Patent Publication Number: US-8539027-B1

Title: System and method for suggesting additional participants for a collaboration session

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to social network systems and, more particularly, to dynamic social network systems. 
     BACKGROUND 
     There has been an increased use in collaboration sessions that are Internet or web-based to communicate with employees, vendors, and clients. During these collaboration sessions, information is typically exchanged between multiple participants. This exchanged information may include audio, graphical, and/or textual information. 
     There has also been an increased use of social networks such as Friendster, LinkedIn, and Spooke to facilitate connections between the respective community members. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses detect a collaboration session with a plurality of current participants; detect a subject matter of the collaboration session; and search for an additional participant based on the subject matter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate and explain one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for searching a dynamic social network system. In the drawings, 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating an environment within which the methods and apparatuses for searching a dynamic social network system are implemented; 
         FIG. 2  is a simplified block diagram illustrating one embodiment in which the methods and apparatuses for searching a dynamic social network system are implemented; 
         FIG. 3  is a simplified block diagram illustrating a system, consistent with one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for searching a dynamic social network system; 
         FIG. 4  is a simplified block diagram illustrating a system, consistent with one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for searching a dynamic social network system; 
         FIG. 5  is an exemplary record for use with the methods and apparatuses for searching a dynamic social network system; 
         FIG. 6  is a flow diagram consistent with one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for searching a dynamic social network system; 
         FIG. 7  is a flow diagram consistent with one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for searching a dynamic social network system; 
         FIG. 8  is a flow diagram consistent with one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for searching a dynamic social network system; 
         FIG. 9  is a flow diagram consistent with one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for searching a dynamic social network system; 
         FIG. 10  is a flow diagram consistent with one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for searching a dynamic social network system; and 
         FIG. 11  is a flow diagram consistent with one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for searching a dynamic social network system; and 
         FIG. 12  is a flow diagram consistent with one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for searching a dynamic social network system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description of the methods and apparatuses for searching a dynamic social network system refers to the accompanying drawings. The detailed description is not intended to limit the methods and apparatuses for searching a dynamic social network system. Instead, the scope of the methods and apparatuses for searching a dynamic social network system is defined by the appended claims and equivalents. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many other implementations are possible, consistent with the present invention. 
     References to a device include a device utilized by a user such as a desktop computer, a portable computer, a personal digital assistant, a video phone, a landline telephone, a cellular telephone, and a device capable of receiving/transmitting an electronic signal. 
     References to a collaboration session include a plurality of devices that are configured to view content submitted by one of the devices. For example, the collaboration session may include a data conference or a video conference through a network, a phone line, and/or the Internet. Further, the communications between participants may be through text messaging, audio conferencing, video conferencing, email, short messaging service, and the like. 
     References to a participant include a user of a device that participates or is scheduled to participate in the collaboration session. 
     References to a presenter include a participant that shares content shared with other participants. 
     References to an attendee include a participant that receives content shared by another participant. The attendees are capable of viewing content that is offered by the presenter. In some instances, the attendee is capable of modifying the content shared by the presenter. 
     In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses for searching a dynamic social network system creates profiles associated with each user that participates within a collaboration session, updates the profiles based on the collaboration sessions, searches for profiles based on subject matter of the collaboration session, and/or tracks the hierarchy of a profile relative to other profiles. 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating an environment within which the methods and apparatuses for searching a dynamic social network system are implemented. The environment includes an electronic device  110  (e.g., a computing platform configured to act as a client device, such as a computer, a personal digital assistant, and the like), a user interface  115 , a network  120  (e.g., a local area network, a home network, the Internet), and a server  130  (e.g., a computing platform configured to act as a server). 
     In one embodiment, one or more user interface  115  components are made integral with the electronic device  110  (e.g., keypad and video display screen input and output interfaces in the same housing such as a personal digital assistant. In other embodiments, one or more user interface  115  components (e.g., a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, a trackball, etc.), a microphone, a speaker, a display, a camera are physically separate from, and are conventionally coupled to, electronic device  110 . In one embodiment, the user utilizes interface  115  to access and control content and applications stored in electronic device  110 , server  130 , or a remote storage device (not shown) coupled via network  120 . 
