioritize merchants selling example, the mobile communication facility 102 may provide non-Dell products if a user has a history of tech Support calls a list of vendors who sell the product, e.g., BestBuy, Com to Dell. A search for laptop computers may prioritize mer US 8,819,659 B2 97 98 chants selling Mac products if the user has engaged in other and profession may be used to order merchants selling com Apple transactions, such as ordering music from iTunes. puters: certain types of computers, sold by certain merchants, In embodiments, information provided by a third party may be ranked as more Suitable for a young male graphic may be used to order a list of merchants. Content may be artist, while the ranking may be different for a middle-aged provided by a third party, such as a wireless provider 108, that 5 female tax accountant. The resultant list may then be refined would order merchants according to quality rankings, cost of based on user transactions, so that a young male graphic artist products, sponsorship payments, or other ordering systems. and potential Mac consumer may be directed to merchants Furthermore, the ordered list of merchants may be further who sold other products that may appeal to that user. For ordered based on the particular products being Sold, the char example, user transactions such as online ordering patterns acteristics of the products, or by third-party information Such 10 may provide information for refining the order of the list. as product reviews. The ordered list of merchants may be Subsequently, the resultant list of merchants may be ordered ordered by available information about their prices or their by other parameters. Price may be used as an ordering param product inventory (online or offline). eter for the price-conscious young graphic artist, while the In embodiments, the third party may provide specific middle-aged accountant who subscribes to Consumer ordering services to which the user may subscribe. A user 15 Reports may use Consumer Reports “report cards' as order may request access to an ordering system on a pay-per-use ing parameter. A variety of combinations of ordering systems basis or as an ongoing Subscription. For example, the user and parameters related to the mobile communication facility who subscribes to Boston Magazine may have the list of 102 are contemplated by the disclosure herein. merchants ordered according to the Best of Boston lists. As Using the systems and methods as described herein, the another example, the user who subscribes to Consumer user may be able to perform comparison shopping using a Reports may request that the list of merchants be ordered mobile communication facility 102. From the product selec according to the Consumer Reports ranking of the products tions and ordered lists of merchants provided to the user, and that the merchant sells. The user may also purchase a single from the ordering criteria derived directly or indirectly from use third-party rating, such as a Consumer Reports rating, to the user or derived from third parties, the user may compare order a specific list of merchants and/or products, for 25 products and merchants and make buying decisions. example, in response to a search query about laptop comput In embodiments, results may be produced based at least in ers. In this example, the single-use Consumer Reports rating part on a query entry 120 used in conjunction with a filter may provide a rank order of computer quality, an ordering algorithm, where the filter algorithm uses information gath based on dependability and reliability, an ordering depending ered by a wireless provider 108. The algorithm facility 144 on price, and the like, in exchange for a fee that is paid at the 30 may be a collaborative filter where the search is an open web time when the rank order is produced. search, or it may be a recommendation system. In embodiments, third party ranking systems may draw In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be processed from content that is private to the consumer, and/or is privacy through a results facility 148 in which the results facility 148 protected. A user looking for a pharmacy in proximity to is associated with information derived from the mobile com where he is driving may receive a list of merchants ordered in 35 munication facility 102, such as mobile subscriber character part based on the availability of pharmaceutical inventory that istics 112 information. corresponds to the prescribing information in his medical In embodiments, a search query may be disambiguated on record. Any such third-party data used for ordering would be the mobile communication facility 102. Disambiguation may Subject to privacy regulations that pertain to health care infor take place on the mobile communication facility 102 or on a mation. A patient may opt into Such a service by granting 40 server application. Disambiguation may involve SMS trans permission to the data service, and the use of the medical lation, a spell check algorithm, a spell check table, a phonetic record data would be appropriately encrypted so that the spelling algorithm, a phonetic spelling table, or a numeric privacy of the information is protected. Other uses of pro keypad word translation tected, private or confidential information about a consumer In embodiments, a query entry 120 on a mobile communi for comparison shopping using a mobile communication 45 cation facility 102 may be, in part, processed through a voice facility 102 may be readily envisioned by skilled artisans. recognition facility 160 residing on the mobile communica In embodiments, a consumer may wish to include multiple tion facility 102. Alternatively, the voice recognition facility third-party rating structures which then may be harmonized 160 may reside on a remote server or in part on the mobile or compared during comparison shopping. For example, the communication facility 102 and in part on a server. Consumer Reports ranking on a laptop may be compared or 50 In embodiments, a query entry 120 on a mobile communi harmonized with the PC World ranking, so that laptop prod cation facility 102 may be processed in association with infor ucts with the top rankings in both ranking systems are placed mation relating to the mobile communication facility 102. at the top of the list. A list of merchants selling these products This information may reside locally on the mobile commu may then be produced and ordered according to other criteria, nication facility 102, or it may be stored remotely, for Such as have been described herein (user characteristics, 55 example, in a mobile subscriber characteristics 112 database. usage patterns, third party content and the like). Similarly, In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be processed on a and by way of exemplification, a list of services and/or service mobile communication facility 102 that provides a parental providers may be ordered by a third party ordering system. control facility to regulate the results produced on the mobile For example, a list of physicians may be ordered in accor communication facility 102. The parental controls 150 may dance with public information available from the Board of 60 be regulated through a server application or through the Registry in Medicine. Such as malpractice claims, number of mobile communication facility 102. publications, number of honors, years in practice, and the Content that is available for viewing on a mobile commu like, or in accordance with third-party ranking systems. Such nication facility 102 may include adult content that may be as The Best Doctors in America. restricted for presentation only to a subset of users through the In embodiments, combinations of ordering parameters 65 use of an authorization process. In one aspect, an authoriza may be provided that relate to the mobile communication tion process for enabling or restricting the presentation of facility 102. As an example, user characteristics Such as age adult content may include receiving a search request, receiv US 8,819,659 B2 99 100 ing information relating to a mobile communication facility, and log onto an authorization facility that may be maintained and determining, based at least in part on information relating by a wireless operator, wireless provider, and or a telecom to a mobile communication facility 102, if the mobile com munications provider, and the like. Once logged onto the munication facility is authorized to receive a type of mobile authorization facility, the parent may be presented with a content relating to the search request. Mobile content may be menu of content types and set a unique authorization level for a sponsored content, a sponsored link, a sponsored call, a each content type. For example, such a menu may include a downloadable content, an audio stream, a video, a graphic taxonomy. Such a taxonomy may include, but is not limited element, or other form of adult content. Mobile content may to, a set of search verticals, such as, “sports.” “weather.” be a blended content which combined non-adult and adult “blogs.” “gambling.” “news. "pornography.” “health.” content. The search request may be initiated by a mobile 10 “food,” and so forth. Within such as taxonomy a parent may communication facility, including a phone, mobile phone, be able to select to authorize or not authorize the presentation cellular phone, and or a GSM phone. of content from that search vertical, or category, to the child’s In embodiments, adult content, such as pornographic con mobile communication facility 102. tent, gaming content, gambling content, lottery content, or In embodiments, an authorization facility may have key other mobile content appropriate for adults may be restricted 15 words that an administrator can accept or block from a search by monitoring information relating to a mobile communica query entered into the query entry facility 120 of the child's tion facility 102 that is the intended recipient of such content. mobile communication facility 102. For example, an admin The information relating to a communication facility may be istrator may block a query entry facility from accepting query a user characteristic, such as age. The user characteristic may entries that include keywords that are commonly associated be selected from the group consisting of age, sex, race, reli with adult content, such as, gambling terms of art like “team gion, area code, Zip code, home address, work address, billing parlay or “betting line.” explicit references common to por address, credit information, family information, income nography, terms associated with lotteries, such as “power information, birth date, birthplace, employer, job title, and ball,” “pick 3,” and the like. length of employment. The user characteristic may be stored In embodiments, an authorization facility may combine in a mobile subscriber characteristics database. The informa 25 elements of a taxonomy-based authorization with a keyword tion relating to a mobile communication facility may also base authorization. For example, an administrator may include a user history, user transaction, a geographic location, choose to block the presentation of search results derived a user device or a time. The information relating to a commu from a search query naming genitalia which are related to the nication facility may be provided by a wireless operator, a search vertical "pornography, but permit search results to wireless service provider, and or a telecommunications pro 30 present which are derived from the search vertical “Health.” vider. In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be processed on a In embodiments, the information relating to a communica mobile communication facility 102 that provides a privacy tion facility may be mobile content authority information. facility 152 associated with the mobile communication facil The mobile content authority information may be derived ity 102 to protect a user from loss of personal or other sensi from a mobile subscriber characteristic database 112. The 35 tive information relating to the search query. mobile content authority information may be logged per an In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be processed on a administrator's request. mobile communication facility 102 that provides a transac In embodiments of the method and system, the determina tional security facility 154 associated with the mobile com tion if a mobile communication facility is authorized to munication facility 102, in which the transactional security receive a type of mobile content may be based at least in part 40 facility 154 is adapted to enable secure transactions associ on information relating to a user of a mobile communication ated with the query entry 120. The transactional security facility. For example, a user of a mobile communication facil facility 154 may involve the protection of privacy 152 and ity 102 may enter the text query entry 120 of "gambling.” may be operated in association with parental controls 150 or Information relating to the mobile communication facility digital rights management. 102 that may be stored in a mobile subscriber database 112 45 In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be processed in may indicate that the user has an age of 30 years. Because this conjunction with carrier business rules 130 and with infor age exceeds that age of maturity, the adult content related to mation relating to a mobile communication facility 102. Car gambling may be authorized to present to the user's mobile rier business rules 130 may include walled garden results, communication facility 102. Alternatively, a user character presenting out of garden content, sponsor information, or istic Such as age may be used to set an authority information 50 auctions. Information relating to the mobile communication in advance of a user's request for adult content. For example, facility 102 may be mobile subscriber characteristic informa in the previous example the user had an age in excess of the tion. age of maturity. This information may permit a general autho In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be processed on a rization for this user to access adult content on the mobile mobile communication facility 102 that produces sponsored communication facility 102 that is associated with the user, 55 results on the display of the mobile communication facility regardless of whether a search request for mobile content has 102. Sponsor results may be paid inclusion results, auction been received. This authorization may be made by a wireless results, or pay-per-click results (in connection with a WAP operator, wireless provider, telecommunications provider, an site or a phone number). A sponsor of the sponsored result individual (e.g., a parent), or any other party interested in may receive compensation as a result of activity associated determining the content that is authorized to present to a 60 with a mobile communication facility 102 phone number. The mobile communication facility. presentation of the sponsored results may be formatted as a In embodiments, an authorization to view adult content link, presented as text, as a picture, as a video, or as an may be used by an individual to set an authorization using a interactive application. Content may be formatted for the logged administrators request. For example, a parent may mobile communication facility 102 and relate to webpage want to ensure that their child is not able presented adult 65 content or links for syndicated advertisements. content on a mobile communication facility 102. The parent In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be disambiguated may be able to serve as an administrator of the child’s phone on a mobile communication facility 102 and a related query US 8,819,659 B2 101 102 Suggested based, in part, on information relating to a mobile In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be disambiguated communication facility 102. The information relating to the on a mobile communication facility 102 by retrieving results mobile communication facility 102 may be the frequency of based on the disambiguated search query in conjunction with queries, frequency of downloading content, rate changes in information relating to the mobile communication facility the frequency of events, and frequency of purchases. This 5 102, such as mobile subscriber characteristics 112, carrier information may be stored locally, on the mobile communi business rules 130, or sponsor information. Sponsor informa cation facility 102 in the device cache, or remotely. The cache tion may be used to determine the display parameters of the may be updated during inactive search periods. results. For example, results may be prioritized, highlighted, Disambiguation may occur by Suggesting additional que or restricted based upon sponsor information. Sponsor infor ries based upon the frequency of terms used in the initial 10 query entry 120 or upon the category of terms used (e.g., title, mation may derive, in part, from a sponsor auction in which artist, or yellow pages taxonomy). Suggestions may be competitive bidding takes place to determine what sponsor updated following the entry of new keystrokes on the mobile information is associated with keywords that may be used in communication facility 102. Disambiguation may also be users’ query entries. based upon information contained in a mobile Subscriber 15 In embodiments, a search query may be disambiguated on characteristics 112 database, the type of mobile communica a mobile communication facility 102 by ordering the results tion facility 102 used to make the query, carrier business rules based, in part, on information relating to the mobile commu 130, a search algorithm facility 144, a term frequency algo nication facility 102, such as mobile subscriber characteris rithm (based upon the popularity of results or query terms), or tics 112, a search algorithm facility 144, parental controls parental controls 150. 150, carrier business rules 130, or sponsorship information. In embodiments, a disambiguated query entry 120 may be Disambiguation based on sponsor information may be done corrected based, in part, on information relating to the mobile by using the sponsor of the key word used in the query entry communication facility 102 (e.g., device capabilities), mobile 120 or the sponsor of the resulting search content. The spon subscriber characteristics 112, or parental controls 150. Dur sored content may be prioritized or highlighted for display. ing disambiguation, if no results are received from the search 25 Sponsor information used for this prioritizing may result facility 142, the query may be corrected automatically prior to from an auction in which sponsors bid for the right for their displaying the results. If the received result from the search content to be associated with certain keywords that may be facility 142 is estimated as unlikely, the mobile communica used in users’ query entries. tion facility 102 may present an indication of this result on its Other disambiguation ordering rules may be related, in display, for example, the LCD screen of a cellular phone. 