The Google index algorithm is a trade secret. Whatever they published while at school is available and is often studied in search engine classes, but the most r

The Google index algorithm is a trade secret. Whatever they published while at school is available and is often studied in search engine classes, but the most recent version algorithm is probably only available to only the most necessary people. PageRank is part of this algorithm but isn't the only part in determining where a result will fall. This "FriendRank" algorithm will also be a trade secret. The patent here based on my quick scan is patenting the method that they will use to advertise to people using this FriendRank through Google's services or future services. For example, where it will be placed on the screen and how it will look.