Abstract:
In one example aspect, a computerized method includes the step of providing an item listing. The item listing is listed in an e-commerce marketplace. The computerized method includes the step of identifying the item listing into a set of listing parameters. A listing parameter includes one or more listing images and one or more terms that are descriptive of the item listing. The computerized method includes using the listing parameters to do the following steps. The computerized method determines a trust score for the item listing. The trust score is based on a number of images of an item in the item listing. The computerized method a quality score of the number of images; a description score of a description of the item. The computerized method determines a pricing score. The pricing score is based on a percentage variation from a geographically relevant item valuation and an item research service, and a condition of the item. The computerized method determines a seller score. The seller score is based on the verified status of the seller, a seller rating of the seller, and a percentage of positive feedback. The computerized method determines a health score. The health score is based on a seller declaration, a service logs, a verification that the item is insured, and a verification that the item properly registered.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/239,975, filed on Oct. 12, 2015. This application clams priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/407,497, filed on Oct. 12, 2016. These provisional and utility applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field 
         [0003]    This description relates to e-commerce and more particularly to a system, method and object of manufacture of providing health scores in an online market place. 
         [0004]    2. Related Art 
         [0005]    It is noted that users may have used automobiles (or other vehicle type). The users may want to sell said automobiles to other buying parties such as used-automobile dealerships etc. The buyers may want to verify the status of the used automobile. In an online market place, inspecting the automobile may not be an option as the automobile may be too far to travel to to perform the inspection. Also, inspection/verification methods should be consistent. Accordingly, standardized methods of automatically generating consistent and reliable ratings of used automobiles in an online market place are desired. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In one example aspect, computerized method includes the step of providing an item listing. The item listing is listed in an e-commerce marketplace. The computerized method includes the step of identifying the item listing into a set of listing parameters. A listing parameter includes one or more listing images and one or more terms that are descriptive of the item listing. The computerized method includes using the listing parameters to do the following steps. The computerized method determines a trust score for the item listing. The trust score is based on a number of images of an item in the item listing. The computerized method a quality score of the number of images; a description score of a description of the item. The computerized method determines a pricing score. The pricing score is based on a percentage variation from a geographically relevant item valuation and an item research service, and a condition of the item. The computerized method determines a seller score. The seller score is based on the verified status of the seller, a seller rating of the seller, and a percentage of positive feedback. The computerized method determines a health score. The health score is based on a seller declaration, a service logs, a verification that the item is insured, and a verification that the item properly registered. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  illustrates an example system of modules for generating a full-circle health score for an online marketplace, according to some embodiments. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  illustrates an example process of generating a transparency score, according to some embodiments. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  illustrates an example process of generating a pricing score, according to some embodiments. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  illustrates an example process of generating a seller score, according to some embodiments. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  illustrates an example process of generating a health score, according to some embodiments. 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  illustrates a computer system for providing health scores in an online marketplace, according to some embodiments. 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  depicts an exemplary computing system that can be configured to perform any one of the processes provided herein. 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram of a sample-computing environment that can be utilized to implement various embodiments. 
       
    
    
       [0015]    The Figures described above are a representative set, and are not an exhaustive set with respect to embodying the invention. 
       DESCRIPTION 
       [0016]    Disclosed are a system, method, and article of providing health scores in an online marketplace. It is noted that other types of marketplaces can be used in other example embodiments. The following description is presented to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the various embodiments. Descriptions of specific devices, techniques, and applications are provided only as examples. Various modifications to the examples described herein can be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other examples and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the various embodiments. 
         [0017]    Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment, ‘an embodiment,’ one example,’ or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases ‘in one embodiment, ‘in an embodiment,’ and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
         [0018]    Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of programming, software modules, user selections, network transactions, database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art can recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 
         [0019]    The schematic flow chart, diagrams included herein are generally set forth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, and they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown. 
       Definitions 
       [0020]    Example definitions for some embodiments are now provided. 
         [0021]    Application programming interface (API) can specify how software components of various systems interact with each other. 
         [0022]    Cloud computing can involve deploying groups of remote servers and/or software networks that allow centralized data storage and online access to computer services or resources. These groups of remote serves and/or software networks can be a collection of remote computing services. 
         [0023]    E-commerce can be trading in products or services using computer networks, such as the Internet. Electronic commerce draws on technologies such as mobile core commerce, electronic funds transfer, supply chain management, Internet marketing, online transaction processing, electronic data interchange (EDI), inventory management systems, and automated data collection systems. 
         [0024]    Online marketplace can be a type of e-commerce site where product or service information is provided by multiple third parties, whereas transactions are processed by the marketplace operator. Online marketplace can enable multichannel ecommerce. 