30 part, to the amount of content within a result category, the In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be disambiguated carrier business rules 130, mobile subscriber characteristics on a mobile communication facility 102 by making recom 112, a search algorithm facility 144, a personal filter, parental mendations based, in part, on information relating to the controls 150, sponsorship information, or the capabilities of mobile communication facility 102, such as the subscriber the mobile communication facility 102, such as display characteristics, carrier business rules 130, or sponsor infor 35 screen size or audio, visual, or processing capabilities. mation. The recommendation may be presented in coordina In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be disambiguated tion with presentation of the search results, in the same dis on a mobile communication facility 102 by producing pre play as the search results, or prior to, or following, the dictive text based, in part, on information relating to the presentation of the search results. mobile communication facility 102, such as the carrier busi Disambiguating a query entry 120 on a mobile communi 40 ness rules 130, mobile subscribercharacteristics 112, a search cation facility 102 may also occur by providing recommen algorithm facility 144, a personal filter, parental controls 150, dations based upon the relationship between prior search or sponsorship information. The predictive text may involve activity and search results developed from the query entry SMS conversion or keypad sequence conversion and may be 120. Prior search activity may include transactions, searches, based, in part, on a custom generated dictionary derived from or other query behavior. Carrier business rules 130 may also 45 information relating to the mobile communication facility be used to disambiguate a query entry 120, as may the loca 102. tion of the mobile communication facility 102, the time of In embodiments, an ambiguous voice query entry 120 may day, the time of a query entry 120, or personal filters (e.g., a be disambiguated on a mobile communication facility 102 collaborative filter). For example, the pairing of location and where the interpretation of the voice is based, in part, on time of day information may offer recommendations to a user 50 information relating to the mobile communication facility that is looking for transportation (navigation, taxis, buses, 102, is based on weighted probabilities relating to a user, or is trains, cars, airports, etc.), food and drink (groceries, drive based on SMS conversion. through restaurants, bars, etc.), entertainment (theater, sports, In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be disambiguated movies, clubs, etc.), business (corporations, workplaces, on a mobile communication facility 102 by performing an banks, post offices and other mailing or shipping facilities. 55 auction related to the query, where the results are based, in etc.), consumer needs (gas stations, drug or clothing stores, part, on the auction. Auction results may be used to prioritize baby sitters, parking, etc.), and information specific to the the display of sponsor results or to highlight information from locale (directions, locations, starting times, news, etc.) high-bidding sponsors. Performance of the auction may be In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be disambiguated based in part on mobile subscriber characteristics 112, a on a mobile communication facility 102 and classifications 60 search algorithm facility 144, a personal filter, parental con presented of search categories related to the disambiguated trols 150, or carrier business rules 130. search query on a display associated with the mobile commu In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be disambiguated nication facility 102. on a mobile communication facility 102 by presenting results In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be disambiguated on the screen of the mobile communication facility 102 and on a mobile communication facility 102 by mapping the 65 performing a transaction in association with a sponsored link. disambiguated search query to a query classification of cat An economic transaction may arise from the user clicking on egory taxonomies (e.g., the yellow pages taxonomy). a sponsored link or purchasing downloadable content. US 8,819,659 B2 103 104 In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be disambiguated In embodiments, results may be disambiguated based at on a mobile communication facility 102 by presenting aggre least in part on a disambiguated query entry 120 used in gated content to the mobile communication facility 102. conjunction with a filter algorithm, where the filter algorithm Aggregation may occur through the use of a spider. Aggre uses information gathered by a wireless provider 108. The gated content may include ringtone content, music content, or 5 algorithm facility 144 may be a collaborative filter where the Video content. A spider may also be used to determine the search is an open web search, or it may be a recommendation compatibility between the available content and the capabili system. ties of the user's mobile communication facility 102. Com In embodiments, a disambiguated query entry 120 may be patibility may be determined through mock mobile commu processed through a results facility 148 where the results 10 facility 148 is associated with information derived from the nication facility 102 trials during which the spider extracts mobile communication facility 102, such as mobile sub results from sites on a preferred basis (based upon WAP scriber characteristics 112 information. compatible content or content type). In embodiments, a search query may be disambiguated on In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be disambiguated the mobile communication facility 102. Disambiguation may on a mobile communication facility 102 by selecting a spon 15 take place on the mobile communication facility 102 or on a sored link for display on the mobile communication facility server application. Disambiguation may involve SMS trans 102 and allowing a vendor associated with the sponsored link lation, a spell check algorithm, a spell check table, a phonetic to selectively receive a connection. Alternatively, a query spelling algorithm, a phonetic spelling table, or a numeric entry 120 may be disambiguated by receiving search results keypad word translation that include a sponsored phone number, and an economic In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be disambiguated transaction takes place when the sponsored number is called on a mobile communication facility 102 where the query is at and answered. least in part processed through a voice recognition facility In embodiments, disambiguated content may be delivered 160 residing on the mobile communication facility 102. to a mobile communication facility 102 based, in part, on Alternatively, the voice recognition facility 160 may reside on information relating to the mobile communication facility 25 a remote server or in part on the mobile communication 102. The content presented may be information relating to the facility 102 and in part on a server. location of the mobile communication facility 102, such as In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be disambiguated restaurants, entertainment, theaters, and show times. Infor on a mobile communication facility 102 that processes the mation may also relate to the time of day, mobile subscriber query in association with information relating to the mobile characteristics 112, or parental controls 150. The content may 30 communication facility 102. This information may reside include advertisements and may be stored locally on the locally on the mobile communication facility 102, or it may mobile communication facility 102 (e.g., in the cache be stored remotely, for example, in a mobile subscriber char memory) and periodically updated according to the time of acteristics 112 database. day and/or changes in location of the mobile communication In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be disambiguated facility 102. 35 on a mobile communication facility 102 that provides a In embodiments, a wireless carrier report may be generated parental control facility to regulate the results produced on the based upon the click through performance and, in turn, based mobile communication facility 102. The parental controls in part on one or more disambiguated search query entries on 150 may be regulated through a server application or through a mobile communications facility. The report may contain the mobile communication facility 102. information relating to search result quality, keyword man 40 In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be disambiguated agement, and revenue generation, and it may be segmented by on a mobile communication facility 102 that provides a pri the type of mobile communication facility 102 used. vacy facility 152 associated with the mobile communication In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be disambiguated facility 102 to protect a user from loss of personal or other in a searchbox of a mobile communication facility 102 where sensitive information relating to the search query. the search box is presented on an idle Screen. 45 In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be disambiguated In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be disambiguated on a mobile communication facility 102 that provides a trans that is entered into a query entry 120 facility on a mobile actional security facility 154 associated with the mobile com communication facility 102. munication facility 102, where the transactional security In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be disambiguated facility 154 is adapted to enable secure transactions associ in a search facility 142 that is adapted to produce results based 50 ated with the query entry 120. The transactional security on the mobile compatible page rank. The mobile compatible facility 154 may involve the protection of privacy 152 and page rank may derive from the page's compatibility with the may be operated in association with parental controls 150 or screen, the processing capability of the mobile communica digital rights management. tion facility 102, or upon the complexity of the page(s). In embodiments, a disambiguating query entry 120 may be In embodiments, a relationship between a query entry 120 55 processed in conjunction with carrier business rules 130 and and at least one mobile subscriber characteristic may be dis with information relating to a mobile communication facility ambiguated. The mobile subscriber characteristics 112 may 102. Carrier business rules 130 may include walled garden include location, personal information, history of the user's results, presenting out of garden content, sponsor informa web interactions, or a plurality of characteristics, such as tion, or auctions. Information relating to the mobile commu location and the time of day. 60 nication facility 102 may be mobile subscriber characteristic In embodiments, a query may be disambiguated by gener information. ating a relationship between a query entry 120 and the loca In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be disambiguated tion of a mobile communication facility 102 using a location on a mobile communication facility 102 that produces spon based service. The relationship may be between at least one sored results on the display of the mobile communication query entry 120 and the location and a time of day. Location 65 facility 102. Sponsor results may be paid inclusion results, may be provided by a GPS system or a cell phone triangula auction results, or pay-per-click results (in connection with a tion service. WAP site or a phone number). A sponsor of the sponsored US 8,819,659 B2 105 106 result may receive compensation as a result of activity asso simultaneously, including, relevancy, geography, click ciated with a mobile communication facility 102 phone num through/call-through rate, and bid price. Relevancy may be, ber. The presentation of the sponsored results may be format in part, determined by the query string including keyword, ted as a link or presented as text, as a picture, as a video, or as location, and ultimately demographic/behavioral factors that an interactive application. Content may be formatted for the may be matched to information Supplied in the advertisement mobile communication facility 102 and relate to webpage and/or the assigned business categories. For geography, it content or links for syndicated advertisements. may be possible to present only those businesses serving the In embodiments, pay-per-click and pay-per-call program respective geographical areas (Zip code, city, state) as speci integration onto mobile communication facilities 102 may fied by the advertiser. The algorithm for the click-through/ enable a wireless provider 108 to deliver targeted, keyword 10 call-through rate may also consider the frequency with which based ads and content to mobile users searching for specific users actually place the call to the advertiser in determining goods and services at the precise moment a user expresses a best query match. Bid price refers to the placement and rank need. Pay-per-click advertising, often referred to as “search of a given advertisement as determined, in part, by the amount engine marketing or "keyword advertising. operates on the paid by the advertiser. principle of pay-for-performance; through this channel, 15 In embodiments, advertisers may create and manage their advertisers may pay only for the "clicks, or web site visits, mobile search pay-per-click advertising campaigns through a they receive through their text-based advertisement. Busi user interface that permits ad creation, selection of keywords nesses may place their ads for specific search phrases (or to associate with the ad(s), and/or service area(s) in which to “keywords”) that best describe their company or products. make the ad accessible, and place a bid for the service. For Advertisers generally use several different keywords for their example the advertiser may begin by entering the ad creative ads, trying to maximize the number of searches for which content, including the ad title, a "Landing page URL?address they will appear (e.g., Sony may try to advertise for the search (page to which user will be brought—not displayed), the phrases “DVD player,” “Television.” “Mobile phone,” etc.). “Display” URL/address (address to be displayed in ad), and Search engine marketing operates through a real-time auc an ad description (1-2 lines; for display in ad). The advertiser tion-based pricing model in which advertisers “bid to appear 25 may then enter keywords (search phrases) for which the ad for their relevant keywords. The advertiser's position, or rank, should appear. There may be several ways of entering the in the paid listings is determined by the bid price, with the top keywords, including: manual entry (the advertiser may type? position going to the highest bidder. Given the wide range of copy the keywords manually), use of a keyword Suggestion popularity for keywords, competition varies drastically for tool/thesaurus (advertisers can view synonyms or related key keywords; bid prices for the most popular keywords are 30 words, along with estimated monthly search Volume and top driven up as they attract more advertisers. Keyword compe bids), and/or bulk upload (advertisers may upload keywords tition may be driven by several factors, including: a products in bulk when dealing with a high volume of keywords). average sale price, customer acquisition cost, and number of Finally, the advertiser may wish that the ad(s) target only a competitors. Advertisers may create their own ads through a Subset of users, such as, only users residing in a particular self-service or sales-assisted web interface. Examples of 35 geographic region, meeting a set of demographic user char web-based pay-per-click products include Google AdWords, acteristics, and/or users with a particular mobile communica Yahoo! Search Marketing, MIVA and Lycos InSiteTM tion facility 102. AdBuyer.) When creating an ad, the advertiser may supply Once an advertiser has selected one or more of the above information, Such as, an ad title, URL, description, and/or criteria, the advertiser may then set a specific, or maximum, website URL. Pay-Per-Call advertising combines search 40 price that they are willing to pay for a click through to their functionality 142 with live on-the-phone interaction, result web site. Bids may be for each keyword associated with a ing in a powerful marketing opportunity for local businesses. given ad, or any other criterion, or combination of criteria Pay-per-call advertising operates on the same principle as used by the advertiser to target the placement of their ad(s). pay-per-click, in that advertisers “bid to appear in specific Bids may be placed individually by keyword, or an advertiser search results or directory categories, and are charged only 45 can apply one bid price across all new keywords for the new when a consumer who sees their ad places a call to the adver ad. Advertisers will also be able to view the top bids for each tiser's listed phone number (a system-generated toll-free keyword directly through the user interface, in order to gauge number that redirects the user to the company's true number). keyword competition and to ensure their ad appears in the An advertiser's position in the list of paid results is deter desired position. The bidding process may also include mined by the bid amount, with the highest bid yielding the top 50 “Auto-Bid functionality that allows the platform to manage position. Unlike traditional search advertising, however, Pay an advertiser's bids directly. For instance, by specifying the per-call advertising may be able to tap into the uniquely high desired position for the ad and a maximum amount that an level of user “intent, by connecting qualified mobile con advertiser is willing to pay for each click, the advertiser may Sumers directly with businesses—at the exact moment they allow the system to monitor the competitive landscape and are searching for specific goods and services. Pay-per-call 55 adjust the advertiser's bids to pay only the minimum that is listings may be presented above traditional directory or “yel required to secure the desired spot (up to but not exceeding the low pages' results. specified maximum). In embodiments, third-party pay-per-call inventory may be In embodiments, advertisers may create and manage their supplied to in the form of XML feeds, each of which returns mobile search pay-per-call advertising campaigns through a specific results data on a per-query basis about the keyword 60 user interface that permits ad creation, selection of details to match, the advertiser and ad information, bid price, and