eBay Patents

eBay Inc. operates an online marketplace that enables merchants and buyers worldwide to find, buy or sell merchandise.

eBay Patents by Type

  • eBay Patents Granted: eBay patents that have been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
  • eBay Patent Applications: eBay patent applications that are pending before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
  • Patent number: 9681253
    Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically configuring mobile device applications based on location are described. In an example, methods and systems for enabling contextual in-store experience modification on a mobile device can include capabilities for altering the functionality of a mobile application based at least in part on the location of the mobile device. For example, a mobile shopping application can be configured to perform different functions depending upon the type of retail location the mobile device is currently in. Additionally, the mobile application can be configured to enable different functions between a retail location and a user's residence, among other locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Nate L Lyman, Frank Russo
  • Patent number: 9681100
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for conducting a video conference. A location of a person is determined based on a direction of a source of speech. The location of an image capture device and/or a portion of a display device may be adjusted based on the determined direction of the source of speech.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventor: Jeremiah Joseph Akin
  • Patent number: 9680825
    Abstract: A system is illustrated as including a One-Time Password (OTP) device operatively coupled to a computer system to receive data, and a server operatively coupled to the computer system via a network connection. A method is illustrated as including receiving and verifying credentials of a user accessing the site. In response to verifying the user, a request is transmitted to an authentication server for a first token value corresponding to the user. The first token value is received from the authentication server. The first token value is displayed to the user. The first token value is displayed at the same time as part of a list with other token values to the user. The user compares the list of token values to a token value generated by a password device to determine whether the token value generated by the password device is included in the list of token values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Jurgen von Krogh
  • Patent number: 9679325
    Abstract: Systems and methods to provide a navigated-shopping service are discussed. In an example, a method for navigated-shopping can include receiving a destination location, accessing a route to the destination, displaying the route with indications of a plurality of items for purchase, receiving selection of a selected item, and purchasing the selected item. The plurality of items for purchase can be within a predefined distance of at least one point along the route. The selection of the selected item can include selection of a retail location of a plurality of retail locations along the route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Praveen Nallu, Swami Raghavan, Dane Howard, Jack Phillip Abraham, Shannon B. Vosseller, Michael Lenahan, Ben Mitchell
  • Patent number: 9679319
    Abstract: Methods and systems to generate and manage an item trading card are provided. A method may include providing an interface to access an item trading card associated with an item, and generating the item trading card including an item identifier associated with the item, a trading card identifier associated with the trading card, item data about the item, and market data about the item. The method further includes sharing the item trading card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: EBAY INC.
    Inventors: Steve Yankovich, Ryan Melcher, Robert Veres
  • Publication number: 20170161810
    Abstract: Systems and methods change a user interface for the purpose of guiding a user in supplementing a product listing with an image to evidence the product's authenticity. Example embodiments include a machine-implemented method for accessing at least one database to retrieve an authenticity criterion mapped to a product and at least one reference image that depicts adequate detail of a product specimen to fulfill the authenticity criterion. The machine can further cause a user device to display the reference image to the user along with a suggestion that the user submit a candidate image depicting similar detail of the product. In some example embodiments, the method further includes retrieving the candidate image, confirming receipt of the candidate image, and displaying the candidate image, as well as adjusting a rank for a candidate specimen based on various factors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Applicant: eBay Inc.
