Patents by Inventor Joel R. Spiegel

Joel R. Spiegel 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: 8612343
    Abstract: A network-based payment service and site provides various features for facilitating payments. One such feature enables users of the payment service to create pay boxes, or other types of payment objects, that can be incorporated into externally hosted web pages and used to make payments. In some embodiments, the payment objects enable users to make payments directly from the externally hosted web pages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Amazon.com, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Bezos, Jonathan Leblang, Shaun Schooley, FuMing Young, Alan Caplan, Joel R. Spiegel
  • Patent number: 8554723
    Abstract: A computer-implemented matching service matches users to other users, and/or to user communities, based at least in part on a computer analysis of event data reflective of user behaviors. The event data may, for example, evidence user affinities for particular items represented in an electronic catalog, such as book titles, music titles, movie titles, and/or other types of items that tend to reflect the traits of users. Event data reflective of other types of user actions, such as item-detail-page viewing events, browse node visits, search query submissions, and/or web browsing patterns may additionally or alternatively be considered. By taking such event data into consideration, the matching service reduces the burden on users to explicitly supply personal profile information, and reduces poor results caused by exaggerations and other inaccuracies in such profile information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel R. Spiegel
  • Publication number: 20130254065
    Abstract: A computer-implemented service recommends digital works (and/or creators of works) to a user based on works currently or previously played or downloaded by the user on a player device or based on playlists stored on the player device. The works may be, for example, music files, video files, electronic books, or other digital content for playing by users. A user may thus obtain personalized recommendations that are based on works obtained from sources (web sites, physical CDs, etc.) that are independent of the recommendations system. In one embodiment, the service identifies pairs of works (and/or work creators) that are similar to each other by virtue of the relatively high frequency with which they co-occur on playlists or within play histories of users. The resulting mappings are used to provide recommendations to users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Amazon.com, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew V. Harbick, Ryan Justin Snodgrass, Joel R. Spiegel
  • Patent number: 8468046
    Abstract: A computer-implemented service recommends digital works (and/or creators of works) to a user based on works currently or previously played or downloaded by the user on a player device or based on playlists stored on the player device. The works may be, for example, music files, video files, electronic books, or other digital content for playing by users. A user may thus obtain personalized recommendations that are based on works obtained from sources (web sites, physical CDs, etc.) that are independent of the recommendations system. In one embodiment, the service identifies pairs of works (and/or work creators) that are similar to each other by virtue of the relatively high frequency with which they co-occur on playlists or within play histories of users. The resulting mappings are used to provide recommendations to users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Amazon.com, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew V. Harbick, Ryan J. Snodgrass, Joel R. Spiegel
  • Patent number: 8423423
    Abstract: A method and system for generating transaction price data relating to electronic commerce. In one embodiment, the system classifies items based on an item classification hierarchy. Each item classification in the hierarchy may have associated item-specific attributes. When a commercial transaction relating to an item is conducted, the item is identified based on its item classification and values for the associated item-specific attributes. The system records information relating to commercial transactions for items that have been so identified and uses those records to generate transaction price data. When generating transaction price data, the system may allow the user to specify an item classification along with values of its attributes. The system identifies records of commercial transactions relating to items with that item classification and with matching attribute values and bases the transaction price data on those identified records.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gus Lopez, Joel R. Spiegel
  • Publication number: 20130085896
    Abstract: An order is placed by a purchaser in which a server system receives an identification of the purchaser, payment information, and shipment information from a client system. The server system assigns a client identifier to the client system and associates the identifier with the purchaser information. The server system sends to the client system the identifier and a document identifying an item to be purchased and including an order button. The client system receives and stores the identifier and receives and displays the document. In response to the selection of the order button, the client system sends to the server system a request to purchase the identified item. The server system receives the request and combines the purchaser information associated with the client identifier to generate an order to purchase the item in accordance with the billing and shipment information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: Peri Hartman, Jeffrey P. Bezos, Sheldon J. Kaphan, Joel R. Spiegel
  • Patent number: 8341036
    Abstract: An order is placed by a purchaser at a client system and received by a server system. The server system receives purchaser information including identification of the purchaser, payment information, and shipment information from the client system. The server system then assigns a client identifier to the client system and associates the assigned client identifier with the received purchaser information. The server system sends to the client system the assigned client identifier. The client system receives and stores the assigned client identifier. In response to an order indication, the client system sends to the server system a request to purchase the identified item. The server system receives the request and combines at least one previous purchase associated with the client identifier of the client system to generate a single order for billing and shipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Amazon.com, Inc.