geo associate with the ad(s), and/or service area(s) in which to graphic filter settings. This information may then be parsed make the ad accessible, and place a bid for the service. The and packaged in a result set stacked on top of “natural yellow advertiser may begin by entering the general contact infor page listings. A yield optimization algorithm may be used to mation for the business, including: the business name, mail ensure that each query is answered with a relevant and mon 65 ing/contact address, phone number (number where advertiser etizable set of paid content. The yield optimization algorithm wishes to receive call; ad may display system-generated toll considers several variables to determine placement and rank free number), and/or the ad description. The advertiser may US 8,819,659 B2 107 108 also enter additional pieces of information and functionality include terms that are highly relevant to the value and/or pertaining to each ad, including: setting the daily callable purpose of the mobile content website. hours/schedule (the advertiser may specify a time of day Yet another text aspect associated with the mobile content when it wants an ad to appear), upload company logo to website is a telephone listing. A phone number listing, in a appear with ad, enter coupon information (e.g., the advertiser 5 white or yellow pages, or other directory Such as an on-line may set campaign-specific discounts for users who reach a directory, may also include terms (and contact information) specific ad. The advertiser may then enter keywords (search relevant to the mobile content website. phrases) in response to which the ad should appear. There Sponsors of mobile content websites may be desirous of may be several ways of entering the keywords, including: promoting their websites to mobile communication users. manual entry (the advertiser may type?copy the keywords 10 Mobile communication users may be desirous of learning manually), use of a keyword Suggestion tool/thesaurus (ad about the mobile content website, so they may use a mobile Vertisers can view synonyms or related keywords, along with search service to help them identify websites in which they estimated monthly search volume and top bids), and/or bulk may be interested. A technique used by search services, par upload (advertisers may upload keywords in bulk when deal ticularly those associated with websites, is to match keywords ing with a high Volume of keywords). The advertiser may 15 input by a user to relevant terms associated with websites. choose that the ad(s) target only a Subset of users such as users Therefore a sponsor may prefer to have a method or system to residing in a particular geographic region, meeting a set of analyze their mobile content website to identify relevant demographic user characteristics, and/or having particular terms, and perhaps rank the terms to identify the most popular types of a mobile communication facility 102. Advertisers or useful terms. A sponsor may further use the analysis sys may set the specific price they will be charged whenever they tem or method to improve website text such that relevant receive a call through the pay-per-call system. They may have terms more closely match popular or useful keywords. the ability to view in real-time competitors’ prices per cat In embodiments, a method or system may be used to ana egory in order to ensure their ad appears in the desired posi lyze a mobile content website to identify keywords that rep tion and to optimize their performance. resent relevant terms used on the mobile content website. As In embodiments, keyword sales sponsored listings (both 25 an example, an automated system may process each page of pay-per-click and pay-per-call) may go through an adminis the mobile content website counting terms in the text, result trative and editorial review to ensure an ad pertains to the ing in counts of each term on the website. Further processing business and the categories selected by the advertiser, and that through one or more filters for filtering out common terms the ad will be deemed appropriately relevant by a yield opti (such as prepositions) may result in a count of unique, rel mization algorithm. 30 evant terms in the text. Further processing the words into In embodiments, pay-per-click and pay-per-call advertise groups such as those terms related to action links, internal ments may be priced as "pay-for-performance in that the links, external links, and the like may result in an analysis of advertiser is charged only for those calls successfully placed relevant terms of a mobile content website. The result may be through the mobile communication facility 102 interface. It Summarized as a report and may be presented to the sponsor. may be possible to configure the platform such that advertis 35 In embodiments, the mobile content website keyword/term ers are not charged for repeat calls, short calls (e.g., a wrong analysis report may be incorporated into a marketing program number or other unintentional call), and/or hang-ups or dis which may include advertising and/or promotion of the connections. In addition to flat per-call charges, some specific mobile content website to mobile communication users. The calls (e.g., calls exceeding a given time threshold) may be marketing program may be provided by or associated with a Subject to overage fees. 40 wireless provider 108 that may support a sponsorship facility A mobile content website may contain web pages includ 162 through which at least a portion of the marketing program ing text. The text may be unrelated to navigation or activation may be administered. The marketing program may further links on the web page, yet may provide valuable insight into incorporate analysis of any text associated with inbound links the value and purpose of the website. Alternatively the text (and the links themselves) to the mobile content website, and may be related to navigation links which, when clicked by a 45 any text associated with telephone listings, thereby providing user or search engine, may open a different web page within a complete view of the text associated with the mobile content the mobile content website (an internal link). Text may be website. related to navigation links which, when clicked by a user or The marketing program may also include evaluating a search engine may open a web page outside of the mobile sponsors website to determine the frequency of the appear content website (an external link). The text may also be 50 ance of key words and/or key phrases known to often be used related to action links such as links for ordering products, in searches by mobile communication users. Once the key enrolling in email lists, viewing videos, selecting one or more word and/or key phrase frequency is known, a site relevancy options, and the like. score may be derived indicating the relevance of keywords to The various texts on a mobile content website may include the content of a sponsors website. This relevancy score may terms (words, phrases, expressions, and the like) which are 55 then be used to assist sponsors in managing the marketing relevant in one or more ways to the product, service, business, program. A sponsor may more easily focus their finances on function, or purpose of the mobile content website. If the text keywords and/or key phrases with the greatest relevancy to is presented in Substantially complete sentences, it may also their content, while ensuring relevant terms of their mobile include terms which, while important to the readability of the content website are also appropriately financed in the mar text, are not relevant to the mobile content website. The text 60 keting program. may also include terms that are relevant to one or more action The marketing program may also include one or more links (such as ordering, or a user name input window, and the recommendations or selections regarding bid amounts for like), yet may not provide Substantially valuable insight into one or more of the keywords, and terms. A key aspect of the the value or purpose of the mobile content website. marketing program may include advertising which may Another text aspect associated with a mobile content web 65 include Suggestions regarding advertising content, or target site is the inbound links to the website on other website pages. URLs to be associated with the website. The suggested con These in-bound links and their associated text may also tent may be internal to the website, thereby incorporating US 8,819,659 B2 109 110 advertisements with keywords or key phrases that increase ity. The current time may be used independently or in con the relevance score of the mobile content website likely junction with other information to create user recommenda directing more mobile communication users to the sponsors tions. For example, the independent fact that it is noon may website. create recommendations for restaurants serving lunch. This Selecting relevant terms may improve a mobile content information may be further filtered by the location of the sponsor's display order and amount of content displayed on a mobile communication facility 102 to recommend only those mobile communication device display 172 in response to a restaurants that are in the user's immediate vicinity, and it user's keyword search. Display order and amount of display may be further filtered by the subscriber's characteristics to on a mobile communication facility 102 may be based at least recommend only that Subset of restaurants serving lunch in in part on the relevancy of the sponsored content. For 10 the user's current vicinity that have received high ratings by example, relevancy may be based upon a match of terms in restaurant patrons with a demographic profile similar to the sponsors content with keywords entered by a user in a query users. As with the above restaurant example, similar pro entry facility 120. cesses for generating meaningful recommendations may be In addition to the terms derived from analyzing a mobile applied to other services and products, including transporta content sponsors website, the marketing plan may include 15 tion (navigation, taxis, buses, trains, cars, airports, etc.), food additional keywords automatically provided by processing and drink (groceries, drive through restaurants, bars, etc.), the terms through a thesaurus. In addition, the marketing plan entertainment (theater, sports, movies, clubs, etc.), business may include sponsor entered keywords and thesaurus look (corporations, workplaces, banks, post offices and other mail ups of these keywords. ing or shipping facilities. etc.), consumer needs (gas stations, In embodiments, a mobile content website may be periodi drug or clothing stores, baby sitters, parking, etc.), and infor cally analyzed for changes in content for purposes of assess mation specific to the locale (directions, locations, starting ing the relevance of keywords previously generated. For times, news, etc.) example, a sponsor may update a website to Such an extent In embodiments, classifications of search categories may that the website content that was previously associated with be presented related to the Suggested search query on a dis keywords is no longer reliable (i.e., the updated content and 25 play associated with the mobile communication facility 102. existing keywords no longer have high relevancy). When this In embodiments, a suggested query entry 120 may be occurs, the system may send an alert to the sponsor indicating mapped to a taxonomy of query categories and classification that the relevance of the keywords is reduced and may rec schema (e.g., the yellow pages phone book taxonomy). ommend revising the keywords being financed in the market In embodiments, results may be retrieved based on submit ing program. 30 ting a suggested query entry 120 in conjunction with infor In embodiments, a search query may be suggested by cor mation relating to the mobile communication facility 102. recting the suggested search query based, in part, on infor This information may include the mobile subscriber charac mation relating to a client device. Once a user receives a teristics 112, carrier business rules 130, and sponsor informa Suggested query entry 120, a process of correction may be tion. The additional information stored in these databases necessary for unambiguous query formation that is sufficient 35 may form search parameters that limit the Suggested search to yield intelligible and useful result set(s). As part of the query and the display of result set(s) by omitting information, correction process, information specific to the type of mobile prioritizing information (e.g., presenting sponsor links prior communication facility 102 may be used; for example, if the to all others), highlighting a Subset of the search result set, or device has unique delivery capabilities, the Suggested query ordering the display of information based upon a sponsor may need correction in order to derive a result set compatible 40 auction (i.e., highest bidder presented first). In the case of the with these capabilities. Information stored in the mobile sub sponsor auction, sponsors may bid on keywords that they scriber characteristics 112 database or parental controls 150 would like to be associated with their products, services, and facility may also be integral to the correction process. links thereto. It is possible that a Suggested query returns a null result set In embodiments, results may be ordered in relation to the or improbable results set. In this case, the search facility 142, 45 Suggested query entry 120 based at least in part on informa in conjunction with the mobile communication facility 102, tion relating to the mobile communication facility 102. This could automatically trigger correction and iteratively cycle information may include mobile subscriber characteristics through alternative suggested queries until a non-null or 112, a search algorithm facility 144, parental controls 150, higher probability result set is delivered. carrier business rules 130, and/or sponsor information. Order In embodiments, additional recommendations may be 50 ing results related to a suggested query entry 120 based on made following a suggested query entry 120 based upon the sponsor information may be done by associating sponsors information related to the mobile communication facility with key words used in Suggested query entries and/or asso 102. For example, mobile subscriber characteristics 112, car ciating Suggested query entries with sponsor content. When a rier business rules 130, or sponsor information, in conjunc Suggested query entry 120 matches a sponsor's keyword(s) or tion with the Suggested query entry 120, may suggest relevant 55 content, that sponsors information may be prioritized in the recommendations for the user. The recommendations may be search result display, highlighted, or otherwise given Superi paired with the Suggested query entry 120 search results or ority over other content related to the Suggested query entry presented prior to, or following, the display of the search 120. Association of key words with sponsors may occur results. through an auction in which bidders compete for sole asso A user's prior search activities and search results may also 60 ciation with keywords or for a shared frequency of keyword be used to create recommendations for the user. Prior search association (e.g., every other occurrence of a keyword). Fur activities may include transactions, search queries, visits to thermore, the auction process could include bidding to deter websites, and other acts initiated by the user on the mobile mine the size of the resulting sponsor content display (e.g., communication facility 102. The geographic location of the expressed as a percentage of the users total display space on mobile communication facility 102 may foster recommenda 65 the mobile communication facility 102) and the option to add tions including, but not limited to, sponsor information (e.g. multimedia content to the results display, Such as graphics, products and services) in the user's current geographic vicin audio or a video stream. US 8,819,659 B2 111 112 Suggested query results may also be ordered, in part, on the (i.e., without requiring user keystrokes) according to the time capabilities of the mobile communication facility 102, of day and/or changes in location of the mobile communica wherein the capability is an audio, visual, processing, or tion facility 102. screen capability. In embodiments, a wireless carrierreport may be generated In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be suggested by based upon the click through performance following one or producing predictive text based, at least in part, on informa more suggested search query entries on a mobile communi tion relating to the mobile communication facility 102, such cations facility. The report may contain information relating as mobile Subscriber characteristics 112, a search algorithm to search result quality, keyword management, or revenue facility 144, a personal filter, parental controls 150, carrier generation, and it may be segmented by the type of mobile business rules 130, or sponsorship information. Additionally, 10 communication facility 102 used. predictive text may be based on the mobile communication In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be suggested in a facility 102's SMS conversion and/or keypad sequence con search box of a mobile communication facility 102 where the version. search box is presented on an idle screen. In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be suggested by In embodiments, a search query may be suggested related associating a voice-based query entry 120 with information 15 to a query entered on a mobile communication facility 102. relating to the mobile communication facility 102. Such as where the Suggestion is a plurality of suggestions that may be voice interpretation based, at least in part, on SMS conver presented on a display associated with the mobile communi Sion. cation facility 102. In embodiments, an auction may be associated with a Sug In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be suggested that gested query entry 120. Performing the auction may involve is entered into a query entry 120 facility on a mobile commu using information relating to the mobile communication nication facility 102. facility 102, such as mobile subscriber characteristics 112, a In embodiments, a search query may be suggested into a search algorithm facility 144, a personal filter, parental con search facility 142 that is adapted to produce results based on trols 150, or carrier business rules 130. The result set(s) dis the mobile compatible page rank. The mobile compatible play may prioritize or highlight sponsor results. 