Providing content items selected based on context

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

0001The present application is continuation-in-part of pending U.S. application Ser. No. 12/027,516, filed Feb. 7, 2008 and entitled “Providing Relevant Advertisements or Other Content Based on a Communications Identifier,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in its entirety herein.

BACKGROUND

0002Many computing device users are habitual, or at least engage in some reasonably predictable behaviors on a routine basis. For instance, a particular user may routinely conduct a search for “world news” first thing in the morning to view headlines from prominent overnight news stories. Or, a user may routinely search for online television listings in the early evening to determine if there is any program they are interested in watching. Or, a user may routinely search for an online traffic report before leaving their office for the afternoon. Additionally, computing device users often engage in search behaviors that are relevant to events or activities that have taken place or are going to take place within close proximity to the time of the search behavior. For instance, if a user has dinner plans at a new restaurant in town at 6:30 pm, a few hours prior to that time, he or she may conduct a search for directions to the restaurant and/or peruse the menu or specials offerings online. Or, a user may have been engaged in an email conversation with a friend early in the day and, a few hours later, conduct a search for information about a book the friend recommended during the conversation.

0003While each of these scenarios is somewhat predictable, at least with a degree of confidence greater than that of purely random search behavior, they still require that the user access an online search application and input one or more search query terms to access the information (and/or links to the information) he or she desires to access. At times, e.g., when the user is stressed for time, such query-inputting can be problematic. This is particularly true when the user is engaged in search behavior on a mobile computing device where alpha-numeric textual input is relatively difficult.

SUMMARY

0004This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

0005Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and computer-readable media for, among other things providing content items selected based on context. Various “contextual indicators” associated with a user, for instance, routine search behaviors, recent text and/or email conversations engaged in by the user, events scheduled on the user's electronic calendar, multimedia events engaged in by the user (such as listening to music, watching television programming, etc.) and the like, are identified. The contextual indicators are then used to identify content items that the user has an increased likelihood (relative to information unrelated to the current context surrounding the user) of desiring to access. Upon receiving an indication that the user desires to perform a context-aware search, for instance, upon receiving an indication that a context-aware search button has been selected, the identified content items (and/or a link thereto) are presented automatically to the user, without the user having to input any search query terms. Also presented is a search query input region configured for receiving user-input search query terms. As such, if the presented information (and/or information links) does not align with what the user wanted to have presented upon selecting the context-aware search button, he or she may input search query terms and a search will be conducted for information related to the input terms in a conventional manner, though with an enhanced assessment of the intent of the user which may prove beneficial in determining search results.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0006The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limited in the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements and in which:

0007<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a block diagram of an exemplary computing system environment suitable for use in implementing embodiments of the present invention;

0008<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a schematic diagram of an exemplary mobile computing device including a user interface on which content items selected based on context may be presented, the device being suitable for use in implementing embodiments of the present invention;

0009<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a flow diagram showing a method for providing content items selected based on context, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

0010<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a flow diagram showing another method for providing content items selected based on context, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

0011<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a block diagram of an exemplary mobile telephone including a user interface on which content items selected based on context may be made visible to a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

0012<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a block diagram showing an exemplary computing system environment suitable for implementing embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0013The subject matter of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Moreover, although the terms “step” and/or “block” may be used herein to connote different elements of methods employed, the terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly described.

0014Various aspects of the technology described herein are generally directed to systems, methods, and computer-readable media for, among other things, providing content items selected based on context of a user. Contextual indicators associated with a user are identified and utilized to predict one or more content items that the user is likely to desire to access at a particular point in time, e.g., the point in time at which the content items are determined. Contextual indicators are indicators of habitual or routine behaviors of the user and/or indicators associated with events, activities or behaviors of the user and may include, by way of example only, routine search behaviors, recent text and/or email conversations engaged in by the user, events scheduled on the user's electronic calendar, multimedia events engaged in by the user (such as listening to music, watching television programming, etc.), and the like. For instance, a user may routinely search for traffic reports around 7:00 a.m. Thus, content items determined during the early morning hours may include traffic information (and/or links thereto). Or, a user's electronic calendar may indicate they have a lunch appointment across town. In this instance, content items determined during the two hours prior to the lunch appointment may include directions to the restaurant and/or a link to the restaurant's lunch specials for the day. The identified content items are content items that, based on the context surrounding the user either routinely/habitually or specific to a particular point in time, the user has an increased likelihood (relative to information unrelated to the current context surrounding the user) of desiring to access.

0015Upon receiving an indication that the user desires to perform a context-aware search, the identified content items (or links thereto) are presented automatically to the user, that is, without the user having to input any search query terms. The indication that the user desires to perform a context-aware search may be received, for instance, upon receiving an indication that a selectable context-aware search button has been selected by the user. As the identified content items are presented without user input of any search query terms, the content items are quickly and efficiently presented to the user, with minimal user effort. In fact, the user may need only press a single button to have the information he or she desires readily at his/her fingertips. This single-button action is particularly useful for mobile computing devices, wherein alpha-numeric textual input is relatively difficult.