     In accordance with the invention, embodiments searching a dynamic social network system below are executed by an electronic processor in electronic device  110 , in server  130 , or by processors in electronic device  110  and in server  130  acting together. Server  130  is illustrated in  FIG. 1  as being a single computing platform, but in other instances are two or more interconnected computing platforms that act as a server. 
       FIG. 2  is a simplified diagram illustrating an exemplary architecture in which the methods and apparatuses for searching a dynamic social network system are implemented. The exemplary architecture includes a plurality of electronic devices  202 , a server device  210 , and a network  201  connecting electronic devices  202  to server  210  and each electronic device  202  to each other. The plurality of electronic devices  202  are each configured to include a computer-readable medium  209 , such as random access memory, coupled to an electronic processor  208 . Processor  208  executes program instructions stored in the computer-readable medium  209 . In one embodiment, a unique user operates each electronic device  202  via an interface  115  as described with reference to  FIG. 1 . 
     The server device  130  includes a processor  211  coupled to a computer-readable medium  212 . In one embodiment, the server device  130  is coupled to one or more additional external or internal devices, such as, without limitation, a secondary data storage element, such as database  240 . 
     In one instance, processors  208  and  211  are manufactured by Intel Corporation, of Santa Clara, Calif. In other instances, other microprocessors are used. 
     In one embodiment, the plurality of client devices  202  and the server  210  include instructions for searching a dynamic social network system. In one embodiment, the plurality of computer-readable media  209  and  212  contain, in part, the customized application. Additionally, the plurality of client devices  202  and the server  210  are configured to receive and transmit electronic messages for use with the customized application. Similarly, the network  210  is configured to transmit electronic messages for use with the customized application. 
     One or more user applications are stored in media  209 , in media  212 , or a single user application is stored in part in one media  209  and in part in media  212 . In one instance, a stored user application, regardless of storage location, is made customizable based on searching a dynamic social network system as determined using embodiments described below. 
     In one embodiment, the dynamic social network system utilizes the collaboration sessions to share information and communicate among the participants. For example, collaboration sessions are configured to provide real-time communication between multiple participants. In one embodiment, the content that is shared among the participants of the collaboration session is content that is displayed on the desktop of one of the participants. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates one embodiment of a system  300 . In one embodiment, the system  300  is embodied within the server  130 . In another embodiment, the system  300  is embodied within the electronic device  110 . In yet another embodiment, the system  300  is embodied within both the electronic device  110  and the server  130 . 
     In one embodiment, the system  300  includes a conferencing module  310 , an applications grouping  320 , an on-line community grouping  330 , a company grouping  340 , and a professional organization grouping  350 . 
     In one embodiment, the conferencing module  310  communicates with the applications grouping  320 , the on-line community grouping  330 , the company grouping  340 , and the professional organization grouping  350 . In one embodiment, the conferencing module  310  coordinates tasks, requests, and communications between and within the applications grouping  320 , the on-line community grouping  330 , the company grouping  340 , and the professional organization grouping  350 . 
     In one embodiment, the conferencing module  310  allows the different groupings to communicate and hold collaboration sessions between users within each grouping and across multiple groupings. 
     In one embodiment, the conferencing module  310  detects content that is utilized by one of the users within one of the groupings. In one embodiment, the content is utilized in connection with multiple devices within a collaboration session between multiple parties. For example, the collaboration session may include a data conference or a video conference through a network, a phone line, and/or the Internet. 
     In one embodiment, the content is a document utilized within a collaboration session. In another embodiment, the content is audio visual media that is utilized within a collaboration session. 
     In one embodiment, the conferencing module  310  monitors input from various interface devices connected to devices that are participating in the collaboration session. These various interface devices include a keyboard, a pointing device, a microphone, a telephone, a video camera, and the like. 