25 page rank may derive from the page's compatibility with the In embodiments, a search query may be suggested on a screen, the processing capability of the mobile communica mobile communication facility 102, results presented on a tion facility 102, or upon the complexity of the page(s). screen associated with the mobile communication facility In embodiments, a search query may be suggested by gen 102, and a transaction performed in association with a spon erating a relationship between a query entry 120 and at least sored link, where the transaction may occur by the user click 30 one mobile subscriber characteristic. The mobile subscriber ing on a sponsored link or engaging in a commercial transac characteristics 112 may include location, personal informa tion, such as purchasing downloadable content. tion, history of the user's web interactions, or a plurality of In embodiments, a search query may be suggested by pre characteristics, such as location and the time of day. senting aggregated content to the mobile communication In embodiments, a search query may be suggested by gen facility 102. Content may be aggregated through a spider, for 35 erating a relationship between a query entry 120 and the example ringtone content, music content, or video content. location of a mobile communication facility 102 using a The spider may determine the compatibility of the content location-based service. The relationship may be among at with the capabilities of the mobile communication facility least one query entry 120 and the location and a time of day. 102. Compatibility may be determined by running a series of Location may be provided by a GPS system or a cell phone mock mobile communication facility 102 trials and using the 40 triangulation service. results to extract results from sites on a preferred basis. The In embodiments, a query may be suggested by producing preferred basis may provide for the extraction from a WAP results based at least in part on a query entry 120 used in compatible content site first or extraction from content type conjunction with a filter algorithm, where the filter algorithm sites first, where the content was aggregated in relation to uses information gathered by a wireless provider 108. The information relating to the mobile communication facility 45 algorithm facility 144 may be a collaborative filter where the 102. search is an open web search, or it may be a recommendation In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be suggested by system. displaying a sponsored link on a display associated with a In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be suggested by mobile communication facility 102 that allows a vendorasso processing a query entry 120 through a results facility 148 ciated with the sponsored link to selectively receive a con 50 where the results facility 148 is associated with information nection or receive search results (including a sponsored derived from the mobile communication facility 102, such as phone number) wherein an economic transaction takes place mobile subscriber characteristics 112 information. Suggested when the sponsored number is at least one of those called and queries and their corresponding results may adapt to changes answered. in the popularity rank of content, the frequency of queries In embodiments, content may be delivered to a mobile 55 regarding content, acceleration/deceleration in query activity communication facility 102 based at least in part on informa associated with content, frequency of purchases, high/low tion relating to the mobile communication facility 102 and sales conversion rate, and any change in these measures asso later produce content as a result of a Suggested search query. ciated with content. Content may also be “de-duped with The content presented may be information relating to the frequent terms, such as “Tyra Banks out of 1, 2, 3, and location of the mobile communication facility 102, such as 60 categorized by title, artist, and/or a yellow pages taxonomy. restaurants, entertainment, theaters, and show times. Infor In embodiments, a search query may be suggested on the mation may also relate to the time of day, mobile subscriber mobile communication facility 102. Disambiguation of the characteristics 112, or parental controls 150. The content may Suggested query may take place on the mobile communica include advertisements and may be stored locally on the tion facility 102 or on a server application. Disambiguation mobile communication facility 102. For example, it may be 65 may involve SMS translation, a spell check algorithm, a spell cached locally with the cache memory and blended with check table, a phonetic spelling algorithm, a phonetic spelling server updates and/or periodically updated in the background table, or a numeric keypad word translation. US 8,819,659 B2 113 114 In embodiments, query entries may be suggested on a activities may include transactions, search queries, visits to mobile communication facility 102 where an original search websites, and other acts initiated by the user on the mobile query related to the Suggested search query is, in part, pro communication facility 102. The geographic location of the cessed through a voice recognition facility 160 residing on the mobile communication facility 102 may foster recommenda mobile communication facility 102. Alternatively, the voice tions including, but not limited to, sponsor information (e.g. recognition facility 160 may reside on a remote server or in products and services) in the user's current geographic vicin part on the mobile communication facility 102 and in part on ity. The current time may be used independently or in con a SWC. junction with other information to create user recommenda In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be suggested on a tions. For example, the independent fact that it is noon may mobile communication facility 102 that processes the Sug 10 create recommendations for restaurants serving lunch. This gested query in association with information relating to the information may be further filtered by the location of the mobile communication facility 102. This information may mobile communication facility 102 to recommend only those reside locally on the mobile communication facility 102, or it restaurants that are in the user's immediate vicinity, and it may be stored remotely, for example, in a mobile subscriber may be further filtered by the subscriber's characteristics to characteristics 112 database. 15 recommend only that Subset of restaurants serving lunch in In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be suggested on a the user's current vicinity that have received high ratings by mobile communication facility 102 that provides a parental restaurant patrons with a demographic profile similar to the control facility to regulate the results produced on the mobile users. As with the above restaurant example, similar pro communication facility 102 based. The parental controls 150 cesses for generating meaningful recommendations may be may be regulated through a server application or through the applied to other services and products that may be used inde mobile communication facility 102. pendently or in relationship to one another, including trans In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be suggested on a portation (navigation, taxis, buses, trains, cars, airports, etc.), mobile communication facility 102 that provides a privacy food and drink (groceries, drive through restaurants, bars, facility 152 associated with the mobile communication facil etc.), entertainment (theater, sports, movies, clubs, etc.), busi ity 102 to protect a user from loss of personal or other sensi 25 ness (corporations, workplaces, banks, post offices and other tive information relating to the search query. mailing or shipping facilities. etc.), consumer needs (gas sta In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be suggested on a tions, drug or clothing stores, baby sitters, parking, etc.), and mobile communication facility 102 that provides a transac information specific to the locale (directions, locations, start tional security facility 154 associated with the mobile com ing times, news, etc.) By combining Such information, cross munication facility 102, where the transactional security 30 selling opportunities may exist between products (e.g., facility 154 is adapted to enable secure transactions associ recording artists of a similar genre), as well as better targeting ated with the query entry 120. The transactional security new products to users based on predicted needs (e.g., recom facility 154 may involve the protection of privacy 152 and mending a taxi service when a user purchases movie tickets). may be operated in association with parental controls 150 or In embodiments, classifications of search categories may digital rights management. 35 be presented related to the corrected search query on a display In embodiments, a query may be suggested by processing associated with the mobile communication facility 102. a query entry 120 in conjunction with carrier business rules In embodiments, a corrected query entry 120 may be 130 and with information relating to a mobile communication mapped to a taxonomy of query categories and classification facility 102. Carrier business rules 130 may include walled schema (e.g., the yellow pages phone book taxonomy). garden results, presenting out of garden content, sponsor 40 In embodiments, results may be retrieved based on submit information, or auctions. Information relating to the mobile ting a corrected query entry 120 in conjunction with informa communication facility 102 may be mobile subscriber char tion relating to the mobile communication facility 102. This acteristic information 112. information may include the mobile subscriber characteris In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be suggested on a tics 112, carrier business rules 130, and sponsor information. mobile communication facility 102 that produces sponsored 45 The additional information stored in these databases may results on the display of the mobile communication facility form search parameters that limit the corrected search query 102. Sponsor results may be paid inclusion results, auction and the display of result set(s) by omitting information, pri results, or pay-per-click results (in connection with a WAP oritizing information (e.g., presenting sponsor links prior to site or a phone number). A sponsor of the sponsored result all others), highlighting a Subset of the search result set, or may receive compensation as a result of activity associated 50 ordering the display of information based upon a sponsor with a mobile communication facility 102 phone number. The auction (i.e., highest bidder presented first). In the case of the presentation of the sponsored results may be formatted as a sponsor auction, sponsors may bid on keywords that they link or presented as text, as a picture, as a video, or as an would like to be associated with their products, services, and interactive application. Content may be formatted for the links thereto. mobile communication facility 102 and relate to webpage 55 In embodiments, results may be ordered in relation to the content or links for syndicated advertisements. corrected query entry 120 based at least in part on information In embodiments, additional recommendations may be relating to the mobile communication facility 102. This infor made following a corrected query entry 120 based upon the mation may include mobile subscriber characteristics 112, a information related to the mobile communication facility search algorithm facility 144, parental controls 150, carrier 102. For example, mobile subscriber characteristics 112, car 60 business rules 130, and/or sponsor information. Ordering rier business rules 130, or sponsor information, in conjunc results related to a corrected query entry 120 based on sponsor tion with the query entry 120, may suggest relevant recom information may be done by associating sponsors with key mendations for the user. The recommendations may be paired words used in corrected query entries and/or associating cor with the corrected query entry 120 search results or presented rected query entries with sponsor content. When a corrected prior to, or following, the display of the search results. 65 query entry 120 matches a sponsor's keyword(s) or content, A user's prior search activities and search results may also that sponsors information may be prioritized in the search be used to create recommendations for the user. Prior search result display, highlighted, or otherwise given Superiority US 8,819,659 B2 115 116 over other content related to the Suggested query entry 120. tion relating to the mobile communication facility 102 and Association of key words with sponsors may occur through later producing the content as the result of a corrected search an auction in which bidders compete for sole association with query. The content presented may be information relating to keywords or for a shared frequency of keyword association the location of the mobile communication facility 102, such (e.g., every other occurrence of a keyword). Furthermore, the as restaurants, entertainment, theaters, and show times. Infor auction process could include bidding to determine the size of mation may also relate to the time of day, mobile subscriber the resulting sponsor content display (e.g., expressed as a characteristics 112, or parental controls 150. The content may percentage of the users total display space on the mobile include advertisements and may be stored locally on the communication facility 102) and adding multimedia content mobile communication facility 102 (e.g., in the cache to the results display. Such as graphics, audio or a video 10 memory) and periodically updated according to the time of Stream. day and/or changes in location of the mobile communication Corrected query results may also be ordered, at least in facility 102. part, on the capabilities of the mobile communication facility In embodiments, a wireless carrierreport may be generated 102, wherein the capability is an audio, visual, processing, or based upon the click through performance following one or screen capability. 15 more corrected search query entries on a mobile communi In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be corrected by cation facility 102. The report may contain information relat producing predictive text based, at least in part, on informa ing to search result quality, keyword management, revenue tion relating to the mobile communication facility 102, such generation, and it may be segmented by the type of mobile as mobile Subscriber characteristics 112, a search algorithm communication facility 102 used. facility 144, a personal filter, parental controls 150, carrier In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be corrected in a business rules 130, or sponsorship information. Additionally, search box of a mobile communication facility 102 where the predictive text may be based on the mobile communication search box is presented on an idle screen. facility's 102 SMS conversion and/or keypad sequence con In embodiments, a search query may be corrected in rela version. tion to a query entered on a mobile communication facility In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be corrected by 25 102, where the correction is a plurality of corrections that may associating a voice-based query entry 120 with information be presented on a display associated with the mobile commu relating to the mobile communication facility 102. Such as nication facility 102. voice interpretation based, at least in part, on SMS conver In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be corrected that is Sion. entered into a query entry 120 facility on a mobile commu In embodiments, an auction may be associated with a cor 30 nication facility 102. rected query entry 120. Performing the auction may involve In embodiments, a search query may be corrected in a using information relating to the mobile communication search facility 142 that is adapted to produce results based on facility 102, for example mobile subscriber characteristics the mobile compatible page rank. The mobile compatible 112, a search algorithm facility 144, a personal filter, parental page rank may derive from the page's compatibility with the controls 150, or carrier business rules 130. The result set(s) 35 screen, the processing capability of the mobile communica display may prioritize or highlight sponsor results. tion facility 102, or upon the complexity of the page(s). In embodiments, a search query may be corrected on a In embodiments, a search query may be corrected by gen mobile communication facility 102, presenting results on a erating a relationship between a query entry 120 and at least screen associated with the mobile communication facility one mobile subscriber characteristic. The mobile subscriber 102 and performing a transaction in association with a spon 40 characteristics 112 may include location, personal informa sored link, where the transaction may occur by the user click tion, history of the users web interactions, or a plurality of ing on a sponsored link or engaging in a commercial transac characteristics, such as location and the time of day. tion, such as purchasing downloadable content. In embodiments, a search query may be corrected by gen In embodiments, a search query may be corrected by pre erating a relationship between a query entry 120 and the senting aggregated content to the mobile communication 45 location of a mobile communication facility 102 using a facility 102. Content may be aggregated through a spider, for location-based service. The relationship may be among at example ringtone content, music content, or video content. least one query entry 120 and the location and a time of day. The spider may determine the compatibility of the content Location may be provided by a GPS system or a cell phone with the capabilities of the mobile communication facility triangulation service. In embodiments, the mobile communi 102. Compatibility may be determined by running a series of 50 cation facility 102 may have location services that permit a mock mobile communication facility 102 trials and using the facility's location to be used as a parameter during the query results to extract results from sites on a preferred basis. The formation process. The interface may allow a user to either preferred basis may provide for the extraction from a WAP use the detected facility location or override the location. compatible content site first or extraction from content type In embodiments, a query may be corrected by producing sites first, where the content was aggregated in relation to 55 results based at least in part on a query entry 120 used in information relating to the mobile communication facility conjunction with a filter algorithm, where the filter algorithm 102. uses information gathered by a wireless provider 108. The In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be corrected by algorithm facility 144 may be a collaborative filter where the displaying a sponsored link on a display associated with a search is an open web search, or it may be a recommendation mobile communication facility 102 that allows a vendorasso 60 system. ciated with the sponsored link to selectively receive a con In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be corrected by nection or receive search results (including a sponsored processing a query entry 120 through a results facility 148 phone number) wherein an economic transaction takes place where the results facility 148 is associated with information when the sponsored number is at least one of those called and derived from the mobile communication facility 102, such as answered. 