Showing papers by "Amazon.com published in 2006"

Distributed storage system with web services client interface

Abstract: A distributed, web-services based storage system A system may include a web services interface configured to receive, according to a web services protocol, a given client request for access to a given data object, the request including a key value corresponding to the object The system may also include storage nodes configured to store replicas of the objects, where each replica is accessible via a respective unique locator value, and a keymap instance configured to store a respective keymap entry for each object For the given object, the respective keymap entry includes the key value and each locator value corresponding to replicas of the object A coordinator may receive the given client request from the web services interface, responsively access the keymap instance to identify locator values corresponding to the key value and, for a particular locator value, retrieve a corresponding replica from a corresponding storage node

Forecasting Using a Large Number of Predictors: Is Bayesian Regression a Valid Alternative to Principal Components?

Abstract: This paper considers Bayesian regression with normal and double-exponential priors as forecasting methods based on large panels of time series. We show that, empirically, these forecasts are highly correlated with principal component forecasts and that they perform equally well for a wide range of prior choices. Moreover, we study the asymptotic properties of the Bayesian regression under Gaussian prior under the assumption that data are quasi collinear to establish a criterion for setting parameters in a large cross-section.

Method and apparatus for a searchable data service

Abstract: A searchable data service implementation may include, but is not limited to, a Web services platform (200), one or more coordinator nodes (350), one or more query nodes, referred to as query TSAR (Top Search AggregatoR) nodes (360), and one or more storage nodes (370). Each coordinator node (350) may include, but is not limited to, at least one instance of request router (202). A client system (330) may submit service requests (query node requests and/or storage node requests) to the searchable data service in accordance with the Web service interface of the Web services platform (200) via Internet (334). The Web services platform (200) may route the service request (s) to a coordinator node (350). A coordinator node (350) routes the service requests to the appropriate node(s) , collects result, and send the results back to the web services platform (200). A request router on the coordinator node (350) may receive the service request (s) from the Web services platform (200) and determine whether each service request is a storage node request or a query node request.

Automatically generating task recommendations for human task performers

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

Facilitating performance of submitted tasks by mobile task performers

Abstract: Techniques are described for facilitating performance of tasks supplied by task requesters, such as by a task exchange server interacting with mobile task performer users available to perform tasks at various geographical locations. Some or all of the tasks may each be associated with geographical locations and/or other device-related criteria related to the performance of the task, and one or more mobile task performer users may be identified as being appropriate to perform the task based on the location of, qualifications of, and/or characteristics of mobile device(s) of the user. Such identified task performer users may then be notified of such appropriate tasks in various ways, such as by sending one or more electronic messages with information about the tasks to one or more mobile devices of the users, and may in some situations use one or more of their mobile devices as part of the task performance.

Method and apparatus for data partitioning and replication in a searchable data service

Abstract: Method and apparatus for repartitioning and replication of a searchable index in a searchable data service. The searchable data service may provide a searchable index to a backend data store. The searchable index may be repartitioned, and a partition may be moved to another storage node, to allow the searchable index to grow beyond the limits of a single storage device. Repartitioning may also be performed to provide load-balancing of write requests. Partitions may be replicated across two or more storage nodes to provide redundancy, data durability, data availability and load balancing of read requests among the storage nodes and/or across data centers. In one embodiment, a lazy replication mechanism may be used in the replication of partitions. In one embodiment, replication may be performed using an anti-entropy protocol to replicate a partition, and a gossip protocol to update the replicated partition.

Consumers' Use of Debit Cards: Patterns, Preferences, and Price Response

Abstract: Debit card use at the point of sale has grown dramatically in recent years in the United States and now exceeds the number of credit card transactions. However, many questions remain regarding patterns of debit card use, consumer preferences when using debit, and how consumers might respond to explicit pricing of card transactions. Using a new nationally representative consumer survey, this paper describes the current use of debit cards by U.S. consumers, including how demographics affect use. In addition, consumers' stated reasons for using debit cards are used to analyze how consumers substitute between debit and other payment instruments. We also examine the relationship between household financial conditions and payment choice. Finally, we use a key variable on bank-imposed transaction fees to analyze price sensitivity of card use, and find a 12% decline in overall use in reaction to a mean 1.8% fee charged on certain debit card transactions; we believe this represents the first microeconomic evidence in the United States on price sensitivity for a card payment at the point of sale.

Page turner for handheld electronic book reader device

Abstract: A page turner is provided for a handheld electronic book reader device. The page turner is configured to detect a human gesture to turn a page in an electronic book that is being displayed by the device. In one implementation, the page turner is configured as a page turning mechanism having at least one tactile member (e.g., ridge, indentation, etc.) and at least one sensor positioned proximate to the tactile member to detect gesture proximity. The tactile member provides tactile feedback as the user passes a finger over the mechanism to simulate a riffle sensation akin to flipping through paper pages in a paperback book. In certain implementations, the eBook reader device has a non-symmetrical shape with a dual display system and QWERTY keyboard.

