Patents by Inventor Michael M. George

Michael M. George 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: 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
  • 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: 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
  • Patent number: 10002358
    Abstract: Architectures and techniques are described related to identifying merchants associated with information obtained from a number of sources and storing portions of the information in data elements related to the merchants. The information may be provided in a structured format that enables the service provider to associate certain information with a particular merchant or in an unstructured format. The service provider may analyze the information received from the sources to determine whether the information includes any merchant identifying information. When the service provider identifies a merchant based on the merchant identifying information, the service provider may extract additional portions of the information received (e.g. merchant reviews, merchant attributes, etc.) and store those additional portions of information in the data element of the merchant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael M. George, Gustavo E. Lopez, Bharathi Masilamani
  • Patent number: 9406091
    Abstract: Location data may be obtained through devices associated with one or more users. The actual locations and places that correspond to the location data may be inferred. Location patterns that represent when and where each user spends their time may also be determined. One or more personas that represent categories corresponding to types of behavior or location patterns that users may exhibit may be created and maintained. One or more of the personas may be assigned to or associated with each of the users based on the location patterns associated with each user and the type of behavior that is expected to be exhibited for each persona. One or more recommendations may be provided to the users based at least partly on the personas that have been assigned to the users, which may cause the users to receive recommendations that are likely to be of particular interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gustavo Eduardo Lopez, Michael M. George, Bhushan H. Shah, Andrew Russell Turner
  • 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
  • Patent number: 9280782
    Abstract: Architectures and techniques are described to provide a number of options to exchange information related to deals via a plurality of channels. Each of the communication channels may be utilized to exchange communications about different aspects of acquiring and redeeming deals. The channel options may be related to categories of computing devices, operating systems executed by computing devices, one or more sites, various forms of communication, client device applications, etc. A service provider that offers deals on behalf of merchants may determine one or more options for each communication channel with respect to merchants offering deals and with respect individuals that may participate in deals offered by the service provider. After determining the channel options for a deal offered by a particular merchant and for individuals designated to receive information about the deal, communications with respect to the deal may be exchanged over the channels via certain channel options.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Amazon Technolgies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael M. George, Aditya Balwant Pande, Gustavo E. Lopez
  • Patent number: 9179258
    Abstract: Location data that corresponds to one or more user devices each associated with a user may be obtained. Based on the location data, the particular location of a user may be determined. Similarities between various users may be identified when it is determined that those users have visited the same locations. Upon at least two users visiting a threshold amount of the same locations, one or more recommendations may be provided to the users, whereby the recommendations relate to places that those users have yet to visit. In addition, the users may have the opportunity to reveal information about themselves to other users, while maintaining their anonymity. As a result, the users may meet people and learn about new places that are likely to be of interest to those users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hilliard Bruce Siegel, Michael M. George
  • Publication number: 20140351085
    Abstract: Techniques are described that allow customers and other users of an electronic marketplace to create groups of related items within the electronic marketplace, such as for customers of a Web store to create boutiques within the Web store that each reflect a specified theme. Such themed boutiques within a Web store can include various items that are available via the Web store and that each relate to the specified theme for the boutique. When other customers of the Web store are interested in items that relate to the specified theme for one of the boutiques, information regarding that boutique and/or items in that boutique can then be provided to those other customers. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Paul A. Kotas, Michael M. George
  • Patent number: 8855681
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for providing location information to a location server by a plurality of applications are described. The plurality of applications of a computing device determines location information associated with the computing device, such as by querying location hardware of the computing device. The applications cause transmission of the location information to a location service via a communication network. The location service utilizes the location information in various ways to target communications to users associated with the computing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael M. George, Dana C. LoPiccolo-Giles, Gustavo Eduardo Lopez, Simoina D. Vasen, Andrew Russell Turner
  • Publication number: 20140278877
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for facilitating the purchase of excess items. In one embodiment, customer information and inventory data are retrieved from a merchant client. A determination is made on whether excess items exist. A list of target purchasers is generated based on data associated with a user account, and offers are generated and sent by electronic communication to the list of target purchasers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Yanacek, Gustavo Eduardo Lopez, Steven T. Rabuchin, Michael M. George, Brandon H. Yarbrough
  • Patent number: 8756100