0016Also presented is a search query input region configured for receiving user-input search query terms. As such, if the presented information (and/or information links) does not align with what the user wanted to have presented upon selecting the context-aware search button, he or she may input search query terms and a search will be conducted for information related to the input terms in a conventional manner, though with an enhanced assessment of the intent of the user which may prove beneficial in determining search results.

0017Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention is directed to one or more computer storage media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon, that when executed, causes a computing device to perform a method for providing content items selected based on context. The method includes receiving at least one contextual indicator associated with a user, using the at least one contextual indicator to select at least one content item, receiving an indication that a context-aware search has been requested, and automatically providing the at least one content item for output in association with the computing device in response to the context-aware search request and in the absence of receiving any user-input search query terms. The at least one content item is one of visible information, audible information and a combination of visible and audible information.

0018In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a content delivery system comprising a computing device associated with one or more processors and one or more computer storage media, a data store coupled with the computing device, and a content item selection engine. The content item selection engine receives at least one contextual indicator associated with a user of the computing device, selects at least one content item based upon the at least one contextual indicator, and automatically provides the at least one content item for output in association with the computing device in response to receiving an indication that a context-aware search has been requested and in the absence of receiving any user-input search query terms.

0019In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to one or more computer storage media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon, that when executed, causes a computing device to perform a method for providing content items selected based on context. The method includes receiving a plurality of contextual indicators associated with a user; determining a plurality of content items capable of being presented in association with a user interface on the computing device; associating a likelihood with each of the plurality of content items indicative of how likely it is that the user wishes presentation of the associated content item; receiving an indication that a context-aware search selector has been selected; automatically presenting a portion of the plurality of content items in association with a first region of the user interface in response to the selection of the context-aware search selector and in the absence of receiving any user-input search query terms, wherein content items comprising the portion of the plurality of content items are selected for presentation based upon relative associated likelihoods; and presenting a search query input region configured for receiving at least one user-input search query term in association with a second region of the user interface in response to the selection of the context-aware search selector.

0020Turning now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, a block diagram is illustrated that shows an exemplary computing system environment <b>100</b> suitable for use in implementing embodiments of the present invention. It will be understood and appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the computing system environment <b>100</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is merely an example of one suitable computing system environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of embodiments of the present invention. Neither should the computing system environment <b>100</b> be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement related to any single module/component or combination of modules/components illustrated therein.

0021The computing system environment <b>100</b> includes a computing device <b>110</b> (illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> as a mobile computing device), a content item selection engine <b>112</b> and a data store <b>114</b>, all in communication with one another via a network <b>116</b>. The network <b>116</b> may include, without limitation, one or more local area networks (LANs) and/or wide area networks (WANs). Such networking environments are commonplace in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets and the Internet. Accordingly, the network <b>116</b> is not further described herein.

0022In some embodiments, one or more of the illustrated components/modules may be implemented as stand-alone applications. In other embodiments, one or more of the illustrated components/modules may be integrated directly into the operating system of the content item selection engine <b>112</b> and/or the end-user computing device <b>110</b>. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the components/modules illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> are exemplary in nature and in number and should not be construed as limiting. Any number of components/modules may be employed to achieve the desired functionality within the scope of embodiments hereof. Further, components/modules may be located on any number of servers or client computing devices. By way of example only, the content item selection engine <b>112</b> might reside on a server, cluster of servers, or a computing device remote from one or more of the remaining components.

0023It should be understood that this and other arrangements described herein are set forth only as examples. Other arrangements and elements (e.g., machines, interfaces, functions, orders, and groupings of functions, etc.) can be used in addition to or instead of those shown, and some elements may be omitted altogether. Further, many of the elements described herein are functional entities that may be implemented as discrete or distributed components or in conjunction with other components/modules, and in any suitable combination and location. Various functions described herein as being performed by one or more entities may be carried out by hardware, firmware, and/or software. For instance, various functions may be carried out by a processor executing instructions stored in memory.

0024The data store <b>114</b> is configured to store information associated with contextual indicators and content items. In various embodiments, such information may include, without limitation, profile data, computing device state data, routine search behaviors, recent text and/or email conversations engaged in by the user, events scheduled on the user's electronic calendar, multimedia events engaged in by the user (such as listening to music, watching television programming, etc.), links to uniform resource locators (URLs) frequented by the user, links to URLs having information associated with events scheduled on the user's electronic calendar and/or with keywords extracted from text and/or email conversations engaged in by the user, and/or the like. In embodiments, the data store <b>114</b> is configured to be searchable for one or more of the items stored in association therewith. It will be understood and appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the information stored in association with the data store <b>114</b> may be configurable and may include any information relevant to one or more contextual indicators, content items, and/or the like. The content and volume of such information are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the present invention in any way. Further, though illustrated as a single, independent component, the data store <b>114</b> may, in fact, be a plurality of storage devices, for instance a database cluster, portions of which may reside on the content item selection engine <b>112</b>, the computing device <b>110</b>, another external computing device (not shown), and/or any combination thereof.

