eBay Inc.
SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR A COLLECTIVE SEARCH QUERY USING HIDDEN ATTRIBUTES

Abstract:

A server detects that an application operating at a first client device of a first user is leaving a display of a listing provided by a publication application. The listing identifies an item and a corresponding a disclosed attribute value provided by a first provider of the item. The server queries the first client device for a desired attribute value in response to the detecting. The server receives the desired attribute value and a commitment to the desired attribute value from the first client device. The server accesses a database of hidden attribute values for the item and corresponding quantity range attribute values for the item listed with the first provider. The hidden attribute values and corresponding quantity range attribute values are provided by the first provider and hidden from the first client device. The server generates a fulfillment request to the first provider based on a number of commitments and corresponding desired attribute values from the first client device, the hidden attribute values and corresponding quantity range attribute values for the item from the first provider of the item.