     In one embodiment, the applications grouping  320  includes users that are related to a particular application. For example, multiple users that are interested in a particular application can form a user&#39;s group that is represented by the applications grouping  320 . 
     In one embodiment, the on-line community grouping  330  includes users that are related to a particular community group such as Friendster or another social networking group. 
     In one embodiment, the company grouping  340  includes users that are related to a particular company. For example, multiple users that are employees at a particular company are related to each other and are represented by the company grouping  340 . 
     In one embodiment, the professional organization grouping  350  includes users that are related to a particular professional organization. For example, multiple users that are members of a particular professional organization are related to each other and are represented by the professional organization grouping  350 . 
     The system  300  in  FIG. 3  is shown for exemplary purposes and is merely one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for searching a dynamic social network system. Additional modules may be added to the system  300  without departing from the scope of the methods and apparatuses for searching a dynamic social network system. Similarly, modules may be combined or deleted without departing from the scope of the methods and apparatuses for searching a dynamic social network system. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates one embodiment of a system  400 . In one embodiment, the system  400  facilitates a collaboration session between multiple parties. In one embodiment, the system  400  includes a presenter device  410 , a conference interface  420 , and an attendee device  430 . In one embodiment, the presenter device  410  and the attendee device  430  are utilized by a presenter user and an attendee user, respectively. 
     In one embodiment, the presenter device  410  shares content with the attendee device  430 . In one embodiment, the attendee device  430  also shares content with the presenter device  410 . The conference interface  420  monitors the communications between the presenter device  410  and the attendee device  430 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates one embodiment of a system  500 . In one embodiment, the system  500  is embodied within the server  130 . In another embodiment, the system  500  is embodied within the electronic device  110 . In yet another embodiment, the system  500  is embodied within both the electronic device  110  and the server  130 . 
     In one embodiment, the system  500  includes an interface module  510 , a storage module  520 , a content recognition module  530 , a profile manager module  540 , a control module  550 , a title recognition module  560 , an attendee recognition module  570 , a security manager module  580 , and a rating manager  580 . 
     In one embodiment, the control module  550  communicates with the interface module  510 , the storage module  520 , the content recognition module  530 , the profile manager module  540 , the title recognition module  560 , the attendee recognition module  570 , the security manager module  580 , and the rating manager  580 . In one embodiment, the control module  350  coordinates tasks, requests, and communications between the interface module  510 , the storage module  520 , the content recognition module  530 , the profile manager module  540 , the title recognition module  560 , the attendee recognition module  570 , the security manager module  580 , and the rating manager  580 . 
     In one embodiment, the interface module  510  receives a signal from one of the electronic devices  110 . In one embodiment, the electronic devices  110  are participating in a collaboration session. For example, the system  500  monitors the collaboration session between the presenter device  410  and the attendee device  430 . In another embodiment, the interface module  510  delivers a signal to one of the electronic devices  110 . 
     In one embodiment, the interface module  510  monitors input from various interface devices connected to devices that are participating in the collaboration session. These various interface devices include a keyboard, a pointing device, a microphone, a telephone, a video camera, and the like. Further, the interface module  510  also monitors the identity of the participants of a collaboration session, the title of the collaboration session, and the content exchanged in the collaboration session. 
     In one embodiment, the storage module  520  stores a record including a list of attributes associated with the each device participating in a collaboration session. An exemplary list of attributes is shown in a record  600  within  FIG. 6 . 
     In another embodiment, the storage module  520  stores the collaboration session. In one embodiment, the storage module  520  stores the content that is presented during the collaboration session. In another embodiment, the storage module  520  stores the annotations and comments produced by the participants of the collaboration session. 
     In another embodiment, the storage module  520  stores scoring produced by the rating manager  590 . In one embodiment, the scoring values for each user are stored. 
     In one embodiment, the content recognition module  530  detects content that is utilized by the user in connection with the device. In one embodiment, the content is utilized in connection with multiple devices within a collaboration session between multiple parties. For example, the collaboration session may include a data conference or a video conference through a network, a phone line, and/or the Internet. 