0025Each of the computing device <b>110</b> and the content item selection engine <b>112</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> may be any type of computing device, such as, for example, computing device <b>500</b> described below with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>. By way of example only and not limitation, each of the computing device <b>110</b> and the content item selection engine <b>112</b> may be a personal computer, desktop computer, laptop computer, handheld device, mobile handset, consumer electronic device, or the like. It should be noted, however, that embodiments are not limited to implementation on such computing devices, but may be implemented on any of a variety of different types of computing devices within the scope of embodiments hereof.

0026Components of the computing device <b>110</b> and the content item selection engine <b>112</b> (not shown for clarity) may include, without limitation, a processing unit, internal system memory, and a suitable system bus for coupling various system components, including one or more databases for storing information (e.g., files and metadata associated therewith). Each of the computing device <b>110</b> and the content item selection engine <b>112</b> typically includes, or has access to, a variety of computer-readable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media may include computer-storage media and communication media. In general, communication media enables each server to exchange data via a network, e.g., network <b>116</b>. More specifically, communication media may embody computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and may include any information-delivery media. As used herein, the term “modulated data signal” refers to a signal that has one or more of its attributes set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above also may be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

0027It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that computing system environment <b>100</b> is merely exemplary. While the content item selection engine <b>112</b> is illustrated as a single unit, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the content item selection engine <b>112</b> is scalable. For example, the content item selection engine <b>112</b> may in actuality include a plurality of computing devices in communication with one another. Moreover, the data store <b>114</b>, or portions thereof, may be included within the content item selection engine <b>112</b> and/or the computing device <b>112</b> as a computer-storage medium. The single unit depictions are meant for clarity, not to limit the scope of embodiments in any form.

0028The computing device <b>110</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a mobile computing device, such as a mobile telephone. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the mobile computing device <b>110</b> is merely exemplary and that the computing device <b>110</b> may be any type of computing and/or communication device, such as a personal computer, textual communication device, or the like. The computing device <b>110</b> includes a context-aware search selector <b>118</b> and a display screen <b>120</b>. The context-aware search selector <b>118</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a single hardware button that, when selected, triggers an indication to the content item selection engine <b>112</b> that a context-aware search is desired. While shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> as a hardware search selector, the context-aware search selector <b>118</b> may be a software search selector, a hardware search selector, or a combination hardware and software search selector, as desired.

0029The display screen <b>120</b> is configured to display information to the user of the computing device <b>110</b>, for instance, information relevant to communications initiated by and/or received by the computing device <b>110</b>, browsing activity, content items, and the like. Embodiments are not intended to be limited to visual display but rather may also include audio presentation, combined audio/visual presentation, and the like.

0030As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the content item selection engine <b>112</b> includes a receiving component <b>122</b>, content item selection logic <b>124</b>, a data mining component <b>126</b>, a statistical inference engine <b>128</b>, an output component <b>130</b> and a cache <b>132</b>. In some embodiments, one or more of the components <b>122</b>, <b>124</b>, <b>126</b>, <b>128</b>, <b>130</b> and <b>132</b> may be implemented as stand-alone applications. In other embodiments, one or more of the components <b>122</b>, <b>124</b>, <b>126</b>, <b>128</b>, <b>130</b> and <b>132</b> may be integrated directly into the operating system of the computing device <b>110</b>. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the components <b>122</b>, <b>124</b>, <b>126</b>, <b>128</b>, <b>130</b> and <b>132</b> illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> are exemplary in nature and in number and should not be construed as limiting. Any number of components may be employed to achieve the desired functionality within the scope of embodiments hereof.

0031The receiving component <b>122</b> is configured for receiving contextual indicators associated with a user. Contextual indicators are indicators of habitual or routine behaviors of the user and/or indicators associated with events, activities or behaviors of the user. Contextual indicators may include, by way of example only, routine search behaviors of the user, recent text and/or email conversations engaged in by the user, events scheduled on the user's electronic calendar, multimedia events engaged in by the user (such as listening to music, watching television programming, etc.), and the like. For instance, if a user routinely searches for traffic reports around 7:00 am, a contextual indicator of this behavior may be received. In embodiments, the receiving component <b>122</b> is configured for receiving a plurality of contextual indicators associated with a user. Thus, if a user's electronic calendar indicates s/he is to meet a friend for dinner at 7:00 pm at a particular restaurant, a contextual indicator of the friend's identity, the current location of the user, and/or the identity of the restaurant may be received. Further, if the same user routinely checks traffic conditions upon leaving the office around 6:00 pm, a contextual indicator of this behavior may be received in addition to the contextual indicator(s) associated with the user's dinner appointment. The receiving component <b>122</b> is further configured for receiving profile data associated with the user. In embodiments, such information may be input and/or changed directly by the user.

