Abstract: A location of a mobile device can be determined. Common search queries can be provided that are associated with the location of the mobile device. Information associated with the common search queries can be transmitted to the mobile device automatically or upon user request. The information associated with the common search queries can include timing information, type of user information, user grouping, search type information, results of the common search queries, advertising relating to the common search queries, or links to additional information based on the current location.

Abstract: The present invention provides a software facility for identifying the items most relevant to a current query based on items selected in connection with similar queries. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the facility receives a query specifying one or more query terms. In response, the facility generates a query result identifying a plurality of items that satisfy the query. The facility then produces a ranking value for at least a portion of the items identified in the query result by combining the relative frequencies with which users selected that item from the query results generated from queries specifying each of the terms specified by the query. The facility identifies as most relevant those items having the highest ranking values.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for identifying item attributes that are likely to be useful to users in refining searches for items. In one embodiment, when a user submits a search query to search for items, all or a portion of the search query is used to look-up a previously-generated list of item attributes (and optionally associated attribute values) that are associated with the search query and are useful for refining the search. These item attributes, and any associated attribute values, are then presented to the user in a selectable form such that the user can interactively narrow the search.

Abstract: Techniques are described for facilitating interactions between task requesters who have tasks that are available to be performed and task performers who are available to perform tasks, such as via an electronic marketplace acting as an intermediary for task performance. In some situations, the facilitating of the interactions includes automatically matching available tasks to task performer users, such as to automatically generate recommendations for task performer users of available tasks that are appropriate for those task performer users to perform. Such generated task recommendations for task performer users may then be provided to those task performer users in various ways, including via one or more Web pages or electronic communications sent to devices of the task performer users. The task recommendations may be generated in various ways, including based on previous tasks performed by the task performer users and on other prior activities of the task performer users.

Abstract: The present invention provides a software facility for identifying the items most relevant to a current query based on items selected in connection with similar queries. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the facility receives a query specifying one or more query terms. In response, the facility generates a query result identifying a plurality of items that satisfy the query. The facility then produces a ranking value for at least a portion of the items identified in the query result by combining the relative frequencies with which users selected that item from the query results generated from queries specifying each of the terms specified by the query. The facility identifies as most relevant those items having the highest ranking values.

Abstract: Graphical user interfaces that are well suited for displaying search results from multiple search categories are described. In one aspect of the invention, a graphical user interface is provided that includes a window having at least two panes that are arranged to display search results from searches in different search categories. Each pane can be presented in an open state suitable for displaying information and a closed state. A user may adjust the relative sizes of the panes and the user may switch the panes between the open and closed states.

Abstract: Common search queries can be provided that are associated with a predicted path of movement of a mobile device. A location of a mobile device can be determined, along with a destination or direction of movement. Common search queries associated with the path of movement and locations along the path can be transmitted to the mobile device. A user of the mobile device is able to execute the common search queries from the mobile device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for rendering search results are described. In one aspect of the invention, a search request is received from a computerized client. A search is performed based on the search request in at least two different categories of information to obtain search results in the searched categories. Selected search results are returned to the client to facilitate rendering the search results at the client. Search results from different search categories are returned in a manner configured to be presented in different panes of a graphical user interface rendered on the client. In another aspect, what searches to perform can be determined based at least in part upon search results display settings associated with the client, such that searches are performed only in categories of information that are associated with a pane that is in an open state on the client.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for identifying item attributes that are likely to be useful to users in refining searches for items. In one embodiment, when a user submits a search query to search for items, all or a portion of the search query is used to look-up a previously-generated list of item attributes (and optionally associated attribute values) that are associated with the search query and are useful for refining the search. These item attributes, and any associated attribute values, are then presented to the user in a selectable form such that the user can interactively narrow the search.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods are described for identifying item attributes that are likely to be useful to users in refining searches for items. In one embodiment, when a user submits a search query to search for items, all or a portion of the search query is used to look-up a previously-generated list of item attributes (and optionally associated attribute values) that, based on a programmatic analysis that includes an analysis of user activity of a population of users, are associated with the search query and are useful for refining the search. These item attributes, and any associated attribute values, are then presented to the user in a selectable form such that the user can interactively narrow the search.