       Exemplary Methods 
       [0025]    An online marketplace is provided. The online marketplace includes an information network accessed by computing or mobile or virtual reality devices. The online marketplace can enable two parties (e.g. a buyer and a seller) to enter into an online transaction. In one example, the online marketplace can enable transactions of used items and/or service(s). It is noted that other example embodiments, the online marketplace can also enable transaction that include first-hand/new items. 
         [0026]    The purchase of a used and/or new items may be a high value financial transactions for a user. Accordingly, the trust (e.g. health) factor may be important for the transaction to be successful. For example, when two parties whether known to each other or unknown are trying to transact, the transaction suffers from information asymmetry and moral hazard. Because of this, trade velocity can slow down, as it takes longer to establish trust and transparency for transaction to take place. Accordingly, the online market place can include one or more trust factors that enable buyers to make more informed decisions. 
         [0027]    One example of a process that increases a user&#39;s trust factor can be a health score. The health score can be based on account trust factors, such as auto inspection information, warranty information, verified seller information, attractiveness of pricing for buyer information, and/or level of disclosures by the sellers. The health score can enable buyers to develop more objective assessment and comfort around the items they are considering buying. The information can also enable sellers who want to adopt best practices and offer nothing but the best to the buyer community. Seller listings with higher health scores can be automatically ranked higher in the online marketplace. 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  illustrates an example process  100  of modules for generating a full-circle health score for an online marketplace, according to some embodiments. In process  100 , a full-circle health score is generated for a seller&#39;s listing. The health score is built on best practices in buying and selling. Accordingly, any practice that assists a buyer&#39;s interest can be included into process  100 . In one example implemented by process  100 , while a seller creates a listing for the sale of an items, the seller is asked an exhaustive set of questions/information regarding the item (e.g. by a functionality operating in a server system that implements process  100 ). Some of the questions can be mandatory for the seller to answer. Examples of mandatory fields and explanations can include, inter alia, images of the listing. This can be mandatory, as, at least one image is to be uploaded. However, the number of images the seller uploads, the higher the seller&#39;s transparency score bucket can be. An example of an optional field can be a copy of service logs. This can be an optional field, however if the seller uploads the service logs, he can further increase his health score. This is due to the fact that he is providing more trust related documents. Other questions may voluntary but the answers may improve the health score. The information obtained from the seller can then be translated into parameter values. Parameter values can also be obtained from other sources (e.g. third-party entities, etc.). The parameters values can be used to calculate the health score. In one example, twenty-four (24) factors can be taken into account when calculating the health score. 
         [0029]    In step  102 , a health score can be associated with a listing of an item on website managed by the online market that implements process  100 . In step  104 , these parameter values can be divided in a specified number of data buckets (e.g. four (4) buckets). Example data buckets can include, inter alia: a transparency score, a seller score, health score, a pricing score, etc. In step  106 , these data buckets (e.g. the four buckets) can have different configurable weights. The weights can be determined by several factors. Additionally, geography, market place, and/or seasonality can also be taken into account. For example, during a festive season in India, pricing score can have a higher weight. The parameter values can also have configurable weightages. In  108 , the health score calculated on the aggregated scores of the various data buckets mentioned above. The aggregated score can be the full-circle health score. The full-circle health score can capture the three-hundred and sixty (360) degree information revolving around trust of the listing in any marketplace. It is noted that process  100  (as well as other processes and systems provided herein) can be expanded to any category possible in the marketplace. 
         [0030]      FIG. 2  illustrates an example process  200  of generating a transparency score, according to some embodiments. In step  202 , the listing of the item can be analyzed. For example, various details can be obtained from the list. The listing can be marked based on the following parameters, inter alia: number of images; quality of images; description; basic facts; key factors; available options; etc. In step  204 , each listing parameter can be scored. For example, the scores would be captured on a scale of zero (0) to ten (10). In step  206 , these scores can be multiplied by the pre-assigned weights. In step  208 , these scores can be summed to determine a transparency score. 
         [0031]      FIG. 3  illustrates an example process  300  of generating a pricing score, according to some embodiments. In step  302 , the listing of the item can be analyzed. For example, various details can be obtained from the list. The listing can be marked based on the following parameters, inter alia: percentage variation from a geographically relevant item valuation and item research service (e.g. via an API); condition of item; percentage variation from median; percentage of listings below the price quoted; etc. In step  304 , each listing parameter can be scored. For example, the scores would be captured on a scale of zero (0) to ten (10). In step  306 , these scores can be multiplied by the pre-assigned weights. In step  308 , these scores can be summed to determine a pricing score. 
         [0032]      FIG. 4  illustrates an example process  400  of generating a seller score, according to some embodiments. In step  402 , the listing of the item can be analyzed. For example, various details can be obtained from the list. The listing can be marked based on the following parameters, inter alia: verified seller; pro seller (e.g. basic or premium); seller rating; seller engagement score; showroom score; dealership score; percentage of positive feedback; etc. In step  404 , each listing parameter can be scored. For example, the scores would be captured on a scale of zero (0) to ten (10). In step  406 , these scores can be multiplied by the pre-assigned weights. In step  408 , these scores can be summed to determine a seller score. 