65 mobile subscriber characteristics 112 information. In embodiments, content may be delivered to a mobile In embodiments, a search query may be corrected on the communication facility 102 based at least in part on informa mobile communication facility 102. Disambiguation of the US 8,819,659 B2 117 118 corrected query may take place on the mobile communication from your mobile phone); news, weather, and sports (get up to facility 102 or on a server application. Disambiguation may the minute information on the go); multimedia content involve SMS translation, a spell check algorithm, a spell (search and preview video); movies (find a movie, show time, check table, a phonetic spelling algorithm, a phonetic spelling theater and purchase tickets); travel updates/flight informa table, or a numeric keypad word translation tion (check your flight status and more); RSS & Blogs (search In embodiments, query entries may be corrected on a and read RSS feeds and blogs); adult (Find mature content). mobile communication facility 102 where an original search In embodiments, the mobile communication facility 102 query related to the corrected search query is, in part, pro may be able to display certain Internet content without having cessed through a voice recognition facility 160 residing on the to launch a WAP browser. In such cases, content may be mobile communication facility 102. Alternatively, the voice 10 recognition facility 160 may reside on a remote server or in directly displayed. Such content may optionally receive a part on the mobile communication facility 102 and in part on preferential ranking, particularly on devices with relatively a SWC. slow processing of WAP content. In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be corrected on a In embodiments, content may be recommended in relation mobile communication facility 102 that processes the cor 15 to a search query on a mobile communication facility 102 rected query in association with information relating to the where the recommendation is presented in classifications of mobile communication facility 102. This information may search categories. The recommendation may optionally reside locally on the mobile communication facility 102, or it specify the category rather than particular results. may be stored remotely, for example, in a mobile subscriber In embodiments, a search query received by a mobile com characteristics 112 database. munication facility 102 may yield search results that may be In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be corrected on a categorized into at least one category. The category may then mobile communication facility 102 that provides a parental be subject to further vertical searching, by reference to addi control facility to regulate the results produced on the mobile tional search categories. For example, a search performed for communication facility 102 based. The parental controls 150 restaurants using a mobile communication facility 102 may may be regulated through a server application or through the 25 yield a listing of restaurants that may then be further catego mobile communication facility 102. rized according to ethnicity. After performing an initial search In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be corrected on a for restaurants, the user of the mobile communication facility mobile communication facility 102 that provides a privacy 102 may then select the category of Chinese food, and use that facility 152 associated with the mobile communication facil category to filter the initial search results. Resulting from that ity 102 to protect a user from loss of personal or other sensi 30 categorized search may be a list of Chinese restaurants. tive information relating to the search query. Selecting one of the restaurants in the list may then allow the In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be corrected on a user to seek further information about that restaurant using mobile communication facility 102 that provides a transac categories that may be applied to that restaurant, Such as tional security facility 154 associated with the mobile com location, hours of operation, sample menus, reviews of the munication facility 102, where the transactional security 35 restaurant, news clips about the restaurant and its chef, direc facility 154 is adapted to enable secure transactions associ tions to the restaurant, and the like. The user may be able to ated with the query entry 120. The transactional security interact with the restaurant in real time by means of the facility 154 may involve the protection of privacy 152 and mobile communication facility 102, using categories repre may be operated in association with parental controls 150 or senting Such interactions, for example, to make reservations, digital rights management. 40 to chat with restaurant personnel, to obtain information about In embodiments, a query may be corrected by processing a items on the menu or to receive news about the restaurant. query entry 120 in conjunction with carrier business rules 130 A plurality of search categories may be available at a par and with information relating to a mobile communication ticular level in a vertical search. Similarly, a plurality of facility 102. Carrier business rules 130 may include walled search levels may be available. In addition, searches along garden results, presenting out of garden content, sponsor 45 one vertical may extend out of the vertical to permit horizon information, or auctions. Information relating to the mobile tal searching. In reviewing information provided about the communication facility 102 may be mobile subscriber char Chinese restaurant above, the user may select the “Chef acteristic information. category to learn more about the chef and his background. In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be corrected on a The user may then discover that the chef has received tradi mobile communication facility 102 that produces sponsored 50 tional training in French cuisine in New York. The user may results on the display of the mobile communication facility then be presented with categories for further searching. One 102. Sponsor results may be paid inclusion results, auction of the categories, “French cuisine.” may redirect the user's results, or pay-per-click results (in connection with a WAP search laterally to identify information pertinent to French site or a phone number). A sponsor of the sponsored result cuisine. Another category presented at the same level as may receive compensation as a result of activity associated 55 “French cuisine' may be “New York restaurants.” Selecting with a mobile communication facility 102 phone number. The this category may redirect the user to search results listing presentation of the sponsored results may be formatted as a New York restaurants, or New York French restaurants. link or presented as text, as a picture, as a video, or as an Another search category, presented at the same level, may interactive application. Content may be formatted for the direct the user to the particular restaurant where the chef mobile communication facility 102 and relate to webpage 60 trained, so that the user may drill down to search for infor content or links for syndicated advertisements. In embodi mation about the restaurant, its menu, its current executive ments, a variety of content types may be accommodated, chef, its menu, or its wine pairings recommendations. Within including maps/traffic: (checking the latest accident reports the new search, the category “wine' may further direct or and road conditions); shopping comparison (search, browse refocus a search so that the user may look for information and compare prices of merchants); PIM data (PIM data can be 65 about wines served at the restaurant, about Suggested wine found, numbers called with a single click, and address books pairings, or about the Sommelier and her background. Those updated); white pages (find addresses and phone numbers of ordinary skill may appreciate the potential range of search US 8,819,659 B2 119 120 strategies available based on categories presented to the clicking on a "lodging icon. The category of "lodging may mobile communication facility 102. then be further categorized according to price, for example. In embodiments, the search result categories may be pre There may be approximate room rates listed as categories, or sented using words or graphic representations such as icons or there may be general descriptors. Such as economy, midrange, other images. A search using the term “Boston' may yield a expensive and luxury. The user who selects the luxury cat list of Boston-associated results that may then be further egory may further search based on features typically associ organized into categories Such as travel, lodging, shopping, ated with luxury accommodations, such as room features, sightseeing, business, entertainment and the like. The search extra services, property attributes, associated amenities (spa, results may be accompanied by a numerical sign indicating golf, etc.) and the like; such features would be suggested and the number of results in a particular category. Each of these 10 categories may be represented by a title or by an icon on the sorted for when the user selects the luxury category. It would screen of the mobile communication facility 102. The user be understood that a user selecting the economy category may designate one category for further searching by interact would be able to sort based on different features that would ing with the title or icon, whether by touchpad, touchscreen, pertain to that type of accommodation. cursor or other selection device. By clicking on an airplane 15 Search results categorized according to the systems and icon, for example, a user may be presented with the names of methods described herein may be organized according to a airports within reasonable distance of Boston, e.g., Logan hierarchy, a taxonomy or any user-defined set of prioritiza International, Providence, Hartford, Bedford, etc. If the user tions. In embodiments, these systems and methods permit selects one of these airport titles, she may be presented with a searching and search categories to be retrieved and ordered on list of online travel services that permit airline reservations to a mobile communication facility 102. be made to Providence airport, for example. The individual In embodiments, a search query may be mapped to a query results within the category may be associated with hyperlinks classification of category taxonomies (e.g., yellow page tax so that the user may be directed to a reservation center for a onomies) and recommend content related to the mapped particular airline whose hyperlink he clicks. Hyperlinks may search query. also allow a segmentation of search results into Subcategories. 25 In embodiments, results may be retrieved based on a search For example, clicking on the title of an airport may produce query in conjunction with information relating to the mobile two category choices, one for conventional carriers and one communication facility 102. This information may include for budget carriers. Each category presented to the user con the mobile subscriber characteristics 112, carrier business tains a hyperlink or a plurality of hyperlinks that may connect rules 130, and sponsor information. The additional informa to a listing of airlines within that category. 30 tion stored in these databases may form search parameters Furthermore, in embodiments, the search results and the that limit the Suggested search query and the display of result categories presented to the user may be sorted based on rel set(s) by omitting information, prioritizing information (e.g., evancy. The relevancy may be explicitly defined for a particu presenting sponsor links prior to all others), highlighting a lar user. The relevancy may also be based on information subset of the search result set, or ordering the display of relating to past user content interactions. A traveler whose 35 information based upon a sponsor auction (i.e., highest bidder business trips have previously included travel on a certain set presented first). In the case of the sponsor auction, sponsors of airlines, car rental through a certain set of rental agencies, may bid on keywords that they would like to be associated accommodations at a certain set of hotels, and dining at a with their products, services, and links thereto. certain type of restaurant may receive information about In embodiments, results may be recommended based on a travel to Boston that prioritizes the same airlines, car rental 40 search query by ordering the recommended results based, in agencies, hotel chains and restaurant types. In embodiments, part, on information relating to the mobile communication a particular search may be titled so that the search results may facility 102. This information may include mobile subscriber be saved or recognized in the future. characteristics 112, a search algorithm facility 144, parental In embodiments, the category of search results presented to controls 150, carrier business rules 130, and/or sponsor infor the mobile communication facility 102 may be the one con 45 mation. Ordering recommended results related to a corrected taining the largest number of results. A user looking for search query entry 120 based on sponsor information may be household movers may want her search to provide the largest done by associating sponsors with key words used in search possible selection of movers. She may then wish to sort query entries and/or associating query entries with sponsor through them on the basis of other categorizing methods, content. When a corrected query entry 120 matches a spon including price, Better Business Bureau ratings, published 50 Sor's keyword(s) or content, that sponsors information may consumer ratings, and the like. In other embodiments, the be prioritized in the search result display, highlighted, or presented category may be the one with the fewest results. A otherwise given visual Superiority or other preferential rank search for an emergency room may advantageously have a ing over other content related to the corrected query entry number of filtering characteristics incorporated so that the 120. Association of key words with sponsors may occur search yields a very short list of facilities that are nearby, for 55 through an auction in which bidders compete for sole asso example, and that are able to deal with the particular condition ciation with keywords or for a shared frequency of keyword that afflicts the user. association (e.g., every other occurrence of a keyword). Fur A search conducted on a mobile communication facility thermore, the auction process could include bidding to deter 102 may provide a general list of results that require further mine the size of the resulting sponsor content display (e.g., categorization. The user searching “travel Boston may 60 expressed as a percentage of the users total display space on obtain a list of related results that fall into a number of dif the mobile communication facility 102) and adding multime ferent categories, for example, lodging, entertainment, shop dia content to the results display, such as graphics, audio, or a ping and the like. In embodiments, a set of categories may be Video stream. Suggested, such as the aforesaid, for organizing the search Recommended results based on a search query may also be results. The Suggested categories may be listed in words or 65 ordered, in part, on the capabilities of the mobile communi through images. The categories may then be further Subcat cation facility 102, wherein the capability is an audio, visual, egorized. For example, the search results may be refined by processing, or screen capability. US 8,819,659 B2 121 122 In embodiments, one or more results detail pages may content was aggregated in relation to information relating to display 172 expanded item information to assist a user in the mobile communication facility 102. making a purchase decision. This may include, for example, In embodiments, alternate content may be recommended content that is available in Source metadata. The content on that is related to search results associated with a mobile com these pages may vary based on type, but share a number of 5 munication query 120, where the content is associated with common elements. For example, an artist name may be pre outbound pay per call marketing. sented with a link to an artist search, a detailed item descrip In embodiments, content may be downloaded that is tion, and/or a preview image if available. Furthermore, a list related to information associated with a mobile communica of the sub types (for example, for “Music' an item may be tion facility 102 by making a recommendation of alternate available as a Ringtone, Ringback, MOD, MP3, Video, etc) 10 content related to the downloaded content. The content pre and an option to purchase these items. Related content may be sented may be information relating to the location of the offered to users seeking to browse similar items. mobile communication facility 102. Such as restaurants, In embodiments, results pages may display 172 a hint-of entertainment, theaters, and show times. Information may the-day of the day and/or other promotional content may be 15 also relate to the time of day, mobile subscriber characteris displayed to communicate with users. The content for this tics 112, or parental controls 150. The content may include screen may derive from server calls made during idle time in advertisements and may be stored locally on the mobile com the application. That is, during periods of inactivity, the munication facility 102 (e.g., in the cache memory) and peri device may periodically download content based upon prior odically updated according to the time of day and/or changes implicit or explicit searches, and display the content at ran in location of the mobile communication facility 102. dom or preselected times. The content may consist of a com In embodiments, a wireless carrierreport may be generated bination of text and images. based upon the click through performance of recommended In embodiments, content may be recommended by produc alternate content. The report may contain information relat ing predictive text based, at least in part, on information ing to search result quality, keyword management, or revenue relating to the mobile communication facility 102. Such as 25 generation, and it may be segmented by the type of mobile mobile subscriber characteristics 112, a search algorithm communication facility 102 used. facility 144, a personal filter, parental controls 150, carrier In embodiments, alternative content may be recommended business rules 130, or sponsorship information. Additionally, in relation to an open web search result on a mobile commu predictive text may be based on the mobile communication nication facility 102. The alternative content may be ring facility's 102 SMS conversion and/or keypad sequence con 30 tones, music, video, and downloadable content or purchas version. able downloadable content. In embodiments, a search query may be processed through In embodiments, a query may be entered in a query entry a voice recognition facility 160 and a recommendation made 120 facility associated with a mobile communication facility in association with information about a mobile communica 102 and present recommended alternative content relating to tion facility 102. For example, the voice recognition facility 35 results received. 