    Inventors: Peri Hartman, Jeffrey P. Bezos, Sheldon J. Kaphan, Joel R. Spiegel
  • Publication number: 20120323645
    Abstract: A method and system for anticipatory package shipping are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method may include packaging one or more items as a package for eventual shipment to a delivery address, selecting a destination geographical area to which to ship the package, shipping the package to the destination geographical area without completely specifying the delivery address at time of shipment, and while the package is in transit, completely specifying the delivery address for the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Joel R. Spiegel, Michael T. McKenna, Girish S. Lakshman, Paul G. Nordstrom
  • Publication number: 20120303713
    Abstract: A computer-implemented service recommends digital works (and/or creators of works) to a user based on works currently or previously played or downloaded by the user on a player device or based on playlists stored on the player device. The works may be, for example, music files, video files, electronic books, or other digital content for playing by users. A user may thus obtain personalized recommendations that are based on works obtained from sources (web sites, physical CDs, etc.) that are independent of the recommendations system. In one embodiment, the service identifies pairs of works (and/or work creators) that are similar to each other by virtue of the relatively high frequency with which they co-occur on playlists or within play histories of users. The resulting mappings are used to provide recommendations to users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Andrew V. Harbick, Ryan J. Snodgrass, Joel R. Spiegel
  • Publication number: 20120278317
    Abstract: A computer-implemented matching service matches users to other users, and/or to user communities, based at least in part on a computer analysis of event data reflective of user behaviors. The event data may, for example, evidence user affinities for particular items represented in an electronic catalog, such as book titles, music titles, movie titles, and/or other types of items that tend to reflect the traits of users. Event data reflective of other types of user actions, such as item-detail-page viewing events, browse node visits, search query submissions, and/or web browsing patterns may additionally or alternatively be considered. By taking such event data into consideration, the matching service reduces the burden on users to explicitly supply personal profile information, and reduces poor results caused by exaggerations and other inaccuracies in such profile information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: Joel R. Spiegel
  • Patent number: 8271398
    Abstract: A method and system for anticipatory package shipping are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method may include packaging one or more items as a package for eventual shipment to a delivery address, selecting a destination geographical area to which to ship the package, shipping the package to the destination geographical area without completely specifying the delivery address at time of shipment, and while the package is in transit, completely specifying the delivery address for the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel R. Spiegel, Michael T. McKenna, Girish S. Lakshman, Paul G. Nordstrom
  • Patent number: 8260656
    Abstract: A computer-implemented service recommends works to a user based on works currently or previously played or downloaded by the user on a player device or based on playlists stored on the player device. The works may be, for example, music files, video files, electronic books, or other digital content for playing by users. A user may thus obtain personalized recommendations that are based on works obtained from sources (web sites, physical CDs, etc.) that are independent of the recommendations system. In one embodiment, the service identifies pairs of works that are related to each other by virtue of the relatively high frequency with which they co-occur on playlists or within play histories of users. The resulting mappings of works to related works are in-turn used to select works to recommend to users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Amazon.com, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew V. Harbick, Ryan J. Snodgrass, Joel R. Spiegel
  • Patent number: 8224773
    Abstract: A computer-implemented matching service matches users to other users, and/or to user communities, based at least in part on a computer analysis of event data reflective of user behaviors. The event data may, for example, evidence user affinities for particular items represented in an electronic catalog, such as book titles, music titles, movie titles, and/or other types of items that tend to reflect the traits of users. Event data reflective of other types of user actions, such as item-detail-page viewing events, browse node visits, search query submissions, and/or web browsing patterns may additionally or alternatively be considered. By taking such event data into consideration, the matching service reduces the burden on users to explicitly supply personal profile information, and reduces poor results caused by exaggerations and other inaccuracies in such profile information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel R. Spiegel
  • Patent number: 8180689