         [0033]      FIG. 5  illustrates an example process  500  of generating a health score (e.g. in a used automobile market place example), according to some embodiments. In step  502 , the listing of the automobile can be analyzed. For example, various details can be obtained from the list. The listing can be marked based on the following parameters, inter alia: inspection report; warranty; certification; seller declaration; service logs; copy of insurance; copy of registration certificate (RC). An RC can be a vehicle registration certificate (e.g. an official document providing proof of registration of a motor vehicle). In step  504 , each listing parameter can be scored. For example, the scores would be captured on a scale of zero (0) to ten (10). In step  506 , these scores can be multiplied by the pre-assigned weights. In step  508 , these scores can be summed to determine a health score. 
       Additional Exemplary Computer Architecture and Systems 
       [0034]      FIG. 6  illustrates a computer system  600  for providing health scores in an online marketplace, according to some embodiments. System  600  can include various computer networks  602  (e.g. the Internet, a local area network, a cellular data network, etc.). Health score server  604  can be accessed via computer networks  602 . Health score network  604  can also access other services via computer networks  602 . Health score server  604  can provide health scores in an online marketplace. In some examples, health score server  604  can implement and manage an online marketplace as well. Health score server  604  can include various functionalities for implementing the various processes and/or systems provided herein (e.g. a database manager, calculators, image recognition engines, web servers, etc.). Health score server  604  can implement process  100 - 500 . Health score server  604  can query third-party entity servers  608  to obtain information to implement processes  100 - 500 . Health score server  604  can, store data in datastore  606  (e.g. data related to processes  100 - 500 , etc.). Health score server  604  can receive and respond to queries for health scores from seller computing device  610 . Health score server  604  can receive and respond to queries for health scores from user computing device  612 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 7  depicts an exemplary computing system  700  that can be configured to perform any one of the processes provided herein. In this context, computing system  700  may include, for example, a processor, memory, storage, and I/O devices (e.g., monitor, keyboard, disk drive, Internet connection, etc.). However, computing system  700  may include circuitry or other specialized hardware for carrying out some or all aspects of the processes. In some operational settings, computing system  700  may be configured as a system that includes one or more units, each of which is configured to carry out some aspects of the processes either in software, hardware, or some combination thereof. 
         [0036]      FIG. 7  depicts computing system  700  with a number of components that may be used to perform any of the processes described herein. The main system  702  includes a motherboard  704  having an I/O section  706 , one or more central processing units (CPU)  708 , and a memory section  710 , which may have a flash memory card  712  related to it. The I/O section  706  can be connected to a display  714 , a keyboard and/or other user input (not shown), a disk storage unit  716 , and a media drive unit  718 . The media drive unit  718  can read/write a computer-readable medium  720 , which can contain programs  722  and/or data. Computing system  700  can include a web browser. Moreover, it is noted that computing system  700  can be configured to include additional systems in order to fulfill various functionalities. Computing system  700  can communicate with other computing devices based on various computer communication protocols such a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth® (and/or other standards for exchanging data over short distances includes those using short-wavelength radio transmissions), USB, Ethernet, cellular, an ultrasonic local area communication protocol, etc. 
         [0037]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram of a sample-computing environment  800  that can be utilized to implement various embodiments. The system  300  further illustrates a system that includes one or more client(s)  802 . The client(s)  802  can be hardware and/or software (e.g., threads, processes, computing devices). The system  800  also includes one or more server(s)  804 . The server(s)  804  can also be hardware and/or software (e.g., threads, processes, computing devices). One possible communication between a client  802  and a server  804  may be in the form of a data packet adapted to be transmitted between two or more computer processes. The system  800  includes a communication framework  810  that can be employed to facilitate communications between the client(s)  302  and the server(s)  804 . The client(s)  802  are connected to one or more client data store(s)  806  that can be employed to store information local to the client(s)  802 . Similarly, the server(s)  804  are connected to one or more server data store(s)  808  that can be employed to store information local to the server(s)  804 . In some embodiments, system  800  can instead be a collection of remote computing services constituting a cloud-computing platform. 
       Conclusion 
       [0038]    Although the present embodiments have been described with reference to specific example embodiments, various modifications and changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the various embodiments. For example, the various devices, modules, etc. described herein can be enabled and operated using hardware circuitry, firmware, software or any combination of hardware, firmware, and software (e.g., embodied in a machine-readable medium). 
         [0039]    In addition, it can be appreciated that the various operations, processes, and methods disclosed herein can be embodied in a machine-readable medium and/or a machine accessible medium compatible with a data processing system (e.g., a computer system), and can be performed in any order (e.g., including using means for achieving the various operations). Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. In some embodiments, the machine-readable medium can be a non-transitory form of machine-readable medium.