160 may be employed to search for a particular restaurant. In embodiments, content may be recommended in relation Based upon previous calls to other restaurants, a recommen to search results associated with a mobile communication dation may be made for alternative restaurants of the same facility 102 query, where the alternative content is based at food genre in the users area, or a suggestion may be made least in part on mobile compatible page rank. The mobile that the user is trying to find a restaurant with a similar 40 compatible page rank may derive from the page’s compat Sounding name that the user has called before. ibility with the screen, processing capability of the mobile In embodiments, an auction may be performed related to a communication facility 102, or upon the complexity of the search query. Performing the auction may involve using page(s). information relating to the mobile communication facility In embodiments, alternative content may be recommended 102, for example mobile subscriber characteristics 112, a 45 in relation to search results associated with a mobile commu search algorithm facility 144, a personal filter, parental con nication facility 102 query, where the alternative content is trols 150, or carrier business rules 130. The result set(s) dis provided by a data facility (e.g., a WAP facility or a carrier play may prioritize or highlight sponsor results. facility). In embodiments, alternative content may be recommended In embodiments, content may be recommended in relation that is related to search results received through a mobile 50 to search results associated with a mobile communication communication search, and a transaction related to the alter facility 102 query, where the recommendation is, in part, native content may be performed. The transaction may occur related to a mobile subscriber characteristic. The mobile sub by the user clicking on a sponsored link or engaging in a scriber characteristics 112 may include location, personal commercial transaction, such as purchasing downloadable information, history of the users web interactions, phone COntent. 55 calls, or a plurality of characteristics, such as location and the In embodiments, recommendations of alternate content time of day. may be aggregated in relation to search results associated In embodiments, alternative content may be recommended with a mobile communication search query. Content, for in relation to search results and providing recommendations example ringtone content, music content, or video content, based, in part, on the location of a mobile communication may be aggregated through a spider. The spider may deter 60 facility 102 using a location-based service. The relationship mine the compatibility of the content with the capabilities of may be among at least one query entry 120 and the location the mobile communication facility 102. Compatibility may and a time of day. Location may be provided by a GPS system be determined by running a series of mock mobile commu or a cell phone triangulation service. nication facility 102 trials and using the results to extract In embodiments, alternative content may be recommended results from sites on a preferred basis. The preferred basis 65 in relation to search results based at least in part on a query may provide for extraction from a WAP compatible content entry 120 used in conjunction with a filter algorithm, where site first or extraction from content type sites first, where the the filter algorithm uses information gathered by a wireless US 8,819,659 B2 123 124 provider 108. The algorithm facility 144 may be a collabora In embodiments, alternative content may be recommended tive filter where the search is an open web search, or it may be in relation to search results on a mobile communication facil a recommendation system. ity 102 that produces sponsored results on the display of the In embodiments, alternative content may be recommended mobile communication facility 102. Sponsor results may be in relation to search results associated with a mobile commu paid inclusion results, auction results, or pay-per-click results nication facility 102 query. Content may be received from a (in connection with a WAP site or a phone number). A sponsor result facility based on a selected recommendation. The of the sponsored result may receive compensation as a result results facility 148 may be associated with information of activity associated with a mobile communication facility derived from the mobile communication facility 102, such as 102 phone number. The presentation of the sponsored results mobile subscriber characteristics 112 information. 10 may beformatted as a link or presented as text, as a picture, as In embodiments, alternative content may be recommended a video, or as an interactive application. Content may be in relation to search results associated with a mobile commu formatted for the mobile communication facility 102 and nication facility 102 query through a mobile browser facility. relate to webpage content or links for syndicated advertise In embodiments, alternative content may be recommended mentS. in relation to search results associated with a mobile commu 15 In embodiments, a search query entry 120 may be mapped nication facility 102 based, in part, on a disambiguated search to a taxonomy of query categories and classification schema query using a disambiguation facility 140. Disambiguation of (e.g., the yellow pages phone book taxonomy). the Suggested query may take place on the mobile communi In embodiments, a search query entered on a mobile com cation facility 102 or on a server application. Disambiguation munications facility may be classified in conjunction with may involve SMS translation, a spell check algorithm, a spell information relating to the mobile communication facility check table, a phonetic spelling algorithm, a phonetic spelling 102. This information may include the mobile subscriber table, or a numeric keypad word translation characteristics 112, carrier business rules 130, and sponsor In embodiments, alternative content may be recommended information. The additional information stored in these data in relation to search results where an original search query is bases may form search parameters that limit the search query processed through a voice recognition facility 160 residing on 25 and the display of result set(s) by omitting information, pri the mobile communication facility 102. Alternatively, the oritizing information (e.g., presenting sponsor links prior to voice recognition facility 160 may reside on a remote server all others), highlighting a Subset of the search result set, or or in part on the mobile communication facility 102 and in ordering the display of information based upon a sponsor part on a server. auction (i.e., highest bidder presented first). In the case of the In embodiments, alternative content may be recommended 30 sponsor auction, sponsors may bid on keywords that they in relation to search results on a mobile communication facil would like to be associated with their products, services, and ity 102 that processes a query in association with information links thereto. relating to the mobile communication facility 102. This infor In embodiments, a query may be to classify, order and mation may reside locally on the mobile communication display results on a mobile communication facility 102 asso facility 102 or it may be stored remotely, for example in a 35 ciated with the classified query. This information may include mobile subscriber characteristics 112 database. mobile subscriber characteristics 112, a search algorithm In embodiments, alternative content may be recommended facility 144, parental controls 150, carrier business rules 130, in relation to search results on a mobile communication facil and/or sponsor information. Ordering results related to a clas ity 102 that provides a parental control facility to regulate the sified query entry 120 based on sponsor information may be results produced on the mobile communication facility 102 40 done by associating sponsors with key words used in classi based. The parental controls 150 may be regulated through a fied query entries and/or associating classified query entries server application or through the mobile communication with sponsor content. When a classified query entry 120 facility 102. matches a sponsor's keyword(s) or content, that sponsors In embodiments, alternative content may be recommended information may be prioritized in the search result display, in relation to search results on a mobile communication facil 45 highlighted, or otherwise given Superiority over other content ity 102 that provides a privacy facility 152 associated with the related to the classified query entry 120. Association of key mobile communication facility 102 to protect a user from loss words with sponsors may occur through an auction in which of personal or other sensitive information relating to the bidders compete for sole association with keywords or for a search query. shared frequency of keyword association (e.g., every other In embodiments, alternative transactional content may be 50 occurrence of a keyword). Furthermore, the auction process recommended in relation to search results on a mobile com could include bidding to determine the size of the resulting munication facility 102 that provides a transactional security sponsor content display (e.g., expressed as a percentage of the facility 154 associated with the mobile communication facil users total display space on the mobile communication facil ity 102. The transactional security facility 154 may be ity 102) and the adding of multimedia content to the results adapted to enable secure transactions associated with the 55 displayed, such as graphics, audio or a video stream. alternative transactional content. The transactional security Classified query results may also be ordered, in part, on the facility 154 may involve the protection of privacy 152 and capabilities of the mobile communication facility 102, may be operated in association with parental controls 150 or wherein the capability is an audio, visual, processing, or digital rights management. screen capability. In embodiments, alternative content may be recommended 60 In embodiments, searching may be performed using key in relation to search results in conjunction with carrier busi word formation and/or vertical selection. For example, a ness rules 130 and with information relating to a mobile search may be performed using exactly what is entered into communication facility 102. Carrier business rules 130 may the text box. Alternatively, a user may enter characters to include walled garden results, presenting out of garden con receive keyword completion suggestions that span the avail tent, sponsor information, or auctions. Information relating to 65 able verticals, and/or pick a vertical for specific category the mobile communication facility 102 may be mobile sub Suggestions. The user may select a vertical by using the up scriber characteristic information. and down directionals, then press select or right to move into US 8,819,659 B2 125 126 that vertical. Pressing left at any time moves the user to the result. With the exception of more information action, which previous screen (excluding when the previous screen was the displays the result details page, the actions available on the Splash screen or the hint/promo screen). results listing page are available on the more information In embodiments, once a user has selected a vertical and page. A result expanded view may appear when the user has enters characters into the text entry box, Suggestions appro paused on a particular title for short duration for the purpose priate to that Vertical may be displayed. These Suggestions of helping the user decide whether to take action on the item, come from the local cacheifany previous Suggestion matches seek more information about the item, or move onto the next the entered string, or the remote server if the local cache item. When the item first expands, pressing right moves to the cannot provide all the Suggestions for the entered string. Once more information page and pressing down moves the focus the user has found a suggestion that they wish to use, or 10 selects “Search” from the menu, a query is sent to the server into the action bar, selecting the first action. Pressing down and the view may be switched to a results categories screen. moves the focus into the action bar, and pressing up again In embodiments, a search query may be classified into a returns to the title bar. If down is pressed while in the action category by producing predictive text based, in part, on infor bar, the item reverts to its unexpanded view and focus is moved to the result below. mation relating to the mobile communication facility 102. 15 Such as mobile Subscriber characteristics 112, a search algo In embodiments, the item details page may provide further rithm facility 144, a personal filter, parental controls 150, information about the item, as well as the ability to perform carrier business rules 130, or sponsorship information. Addi actions from the action bar and specialized functionality. tionally, predictive text may be based on the mobile commu Pressing left at this screen may return the user to the item nication facility's 102 SMS conversion and/or keypad listings page. Pressing down first puts the focus in the action sequence conversion. bar, and then scrolls down the page if there is further content In embodiments, a search query may be classified by asso to be displayed. This further content may consist of static text ciating a voice-based query entry 120 with information relat as well as dynamic content. ing to the mobile communication facility 102. Such as Voice In embodiments, an action bar may provide functionality to interpretation based, at least in part, on SMS conversion. 25 be performed on an item on both the results listing page and In embodiments, a search query may be classified and an the results detail page. These actions may include: buy, pre auction performed in relation to the class. Performing the view, call, and more information. With the exception of more auction may involve using information relating to the mobile information, which displays the item details page, the actions communication facility 102, such as mobile subscriber char may be available both on the result listings page as well as the acteristics 112, a search algorithm facility 144, a personal 30 item details page. Pressing left and right inside the action bar filter, parental controls 150, or carrier business rules 130. The moves focus between actions. Pressing up and down moves result set(s) display may prioritize or highlight sponsor focus from the action bar to whatever item is above or below. results. Pressing select may execute the action or display a confirma In embodiments, a search query may be classified on a tion screen. If a confirmation screen is displayed, pressing mobile communication facility 102, results presented on a 35 select may then execute the action and pressing left may screen associated with the mobile communication facility return to the previous screen. 102, and a transaction performed in association with a spon In embodiments, the search history may provide a means of sored link, where the transaction may occur by the user click navigating to the results of specific queries that have been ing on a sponsored link or engaging in a commercial transac performed in the past. Pressing select on a search history item tion, Such as purchasing downloadable content. Alternatively, 40 may perform a search query with the elements of the original the transaction may also be a non-economic transaction. search and display the results. In embodiments, a search query may be classified on a In embodiments, there may be application background mobile communication facility 102 by aggregating results activity performed, such as a throbber, Suggestions, results, within the classification. Content, for example ringtone con previews, and a hint-of-the-day and/or other promotional tent, music content, or video content, may be aggregated 45 material. A throbber refers to a graphical notification to the through a spider. The spider may determine the compatibility user that data traffic is occurring and that the screen will of the content with the capabilities of the mobile communi change as more content is received. In general, a throbber cation facility 102. Compatibility may be determined by run indicates data retrieval in the following ways: On the Sugges ning a series of mock mobile communication facility 102 tion screen, the throbber may run until all suggestions are trials and using the results to extract results from sites on a 50 fully downloaded; on the results categories screen until the preferred basis. The preferred basis may provide for the full list of categories have been received; on a results listing extraction from a WAP compatible content site first or extrac screen the throbber may run until all results, minus previews, tion from content type sites first, where the content was aggre are downloaded. The throbber may also run while an audio or gated in relation to information relating to the mobile com video preview is being downloaded once the user has selected munication facility 102. 