0032Still further, the receiving component <b>122</b> is configured for receiving an indication that a context-aware search has been requested. In embodiments, such indication is received upon a user pressing a single context-aware search selector, for instance, the context-aware search selector <b>118</b> of the computing device <b>110</b>. Upon receipt of the indication that a context-aware search has been requested, the at least one content item is automatically provided for output in association with the computing device <b>110</b>, as more fully described below.

0033The content item selection logic <b>124</b> is configured for selecting at least one content item using the at least one contextual indicator received by the receiving component <b>122</b>. That is, the content item selection logic <b>124</b> comprises one or more rules that utilize the one or more contextual indicators received by the receiving component <b>122</b> to determine content items that the user has an increased likelihood of desiring to have presented. Such content item selection logic <b>124</b> may include utilization of profile data associated with the user, data associated with the current state of the computing device <b>110</b> (which may include a current time and/or location of the computing device), or a combination of profile data and current state data to select the at least one content item. In embodiments, profile data may be provided directly by the user and may include information such as age, sex, marital status, home and work addresses, or the like. Profile data may also include preference data, such as a particular coffee shop, fast food franchises, and so forth preferred by the user. Dislikes may also be provided. In embodiments, the at least one content item includes one of visible information, audible information, or a combination of visible and audible information.

0034The data mining component <b>126</b> is configured for mining data associated with the user and/or the computing device for use in selecting appropriate content items for output. For instance, the data mining component <b>126</b> may be configured to mine at least a portion of profile data associated with a user, data associated with a current state of the computing device <b>110</b>, data indicative of a user's interactions with the computing device, user-activity data, data cached in association with the computing device and/or the content items selection engine <b>112</b>, data stored in association with the data store <b>114</b>, and/or any combination thereof. Data may be mined from the user's activities and other data sources occasionally, e.g., periodically and/or after some threshold amount of activity is reached, such as every fifty telephone calls. Examples of data mined from such activities include telephone numbers frequently called, calling patterns (e.g., analyzed through collaborative filtering and graph analysis), email addresses to which messages are regularly sent, other searches and advertisements, other application logs, location tracks, SMS content, and so forth. Examples of other information include things like social networking buddy lists, past purchases made via this device or an associated device, and the like. In embodiments, various profile data may be merged into a suitable data structure and, if desired, persisted in association with the user or device, such as by the device's telephone number. In this manner, profile data is regularly available to assist in decision making with respect to selecting content items to present, as more fully described below.

0035In embodiments, as part of the content item selection logic <b>124</b>, keywords are extracted from data that is mined (e.g., utilizing data mining component <b>126</b>) or otherwise received (e.g., by receiving component <b>122</b>) and such extracted keywords are utilized as input into a search engine to aid in determining appropriate content items to provide for output. For instance, if a user receives an SMS that reads “let's meet at restaurant X at 7:00 pm,” the keyword “restaurant X” may be extracted and utilized as input into a search engine to cause retrieval of a map to and menu for restaurant X (or a link thereto). Subsequently, upon receiving an indication that the user desires a context-aware search to be conducted, the map and menu may be automatically presented—without the user inputting any keywords into the search engine themselves. Such content item retrieval may take place because the user is viewing the SMS message at the time the context-aware search is requested and/or because a context-aware search is requested in close time proximity to the 7:00 pm dinner appointment. Generally, in accordance with embodiments hereof, the content item(s) are retrieved and cached prior to the context-aware search being requested (e.g., utilizing cache <b>132</b>). In embodiments, the content item selection logic <b>124</b> utilizes likelihoods/probabilities (e.g., assigned in accordance with the statistical inference engine <b>128</b>) to reconcile which of multiple content items to provide for presentation. Each of these embodiments is more fully described below.

0036The statistical inference engine <b>128</b> is configured for determining which of a plurality of contextual indicators are more likely to generate desired content items and/or which of a plurality of content items are most likely to be desirable to the user to have presented at a particular point in time. For instance, if a user's electronic calendar indicates s/he is to meet a friend for dinner at 7:00 pm at a particular restaurant, is receipt of a contextual indicator of the friend's identity, the current location of the user, and/or the identity of the restaurant more likely to generate content items the user desires to view at a particular point in time than a contextual indicator that the user routinely checks traffic conditions at 6:00 pm before leaving his or her office? Or, is a content item linking to the friend's social networking page, a content item indicative of the restaurant menu, a content item linking to directions from the user's current location to the restaurant, and/or a content item linking to traffic conditions between the user's current location and the restaurant more likely to be desirable to the user to view?