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for facilitating the purchase of excess items. In one embodiment, customer information and inventory data are retrieved from a merchant client. A determination is made on whether excess items exist. A list of target purchasers is generated based on data associated with a user account, and offers are generated and sent by electronic communication to the list of target purchasers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Yanacek, Gustavo Eduardo Lopez, Steven T. Rabuchin, Michael M. George, Brandon H. Yarbrough
  • Publication number: 20140100930
    Abstract: The collection of voucher redemption information may reduce instances of redemption error or redemption fraud, which benefits both consumers and merchants. The collection of voucher redemption information may involve a service receiving a selection of a voucher for redemption from an application on an electronic device, in which the voucher was previously acquired by a consumer through a deal offered by a merchant. The service may subsequently direct the application to acquire a credential to complete the redemption of the voucher. In various instances, the credential may be a merchant confirmation credential of the merchant or a consumer redemption credential of the consumer. The service may receive the credential from the application on the electronic device, and store a record of the voucher redemption for the voucher in a voucher redemption database, in which the record includes the credential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Gustavo Eduardo Lopez, Michael M. George
  • Patent number: 8682803
    Abstract: A content exchange service facilitates communication between, and production of content by, holders of rights in content titles and producers of content. The content exchange service receives content profiles from various rights holders and surfaces the content profiles to producers for purposes of soliciting auditions to produce the content subject of the content profiles in an alternative form. The rights holder can review the auditions submitted by producers and establish communication with the producer of the audition the rights holder liked via the content exchange service. The content exchange service can then facilitate negotiation of an agreement between the rights holder and the producer for production of the content in an alternative form. Following finalization of the agreement, the producer may submit a complete production of the content in the alternative form to the content exchange service, which in turn presents the complete production to the rights holder for approval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Audible, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Hatch, Donald R. Katz, Guy A. Story, Jr., Jason Ojalvo, Kavin Du, David Reid, Michael M. George
  • Patent number: 8239326
    Abstract: A transaction processing and authorization service. If a source entity does not respond to an authorization attempt via a communications channel, the service may generate a transaction phrase corresponding to the transaction and communicate the transaction phrase to the source entity. The transaction phrase may also be stored by the service and associated with the source entity's account and the particular transaction as initiated, and may be used to identify the transaction. After receiving the transaction phrase, the source entity may then, if desired, return the transaction phrase to the service. Upon receiving the transaction phrase from the source entity, the service may then contact the source entity via the communications channel to authorize the transaction. As an alternative, a source entity may submit a replay command to the service to replay any pending transactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Yuen, Chih-Jen Huang, Diwakar Gupta, Gerald Yuen, Michael M. George
  • Publication number: 20120116979
    Abstract: A content exchange service facilitates communication between, and production of content by, holders of rights in content titles and producers of content. The content exchange service receives content profiles from various rights holders and surfaces the content profiles to producers for purposes of soliciting auditions to produce the content subject of the content profiles in an alternative form. The rights holder can review the auditions submitted by producers and establish communication with the producer of the audition the rights holder liked via the content exchange service. The content exchange service can then facilitate negotiation of an agreement between the rights holder and the producer for production of the content in an alternative form. Following finalization of the agreement, the producer may submit a complete production of the content in the alternative form to the content exchange service, which in turn presents the complete production to the rights holder for approval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Steven Hatch, Donald R. Katz, Guy A. Story, JR., Jason Ojalvo, Kavin Du, David Reid, Michael M. George
  • Patent number: 7729989
    Abstract: A transaction processing and authorization service. A transaction initiation message received from a source entity by the service may include one or more errors. The service may, in response to receiving an incorrect transaction initiation message, contact the source entity via a second communications channel and allow the source entity to correct the faulty transaction initiation message during the communication session. The service may allow the source entity to correct only incorrect or missing portions of the transaction initiation message, and thus the source entity may not be required to re-enter the entire message. Correction of the transaction initiation message may be performed as part of an authorization contact from the service to the source entity on a communications channel, and thus the correction may not require any extra communications attempts or sessions between the service and the source entity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Yuen, Chih-Jen Huang, Diwakar Gupta, Gerald Yuen, Michael M. George
  • Patent number: 7614547
    Abstract: An electronic marketplace system provides various features for assisting users in listing products for sale, locating the listings for a product, and performing related actions. A user wishing to sell a product can browse to an existing description of the product in an electronic catalog and then select an option to create a corresponding listing. If the user previously purchased the product via the system, the user may alternatively select the product from a personal purchase history. The system may also proactively send product-specific listing requests to those who have purchased or otherwise indicated ownership of specific products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Amazon.com, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Kotas, Neil C. Roseman, Jeffrey P. Bezos, Bruce C. Moore, Richard L. Dalzell, Jeffrey M. Blackburn, Michael M. George, Erin B. Kenny, Emily M. Tucker, Alandra S. Dilley