Method and apparatus for multi-destination item selection using motes

Abstract: Method and apparatus for multi-destination pick using motes. In embodiments, each receptacle may be assigned to a destination and may have a mote that may include an indicator that may be activated by a control system to indicate to the agent that the receptacle is the destination receptacle for a picked item. The agent may then place the item in the indicated destination receptacle. A mote may include a communication interface for communicating with a control system and with other motes in an ad-hoc network. In one embodiment, the mote on the destination receptacle may be activated when the picked item is scanned by the agent. In some embodiments, each receptacle may also have a sensor that detects when an item is placed in the receptacle to deactivate the indicator and/or to verify that the item was placed in the correct receptacle.

Systems and methods for statistically selecting content items to be used in a dynamically-generated display

Abstract: An apparatus and methods advantageously select content items for dynamically-generated web pages in an intelligent and virtually autonomous manner. This permits the operator of the web site to rapidly identify and respond to trends, thereby advantageously updating the web site relatively quickly and efficiently without or with less time consuming and expensive manual labor. User interaction for a plurality of users with the web site is collected in a database. For various content items, the database is mined to extract relationships between probability and references of select attributes in probability models. When a new web page is requested, attributes, which can include attributes associated with a user, are used as references to the applicable probability models of selected content items, combined with value weighting to generate expected values, and selected for use in the web page at least partially based on the expected values.

To have and to hold: exploring the personal archive

Abstract: The personal archive is not only about efficient storage and retrieval of information. This paper describes a study of forty-eight academics and the techniques and tools they use to manage their digital and material archiving of papers, emails, documents, internet bookmarks, correspondence, and other artifacts. We present two sets of results: we first discuss rationales behind subjects' archiving, which go beyond information retrieval to include creating a legacy, sharing resources, confronting fears and anxieties, and identity construction. We then show how these rationales were mapped into our subjects' physical, social and electronic spaces, and discuss implications for development of digital tools that allow for personal archiving.

System and method for authorization of transactions

Abstract: System and method for authorizing transactions, such as payments or money transfers. A transaction authorization mechanism may be provided through which a transaction initiated via a first communications channel may be authorized through a second, separate communications channel or mechanism. A source entity may initiate a transaction to a target entity via a first communications channel to a transaction authorization service. The transaction authorization service may confirm the transaction with the source entity via a second communications channel. Various embodiments may use different communications channels, for example conventional telephone systems, mobile/cellular phone systems, and text messaging systems as the first or second communications channels. After the transaction has been authorized via the second communications channel, the transaction authorization service and/or the source entity may contact the target entity to inform the target entity of the transaction. The target entity may then complete the transaction.

Keymap service architecture for a distributed storage system

Abstract: A keymap service architecture for a distributed storage system. A system may implement storage nodes configured to store replicas of data objects, where each of the replicas is accessible via a respective locator value, and keymap instances each configured to store keymap entries corresponding respectively to the data objects. A given keymap entry may indicate a mapping from a given key value corresponding to a given data object to each respective locator value of its replicas. Each of the keymap instances may store a replica of the given keymap entry and may index its respective stored keymap entries within a respective index data structure including hierarchically arranged index nodes corresponding to keymap entries. For a given keymap entry having a given corresponding index node, each tag value associated with each ancestor of the given corresponding index node may be a prefix of the given key value.

Over-the-air device provisioning and activation

Abstract: Simplified wireless device activation may be achieved using temporary and permanent numbers used to connect to a wireless service provider. In one implementation, an electronic book reader device includes a memory that contains a temporary number that may be used to connect to a wireless service provider. The temporary number may be replaced with a permanent number that is used to connect to the wireless service provider. This replacement may occur once the electronic book reader device connects with the wireless service provider for the first time. The permanent number may be used to connect to the wireless service provider after the initial connection with the wireless service provider has transpired.

Position-based item identification in a materials handling facility

Abstract: Positional placement guidelines for storing items in an inventory area may allow determination and tracking of the position of the items in the inventory area. Position information may be associated with each item in a materials handling facility to assist in locating an item in an inventory area. The position information may represent a position relative to the inventory area and/or to the other items therein. Position information may be determined based on a count of items in the inventory area or based on a time stamp corresponding to the time the item was stored in the inventory area. Position information may be presented to an agent to facilitate picking the item with or without descriptive information. Feedback may provide an indication that the position information is incorrect and may trigger a review or a reset of position information for one or more items in the inventory area.

System and method for providing high availability data

Abstract: An embodiment relates to a computer-implemented data processing system and method for storing a data set at a plurality of data centers. The data centers and hosts within the data centers may, for example, be organized according to a multi-tiered ring arrangement. A hashing arrangement may be used to implement the ring arrangement to select the data centers and hosts where the writing and reading of the data sets occurs. Version histories may also be written and read at the hosts and may be used to evaluate causal relationships between the data sets after the reading occurs.

