System and method for employing social networks for information discovery
AssigneeMicrosoft Corporation
InventorDimitris Achlioptas
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims20
A computer-implemented system for utilizing a social network comprising:
- a coordinator component that receives a plurality of buddy lists and personal information corresponding to a social network, the coordinator component generates a plurality of directed subgraphs based on the buddy lists and the personal information, the directed subgraphs being subsets of a directed graph that functionally represents relationships between individuals and/or entities within the social network;
- and
- a subgraph encrypter that encrypts the plurality of directed subgraphs.
A computer implemented method that utilizes a social network represented by a database storing a collection of information about individuals and/or entities and intra-relationships there between, the method comprising:
- generating a query for requested information;
- parsing the query to obtain query parameters;
- performing a search of a directed graph for the requested information, the directed graph being a functional representation of at least a portion of the social network;
- and
- locating the requested information and returning navigation information toward the requested information.
A computer implemented method that utilizes a social network represented by a database storing a collection of information about individuals and/or entities and intra-relationships there between, the method comprising:
- receiving information for users of the social network, the information comprising attribute and relationship information;
- and
- generating a directed graph of the social network by representing the individuals and/or entities as nodes and the relationship information as arcs interconnecting the nodes.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.