     In one embodiment, the content is a document utilized within a collaboration session. In another embodiment, the content is audio visual media that is utilized within a collaboration session. 
     In one embodiment, the content recognition module  530  detects the content exchanged between the presenter device  410  and the attendee device  430 . In one embodiment, the content is textual. In another embodiment, the content is audio. In another embodiment, the content is graphical. 
     In one embodiment, the content recognition module  530  analyzes this content to identify keywords. In one embodiment, the keywords can be identified by the frequency in which the words are utilized. In another embodiment, the keywords are identified by the context of the related words. For example, if the content being exchanged between the presenter device  410  and the attendee device  430  relate to computers, then the frequent use of terms such as memory, RAM, and chips may have increased significance during the collaboration session. 
     In one embodiment, the profile manager module  540  organizes a plurality of profiles. In one embodiment, each profile corresponds to each individual user. In another embodiment, each individual user may have multiple profiles. 
     In one embodiment, a profile describes attributes of the associated user. For example, the profile may include areas of interest of the associated user. Further, the profile may also describe the areas of expertise corresponding to the associated user. 
     In another embodiment, the profile may also describe the relational hierarchy between multiple users. For example, the profile may also describe the title and level of the user within a company or organization. 
     In one embodiment, the title recognition module  560  detects the titles that describe or label collaboration sessions. In one embodiment, collaboration sessions have corresponding titles or descriptions that describe the purpose or content of the collaboration sessions. For example, a particular collaboration session may have a title “Mail Server Maintenance”. The title of this particular collaboration session may be stored within a calendaring system that helps participants of this particular collaboration session keep track of their respective schedules. 
     In one embodiment, the participant recognition module  570  detects the identities of the participants of the collaboration session. In one embodiment, collaboration sessions have schedule participants that are scheduled to participate in a particular collaboration session. Further, there may be additional or fewer actual participants that join the particular collaboration session. In one embodiment, the participant recognition module  570  detects both scheduled and actual participants for a particular collaboration session. 
     In one embodiment, the participant recognition module  570  detects the identities of the participants of the collaboration session. In one embodiment, collaboration sessions have schedule participants that are scheduled to participate in a particular collaboration session. Further, there may be additional or fewer actual participants that join the particular collaboration session. 
     In one embodiment, the participant recognition module  570  detects distinct participants through their respective associated profiles. 
     In one embodiment, the security manager module  580  controls access to the profiles of each user based on the information of a requesting party. For example, if the requesting party is authorized to gain access to other profiles, the requesting party can search for profiles that match a particular criteria such as subject expertise, experience, and the like. 
     In one embodiment, the rating manager module  590  ranks and rates the available profiles based on a match between a request and the profile information. For example, a user may request a search for other users with an expertise in a particular area of specialty. The rating manager module  590  may review the profiles of other users and select and rank the corresponding profiles based on the whether the profiles match the area of specialty requested by the user. 
     In one embodiment, the system  500  suggests additional participants for a particular collaboration session based on the invited participants. In another embodiment, the system  500  suggests additional participants for a particular collaboration session based on the title or topic of the particular collaboration session. 
     The system  500  in  FIG. 5  is shown for exemplary purposes and is merely one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for searching a dynamic social network system. Additional modules may be added to the system  300  without departing from the scope of the methods and apparatuses for searching a dynamic social network system. Similarly, modules may be combined or deleted without departing from the scope of the methods and apparatuses for searching a dynamic social network system. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary record  600  for use with the methods and apparatuses for searching a dynamic social network system. In one embodiment, the record  600  illustrates an exemplary record associated with a profile corresponding to a user. In one embodiment, the profile associated with the user is initiated based on the participation of the user during a collaboration session. Further, the profile associated with the user is updated and refined based on the participation of the user during a collaboration session. 
     In one embodiment, there are multiple records such that each record  600  is associated with a particular profile corresponding to a particular user. In another embodiment, multiple profiles are associated with the same user and each profile is represented by a record  600 . 
