Patents by Inventor Ian W. Freed

Ian W. Freed has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11966879
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the sharing of synchronization information corresponding to content among devices in a communication network. An originating device collects synchronization information related to the presentation of content to a user via the originating device. The synchronization information is defined according to reference points related to the presentation of the content to the user via the originating device, including a current state of the presentation of the content and/or additional information obtained during the presentation of the content. Based on detection of a synchronization event, the originating device transmits the collected synchronization information, resulting in the receipt of the synchronization information by one or more receiving devices. Thereafter, the presentation of the content to the user on one of the receiving devices can incorporate the synchronization information collected and transmitted by the originating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Kessel, Ian W. Freed, Guy A. Story, Howard Wolfish, Amit D. Agarwal, Nanyan Li, John Lattyak, James C. Slezak, Beryl Tomay, Jeffrey P. Bezos
  • Patent number: 11893603
    Abstract: Techniques for selecting and providing highly targeted, interactive advertisements in a personalized manner. These advertisements may be audio-only advertisements, video-only advertisements, or advertisements that include both audio and video. As described below, advertisements may be selected and/or generated for a particular user based on an array of factors, including the user's interactions with multiple different client devices (e.g., a tablet computing device, a voice-controlled device, a television etc.), as well as additional behavior of the user. In some instances, the client devices may include a voice-controlled device that the user interacts with via voice commands and that provides audible content for output to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Hart, Ian W. Freed
  • Patent number: 11875392
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for processing input data to determine an entity such as a product, service, user profile, etc. referenced in or otherwise relevant to a semantic context of the input data. Information related to the entity may be provided as an information package (e.g., a card) that is shareable as part of an electronic message. The card may include a representation of a network resource identifier that identifies a network resource, a network location of the network resource, and an access mechanism for accessing a representation (e.g. a product detail page) of the network resource. The network resource identifier may include one or more tags or tokens that identify an electronic messaging application provider and/or a user such as a sender or recipient of an electronic message that includes the card so as to enable compensating the provider and/or the user for a purchase of a product or service to which the card relates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian W. Freed, Samuel Scott Gigliotti, Michael M. George, Jessica Nicole Jenks
  • Publication number: 20230281695
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for processing input data to determine an entity such as a product, service, user profile, etc. referenced in or otherwise relevant to a semantic context of the input data. Information related to the entity may be provided as an information package (e.g., a card) that is shareable as part of an electronic message. The card may include a representation of a network resource identifier that identifies a network resource, a network location of the network resource, and an access mechanism for accessing a representation (e.g. a product detail page) of the network resource. The network resource identifier may include one or more tags or tokens that identify an electronic messaging application provider and/or a user such as a sender or recipient of an electronic message that includes the card so as to enable compensating the provider and/or the user for a purchase of a product or service to which the card relates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2023
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Applicant: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian W. Freed, Samuel Scott Gigliotti, Michael M. George, Jessica Nicole Jenks
  • Publication number: 20230040830
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the sharing of synchronization information corresponding to content among devices in a communication network. An originating device collects synchronization information related to the presentation of content to a user via the originating device. The synchronization information is defined according to reference points related to the presentation of the content to the user via the originating device, including a current state of the presentation of the content and/or additional information obtained during the presentation of the content. Based on detection of a synchronization event, the originating device transmits the collected synchronization information, resulting in the receipt of the synchronization information by one or more receiving devices. Thereafter, the presentation of the content to the user on one of the receiving devices can incorporate the synchronization information collected and transmitted by the originating device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2022
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Inventors: Steven Kessel, Ian W. Freed, Guy A. Story, Howard Wolfish, Amit D. Agarwal, Nanyan Li, John Lattyak, James C. Slezak, Beryl Tomay, Jeffrey P. Bezos
  • Patent number: 11288632
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the sharing of synchronization information corresponding to content among devices in a communication network. An originating device collects synchronization information related to the presentation of content to a user via the originating device. The synchronization information is defined according to reference points related to the presentation of the content to the user via the originating device, including a current state of the presentation of the content and/or additional information obtained during the presentation of the content. Based on detection of a synchronization event, the originating device transmits the collected synchronization information, resulting in the receipt of the synchronization information by one or more receiving devices. Thereafter, the presentation of the content to the user on one of the receiving devices can incorporate the synchronization information collected and transmitted by the originating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Kessel, Ian W. Freed, Guy A. Story, Howard Wolfish, Amit D. Agarwal, Nanyan Li, John Lattyak, James C. Slezak, Beryl Tomay, Jeffrey P. Bezos