55 the Preview action from the Action Bar. In embodiments, a search query may be classified and Suggestions may be retrieved from the cache on text entry entered on a mobile communication facility 102 associating input. If the cache cannot provide a full list of Suggestions, a at least one result within a search with an outbound PPC. request may be sent to the server. These updated Suggestions In embodiments, when results are returned from the server, may then be cached to speed up future Suggestion queries. they may be grouped into categories. Once the user selects a 60 Independent of the Suggestions retrieved from the cache and category, the view may be Switched to the results listing page. server are the Suggestions provided by searching the Personal In embodiments, the results listing page may be a list of all the Information Manager (PIM) data. This may include Contacts, items in a specific category. The listing may be presented in an Events, and Notes entries. The Suggestion cache may also be expanded or an unexpanded items mode, where the unex updated during idle time by asking the server for an updated panded items show only the results title, while the expanded 65 set of Suggestions to store in the cache. Idle time may be items mode contains a small description of the result as well defined as any point at which the application is running but as an action bar that provides specific functionality for a not making other HTTP requests. US 8,819,659 B2 127 128 Results may be downloaded when the user requests the list least one query entry 120 and the location and a time of day. of results. The results may come in two parts, a categories Location may be provided by a GPS system or a cell phone header and the results body. The header may be parsed first to triangulation service. show users the categories in which their results will return, In embodiments, a query may be classified based, in part, and then each result entry placed into one or more of those on associating a classified query entry 120 with a filter algo categories. rithm, where the filter algorithm uses information gathered by Previews may be downloaded in one of two ways: a direct a wireless provider 108. The algorithm facility 144 may be a user request (e.g. the user pressing play on a preview), or collaborative filter where the search is an open web search, or pre-fetching after the result stream has ended. If the user has it may be a recommendation system. 10 In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be classified and not directly requested the preview to be downloaded, the content received from a result facility based on the catego throbber may not be animated and the user may have no rized search query, where the result facility is associated with indication that the preview is being fetched in the back information derived from the mobile communication facility ground. 102, such as mobile subscriber characteristics 112 informa The hint-of-the-day or other promotional content may be 15 tion. downloaded during idle time of the application. This content In embodiments, a search query may be classified and may consist of text and/or images that are saved to the phone's entered on a mobile communication facility 102, where the memory for display on the next time the application launches. classified search query is associated with a mobile browser In embodiments, content may be downloaded to a mobile facility. communication facility 102 based, in part, on information In embodiments, a search query may be classified on the relating to the mobile communication facility 102, classify mobile communication facility 102. Disambiguation of the ing a search query, and displaying the results within the classified query may take place on the mobile communication search query class(es). The content presented may be infor facility 102 or on a server application. Disambiguation may mation relating to the location of the mobile communication involve SMS translation, a spell check algorithm, a spell facility 102. Such as restaurants, entertainment, theaters, and 25 check table, a phonetic spelling algorithm, a phonetic spelling show times. Information may also relate to the time of day, table, or a numeric keypad word translation. mobile subscriber characteristics 112, or parental controls In embodiments, a search query may be classified on a 150. The content may include advertisements and may be mobile communication facility 102 where an original search stored locally on the mobile communication facility 102 (e.g., query is processed through a voice recognition facility 160 in the cache memory) and periodically updated according to 30 residing on the mobile communication facility 102. Alterna the time of day and/or changes in location of the mobile tively, the voice recognition facility 160 may reside on a communication facility 102. remote server or in part on the mobile communication facility In embodiments, a wireless carrier report may be generated 102 and in part on a server. based upon the click through performance of classified search In embodiments, a search query may be classified and queries on a mobile communications facility. The report may 35 entered on a mobile communication facility 102 that pro contain information relating to search result quality, keyword cesses the Suggested query in association with information management, or revenue generation, and it may be segmented relating to the mobile communication facility 102. This infor by the type of mobile communication facility 102 used. mation may reside locally on the mobile communication In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be entered in a facility 102, or it may be stored remotely in a data facility, for search box of a mobile communication facility 102 and the 40 example in a mobile subscriber characteristics 112 database. search may be classified prior to executing any searches. In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be classified on a Optionally, the search may be executed against the class, or mobile communication facility 102 that provides a parental search results may be filtered against the class, or the user may control facility to regulate the results produced on the mobile be presented with an option to refine or alter the search based communication facility 102 based. The parental controls 150 upon the classification. The result may be a single class or a 45 may be regulated through a server application or through the plurality of classes. More generally, the search query may be mobile communication facility 102. classified in relation to a query entered on a mobile commu In embodiments, a search query may be classified on a nication facility 102. mobile communication facility 102 that provides a privacy In embodiments, a search query may be classified and facility 152 to protect a user from loss of personal or other entered on a mobile communication facility 102 and the clas 50 sensitive information relating to the search query category. sified search query may be processed through a search algo The privacy facility 152 may be adapted to protect informa rithm facility 144. tion during a transaction. In embodiments, a search query may be classified and In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be classified on a entered on a mobile communication facility 102; content mobile communication facility 102 that provides a transac produced may be related to the classified search query from a 55 tional security facility 154 that is adapted to enable secure data facility. The data facility may be, for example, a WAP transactions associated with the query entry 120 classifica facility or a carrier facility. tion. The transactional security facility 154 may involve the In embodiments, a search query may be classified by gen protection of privacy 152 and may be operated in association erating a relationship between a query entry 120 and at least with parental controls 150 or digital rights management. one mobile subscriber characteristic. The mobile subscriber 60 In embodiments, a query may be classified by processing a characteristics 112 may include location, personal informa query entry 120 in conjunction with carrier business rules 130 tion, history of the users web interactions, or a plurality of and with information relating to a mobile communication characteristics, such as location and the time of day. facility 102. Carrier business rules 130 may include walled In embodiments, a search query may be classified by gen content garden results, presenting out of garden content, erating a relationship between a classified query entry 120 65 sponsor information, or auctions. Information relating to the and the location of a mobile communication facility 102 using mobile communication facility 102 may be mobile subscriber a location-based service. The relationship may be among at characteristic information. US 8,819,659 B2 129 130 In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be classified on a information relating to the mobile communication facility mobile communication facility 102 that is based, in part, on 102. Such as Voice interpretation based, at least in part, on an interaction with a sponsor facility. Sponsor results may be SMS conversion. paid inclusion results, auction results, or pay-per-click results In embodiments, an auction may be associated to a key (in connection with a WAP site or a phone number). A sponsor word mapped search query entry 120. Performing the auction of the sponsored result may receive compensation as a result may involve using information relating to the mobile com of activity associated with a mobile communication facility munication facility 102, for example mobile subscriber char 102 phone number. The presentation of the sponsored results acteristics 112, a search algorithm facility 144, a personal may beformatted as a link or presented as text, as a picture, as filter, parental controls 150, or carrier business rules 130. The a video, or as an interactive application. Content may be 10 result set(s) display may prioritize or highlight sponsor formatted for the mobile communication facility 102 and relate to webpage content or links for syndicated advertise results. mentS. In embodiments, a search query may be keyword mapped In embodiments, results may be retrieved based on key on a mobile communication facility 102, presenting results on word mapping a query entry 120 in conjunction with infor 15 a screen associated with the mobile communication facility mation relating to the mobile communication facility 102. 102 and performing a transaction in association with a spon This information may include the mobile subscriber charac sored link, where the transaction may occur by the user click teristics 112, carrier business rules 130, and sponsor informa ing on a sponsored link or engaging in a commercial transac tion. The additional information stored in these databases tion, Such as purchasing downloadable content. may form search parameters that limit the keyword mapped In embodiments, a search query may be keyword mapped search query and the display of result set(s) by omitting and entered on a mobile communication facility 102, aggre information, prioritizing information (e.g., presenting spon gating results relating to the mapped query for display on a Sor links prior to all others), highlighting a Subset of the mobile communication facility 102. Content, for example search result set, or ordering the display of information based ringtone content, music content, or video content, may be upon a sponsor auction (i.e., highest bidder presented first). In 25 located and aggregated through a spider. The spider may the case of the sponsor auction, sponsors may bid on key evaluate the compatibility of the content with the capabilities words that they would like to be associated with their prod of one or more mobile communication facilities 102. Com ucts, services, and links thereto. patibility may, for example, be determined by running a series In embodiments, a search query may be keyword mapped of mock mobile communication facility 102 trials and using and entered on a mobile communications facility, ordering 30 and displaying results on a mobile communication facility the results to extract results from sites on a preferred basis. 102 associated with the mapped query. This information may Compatibility may also, or instead, be determined using include mobile Subscriber characteristics 112, a search algo known hardware and/or software capabilities of devices rithm facility 144, parental controls 150, carrier business according to manufacturers and/or service providers. One rules 130, and/or sponsor information. Results related to a 35 technique may provide for the extraction from a WAP com mapped query entry 120 based on sponsor information may patible content site first or extraction from content type sites be ordered by associating sponsors with key words used in first, where the content was aggregated in relation to infor mapped query entries and/or associating mapped query mation relating to the mobile communication facility 102. entries with sponsor content. When a mapped query entry 120 In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be keyword matches a sponsor's keyword(s) or content, that sponsors 40 mapped and associated with at least one result within a search information may be prioritized in the search result display, result relating to the mapped search query with an outbound highlighted, or otherwise given Superiority over other content PPC. related to the Suggested query entry 120. Association of key In embodiments, content may be downloaded in relation to words with sponsors may occur through an auction in which information associated with a mobile communication facility bidders compete for sole association with keywords or for a 45 102 and a search query mapped, providing the previously shared frequency of keyword association (e.g., every other downloaded content within a map. The content presented occurrence of a keyword). Furthermore, the auction process may be information relating to the location of the mobile could include bidding to determine the size of the resulting communication facility 102. Such as restaurants, entertain sponsor content display (e.g., expressed as a percentage of the ment, theaters, and show times. Information may also relate users total display space on the mobile communication facil 50 to the time of day, mobile subscriber characteristics 112, or ity 102) and adding multimedia content to the results display, parental controls 150. The content may include advertise Such as graphics, audio, or a video stream. ments and may be stored locally on the mobile communica Results based on a mapped search query may also be tion facility 102 (e.g., in the cache memory) and periodically ordered, in part, on the capabilities of the mobile communi updated according to the time of day and/or changes in loca cation facility 102, wherein the capability is an audio, visual, 55 tion of the mobile communication facility 102. processing, or screen capability. In embodiments, a wireless carrierreport may be generated In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be keyword on the click through performance of mapped search queries mapped by producing predictive text based, at least in part, on content. The report may contain information relating to information relating to the mobile communication facility search result quality, keyword management, or revenue gen 102, such as mobile subscriber characteristics 112, a search 60 eration, and it may be segmented by the type of mobile algorithm facility 144, a personal filter, parental controls 150, communication facility 102 used. carrier business rules 130, or sponsorship information. Addi In embodiments, a search query entered in a search box on tionally, predictive text may be based on the SMS conversion a mobile communication facility 102 may be processed using and/or keypad sequence conversion of the mobile communi various techniques described herein, Such as through a query cation facility 102. 65 entry 120 facility. For example, a search query may be In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be keyword mapped using keyword mapping. The mapped search query mapped by associating a voice-based query entry 120 with may be processed through a search algorithm facility 144. US 8,819,659 B2 131 132 Content may be produced in relation to a classified search In embodiments, a search query may be mapped and query from a data facility. The data facility may be a WAP entered on a mobile communication facility 102 and associate facility or a carrier facility. the mapping with a transaction security facility to enable In embodiments, a search query may be mapped based on secure transactions associated with the classification. The at least one mobile subscriber characteristic. The mobile sub transactional security facility 154 may be adapted to enable scriber characteristics 112 may include location, personal secure transactions associated with the query classification. information, history of the users web interactions, or a plu The transactional security facility 154 may involve the pro rality of characteristics, such as location and the time of day. tection of privacy 152 and may be operated in association In embodiments, a search query may be mapped and with parental controls 150 or digital rights management. entered on a mobile communication facility 102 based on the 10 In embodiments, a query may be mapped in association location of a mobile communication facility 102 using a with carrier business rules 130. Carrier business rules 130 location-based service. The relationship may be between at may include walled garden results, presenting out of garden least one query entry 120 and the location and a time of day. content, sponsor information, or auctions. Information relat Location may be provided by a GPS system or a cell phone ing to the mobile communication facility 102 may be mobile triangulation service. 