System and method for employing social networks for information discovery
First Claim
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1. A search system comprising:
- a storage component that stores a data structure representing a directed graph comprising a plurality of nodes and a plurality of arcs, each node of the plurality of nodes representing one individual of a social network comprised of a plurality of individuals; and
a search engine that receives a user query that includes a query distance, the query distance being a number of arcs to which the user query is able to extend and indicative of a number of arcs able to connect nodes in a referral path, the search engine determining the referral path based at least in part on the query distance, wherein the referral path extends from a source node of the data structure to a destination node of the data structure and includes a number of arcs connecting nodes of the referral path, a number of arcs of the referral path being no greater than the query distance.
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Abstract
Systems and methods are provided that enable searches of social networks by acting as a “compass” that assists users in navigating the social network. Individual user participation is not required in response to queries from other users. The systems and methods offer navigational assistance or information as opposed to a traditional search which returns requested information, thus currently acceptable social mechanisms for arbitrating trust can be exploited. As a result, users do not make their personal information publicly searchable, while at the same time, they are protected from potential misrepresentations of facts.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A search system comprising:
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a storage component that stores a data structure representing a directed graph comprising a plurality of nodes and a plurality of arcs, each node of the plurality of nodes representing one individual of a social network comprised of a plurality of individuals; and a search engine that receives a user query that includes a query distance, the query distance being a number of arcs to which the user query is able to extend and indicative of a number of arcs able to connect nodes in a referral path, the search engine determining the referral path based at least in part on the query distance, wherein the referral path extends from a source node of the data structure to a destination node of the data structure and includes a number of arcs connecting nodes of the referral path, a number of arcs of the referral path being no greater than the query distance. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 17)
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9. A query method utilizing a social network, the method comprising:
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storing a data structure representing a directed graph comprising a plurality of nodes and a plurality of arcs, each node of the plurality of nodes representing one individual of a social network comprised of a plurality of individuals; receiving a user query that includes a query distance, the query distance being a number of arcs to which the user query is able to extend and indicative of a number of arcs able to connect nodes in a referral path; and performing a social network-based search of the data structure to determine the referral path from a source node of the query to a destination node based at least in part on the query distance. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18)
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15. A query system comprising:
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one or more processors; one or more computer readable media maintaining instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform acts comprising; storing a data structure representing a directed graph comprising a plurality of nodes and a plurality of arcs, each node of the plurality of nodes representing one individual of a social network comprised of a plurality of individuals; receiving a user query that includes a query distance, the query distance being a number of arcs to which the user query is able to extend and indicative of a number of arcs able to connect nodes in a referral path; and performing a social network-based search of the data structure to determine the referral path from a source node of the data structure to a destination node of the data structure based at least in part on the query distance. - View Dependent Claims (16)
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Specification