     In one embodiment, the record  600  includes areas of expertise field  610 , a collaboration frequency field  620 , a participant history field  630 , a collaboration history field  640 , a hierarchy field  650 , and a colleagues field  660 . In one embodiment, the record  600  resides within the storage module  520 . In one embodiment, the record  600  describes an attributes detected through the system  500 . 
     In one embodiment, the areas of expertise field  610  includes information related to the expertise of the user corresponding to the record  600 . For example, the user may have designing web sites, programming databases, building houses, and the like. In one embodiment, the areas of expertise for a user are determined through the content exchanged during collaboration sessions and through titles of collaboration sessions participated in by the user. 
     In one embodiment, the collaboration frequency field  620  includes information related the frequency in which the user associated with the record  600  participates in a collaboration session. For example, the user may have attended a collaboration session with a frequency of four times a week. Further, the collaboration frequency field  620  may also note a percentage of whether the user was an attendee or presenter of the collaboration session. In one embodiment, the interface module  510  detects the collaboration sessions. 
     In one embodiment, the participant history field  630  includes the identities of the participants of collaboration sessions including the user associated with the record  600 . In one embodiment, the participant recognition module  570  detects the participants of the collaboration sessions. 
     In one embodiment, the collaboration history field  640  includes information related the prior collaboration sessions held in which the user associated with the record  600  participated in. In one embodiment, the interface module  510  detects the collaboration sessions. 
     In one embodiment, the hierarchy field  650  includes information related to the profile&#39;s standing relative to other profiles. For example, the profile associated with the record  600  may be related to other profiles similar to a person being categorized within an organization chart within a company. In one instance, the profile associated with the record  600  may manage  40  other people. Accordingly, the hierarchy field  650  would reflect be associated with 40 other profiles in which the current profile would have access to the other profiles. 
     In one embodiment, the hierarchy field  650  allows the selected profiles to be protected from view or access from other profiles depending on the hierarchy within the field  650 . For example, a profile belonging to a rank and file employee would not have access to sensitive information within a profile belonging to a manager in one embodiment. 
     In one embodiment, the colleague field  660  includes information related friends and colleagues of the user associated with the profile. In one embodiment, the user associated with the record  600  is able to select additional profiles associated with users to be listed within the colleague field  660 . 
     The flow diagrams as depicted in  FIGS. 7 ,  8 ,  9 ,  10 ,  11 , and  12  are one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for searching a dynamic social network system. The blocks within the flow diagrams can be performed in a different sequence without departing from the spirit of the methods and apparatuses for searching a dynamic social network system. Further, blocks can be deleted, added, or combined without departing from the spirit of the methods and apparatuses for searching a dynamic social network system. 
     The flow diagram in  FIG. 7  illustrates detecting activities during a collaboration session and refining the profiles of the participants of the collaboration session according to one embodiment of the invention. 
     In Block  705 , a scheduled collaboration session is detected. In one embodiment, the scheduled collaboration session corresponds to a collaboration session that is scheduled to occur in the future. In one embodiment, the scheduled collaboration session includes identification of the subject matter of the collaboration session and the participants expected to attend. 
     In Block  710 , the subject matter of the scheduled collaboration session is detected. In one embodiment, the subject matter includes a title given to the scheduled collaboration session. In another embodiment, the subject matter includes an agenda or description of the scheduled collaboration session. 
     In Block  715 , the participants that are expected to attend the scheduled collaboration session are detected. For example, participants may be invited ahead of time for the scheduled collaboration session. 
     In Block  725 , key words are extracted. In one embodiment, these key words describe the essence of the scheduled collaboration session. For example, these key words may be utilized to describe the subject matter of the scheduled collaboration session. In one embodiment, the key words are derived from the subject matter that is detected within the Block  710 . 