    Inventor: Ratish Madhavan Nair
  • Patent number: 9672548
    Abstract: A method and system to manage user reputations is described. In some embodiments, a first picture is received from a first user and a second picture is received from a second user. The first picture and the second picture are associated with an in-person transaction related to an item. The method determines whether both the first picture and the second picture identify the item. The method further determines whether both the first picture and the second picture were taken at a similar geographic location. If the first picture and the second picture identify the item and were taken at a similar geographic location, transaction feedback is requested from the first user. A reputation score related to the second user is updated based on transaction feedback received from the first user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: David Jeffrey Snow, Konstantin Orlov, Roseann Stempinski, Anna Phan
  • Patent number: 9672553
    Abstract: Electronic content that has a tactile dimension when presented on a tactile-enabled computing device may be referred to as tactile-enabled content. A tactile-enabled device is a device that is capable of presenting tactile-enabled content in a manner that permits a user to experience tactile quality of electronic content. In one example embodiment, a system is provided for generating content that has a tactile dimension when presented on a tactile-enabled device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Neelakantan Sundaresan, Anurag Bhardwaj, Robinson Piramuthu
  • Patent number: 9672551
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing shared collections are described. For example, a machine receives a textual description of an entry requested to be created within a collection at a network-based system. The textual description is submitted by a user of the network-based system and received from a client device of the user by a server system within the network-based system. The entry, when created, corresponds to an item listed by the network-based system. The machine generates a structured description of the entry based on the textual description of the entry requested to be created. The structured description of the entry includes a name-value pair derived from the textual description submitted by the user. The machine determines that the entry is absent from the network-based system, and creates the entry within the collection by storing the structured description of the entry in a database of the network-based system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Allen Pate, Robert Chatwani, Nancy Dickenson
  • Patent number: 9672259
    Abstract: Methods and systems to refine search results were described. The system communicates a first user interface to a mobile device that includes search results that include data items. The system receives a first request from the mobile device that includes an indication of at least one swiping motion that is applied across a touch-sensitive screen on the mobile device. The mobile device is associated with a previously selected refinement and corresponding value. The system filters the search results. The refined search results include a second plurality of data items based on the previously selected refinement and the corresponding value. The system generates a second user interface that includes the refined search results. The system communicates the second user interface, over the network, to the mobile device. The second user interface includes the refined search results that include the second plurality of data items to display on the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Ashita Achuthan, Paden Barber, Jonathan David Chard, Patrick Foss, Jean-Charles Gabaix-Hialé, Krystal Rose Higgins, Margaret MacDonald, Mark Eppolito, Matthew Bret MacLaurin, Mica Merce, Tyler Yong Nugent, Ryan Reeves, Bradley Roberts, James Tenniswood, Ladd Van Tol
  • Patent number: 9672554
    Abstract: Methods and systems for analyzing, ordering and presenting item listings are described. In one example embodiment, a search query is processed to identify item listings satisfying the search query. Then, for each item listing that satisfies the search query, a ranking score is derived and assigned to the item listing. The ranking score is based in part on a relevance score, a listing quality score and a business rules score (or, adjustment factor). Finally, the item listings are ordered, based on their corresponding ranking score, and presented in order in a search results page.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Olivier G. Dumon, Ryan McDonald, Muhammad Faisal Rehman, Julie Lavee Netzloff, Ken Sun
  • Patent number: 9674576
    Abstract: A method and a system to provide a supplemental experience based on concurrently viewed content is provided. The system comprises an identification module to identify, at a user device, concurrently viewed content assigned a content identifier via communication with one or more components of a home theatre. The system further comprises a curation module to identify one or more listings describing items for sale based on keywords mapped to the content identifier and provide a user interface including the listings to the user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Peter Hosein, Steve Yankovich, Selina Lam
  • Patent number: 9658754
    Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, methods and apparatus are provided for flexible and user-friendly navigation of loaded media in a multi-media presentation, such that a user may be able to view and/or edit the presentation. In one embodiment, a method for navigating loaded media comprises loading a page of a collage document to a client device, the page having a plurality of layers with each layer being associated with a media object. The method further includes creating a list of layers of the loaded page, each layer indexed by at least a position in the collage document; navigating the collage document in at least one direction and at at least one speed based on user input; and filtering the list of layers based on at least the position in the collage document and a visual window of a user interface to display visible layers of the page within the visual window. A client device for navigating loaded media is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: EBAY INC.