0037In embodiments, the statistical inference engine <b>128</b> is configured to receive input of a plurality of relevant contextual indicators and utilize one or more statistical methodologies to assign a probability (or likelihood) to each. In other embodiments, the statistical inference engine <b>128</b> is configured to receive input of a plurality of content items and utilize one or more statistical methodologies to assign a probability (or likelihood) to each. Those contextual indicators and/or content items having the highest probability or likelihood that the user desires to view them, when taken into context of the remaining contextual indicators and/or content items, are utilized to provide the appropriate output to the user, as more fully described below. Embodiments hereof are not limited to uses of any particular statistical methodology and, accordingly, particular methodologies are not further described herein.

0038The output component <b>130</b> is configured for causing presentation of content items selected based upon one or more contextual indicators in association with the computing device of the user. For instance, the output component <b>130</b> is configured for causing presentation of one or more selected content items in association with the display screen <b>120</b> of the mobile computing device <b>110</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. While content items are described as being provided and presented, it is straightforward for the system <b>100</b> to provide a link or other reference by which the user may retrieve the relevant content item. Note that the link need not be followed by a conventional browser; for example, an application that outputs contacts or a call history list can follow the link, obtain the content item(s), and insert a representation of the content item(s) into its output. Any and all such variations, and any combination thereof, are contemplated to be within the scope of embodiments of the present invention.

0039Embodiments of the present invention provide rapid, efficient output of content items determined to be desirable to the user to view at a particular point in time upon receiving an indication that the user desires a context-aware search to be conducted. In order to provide the most rapid and efficient service possible, contextual indicators are continually received and content items are continually determined by the content item selection engine <b>112</b>, that is, even before a context-aware search has been requested. Thus, in embodiments, at any given point in time, if an indication that the user desires to have a context-aware search conducted is received, the computing system environment <b>100</b> has already determined the content items for presentation at that point in time and can rapidly provide them to the user (e.g., in association with display screen <b>120</b> of the computing device <b>110</b>). Thus, a cache <b>132</b> is utilized to have content items and/or links (references) thereto, continually at the ready. Among other benefits, caching avoids latency, which may be particularly advantageous when there is limited time to present information. Another benefit of having cached data is that the information can be displayed even in offline scenarios and scenarios where the network bandwidth costs are high (e.g., national and international roaming). The information contained in the cache <b>132</b> may change based upon receipt of new or additional contextual indicators and/or content items and some cached content items may not ever be output for presentation. The cache is thus utilized to ensure efficiency and rapid response upon receiving an indication that a user desires a context-aware search to be conducted. The cache <b>132</b> may be associated directly with the content items selection engine <b>112</b> as shown, or may be associated with the data store <b>114</b>, if desired.

0040Turning now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, an exemplary mobile computing device <b>200</b> is shown that is suitable for use in implementing embodiments of the present invention. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, the exemplary mobile computing device <b>200</b> includes a context-aware search selector <b>210</b>, and a user interface <b>212</b> on which content items <b>214</b> selected based on context may be presented. In the illustrated embodiment, the context-aware search selector <b>210</b> is a hardware-based search selector. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the context-aware search selector <b>210</b> may alternatively be a software-based search selector and/or a combination of a hardware-based and software-based search selector in accordance with embodiments hereof. In accordance with the present invention, content items <b>214</b> are presented in association with the user interface <b>212</b> only upon receiving an indication that the context-aware search selector <b>210</b> has been selected.

0041Upon receiving an indication that the context-aware search selector <b>210</b> has been selected, one or more content items <b>214</b> selected based upon context is presented in association with the user interface <b>112</b> of the computing device <b>200</b>. Such content items <b>214</b> are presented automatically and without receiving any user-input search query terms. That is, based upon contextual indicators, an attempt is made to anticipate what the user desires to have presented upon selection of the context-aware search selector <b>210</b>. Also presented is a search query input region <b>216</b> configured for receiving user-input search query terms. As such, if the present information (and/or information links) does not align with what the user wanted to have presented upon selecting the context-aware search selector <b>210</b>, he or she may input search query terms and a search will be conducted for information related to the input terms in a conventional manner, though with an enhanced assessment of the intent of the user which may prove beneficial in determining search results.

0042With reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, a flow diagram is illustrated showing a method <b>300</b> for providing content items selected based on context, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown at block <b>310</b>, at least one contextual indicator associated with a user is received, for instance, by receiving component <b>122</b> of the content item selection engine <b>112</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. Using the at least one received contextual indicator, at least one content item is selected, as indicated at block <b>312</b> (e.g., utilizing one or more of content item selection logic <b>124</b>, data mining component <b>126</b> and statistical inference engine <b>128</b> of the content item selection engine <b>112</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>). The at least one content item may be one of visible information, audible information, or a combination of visible and audible information. As shown at block <b>314</b>, an indication that a context-aware search has been requested is received, for instance, by receiving component <b>122</b> of the content item selection engine <b>112</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. Such indication may be received, for instance, upon a user selecting the selectable context-aware search selector <b>210</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>. The at least one content item selected in response to the context-aware search request is automatically provided for output in association with the computing device, as indicated at block <b>316</b> (e.g., utilizing output component <b>130</b> of the content item selection engine <b>112</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>). That is, the at least one content item selected in response to the context-aware search request is provided for output in association with the computing device without receiving any user-input search query terms.