     In Block  730 , the key words from the Block  725  are compared with the profiles associated with the participants identified within the Block  715 . In one embodiment, the profile of each participant includes an area of expertise field  610  of a record  600  that describes areas of interest and knowledge that is associated with a corresponding user of the profile. In one embodiment, the key words are compared with these areas of expertise identified within the field  610 . 
     In Block  735 , if there is a sufficient match between the profiles and the key words, then the profiles of the participants that take part in the scheduled collaboration session are updated in Block  740 . In one embodiment, the areas of expertise are strengthened and updated. For example, if the participant&#39;s profile does not indicate expertise in this area, the key words are added to the participant&#39;s area of expertise field  610 . Further, if the participant is already an expert in this area, then the participant&#39;s expertise if further emphasized. 
     In one embodiment, the number of meetings field  620  may also be increased based on the scheduled collaboration session. Further, the participant history field  630  and collaboration history field  640  can also be updated. 
     In one embodiment, based on the participants that are part of the scheduled collaboration session, each of the profiles may be updated to reflect other participants within the colleagues  660  field. For example, each of the participants of the scheduled collaboration session will have the other participants reflected within the colleagues  660  field based on the scheduled collaboration session. 
     If there is not a sufficient match within the Block  735 , then key words can be manually entered or confirmed by a participant of the collaboration session in the Block  750 . In one embodiment, the presenter or planner of the collaboration session confirms the key words for the corresponding collaboration session. 
     In one embodiment, the sufficient match is determined by the similarity between the participant profiles and the extracted key words. 
     In Block  745 , based on the key words and the participants of the scheduled collaboration session, an additional participant may be suggested. For example, based on the key words, another profile corresponding to a potential participant may be identified through the area of expertise field  610 . 
     In one embodiment, selected profiles that are accessible and allowed to be searched are considered. In one embodiment, the hierarchy field  650  may be utilized to determine eligibility of the profile for searching. 
     The flow diagram in  FIG. 8  illustrates detecting activities during a collaboration session and refining the profiles of the participants of the collaboration session according to one embodiment of the invention. 
     In Block  805 , a collaboration session is detected. In one embodiment, the collaboration session corresponds to a collaboration session that is currently taking place. In one embodiment, the collaboration session includes identification of the subject matter of the collaboration session and the participants that are attending the collaboration session. 
     In Block  810 , the content being exchanged during the collaboration session is detected. In one embodiment, the content is the audio content exchanged during the collaboration session. In another embodiment, the content is the video content exchanged during the collaboration session. In yet another embodiment, the content is the textual or graphical content exchanged during the collaboration session. 
     In Block  815 , the participants that are attending the collaboration session are detected. In one embodiment, different participants may attend different portions of the collaboration session. Further, the different participants are detected for the portions of the collaboration that they attend. 
     In Block  820 , the correct participants currently attending the collaboration session is determined. For example, the listed participants for the collaboration session are checked against the current participants of the collaboration session in one embodiment. 
     Further, based on the profiles of the participants that are attending the collaboration and the content of the collaboration session, additional participants that were not originally contemplated may be desired. For example, if the collaboration session was originally contemplated to cover a specific technical area of expertise and the focus of the collaboration session shifts into another technical area, then other participants that have experience in this other technical area may benefit the collaboration session with their expertise. 
     In one embodiment, selected profiles that are accessible and allowed to be searched are considered. In one embodiment, the hierarchy field  650  may be utilized to determine eligibility of the profile for searching. 
     If additional participants are desired, then additional participants are invited to the collaboration session in Block  825 . 
     In Block  830 , key words are extracted. In one embodiment, these key words describe the essence of the collaboration session. For example, these key words may be utilized to describe the content of the collaboration session. In one embodiment, the key words are derived from the content that is detected within the Block  805 . 
     In Block  835 , the profiles of the participants that take part in the collaboration session are updated. In one embodiment, the areas of expertise are strengthened and updated. For example, if the participant&#39;s profile does not indicate expertise in this area, the key words are added to the participant&#39;s area of expertise field  610 . Further, if the participant is already an expert in this area, then the participant&#39;s expertise if further emphasized. 