    Inventors: James W. Lanahan, Dane M. Howard, Brian F. Williams
  • Patent number: 9652600
    Abstract: A machine performs an ownership audit on source media files whose media tracks are used, or proposed for use, in a mash-up media file. The machine may access a first group of media identifiers from a user's media library and identify authorized media files that the user is authorized to play or use in a mash-up. The machine may access a second group of media identifiers that identify source media files selected by the user for inclusion in a mash-up. The machine may determine whether all source media files are authorized and then present a notification that indicates whether the mash-up media file can be generated, or has been generated, exclusively from authorized media files. If a source media file is not authorized, the notification may include a suggestion that the user purchase an authorization to play the media file, use it in a mash-up, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventor: Oliver Nicholas Cockcroft
  • Patent number: 9652787
    Abstract: A system comprising a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program and a computer-implemented method for creating messages using generative grammar models is presented. Consistent with some embodiments, the method may include receiving a request to generate a message, which in an example embodiment is to be published to a social network platform. In response to receiving the request, a generative grammar model defining the structure of the message is accessed. The generative grammar model may include a number of blanks and may specify a source along with a grammatical constraint for a term to populate each blank. The method may further include generating the message in accordance with the generative grammar model, and causing the generated message to be published.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth Churchill, Atish Das Sarma, Corinne Elizabeth Sherman, Gyanit Singh
  • Patent number: 9652796
    Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and computer-implemented method for automatically providing item feedback information during the checkout process is provided. Feedback information related to one or more items added to an electronic shopping cart of a user is obtained. A message including the feedback information is provided automatically to the user during the checkout process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Bryan Goldman
  • Patent number: 9652918
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing access to secure-access facilities based on pairing of the secure-access facilities with a user device such as a wearable device. A pairable secure-access facility may be a public storage facility or device such as a locker that includes communications circuitry for pairing with the user device. Once paired with the user device, the locker may operate a locking mechanism to lock the locker when the user device is away from the locker and to unlock the locker when the user device is in the vicinity of the locker. The locker may include a beacon for detecting and pairing with the user devices. Pairing the user device and the locker may include entering a locker identifier into the user device to ensure that the intended user device is paired with the intended locker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: EBAY INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Diebold O'Toole, Bryant Genepang Luk, Robert He, Richard Chapman Bates, Jennifer T. Brenner, Yu Tang
  • Patent number: 9652654
    Abstract: A system and method for providing an interactive shopping experience via webcam is disclosed. A particular embodiment includes enabling a user to select from a plurality of items of virtual apparel; obtaining an image of a user via a web-enabled camera (webcam); using a data processor to perform facial detection on the image to isolate an image of a face of the user; estimating the user's position according to a position and a size of the image of the user's face; modifying an image corresponding to the selected item of virtual apparel based on the size of the image of the user's face; and auto-fitting the modified image corresponding to the selected item of virtual apparel to the image of the user's face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: EBAY INC.
    Inventors: Bin Li, Xiaohan Yun, Zehong Tan
  • Patent number: 9652538
    Abstract: Techniques for optimizing the performance of a webpage crawler are described. According to various embodiments, historical web crawler performance data is accessed, the data describing a performance of a web crawler during various time periods in one or more prior days. A capacity of the web crawler to fulfill uniform resource locator (URL) crawl requests for an upcoming given time period is then estimated, based on the historical web crawler performance data. Thereafter, a plurality of URL crawl requests are distributed to the web crawler during the upcoming given time period, based on the estimated capacity of the web crawler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Gurudatta Horantur Shivaswamy, Gaurav Kukal, Jaino Joseph, Greeshma Katipally
  • Patent number: 9652524
    Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for creating topic neighborhoods and a visualization for related topic neighborhoods in a networked system are disclosed. The apparatus, in an example embodiment, includes a neighborhood generator configured to receive user input that identifies a topic for association with a neighborhood; create a neighborhood in association with the identified topic; gather neighborhood information using the identified topic as a search term to search from sources including information related to the topic; automatically invite users to join the created neighborhood; and provide access to the neighborhood via a neighborhood visualization on a webpage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Sacco, Ryan Melcher
  • Patent number: 9652777
    Abstract: In an example embodiment, a method of dynamically optimizing a user interface on an electronic device is provided. A user interface is presented to a user, wherein the user interface includes one or more elements. User interactions with the one or more elements are then measured. The one or more elements of the user interface are then dynamically modified based on the measured user interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: John Tapley, Krystal Rose Higgins, Eric J. Farraro
  • Patent number: 9646101
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method of information presentation on multiple devices is provided. The method may include presenting a first barcode on a webpage. The first barcode may be encoded with first data based on a uniform resource locator of the webpage. The method may also include generating second data based on a user interaction with the webpage and altering a configuration of the webpage based on the user interaction without leaving the webpage. The method may also include generating a second barcode encoded with the first data and the second data. The method may further include presenting the second barcode on the webpage with the altered configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: EBAY INC.