0043With reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, a flow diagram is illustrated showing another method <b>400</b> for providing content items selected based on context, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As indicated at block <b>410</b>, a plurality of contextual indicators associated with a user is received, e.g., utilizing receiving component <b>122</b> of the content item selection engine <b>112</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. A plurality of content items capable of being presented in association with a user interface on the computing device is determined, as indicated at block <b>412</b> (e.g., utilizing one or more of content item selection logic <b>124</b>, data mining component <b>126</b>, or statistical inference engine <b>128</b> of the content item selection engine <b>112</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>). Each of the plurality of content items is determined based upon at least one of the plurality of received contextual indicators. A likelihood is associated with each of the plurality of content items, e.g., utilizing statistical inference engine <b>128</b> of the content item selection engine <b>112</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, as indicated at block <b>414</b>. The likelihood is indicative of how likely it is that the user wishes presentation of the associated content at that particular point in time, i.e., the point in time at which the likelihood is calculated.

0044As indicated at block <b>416</b>, an indication that a context-aware search selector is received, e.g., by receiving component <b>122</b> of the content item selection engine <b>112</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. Such indication may be received, for instance, upon a user selecting the selectable context-aware search selector <b>210</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>. At least a portion of the plurality of content items selected in response to the context-aware search request is automatically provided for output in association with a first region of the user interface of the computing device, as indicated at block <b>418</b> (e.g., utilizing output component <b>130</b> of the content item selection engine <b>112</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>). That is, at least a portion of the plurality of content items selected in response to the context-aware search request is provided for output in association with the user interface (e.g., user interface <b>212</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>) of the computing device (e.g., computing device <b>200</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>) without receiving any user-input search query terms. The content items comprising the portion of the plurality of content items are selected for presentation based upon relative associated likelihoods, for instance, utilizing statistical inference engine <b>128</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. Those content items having the highest probability or likelihood that the user desires to view them, when taken into context of the remaining content items, are utilized to provide the appropriate output to the user. Also presented, as indicated at block <b>420</b>, is a search query input region configured for receiving at least one user-input search query term in association with a second region of the user interface (e.g., user interface <b>212</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>) of the computing device (e.g., computing device <b>200</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>). Thus, if the presented information (and/or information links) does not align with what the user wanted to have presented upon selecting the context-aware search button, he or she may input search query terms and a search will be conducted for information related to the input terms in a conventional manner, though with an enhanced assessment of the intent of the user which may prove beneficial in determining search results.

0045As can be seen, embodiments of the present invention provide rapid, efficient output of content items (or references/links thereto) determined to be desirable to the user to view at a particular point in time upon receiving an indication that the user desires a context-aware search to be conducted. Thus, by the simple selection of a single button, the user may be presented with information that is highly relevant at the time of selection. Exemplary uses may include: A user wakes up in the morning and selects a context-aware search selector and is automatically presented with the weather, stock information, news, etc. In this instance, the system has learned based on previous activities of the user with respect to the computing device. In another example, a user receives an SMS indicating a friend desires to meet at restaurant X at 7:00 pm and, while viewing the message, selects a context-aware search selector. The user is then automatically presented with a map to the restaurant and menu. This eliminates the cut-and-paste activity the user would otherwise have engaged in to receive the same information. In yet another example, a user desires to call John Doe. She browses her contact list until she arrives at John Doe's listing, at which point the context-aware search selector is selected. In this instance, John Doe's social networking page is presented for review before making the call. In another example, a user is currently attending a ball game at a particular arena and presses the context-aware search selector. The system utilizes the state information (location and time) of the device to automatically provide output of a game roster and player statistics. In another example, a user visits a large retail store and finds an item he may wish to purchase. He utilizes the computing device camera (e.g., cell phone camera) to take a picture of the barcode and then selects the context-aware search selector and is automatically shown a price comparison page for the item. Still further, a user checks into a hotel in city X and selects the context-aware search selector at 6:00 pm. As the system is aware this is the time the user generally eats dinner, a listing of nearby restaurants for the user's favorite cuisine, as well as a map and a mobile coupon are presented. These and other examples are contemplated to be within the scope of embodiments of the present invention.