     In one embodiment, the number of meetings field  620  may also be increased based on participation in the collaboration session. Further, the participant history field  630  and collaboration history field  640  can also be updated. 
     In one embodiment, based on the participants that are part of the collaboration session, each of the profiles may be updated to reflect other participants within the colleagues  660  field. For example, each of the participants of the collaboration session will have the other participants reflected within the colleagues  660  field based on the collaboration session. 
     The flow diagram in  FIG. 9  illustrates detecting activities during a collaboration session and identifying participants to join the collaboration session according to one embodiment of the invention. 
     In Block  905 , a collaboration session is detected. In one embodiment, the collaboration session corresponds to a collaboration session that is currently taking place. In one embodiment, the collaboration session includes identification of the subject matter of the collaboration session and the participants that are attending the collaboration session. 
     In Block  910 , the title corresponding to the collaboration session is detected. 
     In Block  915 , the participants that are attending the collaboration session are detected. In one embodiment, different participants may attend different portions of the collaboration session. Further, the different participants are detected for the portions of the collaboration that they attend. 
     In Block  920 , a subset of available profiles is determined based on the title of the collaboration session. For example, if the title of the collaboration session is “Caring For Your Teeth”, then the subset of available profiles will include users that are related to dental care such as dentist, orthodontists, toothpaste vendors, toothbrush vendors, and the like. 
     In one embodiment, selected profiles that are accessible and allowed to be searched are considered. In one embodiment, the hierarchy field  650  may be utilized to determine eligibility of the profile for searching. 
     In Block  925 , the content being exchanged during the collaboration session is detected. In one embodiment, the content is the audio content exchanged during the collaboration session. In another embodiment, the content is the video content exchanged during the collaboration session. In yet another embodiment, the content is the textual or graphical content exchanged during the collaboration session. 
     In Block  930 , if there is a request to include an expert to participate in the collaboration session, then in Block  935  a profile is identified from the subset of available profiles that are identified within the Block  920 . In one embodiment, the request to include an expert is initiated by one of the participants of the collaboration session. 
     In one embodiment, the profile is identified based on the content as detected in the Block  925 . For example, if the content that is detected in the Block  925  is related to “Deciding on What Type of Material to Use for a Filling”, then a profile that is identified as the expert would be a dentist in one embodiment. 
     In Block  930 , if there is no request to include an expert to participate in the collaboration session, then content is detected in Block  925   
     In Block  940 , the user associated with the identified profile in the Block  935  joins the collaboration session. 
     The flow diagram in  FIG. 10  illustrates suggesting participants to join the collaboration session according to one embodiment of the invention. 
     In Block  1010 , a title for the collaboration session is selected. In one embodiment, the collaboration session corresponds to a collaboration session that is currently taking place. In another embodiment, the collaboration session corresponds to a scheduled collaboration session that take place in the future. 
     In Block  1020 , the title corresponding to the collaboration session is detected. 
     In Block  1030 , suggested participants for the collaboration session are displayed. In one embodiment, the profiles are searched based on the title of the collaboration session and the participant scheduling the collaboration session. 
     In one embodiment, the possible profiles searched for the collaboration session is limited to profiles that are accessible by the participant scheduling the collaboration session. In one instance, the participant scheduling the collaboration session has permission to access the profiles. For example, if the participant scheduling the collaboration session has permission to access a pool of profiles, then this pool of profiles will be searched as potential participants for the collaboration session. In one embodiment, an organizational chart within a company is one example of a hierarchy that is utilized to determine whether a participant has access to other profiles. For example, subordinates on an organizational chart may not have access to superiors. On the other hand, superiors on the organizational chart have access to subordinate profiles. In another embodiment, a participant may be given proxy access rights that place the participant either further up or further down in stature on the organizational chart. 
     In one embodiment, the profiles are selected based on the areas of expertise of each profile relative to the subject matter of the collaboration session that is identified by the title. 