    Inventors: Junlong Wu, Shenyi Ge
  • Patent number: 9647950
    Abstract: Systems and methods of site traffic control are disclosed. In some example embodiments, a first request for an online service to perform an operation is received from a first user on a first client device, and at least one overload condition for the online service is detected, or otherwise determined, with the overload condition(s) corresponding to a first request time of the first request. A first token and a first return time parameter for the first user are determined based on the determination of the overload condition, and the first token is stored in association with the first return time parameter. The first token and the first return time parameter are transmitted to the first client device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Yu Tang, Bryant Genepang Luk, Jennifer T. Brenner, Robert He, Christopher Diebold O'Toole, Jason Ziaja, Ananya Das, Jun Ho Cho, Zi Won Ahn
  • Patent number: 9639505
    Abstract: A method for creating a multimedia presentation element, comprises selecting a presentation element icon; adding information to a presentation element box defined by a presentation boundary within a first multimedia element of the multi-media presentation having a plurality of multimedia elements, the presentation element boundary resulting from the selection of the presentation element icon; and associating the presentation element box with the first multimedia element such that the presentation element box remains associated to the first multimedia element during navigation from different multimedia elements of the plurality of multimedia elements, is described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: EBAY, INC.
    Inventors: James W. Lanahan, Dane M. Howard, Brian F. Williams, Luke Peacock, Belmer Perrella Garcia Negrillo
  • Patent number: 9639509
    Abstract: A document machine may detect a request for provision of a document while that document is available for provisioning. The document machine may update a count of referrals to the document and, based on the count of referrals transgressing a threshold value, generate a substitute document based on the original document. This substitute document may then be provided in response to further requests for the original document after the original document is no longer available for provision. The updating of the count of referrals is based on the identifier of a network that referred a request detected while the first document was still available for provision. The document machine may then provide the substitute document in lieu of the original document in response to a further request for provision of the first document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Goedegebuure
  • Patent number: 9639883
    Abstract: A system and method for transmitting information related to items offered for sale at a marketplace location includes reviewing a first video stream to identify items displayed in the first video stream which correspond to the items offered for sale at the marketplace location, and generating a second video stream related to and including images of the items for sale at the marketplace location. The method further includes causing the transmission of the second video stream to a user through a media outlet and receiving a purchase request from the user for at least one item offered for sale at the marketplace location and included in the first or second video stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Loui, David Vogt, Jared Kaplan, Tony Lam
  • Patent number: 9639599
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclose methods and systems to categorize automatically a merchant listing. In one example, the method includes determining a first category identifier for the merchant listing by performing a first search to compare the first category identifier with a plurality of category identifiers in a first database. Based on a determination that no match was found as a result of the first search, a second search is performed to compare the first category identifier with a plurality of category relationships in a second database. A second category identifier of the merchant listing is provided in response to a match being found in the second search and the second category identifier is associated with the merchant listing. Other methods and systems are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Shashi Seth, Brian Scott Johnson, Robin Kennedy, Niraj Kothari
  • Patent number: 9641985
    Abstract: There are provided systems and methods for wireless beacon devices for use in tracking user locations during group travel. A user may take a trip on a vehicle, such as a bus, train, cruise ship, or other large travel vehicle. The users may disembark the vehicle in order to visit a location but plan to travel further on the vehicle. Thus, when the vehicle is attempting to leave the location where the users have left the vehicle, the vehicle may be required to again account for each passenger. The vehicle may utilize a wireless beacon located near an entrance and/or onboard the vehicle to account for each passenger. The wireless beacon may connect to a communication device of each user when the communication device is in proximity to the wireless beacon and, thus, inform the vehicle's operator that each user in located on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: EBAY INC.