  • Patent number: 11151481
    Abstract: A system capable of associating tickets with an account to provide ticketless entry to an event. The system may verify that a user is associated with the account using far field verification techniques, such as using facial recognition or by detecting wireless signals. The system 100 may improve a user experience by simplifying the process of entering the event, as the far field verification techniques do not require direct interaction with the user. As a result, the user may access the event without stopping at the entrance to provide proof of purchase (e.g., a physical or electronic ticket, bar code, etc.), proof of identification (e.g., driver's license, passport, biometric scans, etc.) and/or other information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry Sun, Ian W Freed, Joseph Hopkins, Patrick R Schultz
  • Patent number: 10896398
    Abstract: Inactive areas of interest to a merchant delivery service may be identified and customers within those areas may be utilized to recruit eligible merchants to participate with a merchant delivery service so that the merchant delivery service can deliver customer ordered products on behalf of participating merchants to the customers within the area. In some implementations, the merchant delivery service may provide incentives to customer to incent the customers to recruit eligible merchants to participate with the merchant delivery service. Likewise, incentives may be provided to merchants to incent merchants to participate in the merchant delivery service. When an eligible merchant becomes a participating merchant, the merchant delivery service provides a reward to the customers that recruited the merchant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian W. Freed, Gustavo Eduardo Lopez
  • Publication number: 20200302394
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the sharing of synchronization information corresponding to content among devices in a communication network. An originating device collects synchronization information related to the presentation of content to a user via the originating device. The synchronization information is defined according to reference points related to the presentation of the content to the user via the originating device, including a current state of the presentation of the content and/or additional information obtained during the presentation of the content. Based on detection of a synchronization event, the originating device transmits the collected synchronization information, resulting in the receipt of the synchronization information by one or more receiving devices. Thereafter, the presentation of the content to the user on one of the receiving devices can incorporate the synchronization information collected and transmitted by the originating device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Inventors: Steven Kessel, Ian W. Freed, Guy A. Story, Howard Wolfish, Amit D. Agarwal, Nanyan Nicholls, John Lattyak, James C. Slezak, Beryl Tomay, Jeffrey P. Bezos
  • Patent number: 10776723
    Abstract: An automated ticket reservation system proactively reserves tickets for a venue on behalf of customers who are identified as “fans” of the venue or an artist of an upcoming event at the venue. Subscribing customers to a proactive ticket reservation service can thereafter receive electronic notifications of tickets that have been proactively reserved for them based at least in part on a demonstrated interest in the venue or the artist of the upcoming event. The proactive ticket reservation system can determine that a subscriber is potentially interested in an event or a venue by analyzing customer data, including content streaming behavior and/or purchasing behavior of the subscriber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Hopkins, Jayden Lisa Feagins, Ian W. Freed, Harry Sun, Geraldine Wilson
  • Patent number: 10607223
    Abstract: A system and method for facilitating transactions utilizing phrase tokens are provided. Individual entities can be associated with unambiguous transaction phrase tokens, such as multiple word phrases. The transaction phrase tokens are associated with transaction accounts by a service provider such that the entities can complete a transaction without having to exchange transaction account information. In a transaction, a transaction phrase token is offered to an accepting party, which tenders the offered transaction phrase token to the service provider. The service provider processes the offered transaction phrase token according to configuration information specified for the transaction phrase token. The service provider can automatically process the transaction request or request additional information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Amit D. Agarwal, Michael M. George, Ian W. Freed, Jeffrey P. Bezos, Peter S. Vosshall
  • Patent number: 10445051
    Abstract: Improved systems and methods for remote support for computing devices are provided in which live support sessions may be recorded for later playback. When these recorded support sessions are replayed, the control inputs generated during the original support session may be delivered to the user computing device to perform the same operations as in the original support session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Prasanna Subash, Jonathan Leonard Da Silva, Ian W. Freed
  • Patent number: 10089623
    Abstract: A system and method for facilitating transactions utilizing phrase tokens are provided. Individual entities can be associated with unambiguous transaction phrase tokens, such as multiple word phrases. The transaction phrase tokens are associated with transaction accounts by a service provider such that the entities can complete a transaction without having to exchange transaction account information. In a transaction, a transaction phrase token is offered to an accepting party, which tenders the offered transaction phrase token to the service provider. The service provider processes the offered transaction phrase token according to configuration information specified for the transaction phrase token. The service provider can automatically process the transaction request or request additional information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Amit D. Agarwal, Michael M. George, Ian W. Freed, Jeffrey P. Bezos, Peter S. Vosshall
  • Patent number: 10019708
