A stopword detection component detects stopwords (also stop-phrases) in search queries input to keyword-based information retrieval systems. Potential stopwords are initially identified by comparing the terms in the search query to a list of known stopwords. Context data is then retrieved based on the search query and the identified stopwords. In one implementation, the context data includes documents retrieved from a document index. In another implementation, the context data includes categories relevant to the search query. Sets of retrieved context data are compared to one another to determine if they are substantially similar. If the sets of context data are substantially similar, this fact may be used to infer that the removal of the potential stopword(s) is not material to the search. If the sets of context data are not substantially similar, the potential stopword can be considered material to the search and should not be removed from the query.

A computer-implemented method of interacting with at least one data item includes configuring each of the data items into a distinct information object by extracting, from each data item, extracted data including a heading, a source, graphical and textual material, and a hyperlink. The method additionally uses the extracted data to make available for display a representation of each of the information objects in a uniform format, wherein the format includes a card, and, within the card, an icon area for graphical and textual material, the heading, the source, a set of indicators, and a mechanism giving graphical access to a set of functions.

A method for detecting abnormality identifiers based on multimedia content element signatures. The method includes causing generation of at least one signature for at least one input multimedia content element, wherein each signature represents a concept, wherein each concept is a collection of signatures and metadata representing the concept; comparing the generated at least one signature to a plurality of signatures of a plurality of reference multimedia content elements to determine at least one matching reference multimedia content element; and detecting, based on the comparison, at least one abnormality identifier for the at least one input multimedia content element.

A method for customizing an image. The method includes causing generation of at least one signature for an input image, wherein each signature represents a concept, wherein each concept is a collection of signatures and metadata representing the concept; comparing the generated at least one signature to at least one signature representing at least one common visual attribute among a plurality of reference images; determining, based on the comparison, whether to customize the input image; and customizing the input image with respect to at least one of the at least one common visual attribute, when it is determined to customize the input image.

Systems and methods for managing data, such as metadata. In one exemplary method, metadata from files created by several different software applications are captured, and the captured metadata is searched. The type of information in metadata for one type of file differs from the type of information in metadata for another type of file. Other methods are described and data processing systems and machine readable media are also described.

A National Online Parcel-Level Map Data Portal (NPDP) is provided that optimizes online delivery of parcel-level maps and linked attribute data. To do this, the NPDP manages a database of assembled and current vector based parcel data in a spatial format (GIS) that enables geocoded parcel boundaries to be linked to property tax records. A user enters a street address into an appropriate screen window to call up and view road right-of ways, all parcel boundaries and the “exact” address location as a highlighted parcel area. In addition, a list of property record attributes such as owner, use code, assessed value and year constructed can be displayed. Other on screen parcels can likewise be selected if one wishes to view their linked attributes.

A method and system for determining access permissions to personalized clusters of multimedia content elements are provided. The method includes receiving a permission index designating at least the content description of at least one personalized cluster and an authentication factor; analyzing the content description; checking if there is at least one personalized cluster that matches the analyzed content description; and generating privacy metadata for each matching personalized cluster, wherein the privacy metadata includes at least the authentication factor associated with the respective content description matching the personalized cluster, wherein the generate privacy metadata determines access permission to the matching personalized cluster.

Personalized network searching, in which a search query is received from a user, and a request is received to personalize a search result. Responsive to the search query and the request to personalize the search result, a personalized search result is generated by searching a personalized search object. Responsive to the search query, a general search result is generated by searching the general search object. The personalized search result and the general search result are provided to a client device, an advertisement is selected based at least in part upon the personalized search object, and the advertisement, the personalized search result, and the general search result are displayed.

A system and method for at least partially completing a user profile. The method includes analyzing the user profile to identify at least one missing informational element in the user profile, wherein identifying the at least one missing element further comprises determining at least one concept based on the user profile and matching the determined at least one concept to a plurality of category concepts, each concept including a collection of signatures and metadata describing the concept, wherein each category concept is associated with at least one required informational element, wherein each missing informational element is one of the at least one required informational element that is not included in the user profile; sending a query for the missing informational element; and updating at least a portion of the user profile based on a response to the query.

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.