This system compares a user image to images from merchant listings to find a “visual similarity measure” between the two. The user image is compared to any number of merchant images to enable real-time visual searching “of a potentially vast catalog of items.” Along with taking in user images, this system pays attention to user text inputs and voice input when given.

In addition, eBay holds onto this image analysis data to be made available for future “on-demand visual comparisons.” This data helps feed a personalized digital shopping assistant that uses “scalable artificial intelligence” that can provide a user with personalized chatbot responses. This system relies on machine learning to understand user intents over time, “so that user identity and understanding is enhanced over time.”

…But because this patent is broad, that means the end-product for users could manifest in a number of ways, said Srivastava. After nailing down the underlying tech, he said, eBay could experiment with how exactly to use it. For example, it could look like a chatbot, be embedded as part of search, or become a feature in eBay’s app, each of which would closely track user behavior to personalize the experience.

The question becomes, Srivastava said, “Can they come to you before you even type that query? Or, in some cases, can they get to people before they even think they want something? That may just be the future, (these companies) knowing you better in some ways.”

Read more:

Rubio-Licht, N. (2023, December 20). eBay Vision Patent Tracks User Identity Over Time. The Daily Upside. https://www.thedailyupside.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/ebay-vision-patent-tracks-user-identity-over-time/