    Abstract: A system and method for facilitating transactions utilizing phrase tokens are provided. Individual entities can be associated with unambiguous transaction phrase tokens, such as multiple word phrases. The transaction phrase tokens are associated with transaction accounts by a service provider such that the entities can complete a transaction without having to exchange transaction account information. In a transaction, a transaction phrase token is offered to an accepting party, which tenders the offered transaction phrase token to the service provider. The service provider processes the offered transaction phrase token according to configuration information specified for the transaction phrase token. The service provider can automatically process the transaction request or request additional information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Amit D. Agarwal, Michael M. George, Ian W. Freed, Jeffrey P. Bezos, Peter S. Vosshall
  • Publication number: 20170364863
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the sharing of synchronization information corresponding to content among devices in a communication network. An originating device collects synchronization information related to the presentation of content to a user via the originating device. The synchronization information is defined according to reference points related to the presentation of the content to the user via the originating device, including a current state of the presentation of the content and/or additional information obtained during the presentation of the content. Based on detection of a synchronization event, the originating device transmits the collected synchronization information, resulting in the receipt of the synchronization information by one or more receiving devices. Thereafter, the presentation of the content to the user on one of the receiving devices can incorporate the synchronization information collected and transmitted by the originating device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Steven Kessel, Ian W. Freed, Guy A. Story, JR., Howard Wolfish, Amit D. Agarwal, Nanyan Nicholls, John Lattyak, James C. Slezak, Beryl Tomay, Jeffrey P. Bezos
  • Patent number: 9697497
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the sharing of synchronization information corresponding to content among devices in a communication network. An originating device collects synchronization information related to the presentation of content to a user via the originating device. The synchronization information is defined according to reference points related to the presentation of the content to the user via the originating device, including a current state of the presentation of the content and/or additional information obtained during the presentation of the content. Based on detection of a synchronization event, the originating device transmits the collected synchronization information, resulting in the receipt of the synchronization information by one or more receiving devices. Thereafter, the presentation of the content to the user on one of the receiving devices can incorporate the synchronization information collected and transmitted by the originating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Kessel, Ian W. Freed, Guy A. Story, Jr., Howard Wolfish, Amit D. Agarwal, Nanyan Nicholls, John Lattyak, James C. Slezak, Beryl Tomay, Jeffrey P. Bezos
  • Patent number: 9641954
    Abstract: A device that includes a microphone and a speaker may capture audio uttered by a user. The device, or another device, may then perform a particular operation in response to the captured audio. A user's cell phone number may be associated with the device. When an incoming call is directed to the user's cell phone, the device may generate a notification. The user may utter a command that causes the device to establish an audio connection with a cellular carrier network, thereby facilitating the phone conversation while bypassing the cell phone. Similarly, a user may make an outgoing call associated with the user's cell phone. The outgoing call is facilitated through an audio connection between the device and the cellular carrier network, bypassing the cell phone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcello Typrin, Andrew Ryan Cooper, Gregory Michael Hart, Ian W. Freed
  • Patent number: 9574894
    Abstract: The position and/or movement of at least one device for a user can be monitored over time, and various types of information inferred based on patterns in that user behavior. A device can determine various locations where a user typically stays for a period of time, as well as the routes the user takes to get to those locations. Based upon time, date, and various other information, the device can infer the type of location and/or route, as well as the likelihood that the user will take a given route to one of those locations at any time. By being able to infer future actions and locations of the user at certain times, a device can proactively provide a variety of functionality to the user, such as to provide suggested alternative routes, move meetings, notify others of estimated times of arrival, and perform other such tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Karakotsios, Bradley Bozarth, Ian W. Freed
  • Patent number: 9405918
    Abstract: A computing device can monitor the gaze direction of people around the device to determine whether any unintended viewers are viewing content displayed on the device. A user can activate a privacy mode of the device, such that when an unintended viewer is detected the device can take an appropriate action. In some cases the device can notify the primary user of the device using audible, visual, or tactile alerts. In other cases, the device can modify the display of content such that the unintended viewer is unable to decipher or view the content, or is otherwise notified of the detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian W. Freed, Gregory M. Hart, Jeffrey P. Bezos
  • Patent number: 9390416
    Abstract: A system and method for facilitating transactions utilizing phrase tokens are provided. Individual entities can be associated with unambiguous transaction phrase tokens, such as multiple word phrases. The transaction phrase tokens are associated with transaction accounts by a service provider such that the entities can complete a transaction without having to exchange transaction account information. In a transaction, a transaction phrase token is offered to an accepting party, which tenders the offered transaction phrase token to the service provider. The service provider processes the offered transaction phrase token according to configuration information specified for the transaction phrase token. The service provider can automatically process the transaction request or request additional information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Amit D. Agarwal, Michael M. George, Ian W. Freed, Jeffrey P. Bezos, Peter S. Vosshall