Abstract: An ad placement system provides functionality for users to rate advertisers associated with particular ads they view, and/or to rate particular ads. The ratings supplied by individual users in association with a given advertiser are used by the system to generate an average or other aggregate rating for the advertiser. This aggregate rating is exposed to users in association with the advertiser's ad or ads, allowing users to efficiently take the advertiser's reputation into consideration in deciding whether to click through or otherwise select such ads to access the advertiser's web page or site. For example, in one embodiment, each ad is displayed with a corresponding visual indication of the aggregate rating of the advertiser.

Abstract: Common search queries can be provided that are associated with a predicted path of movement of a mobile device. A location of a mobile device can be determined, along with a destination or direction of movement. Common search queries associated with the path of movement and locations along the path can be transmitted to the mobile device. A user of the mobile device is able to execute the common search queries from the mobile device.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that identifies related search terms by performing a term co-occurrence analysis of search query submissions of users. The system may give different amounts of weight to different search query submissions based, for example, on whether subsequent user actions reveal that particular searches were successful. The system may use the identified related search terms to correct spelling errors in search queries received from users.

Abstract: Parallel generic and non-generic versions of a Web site allow a user of the site to either remain anonymous (if accessing the generic version) or allow user information to be collected (if accessing the non-generic version). In one exemplary embodiment, a Web site may provide a user an interface for entering and processing a search query. A search query processed by a generic version of the Web site includes a marker that informs a Web server supporting the generic Web site that the user wishes to remain anonymous. A parallel non-generic version of the Web site may also interface with the same Web server as interfaced by the generic Web site, but permit a data collecting scheme at the Web server to collect user-specific or user-identifiable information. Such user information, if collected, can be used by the Web server to enhance the user's experience with the Web site.

Abstract: The present invention provides a software facility for identifying the items most relevant to a current query based on items selected in connection with similar queries. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the facility receives a query specifying one or more query terms. In response, the facility generates a query result identifying a plurality of items that satisfy the query. The facility then produces a ranking value for at least a portion of the items identified in the query result by combining the relative frequencies with which users selected that item from the query results generated from queries specifying each of the terms specified by the query. The facility identifies as most relevant those items having the highest ranking values.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that identifies related search terms by performing a term co-occurrence analysis of search query submissions of users. The system may give different amounts of weight to different search query submissions based, for example, on whether subsequent user actions reveal that particular searches were successful. The system may use the identified related search terms to correct spelling errors in search queries received from users.

Abstract: Techniques are described for facilitating interactions between task requesters who have tasks that are available to be performed and task performers who are available to perform tasks, such as via an electronic marketplace acting as an intermediary for task performance. In some situations, the facilitating of the interactions includes automatically matching available tasks to task performer users, such as to automatically generate recommendations for task performer users of available tasks that are appropriate for those task performer users to perform. Such generated task recommendations for task performer users may then be provided to those task performer users in various ways, including via one or more Web pages or electronic communications sent to devices of the task performer users. The task recommendations may be generated in various ways, including based on previous tasks performed by the task performer users and on other prior activities of the task performer users.

Abstract: Graphical user interfaces that are well suited for displaying search results from multiple search categories are described. In one aspect of the invention, a graphical user interface is provided that includes a window having at least two panes that are arranged to display search results from searches in different search categories. Each pane can be presented in an open state suitable for displaying information and a closed state. A user may adjust the relative sizes of the panes and the user may switch the panes between the open and closed states.

Abstract: Common search queries can be provided that are associated with a location. A location of a mobile device can be determined, and common search queries associated with the location can be transmitted to the mobile device. A user of the mobile device is able to execute the common search queries from the mobile device.

Abstract: Common search queries can be provided to a mobile device that are associated with a current location of a mobile device. Once a location of a mobile device is determined, common search queries associated with the location can be automatically transmitted to the mobile device. The queries can be used to update an auto-complete function for partial queries or strings entered by a user of the mobile device.