15 subscriber characteristic information. In embodiments, a search query may be mapped by pro In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be mapped on a cessing the query in association with a filter algorithm, where mobile communication facility 102 based in part on a sponsor the filter algorithm uses information gathered by a wireless facility interaction. Sponsor results may be paid inclusion provider 108. The algorithm facility 144 may be a collabora results, auction results, or pay-per-click results (in connection tive filter where the search is an open web search or it may be with a WAP site or a phone number). A sponsor of the spon a recommendation system. sored result may receive compensation as a result of activity In embodiments, a search query may be mapped and associated with a mobile communication facility 102 phone entered on a mobile communication facility 102 and content number. The presentation of the sponsored results may be a received from a result facility based on the mapped search. link presented as text, as a picture, as a video, or as an The results facility 148 may be associated with information 25 interactive application. Content may be formatted for the derived from the mobile communication facility 102, such as mobile communication facility 102 and relate to webpage mobile subscriber characteristics 112 information. content or links for syndicated advertisements. In embodiments, a search query may be mapped and In embodiments, the results of a search query may be entered on a mobile communication facility 102, where the retrieved and entered on a mobile communications facility mapped search query is associated with a mobile browser 30 and the results ordered and displayed on a mobile communi facility. cation facility 102 associated with the mapped query. This In embodiments, a search query may be mapped on the information may include mobile subscriber characteristics mobile communication facility 102. Disambiguation of the 112, a search algorithm facility 144, parental controls 150, mapped query may take place on the mobile communication carrier business rules 130, and/or sponsor information. facility 102 or on a server application. Disambiguation may 35 Results related to a mapped query entry 120 based on sponsor involve SMS translation, a spell check algorithm, a spell information may be ordered by associating sponsors with key check table, a phonetic spelling algorithm, a phonetic spelling words used in query entries and/or associating query entries table, or a numeric keypad word translation. with sponsor content. When a mapped query entry 120 In embodiments, query entries may be mapped on a mobile matches a sponsor's keyword(s) or content, that sponsors communication facility 102 where an original search query 40 information may be prioritized in the search result display, was entered through a voice recognition facility 160 residing highlighted, or otherwise given Superiority over other content on the mobile communication facility 102, or the voice rec related to the Suggested query entry 120. Association of key ognition facility 160 may be used to refine or modify searches words with sponsors may occur through an auction in which or to select search results. The voice recognition facility 160 bidders compete for sole association with keywords or for a may also, or instead, reside on a remote server or in part on the 45 shared frequency of keyword association (e.g., every other mobile communication facility 102 and in part on a server. occurrence of a keyword). Furthermore, the auction process In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be mapped on a could include bidding to determine the size of the resulting mobile communication facility 102 where the mapping may sponsor content display (e.g., expressed as a percentage of the be accomplished using mobile communication related infor users total display space on the mobile communication facil mation stored in a data facility associated with the mobile 50 ity 102) and adding multimedia content to the results display, communication facility 102. This information may reside Such as graphics, audio, or a video stream. locally on the mobile communication facility 102 or it may be Results based on a mapped search query may also be stored remotely, for example in a mobile subscriber charac ordered, in part, on the capabilities of the mobile communi teristics 112 database. cation facility 102, wherein the capability is an audio, visual, In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be mapped on a 55 processing, or screen capability. mobile communication facility 102 that provides a parental In embodiments, the results of a query entry 120 may be control facility to regulate the results produced on the mobile retrieved by producing predictive text based, at least in part, communication facility 102. The parental controls 150 may on information relating to the mobile communication facility be regulated through a server application or through the 102, such as mobile subscriber characteristics 112, a search mobile communication facility 102. 60 algorithm facility 144, a personal filter, parental controls 150, In embodiments, a query entry 120 may be mapped on a carrier business rules 130, or sponsorship information. Addi mobile communication facility 102 that provides a privacy tionally, predictive text may be based on the mobile commu facility 152 associated with the mobile communication facil nication facility 102's SMS conversion and/or keypad ity 102 to protect a user from loss of personal or other sensi sequence conversion. tive information relating to the search query category. The 65 In embodiments, a search query may be entered on a privacy facility 152 may be adapted to protect information mobile communication facility 102 using voice recognition during a transaction. and retrieve results based on the search query. US 8,819,659 B2 133 134 In embodiments, results may be retrieved based, in part, on munication information. The retrieved results may be based, a search query entered on a mobile communications facility, in part, on a query and based, in part, on the mobile commu where a portion of the results is based on an auction for search nication information. marketing. Performing the auction may involve using infor In embodiments, a search query may be processed through mation relating to the mobile communication facility 102, for 5 a search algorithm facility 144 and mobile communication example mobile Subscriber characteristics 112, a search algo optimized results retrieved based at least in part on the search rithm facility 144, a personal filter, parental controls 150, or query. The search query may be entered on a mobile commu carrier business rules 130. The result set(s) display may pri nications facility, where the results are optimized based on oritize or highlight sponsor results. information relating to the mobile communication facility 10 102. In embodiments, the results of a search query may be In embodiments, results may be retrieved based, in part, on retrieved on a mobile communication facility 102 based, in a search query entered on a mobile communications facility part, on information relating to the mobile communication and based, in part, on a mobile subscriber characteristic. The facility 102, and a transaction may be performed in relation to mobile subscriber characteristics 112 may include location, the received results. The transaction may occur by the user 15 personal information, history of the users web interactions, clicking on a sponsored link or engaging in a commercial or a plurality of characteristics, such as location and the time transaction, such as purchasing downloadable content. The of day. transaction may also be a non-economic transaction. In embodiments, results may be retrieved based, in part, on In embodiments, a plurality of results may be retrieved a search query entered on a mobile communications facility based, in part, on a search query entered on a mobile commu and based, in part, on a location based service. The relation nications facility and the results aggregated. Content, for ship may be among at least one query entry 120 and the example ringtone content, music content, or video content, location and a time of day. Location may be provided by a may be aggregated through a spider. The spider may deter GPS system or a cell phone triangulation service. mine the compatibility of the content with the capabilities of In embodiments, a search query may be processed and the mobile communication facility 102. Compatibility may 25 entered on a mobile communication facility 102 through a be determined by running a series of mock mobile commu filter or search algorithm facility 144. The retrieved results nication facility 102 trials and using the results to extract may be based, in part, on a filter algorithm, where the filter results from sites on a preferred basis. The preferred basis algorithm uses information related to the mobile communi may provide for the extraction from a WAP compatible con cation facility 102. The algorithm facility 144 may be a col 30 laborative filter where the search is an open web search, or it tent site first or extraction from content type sites first, where may be a recommendation system. the content was aggregated in relation to information relating In embodiments, results may be retrieved from a results to the mobile communication facility 102. facility 148 based, in part, on a search query entered on a In embodiments, results may be retrieved based, in part, on mobile communications facility. The results facility 148 may a search query entered on a mobile communications facility 35 be associated with information relating to the mobile com and associated with at least one result within the search results munication facility 102, such as mobile subscriber character with an outbound PPC. istics 112 information. In embodiments, content may be retrieved relating to infor In embodiments, a mobile browser facility may be used in mation associated with a mobile communication facility 102 the process of retrieving results from a results facility 148, before a search query relating to the information is entered. 40 where the results facility 148 is adapted to produce results This search may be an implicit search. The content presented related to carrier premium content and an open web search. may be information relating to the location of the mobile Carrier premium content may include ringtones, ringbacks, communication facility 102. Such as restaurants, entertain downloaded content, or purchased content. The results facil ment, theaters, and show times. Information may also relate ity 148 may also be adapted to produce results related to a to the time of day, mobile subscriber characteristics 112, or 45 mobile communication facility 102, such as subscriber char parental controls 150. The content may include advertise acteristic information. ments and may be stored locally on the mobile communica In embodiments, results may be retrieved based, in part, on tion facility 102 (e.g., in the cache memory) and periodically a search query entered on a mobile communications facility. updated according to the time of day and/or changes in loca The results may be, in part, related to information associated tion of the mobile communication facility 102. 50 with a query processed through a disambiguation facility 140. In embodiments, a wireless carrier report may be generated Disambiguation of the mapped query may take place on the in relation to retrieved results based, in part, on a search query mobile communication facility 102 or on a server application. entered on a mobile communications facility. The report may Disambiguation may involve SMS translation, a spell check contain information relating to search result quality, keyword algorithm, a spell check table, a phonetic spelling algorithm, management, or revenue generation, and it may be segmented 55 a phonetic spelling table, or a numeric keypad word transla by the type of mobile communication facility 102 used. tion. In embodiments, a search query may be entered in a search In embodiments, results may be retrieved based, in part, on box on a mobile communication facility 102 and the search a search query entered on a mobile communications facility query associated with mobile communication information. using a voice recognition facility 160. The original search The retrieved results may be based at least in part on a search 60 query may be entered through a voice recognition facility 160 query entered on a mobile communications facility. residing on the mobile communication facility 102. Alterna In embodiments, results may be retrieved based, in part, on tively, the voice recognition facility 160 may reside on a a search query entered on a mobile communications facility remote server or in part on the mobile communication facility and, in part, based on mobile communication facility 102 102 and in part on a server. information. 65 In embodiments, results may be retrieved based, in part, on In embodiments, a query may be entered in a search query a search query entered on a mobile communications facility, entry facility 120 and associate the query with mobile com where the results are, in part, related to information associ US 8,819,659 B2 135 136 ated with the mobile communication facility 102. This infor tics 112, a search algorithm facility 144, a personal filter, mation may reside locally on the mobile communication parental controls 150, or carrier business rules 130. The result facility 102 or it may be stored remotely, for example in a set(s) display may prioritize or highlight sponsor results. mobile subscriber characteristics 112 database. In embodiments, results may be ordered and displayed In embodiments, results may be retrieved based, in part, on based, in part, on a search query on a mobile communication a search query entered on a mobile communication facility facility 102 and the results presented on a screen associated 102 that provides a parental control facility to regulate the with the mobile communication facility 102, and a transac results produced on the mobile communication facility 102 tion may be performed in association with a sponsored link, based. The parental controls 150 may be regulated through a where the transaction may occur by the user clicking on a server application or through the mobile communication 10 sponsored link or engaging in a commercial transaction, Such facility 102. as purchasing downloadable content. In embodiments, results may be retrieved based, in part, on In embodiments, results may be ordered and displayed on a search query on a mobile communication facility 102 that the mobile communication facility 102 and the results aggre provides a privacy facility 152 associated with the mobile gated by relating to a search query for display on a mobile communication facility 102 to protect a user from loss of 15 communication facility 102. Content, for example ringtone personal or other sensitive information relating to the search content, music content, or video content, may be aggregated query category. The privacy facility 152 may be adapted to through a spider. The spider may determine the compatibility protect information during a transaction. of the content with the capabilities of the mobile communi In embodiments, results may be retrieved based, in part, on cation facility 102. Compatibility may be determined by run a search query entered on a mobile communication facility ning a series of mock mobile communication facility 102 102, and the results may be associated with a transaction trials and using the results to extract results from sites on a security facility to enable secure transactions associated with preferred basis. The preferred basis may provide for the the classification. The transactional security facility 154 may extraction from a WAP compatible content site first or extrac be adapted to enable secure transactions associated with the tion from content type sites first, where the content was aggre query. The transactional security facility 154 may involve the 25 gated in relation to information relating to the mobile com protection of privacy 152 and may be operated in association munication facility 102. with parental controls 150 or digital rights management. In embodiments, results may be ordered and displayed In embodiments, results may be retrieved based, in part, on based, in part, on a search query entered on a mobile commu a search query in association with carrier business rules 130. nications facility and associated with at least one result within Carrier business rules 130 may include walled garden results, 30 a search result relating to the query with an outbound PPC. presenting out of garden content, sponsor information, or In embodiments, content may be retrieved relating to infor auctions. Information relating to the mobile communication mation associated with a mobile communication facility 102 facility 102 may be mobile subscriber characteristic informa before a search query relating to the information is entered. tion. Following the entry of the search query the information may In embodiments, results may be retrieved based, in part, on 35 be ordered and displayed. The content presented may be a search query entered on a mobile communication facility information relating to the location of the mobile communi 102 based, in part, on a sponsor facility interaction. Sponsor cation facility 102. Such as restaurants, entertainment, the results may be paid inclusion results, auction results, or pay aters, and show times. Information may also relate to the time per-click results (in connection with a WAP site or a phone of day, mobile subscriber characteristics 112, or parental number). A sponsor of the sponsored result may receive com 40 controls 150. The content may include advertisements and pensation as a result of activity associated with a mobile may be stored locally on the mobile communication facility communication facility 102 phone number. The presentation 102 (e.g., in the cache memory) and periodically updated of the sponsored results may be formatted as a link or pre according to the time of day and/or changes in location of the sented as text, as a picture, as a video, or as an interactive mobile communication facility 102. application. Content may be formatted for the mobile com 45 In embodiments, a wireless carrierreport may be generated munication facility 102 and relate to webpage content or links in relation to the ordering of results retrieved on a mobile for syndicated advertisements. communications facility. The report may contain information In embodiments, results may be ordered and displayed relating to search result quality, keyword management, or based on a search query by producing predictive textbased, at revenue generation, and it may be segmented by the type of least in part, on information relating to the mobile communi 50 mobile communication facility 102 used. cation facility 102, such as mobile subscriber characteristics In embodiments, a search query may be entered in a search 112, a search algorithm facility 144, a personal filter, parental box on a mobile communication facility 102, the search query controls 150, carrier business rules 130, or sponsorship infor associated with mobile communication information, and mation. Additionally, predictive text may be based on the results ordered and displayed based, in part, on a search query mobile communication facility 102's SMS conversion and/or 55 entered and based, in part, on the mobile communication keypad sequence conversion. information. In embodiments, results may be ordered and displayed by In embodiments, results may be ordered and displayed associating a voice-based query entry 120 with information based, in part, on a search query entered on a mobile commu relating to the mobile communication facility 102. Such as nications facility and, in part, based on mobile communica voice interpretation based, at least in part, on SMS conver 60 tion facility 102 information. Sion. In embodiments, a query may be entered in a search query In embodiments, results may be ordered and displayed entry 120 facility, the query associated with mobile commu based, in part, on a search query entered on a mobile commu nication information, and the results ordered and displayed nications facility, where a portion of the results is based on an based, in part, on a query and based, in part, on the mobile auction for search marketing. Performing the auction may 65 communication information. involve using information relating to the mobile communica In embodiments, a search query may be processed through tion facility 102, for example mobile subscriber characteris a search algorithm facility 144 and mobile communication