    Inventor: Mary O'Malley
  • Patent number: 9639889
    Abstract: A method and a system of online shopping using a digital storefront. For example, a digital storefront having multiple touchscreen display surfaces presents a plurality of tiles to a user, where one or more tiles display images of items for sale and at least one hunch question which may be related to the environment. In further examples, a response is received from the user to one or more hunch questions, and items are recommended for the user and presented to the user in one or more updated tiles on a touchscreen display surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Jessie Babiarz, David Anthony Basilio, Adam Jacobson, Matthew Losch, Gregory Robinson, Li Chen, Corey Demarco, Exaud Hugho, Michael Toma
  • Patent number: 9626541
    Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus to scan visual codes are described. An image of a first visual code marked on an item is captured and the image of the first visual code is displayed on an electronic screen of the apparatus for a point-of-sale terminal that is enabled to scan the image of the first visual code. A scan signal emitted by the point-of-sale terminal is detected, the scan signal indicating that the image of the first visual code was scanned. A second image of a second visual code is displayed on the electronic screen of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventor: Roy Leon Camp
  • Patent number: 9626682
    Abstract: Methods and systems relating to a reseller analysis tool are described. In some embodiments, electronic commerce transaction information associated with a plurality of electronic commerce transactions occurring using an electronic commerce system is received at the electronic commerce system. A set of resale transactions from the plurality of electronic commerce transactions is identified using the electronic commerce transaction information, including identifying the set of resale transactions based on resale criteria capable of indicating a sale of an item by an entity that previously purchased the item using the electronic commerce transaction system. A set of rules associated with resale transactions is generated, including generating the set of rules based on the electronic commerce transaction information associated with the set of resale transactions. Based on the set of rules, user transaction information relevant to a transaction associated with a user is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Neelakantan Sundaresan, Zeqian Shen, Yuchen Zhao
  • Patent number: 9626430
    Abstract: Various embodiments include systems and methods for data mining of search engine and network operations to automatically identify query events. Data aggregated from such query events and stored as query history data may be processed to identify query ranking mismatches. These identified mismatches may be used with the query history data and target settings to automatically generate query rewrite data. In certain embodiments, this query rewrite data may be used to generate query rewrite input language (QRIL) records. Such QRIL records may then be used to automatically generate standardized rewrites which automatically resolve any conflicts between rewrites in a particular search engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Prathyusha Senthil Kumar, Praveen Arasada, Ravi Chandra Jammalamadaka
  • Patent number: 9619152
    Abstract: Techniques for transforming character delimited values are presented herein. An input module may be configured to read a set of character delimited values. A generation module may be configured to generate, in real-time, a synchronization block for the set of values that includes a nibble for each value in the set of values. The nibbles may represent either a byte size of the associated value or may be a flag representing a predetermined value. An output module may be configured to sequentially output the synchronization block and the set of values to a binary data output stream for output in a device dependent byte order according to the respective byte sizes of the values in the set of values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Gang Ye, Thennarasu Ponnusamy, Belinda Liu, Enlin Wang, Mallikarjun Bhaigond, Amit Desai, Xin Zhuang, Preeta Joshi, Hong-Yen Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9621631
    Abstract: In various example embodiments, a system and method for transferring the state of a first device to a second device are disclosed. An instruction to transfer a state of a first device to a second device is received. In response, information related to the state of the first device is packaged into a file. A type of connection to be used to transfer the state of the device is determined based on the connections available to the first device and the second device. The file containing the information of the state of the first device is transferred to the second device using the connection type. The file, when processed by the second device, causes the second device to reproduce the state of the first device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Scott Zises
  • Patent number: 9619515
    Abstract: Systems and a method for expanding a query are described. The method calculates a diversity index for a plurality of query terms that are included in a plurality of other queries associated with the query. The diversity index is a measure of diversity among the plurality of query terms and relates to differences among the plurality of query terms. The method further compares the diversity index to a threshold value. Finally, the method expands the query with one or more of the plurality of query terms based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Neelakantan Sundaresan, Nishith Parikh
  • Patent number: 9613006
    Abstract: A method for automatic media population of a style presentation comprises collecting presentation media; positioning the collected presentation media on a storyboard; and selecting a style presentation; wherein the selection of the style presentation results in the automatic population of the style presentation with the presentation media positioned on the storyboard is described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: EBAY, INC.