     In another instance, the profiles are selected based on the availability of the user associated with the profile. For example, if the status of the user is unavailable, then the particular profile will not be selected. However, if the status of the user is available as detected through the corresponding profile, then the profile is eligible for selection. 
     In Block  1040 , the participants are selected. 
     In Block  1050 , additional suggested participants are displayed based on the participants that were selected in the Block  1040 . In one embodiment, additional participants may be selected based on the participant history field  630 , the collaboration history field  640 , and colleagues field  660  of the participants that are selected in the Block  1040 . For example, if participant A is selected in the Block  1040  and typically participants in collaboration sessions with participant B, the participant B may be displayed as a suggested participant. Further, if the subject matter of the collaboration session as detected in the Block  1020  matches the collaboration history field  640  of participant A to suggest participant B, then the selection of participant B as a suggested participant is further strengthened. 
     The flow diagram in  FIG. 11  illustrates suggesting participants to join the collaboration session according to one embodiment of the invention. 
     In Block  1110 , a participant is selected for the collaboration session. In one embodiment, the collaboration session corresponds to a collaboration session that is currently taking place. In another embodiment, the collaboration session corresponds to a scheduled collaboration session that take place in the future. 
     In Block  1120 , the profile associated with the selected participant within the Block  1110  is detected. Further, additional profiles that are listed within the profile associated with the selected participant are also identified and suggested. In one embodiment, these additional profiles are discovered through the participant history field  630 , the collaboration history field  640 , the hierarchy field  650 , and/or the colleagues field  660 . 
     In Block  1130 , suggested participants for the collaboration session are displayed. 
     In Block  1140 , the participants are selected. 
     In Block  1150 , additional suggested participants are displayed based on the participants that were selected in the Block  1140 . In one embodiment, additional participants may be selected based on the participant history field  630 , the collaboration history field  640 , and colleagues field  660  of the participants that are selected in the Block  1140 . 
     The flow diagram in  FIG. 12  illustrates suggesting participants to join the collaboration session according to one embodiment of the invention. 
     In Block  1210 , a subject is selected for the collaboration session. In one embodiment, the collaboration session corresponds to a collaboration session that is currently taking place. In another embodiment, the collaboration session corresponds to a scheduled collaboration session that take place in the future. In one embodiment, the subject may be reflected in the title assigned to the collaboration session. In another embodiment, the presenter of the collaboration session may explicitly state the subject of the collaboration session. 
     In Block  1220 , available participants are detected. In one embodiment, the possible profiles searched for the collaboration session is limited to profiles that are accessible by the participant scheduling the collaboration session. In one instance, the participant scheduling the collaboration session has permission to access the profiles. For example, if the participant scheduling the collaboration session has permission to access a pool of profiles, then this pool of profiles will be searched as potential participants for the collaboration session. 
     In another embodiment, each of the participants associated with a corresponding profile is capable of choosing whether to allow their respective profile to be accessible to others. 
     In another example, the available of a profile belonging to a participant is restricted to profiles that are associated with participants affiliated with the same company. 
     In Block  1230 , the available participants from the Block  1220  are ranked according to the subject matter of the collaboration session. For example, the available participants my have their areas of expertise field  610 , number of meetings field  620 , participant history field  630 , and/or collaboration history field  640  examined. Based on the profile, the participant is ranked according to how closely matched the profile relates to the subject matter of the collaboration session. 
     In Block  1240 , the highest ranked participants are selected and displayed. In one embodiment, a predetermined number of participants are selected. In another embodiment, a predetermined percentage of the total number of possible participants is selected. In yet another embodiment, a predetermined scoring threshold is applied such that participants that score above the predetermined scoring threshold are selected. 
     In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses for searching a dynamic social network system allows a profile to be searched wherein the profile belongs to a user associated with a different company or a different organization within the same company. For example, the organizational structure that is searchable for a particular profile may include multiple companies that are related through partnerships, affiliations, or client and customer relationships. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The invention may be applied to a variety of other applications. 
     They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise embodiments disclosed, and naturally many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents.