Decho Corporation

Oregon State University

Thomas G Dietterich

Jonathan L Herlocker

John Bruce Forbes

Paul Maritz

Methods for using task-related information to enhance digital searching are provided. A task-oriented user activity system maintains task-related information about resources accessed by a user and current user task. This task-related information is used to enhance search queries to include task-related search criteria that improve relevance of search results. The task-related information can also be used to include task-related metadata in search engine index, e.g., by storing the metadata in the index or by storing it in resources which are subsequently indexed. Task-related information can also be used to enhance search results by filtering and ranking results to increase relevance with respect to a user's current task.

Methods for enhancing digital search query techniques based on task-oriented user activity

Methods for using task-related information to enhance digital searching are provided. A task-oriented user activity system maintains task-related information about resources accessed by a user and current user task. This task-related information is used to enhance search results by filtering and ranking results to increase relevance with respect to a user's current task. The task-related information can also be used to include task-related metadata in search engine index, e.g., by storing the metadata in the index or by storing it in resources which are subsequently indexed. Task-related information can also be used to enhance search results by enhancing search queries to include task-related search criteria.

Methods for enhancing digital search results based on task-oriented user activity

Methods for using task-related information to enhance digital searching are provided. A task-oriented user activity system maintains task-related information about resources accessed by a user and current user task. This task-related information is used to include task-related metadata in search engine index, e.g., by storing the metadata in the index or by storing it in resources which are subsequently indexed. Task-related information can also be used to enhance search results by filtering and ranking results to increase relevance with respect to a user's current task and/or to enhance search queries to include task-related search criteria.

Methods for generating search engine index enhanced with task-related metadata

A method for assisting multi-tasking computer users includes receiving from a user a specification of a task being performed by the user or an indication of completion of a task, collecting state changes in multiple executing programs, predicting a current task being performed by the user based on a recent state change event, a past specification of a task being performed by the user, and past events and associated tasks. Based on the predicted current task, user interface elements in multiple executing programs are adapted to facilitate performance of the task. The method may also allow a user to specify a new task based on a task template derived from a completed task to facilitate completion of the new task. The task templates also may be shared among users, and active tasks may also be team tasks shared among users.

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Corvallis, OR, United States of America

Thomas G Dietterich