    Inventors: James W. Lanahan, Dane M. Howard, Brian F. Williams, Luke Peacock, Belmer Perrella Garcia Negrillo
  • Patent number: 9614959
    Abstract: A method may include receiving a communication that is sent from a source over a network to a user. The method may also include categorizing the communication request. The categorization may include sending a first question communication that includes a first human-based interactive question over the network to the source. The categorization may also include receiving an answer communication over the network from the source and determining whether the answer communication correctly answers the first question communication. In response to determining that the answer communication correctly answers the first question communication, a second question communication that includes a second human-based interactive question may be sent over the network to the source instead of performing a first task with the received communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: EBAY INC.
    Inventor: Sergio Gonzales
  • Patent number: 9613516
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve an apparatus, systems, and methods for soiled garment detection and notification. The method may include receiving a measure of odor being released from a garment from a soiled garment detection apparatus. The method may further include determining that the measure of odor exceeds an acceptable odor threshold. A message may then be sent to a user device associated with the garment (e.g. a device of the owner of the garment) in response to determining that the measure of odor exceeds the threshold. The message may include a notification that the garment is soiled, and a suggested course of action to improve the measure of odor released by the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Dane Glasgow, Corinne Elizabeth Sherman, David Ramadge, Timothy Carlson, Sergio Pinzon Gonzales, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9607333
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a network-based sales system with customizable user interfaces are described. The system generates first and second sales interfaces based on customization commands and communicates the sales interfaces, over a network, through respective member sites to first and second users. The system further receives first and second requests to view a listing of an item that is presented in an offer for sale via the first and second sales interfaces, retrieves a record from a central database system that is changed responsive to a sale of the item that is presented in the first and second sales listings, modifies an object model representation of a central database system based on the retrieval of the record that is changed and regenerates the first and second sales interfaces responsive to the modification of the object model representation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew F. Ackley, Joseph Aparo
  • Patent number: 9607411
    Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for recording and viewing images of objects with specular highlights. In some embodiments, a computer-implemented method may include accessing a first plurality of images, each of the images in the first plurality of images including an object recorded from a first position, and a reflection of light on the object from a light source located at a different location than in each of the other images in the first plurality of images. The method may also include generating a first composite image of the object, the first composite image comprising a superposition of the first plurality of images, and wherein each of the images in the first plurality of images is configured to change in a degree of transparency within the first composite image and in accordance with a first input based on a degree of tilt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Lane Ouzts, Monroe Williams
  • Patent number: 9606974
    Abstract: A methodology through which a host site may automatically insert relevant links into a set of text. In this methodology, the contents of the text are compared against a database containing character strings, and the character strings from the database contained in the text are identified. Each of the character strings in the database has an associated link that connects to other webpages on the same website or other websites. For each character string of the database found in the contents of the text, the associated link is inserted into the text. In this way, only relevant links are inserted into the text.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Richard B. Gorelick, Steven G. Madere, Michael D. McCartney, Matthew W. Mengerink, David J. Wilson
  • Patent number: 9607049
    Abstract: Methods and systems to build and utilize a search infrastructure are described. The system generates index information components in real-time based on a database that is time-stamped. The system updates index information at a plurality of query node servers based on the index information components. A query engine receives a search query from a client machine and identifies search results based on the query and the index information. The system communicates the search results, over the network, to the client machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Swati Agarwal, Richard D Henderson, Davide Libenzi, Jagadish Nallapaneni, Pradeep Sankaranthi, Nicholas Whyte, Thomas Pan, Carson Hoffacker, Amit Basu, Gang He, Mel Sun, Andrew John Melnick
  • Patent number: 9607248