Exemplary Operating Environments

0046A first exemplary operating environment in which various aspects of the present invention may be implemented is described below in order to provide a general context for various aspects of the present invention. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> in particular, an exemplary operating environment for implementing embodiments of the present invention is shown and designated generally as computing device <b>500</b>. The computing device <b>500</b> is but one example of a suitable computing environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the invention. Neither should the computing device <b>500</b> be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illustrated.

0047Embodiments of the invention may be described in the general context of computer code or machine-useable instructions, including computer-executable instructions such as program modules, being executed by a computer or other machine, such as a personal data assistant or other handheld device. Generally, program modules including routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., refer to code that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Embodiments of the invention may be practiced in a variety of system configurations, including hand-held devices, consumer electronics, general-purpose computers, more specialty computing devices, etc. Embodiments of the invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote-processing devices that are linked through a communications network.

0048With continued reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the computing device <b>500</b> includes a bus <b>510</b> that directly or indirectly couples the following devices: memory <b>512</b>, one or more processors <b>514</b>, one or more presentation components <b>516</b>, input/output ports <b>518</b>, input/output components <b>520</b>, and an illustrative power supply <b>522</b>. The bus <b>510</b> represents what may be one or more busses (such as an address bus, data bus, or combination thereof). Although the various blocks of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> are shown with lines for the sake of clarity, in reality, delineating various components is not so clear, and metaphorically, the lines would more accurately be grey and fuzzy. For example, one may consider a presentation component such as a display device to be an I/O component. Additionally, many processors have memory. The inventors hereof recognize that such is the nature of the art, and reiterate that the diagram of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is merely illustrative of an exemplary computing device that can be used in connection with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Distinction is not made between such categories as “workstation,” “server,” “laptop,” “hand-held device,” etc., as all are contemplated within the scope of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> and reference to “computing device.”

0049The computing device <b>500</b> typically includes a variety of computer-readable media. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by computing device <b>500</b> and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media may comprise computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by computing device <b>500</b>. Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

0050The memory <b>512</b> includes computer-storage media in the form of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory. The memory may be removable, non-removable, or a combination thereof. Exemplary hardware devices include solid-state memory, hard drives, optical-disc drives, etc. Computing device <b>500</b> includes one or more processors that read data from various entities such as memory <b>512</b> or I/O components <b>520</b>. Presentation component(s) <b>516</b> present data indications to a user or other device. Exemplary presentation components include a display device, speaker, printing component, vibrating component, etc.

0051The I/O ports <b>518</b> allow computing device <b>500</b> to be logically coupled to other devices including the I/O components <b>520</b>, some of which may be built in. Illustrative components include a microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, printer, wireless device, etc.

0052With reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, an exemplary device for implementing aspects of the subject matter described herein includes a mobile device <b>600</b>. Though embodiments of the present invention are not limited to implementation on mobile devices, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> illustrates an example of a suitable mobile device <b>600</b> on which aspects of the subject matter described herein may be implemented. The mobile device <b>600</b> is only one example of a device and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of aspects of the subject matter described herein. Neither should the mobile device <b>600</b> be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illustrated in the exemplary mobile device <b>600</b>.

0053In some embodiments, the mobile device <b>600</b> comprises a cell phone, a handheld device that allows voice communications with others, some other voice communications device, or the like. In these embodiments, the mobile device <b>600</b> may be equipped with a camera for taking pictures, although this may not be required in other embodiments. In other embodiments, the mobile device <b>600</b> comprises a personal digital assistant (PDA), hand-held gaming device, notebook computer, printer, appliance including a set-top, media center, or other appliance, other mobile devices, or the like. In yet other embodiments, the mobile device <b>600</b> may comprise devices that are generally considered non-mobile such as personal computers, servers, or the like.

0054Components of the mobile device <b>600</b> may include, but are not limited to, a processing unit <b>605</b>, system memory <b>610</b>, and a bus <b>615</b> that couples various system components including the system memory <b>610</b> to the processing unit <b>605</b>. The bus <b>615</b> may include any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus, memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures, and the like. The bus <b>615</b> allows data to be transmitted between various components of the mobile device <b>600</b>.

0055The mobile device <b>600</b> may include a variety of computer-readable media. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by the mobile device <b>1300</b> and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, and removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media may comprise computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by the mobile device <b>600</b>.

0056Communication media may include any information delivery media, typically embodied in computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and/or may include or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above also may be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

0057The system memory <b>610</b> includes computer storage media in the form of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory and may include read only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM). On a mobile device such as a cell phone, operating system code <b>620</b> is sometimes included in ROM although, in other embodiments, this is not required. Similarly, application programs <b>625</b> are often placed in RAM although again, in other embodiments, application programs may be placed in ROM or in other computer-readable memory. The heap <b>630</b> provides memory for state associated with the operating system <b>620</b> and/or the application programs <b>625</b>. For example, the operating system <b>620</b> and application programs <b>625</b> may store variables and data structures in the heap <b>630</b> during their operations.