    Abstract: Various computer-implemented services are disclosed for assisting users in selecting items from an electronic catalog, and for selecting merchants with which to conduct transactions. One such service enables users to share information about their respective purchases with other users. Another service enables users to share information regarding the merchants with which they have conducted transactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Amazon.com, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Bezos, Joel R. Spiegel, Jon McAuliffe
  • Publication number: 20120072363
    Abstract: A method and system for anticipatory package shipping are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method may include packaging one or more items as a package for eventual shipment to a delivery address, selecting a destination geographical area to which to ship the package, shipping the package to the destination geographical area without completely specifying the delivery address at time of shipment, and while the package is in transit, completely specifying the delivery address for the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Joel R. Spiegel, Michael T. McKenna, Girish S. Lakshman, Paul G. Nordstrom
  • Publication number: 20120047150
    Abstract: A computer-implemented matching service matches users to other users, and/or to user communities, based at least in part on a computer analysis of event data reflective of user behaviors. The event data may, for example, evidence user affinities for particular items represented in an electronic catalog, such as book titles, music titles, movie titles, and/or other types of items that tend to reflect the traits of users. Event data reflective of other types of user actions, such as item-detail-page viewing events, browse node visits, search query submissions, and/or web browsing patterns may additionally or alternatively be considered. By taking such event data into consideration, the matching service reduces the burden on users to explicitly supply personal profile information, and reduces poor results caused by exaggerations and other inaccuracies in such profile information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventor: Joel R. Spiegel
  • Patent number: 8103659
    Abstract: A facility for tailoring navigation results is described. The facility receives a navigation request from a distinguished user. In response, the facility identifies a user group to which the distinguished user belongs and presents to the distinguished user a navigation result responsive to the navigation request that is adapted for members of the identified user group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: A9.com, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel R. Spiegel
  • Patent number: 8086546
    Abstract: A method and system for anticipatory package shipping are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method may include packaging one or more items as a package for eventual shipment to a delivery address, selecting a destination geographical area to which to ship the package, shipping the package to the destination geographical area without completely specifying the delivery address at time of shipment, and while the package is in transit, completely specifying the delivery address for the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel R. Spiegel, Michael T. McKenna, Girish S. Lakshman, Paul G. Nordstrom
  • Patent number: 8060463
    Abstract: A computer-implemented matching service matches users to other users, and/or to user communities, based at least in part on a computer analysis of event data reflective of user behaviors. The event data may, for example, evidence user affinities for particular items represented in an electronic catalog, such as book titles, music titles, movie titles, and/or other types of items that tend to reflect the traits of users. Event data reflective of other types of user actions, such as item-detail-page viewing events, browse node visits, search query submissions, and/or web browsing patterns may additionally or alternatively be considered. By taking such event data into consideration, the matching service reduces the burden on users to explicitly supply personal profile information, and reduces poor results caused by exaggerations and other inaccuracies in such profile information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel R. Spiegel
  • Patent number: 8050974
    Abstract: A method and system for generating transaction price data relating to electronic commerce. In one embodiment, the system classifies items based on an item classification hierarchy. Each item classification in the hierarchy may have associated item-specific attributes. When a commercial transaction relating to an item is conducted, the item is identified based on its item classification and values for the associated item-specific attributes. The system records information relating to commercial transactions for items that have been so identified and uses those records to generate transaction price data. For example, the system may evaluate commercial transactions relating to a fixed-price sales or auctions to a suggest the fair market value of the item. When generating transaction price data, the system may allow the user to specify an item classification along with values of its attributes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gus Lopez, Joel R. Spiegel