    Abstract: An apparatus and method to facilitate finding recommendations for a query image are disclosed herein. A color histogram is determined corresponding to the query image. Determining at least one of a visual pattern included in the query image, a dominant color of the query image, or an orientation histogram corresponding to the query image. Performing comparison of a first image attribute of the query image to a second image attribute of an inventory image corresponding to an inventory item, wherein the first image attribute used in the comparison is selected from among the color histogram, the dominant color, and the orientation histogram. The selection of the first image attribute is based on a confidence score associated with the visual pattern, the dominant color, or a directionality present in the query image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Anurag Bhardwaj, Wei Di, Muhammad Raffay Hamid, Robinson Piramuthu, Neelakantan Sundaresan
  • Patent number: 9607288
    Abstract: A method and system for streamlining a voting process performed by a web application is provided. As the web application may require that a voting action is effectuated after the user is registered to vote and also has supplied valid credentials, a voting application may be configured to intercept a request from a user to effectuate voting process directed to the web application, access credentials of the user stored by the web-based social networking application, and provide these credentials to the web application, such that the web application can process the request to effectuate voting process by registering the user to vote and storing the vote information for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Hemal Doshi, Nausher Ahmed Cholavaram, Deval Dudhia, Om Prakash Kannusami, Balakrishna Shanka
  • Patent number: 9600823
    Abstract: A data mining system and method retrieve data related to an item from a database. A survey is generated for presentation in a game. The survey includes the retrieved item data and solicits from a user input data pertaining to the retrieved item data. The input data is received from the survey and stored in a database with the item data. The input data is transmitted to the game and incorporated into the game such that the user interacts with the input data as part of playing the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Kirk Lanciani, Nicole Stewart, Steve Washington, Neelakantan Sundaresan
  • Patent number: 9600535
    Abstract: In various example embodiments, a system and method for limiting shares of voice of individual users in a result set are provided. In example embodiments, an entity providing each entry in a result set of a search is identified. Sorting criteria including a size rule that includes a sort size value defining a maximum number of consecutive publications from a same entity are retrieved. A sorted result set is generated in compliance with the sorting criteria by shifting a publication from the same entity down one or more positions in order to satisfy the sorting criteria. The sorted result set is provided to a searching user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Robin Johan Schuil, Rutger Mooy, Selina H. van Panhuys
  • Patent number: 9600781
    Abstract: Methods and systems for improving seat selection at a venue are described. The methods and systems help users understand how good a view they will have of a performance or event and/or how enjoyable an experience they will have before they purchase a ticket. A user selects a seat and is able to access relevant traits of people who purchased seats proximate to the selected seat. Relevant traits include physical features such as height, weight, build, etc., and behavior information, such as how noisy or quiet the person is.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: EBAY INC.
    Inventor: Kamal Zamer
  • Patent number: 9594996
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve an apparatus, systems, and methods for providing intelligent laundering alerts. Example embodiments involve an intelligent garment tag that may be affixed to garments, and may store and provide information about the garment to which it is affixed. The information stored thereon describes various aspects of the garment including color, fabric, and laundering information. The intelligent garment tags further include an alert component for providing laundering alerts (e.g., a flashing or colored light, a warning noise, or a vibration) based on, for example, garment color compatibility or laundering device (e.g., washing machine or clothes dryer) compatibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Dane Glasgow, David Ramadge, Bria Selhorst, Corinne Elizabeth Sherman, Matthew Bret MacLaurin, Timothy Carlson
  • Patent number: 9595052
    Abstract: In a system and method for using user behavior and interaction data to rate a reputation of a user, a processor-implemented tracking component tracks an interaction of a user with a network-based publisher. A processor-implemented reputation component generates a reputation value for the user from the tracked user interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Wisam G. Daoud, Sarika Krishnan, Rishikesh Tembe
  • Patent number: 9595037
    Abstract: Systems, methods and media for managing digital rights and pre-verification of structural integrity in three-dimensional (3D) printing are provided. In one example, a system comprises at least one module, executing on one or more computer processors, to receive a request from a user to print a 3D object by a 3D printer or printing service and receive a conditional authorization from an owner of digital rights in the 3D object to print the 3D object. The conditional authorization can include a printing specification or limitation. The at least one module pre-verifies, for structural integrity once printed by the 3D printer or printing service, a digital model on which the 3D object is based. In response to a received conditional authorization, the at least one module transmits instructions to the 3D printer or printing service to print the 3D object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Dane Glasgow, Matthew Bret MacLaurin, Corinne Elizabeth Sherman, David Ramadge