A computer-implemented method for interacting with at least one data item obtained from at least one source utilizes computer processes responsive to a user selection of the at least one data item and include causing configuring of each of the data items into a distinct information object by extracting, from each data item, extracted data including a picture, a heading, and a link to the data item, and causing storing of data corresponding to each of the information objects in a database system. The processes further include displaying a representation of each of at least two of the information objects in the database system, the representation being in a uniform format, wherein the format includes a card, and, within the card, in uniform locations thereof, the picture, the heading, a set of indicators, and a set of graphically accessible functions.

Systems and methods which facilitate automated querying of shipping services status information using a rules based engine are disclosed. A shipping status query engine of embodiments implements various rules for intelligently querying one or more shipping service provider systems for information regarding the status of shipped items. Using the intelligent determinations of a rules base shipping status query engine, embodiments enable large scale, automated status queries for a very large number of shipped items. Having such automated access to updated status information for the shipped items, additional functionality may also be supported, such as to provide alerts, reminders, notifications, etc., upon detecting certain events and/or failure to detect certain events. Moreover, embodiments may be adapted to utilize the updated status information to initiate actions with respect to particular shipments based upon detected events and/or failure to detect certain events.

A method of selecting and presenting content based on learned user preferences is provided. The method includes receiving search input from the user for identifying desired content items and receiving content selection actions from the user. The method further includes analyzing the date, day, and time of content selection actions by the user and analyzing descriptive terms associated with the selected content items to learn a periodicity of user selections of similar content items. In response to subsequent searches by the user, the method calls for selecting and ordering a collection of content items for presentation to the user based on comparing the user's search input to descriptive terms associated with content items and based on the learned periodicities of the user.

A user-interface method of selecting and presenting a collection of content items based on user navigation and selection actions associated with the content is provided. The method includes associating a relevance weight on a per user basis with content items to indicate a relative measure of likelihood that the user desires the content item. The method includes receiving a user's navigation and selections actions for identifying desired content items, and in response, adjusting the associated relevance weight of the selected content item and group of content items containing the selected item. The method includes, in response to subsequent user input, selecting and presenting a subset of content items and content groups to the user ordered by the adjusted associated relevance weights assigned to the content items and content groups.

Digital image data including discrete photographic images of a variety of different subjects, times, and so forth, are collected and analyzed to identify specific features in the photographs. In an embodiment of the invention, distinctive markers are distributed to aid in the identification of particular subject matter. Facial recognition may also be employed. The digital image data is maintained in a database and quarried in response to search requests. The search requests include criteria specifying any feature category or other identifying information, such as date, time, and location that each photograph was taken, associated with each photograph. Candidate images are provided for review by requesters, who may select desired images for purchase or downloading.

Improved mobile content presentation capabilities are disclosed for mobile communications facilities, such as cell phones. Information relating to the user characteristics associated with a mobile communication facility and other capabilities are employed to improve the presentation and relevance of mobile content to appropriate or desirable mobile communication facilities.

Systems and methods which facilitate access to computing resources by cloud-based applications are described. Embodiments enable cloud-based applications to provide output to and/or obtain input from computing resources, such as printers, scales, scanners, and storage devices, for performing various functions. In operation according to embodiments, a user agent client application is executed by computing equipment in communication with a computing resource to which access is to be provided to one or more cloud-based applications. Although embodiments implement a user interface client application which is separate from a user agent client application, tight integration between a user interface client application and user agent client application may be provided. Embodiments not only facilitate operation whereby a cloud-based application is enabled to provide output to and/or obtain input from computing resources, but also facilitate remote and/or shared client interaction with such computing resources.

A method of selecting and presenting content on a first system based on user preferences learned on a second system is provided. The method includes receiving a user's input for identifying items of the second content system and, in response thereto, presenting a subset of items of the second content system and receiving the user's selection actions thereof. The method includes analyzing the selected items to learn the user's content preferences for the content of the second content system and determining a relationship between the content of the first and second content systems to determine preferences relevant to items of the first content system. The method includes, in response subsequent user input for items of the first content system, selecting and ordering a collection of items of the first content system based on the user's learned content preferences determined to be relevant to the items of the first content system.

The present invention is directed to methods of and systems for ranking results returned by a search engine. A method in accordance with the invention comprises determining a formula having variables and parameters, wherein the formula is for computing a relevance score for a document and a search query; and ranking the document based on the relevance score. Preferably, determining the formula comprises tuning the parameters based on user input. Preferably, the parameters are determined using a machine learning technique, such as one that includes a form of statistical classification.

A computer-implemented method for interacting with at least one data item obtained from at least one source utilizes computer processes responsive to a user selection of the at least one data item and include causing configuring of each of the data items into a distinct information object by extracting, from each data item, extracted data including a picture, a heading, and a link to the data item, and causing storing of data corresponding to each of the information objects in a database system. The processes further include displaying a representation of each of at least two of the information objects in the database system, the representation being in a uniform format, wherein the format includes a card, and, within the card, in uniform locations thereof, the picture, the heading, a set of indicators, and a set of graphically accessible functions.