0058The mobile device <b>600</b> may also include other removable/non-removable, volatile/nonvolatile memory. By way of example, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> illustrates a flash card <b>635</b>, a hard disk drive <b>636</b>, and a memory stick <b>637</b>. The hard disk drive <b>636</b> may be miniaturized to fit in a memory slot, for example. The mobile device <b>600</b> may interface with these types of non-volatile removable memory via a removable memory interface <b>631</b>, or may be connected via a universal serial bus (USB), IEEE 694, one or more of the wired port(s) <b>640</b>, or antenna(s) <b>665</b>. One of the antennas <b>665</b> may receive GPS data. In these embodiments, the removable memory devices <b>635</b>-<b>637</b> may interface with the mobile device via the communications module(s) <b>632</b>. In some embodiments, not all of these types of memory may be included on a single mobile device. In other embodiments, one or more of these and other types of removable memory may be included on a single mobile device.

0059In some embodiments, the hard disk drive <b>636</b> may be connected in such a way as to be more permanently attached to the mobile device <b>600</b>. For example, the hard disk drive <b>636</b> may be connected to an interface such as parallel advanced technology attachment (PATA), serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) or otherwise, which may be connected to the bus <b>615</b>. In such embodiments, removing the hard drive may involve removing a cover of the mobile device <b>600</b> and removing screws or other fasteners that connect the hard drive <b>636</b> to support structures within the mobile device <b>600</b>.

0060The removable memory devices <b>635</b>-<b>637</b> and their associated computer storage media, described above and illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, provide storage of computer-readable instructions, program modules, data structures, and other data for the mobile device <b>600</b>. For example, the removable memory device or devices <b>635</b>-<b>637</b> may store images taken by the mobile device <b>600</b>, voice recordings, contact information, programs, data for the programs and so forth.

0061A user may enter commands and information into the mobile device <b>600</b> through input devices such as a keypad <b>641</b> and the microphone <b>642</b>. In some embodiments, the display <b>643</b> may be touch-sensitive screen and may allow a user to enter commands and information thereon. The keypad <b>641</b> and display <b>643</b> may be connected to the processing unit <b>605</b> through a user input interface <b>650</b> that is coupled to the bus <b>615</b>, but may also be connected by other interface and bus structures, such as the communications module(s) <b>632</b> and wired port(s) <b>640</b>.

0062A user may communicate with other users via speaking into the microphone <b>642</b> and via text messages that are entered on the key pad <b>641</b> or a touch sensitive display <b>643</b>, for example. The audio unit <b>655</b> may provide electrical signals to drive the speaker <b>644</b> as well as receive and digitize audio signals received from the microphone <b>642</b>.

0063The mobile device <b>600</b> may include a video unit <b>660</b> that provides signals to drive a camera <b>661</b>. The video unit <b>660</b> may also receive images obtained by the camera <b>661</b> and provide these images to the processing unit <b>605</b> and/or memory included on the mobile device <b>600</b>. The images obtained by the camera <b>661</b> may comprise video, one or more images that do not form a video, or some combination thereof.

0064The communication module(s) <b>632</b> may provide signals to and receive signals from one or more antenna(s) <b>665</b>. One of the antenna(s) <b>665</b> may transmit and receive messages for a cell phone network. Another antenna may transmit and receive Bluetooth® messages. Yet another antenna (or a shared antenna) may transmit and receive network messages via a wireless Ethernet network standard.

0065In some embodiments, a single antenna may be used to transmit and/or receive messages for more than one type of network. For example, a single antenna may transmit and receive voice and packet messages.

0066When operated in a networked environment, the mobile device <b>600</b> may connect to one or more remote devices. The remote devices may include a personal computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a cell phone, a peer device or other common network node, and typically includes many or all of the elements described above relative to the mobile device <b>600</b>.

0067Aspects of the subject matter described herein are operational with numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing system environments or configurations. Examples of well known computing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable for use with aspects of the subject matter described herein include, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microcontroller-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, and the like.

0068Aspects of the subject matter described herein may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a mobile device. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and so forth, which perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Aspects of the subject matter described herein may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote computer storage media including memory storage devices.

0069Furthermore, although the term server is often used herein, it will be recognized that this term may also encompass a client, a set of one or more processes distributed on one or more computers, one or more stand-alone storage devices, a set of one or more other devices, a combination of one or more of the above, and the like.

CONCLUSION

0070While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and have been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

0071It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the order of steps shown in the method <b>300</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> and the method <b>400</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention in any way and, in fact, the steps may occur in a variety of different sequences within embodiments hereof. For instance, contextual indicators may be received subsequent to receiving a request for a context-aware search, within the scope of embodiments hereof. Any and all such variations, and any combination thereof, are contemplated to be within the scope of embodiments of the present invention.

0072The present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments, which are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from its scope.