Method and system for providing annotations of a digital work

Abstract: Methods and systems for receiving and distributing annotations of a digital work (84) include receiving an annotation of the digital work (84), storing the annotation, and providing the annotation to the user. The user may be required to submit a valid authorization credential (90) for the annotation. Annotations may be textual or graphical, and may be associated with particular content in a digital work. Indicators may be displayed to identify content in the digital work for which annotations are available. A user may exchange compensation or perform a specified action for access to an annotation. Some or all of the compensation received for an annotation may be distributed to the author of the annotation. Multiple annotations may be listed in an order based a criterion, such as ranking, price, or date of receipt. Users that purchase a digital work may automatically receive an authorization credential (90)to receive annotations of the digital work.

Method and apparatus for subscription-based shipping

Abstract: Computer-accessible medium and apparatus for providing subscription-based shipping of items. Embodiments may provide mechanisms that allow customers of an e-commerce Web site to pay a fee to obtain a subscription in a shipping program that provides subscribed customers with free and/or reduced-rate shipping for at least some items ordered via the e-commerce Web site during the period covered by the subscription. The Web site may provide user interface elements on the Web site that may provide one or more shipping and possibly other options only to subscribed customers. Some embodiments may provide mechanisms that allow a subscriber to share a subscription to the shipping program with other customers. One embodiment may provide a mechanism through which a subscribed customer can invite other customers to share a subscription. Some embodiments may provide other exclusive services and/or offers to the subscribers of the shipping program that are not provided or offered to non-subscribers.

Predictive reader power management

Abstract: Power management features of a reader device control an amount of electrical energy supplied to the reader device. The power management features include several power control categories that a user may select to affect an amount of power consumed by the reader device. One power control category controls power consumption based on a genre of an electronic book being processed by the reader device. Another power control category controls power consumption based on a time of day an electronic book is being processed by the reader device. Power control instructions that control how much power a reader device consumes may also be generated based on a characteristic of a user's interaction with the device.

Answering tree pattern queries using views

Abstract: We study the query answering using views (QAV) problem for tree pattern queries. Given a query and a view, the QAV problem is traditionally formulated in two ways: (i) find an equivalent rewriting of the query using only the view, or (ii) find a maximal contained rewriting using only the view. The former is appropriate for classical query optimization and was recently studied by Xu and Ozsoyoglu for tree pattern queries (TP). However, for information integration, we cannot rely on equivalent rewriting and must instead use maximal contained rewriting as shown by Halevy. Motivated by this, we study maximal contained rewriting for TP, a core subset of XPath, both in the absence and presence of a schema. In the absence of a schema, we show there are queries whose maximal contained rewriting (MCR) can only be expressed as the union of exponentially many TPs. We characterize the existence of a maximal contained rewriting and give a polynomial time algorithm for testing the existence of an MCR. We also give an algorithm for generating the MCR when one exists. We then consider QAV in the presence of a schema. We characterize the existence of a maximal contained rewriting when the schema contains no recursion or union types, and show that it consists of at most one TP. We give an efficient polynomial time algorithm for generating the maximal contained rewriting whenever it exists. Finally, we discuss QAV in the presence of recursive schemas.

Managing transaction accounts

Abstract: A transaction account verification system and method are provided. A user computing device transmits an account registration request that includes a selection of an account verification technique. A service provider obtains the request and initiates a set of transactions with an identified financial service provider. The service provider generates a verification token reflective of the set of transactions and at least one piece of information associated with the selected account verification technique. The user computing device generates a user verification token from user input regarding the set of transactions and at least one piece of information associated with the selected account verification technique. The service provider can verify the transaction account and set transaction thresholds based upon matching verification tokens.

Facilitating content generation via paid participation

Abstract: Techniques are described that facilitate generating useful content based on user interactions, such as by providing an answer-providing service that facilitates interactions between users who supply questions and users who supply responses to the questions of other users, as well as using the generated content in various ways. In some situations, some users of the answer-providing service are provided with pay-per-response functionality in which the user is allowed to elect on a per-question basis to include a paid response or other indicated information (e.g., advertisements) in an answer for a question in exchange for payment from the user, such as for use by merchants with questions that are related to products and/or services provided by the merchants.

Facilitating a supply of used items

Abstract: Techniques are described for facilitating a supply of used items on behalf of an entity that desires to acquire such used items, such as a merchant that sells used items to customers. The used items are obtained based on interactions with recipients who receive items that are sold or otherwise provided by one or more merchants (or other suppliers of items), such as by supplying appropriate information and materials to the recipients along with the items. In some situations, when an item is delivered or otherwise supplied to a recipient by a merchant, the merchant also supplies information to the recipient that indicates an offer from a used item acquirer entity to re-acquire the item from the recipient (such as after the recipient has used the item) and shipping materials for use in returning the item to an indicated destination if the recipient accepts the offer.

Data structures and algorithms for simplifying reversible circuits

Abstract: Reversible logic is motivated by low-power design, quantum circuits, and nanotechnology. We develop a compact representation of small reversible circuits to generate and store optimal circuits for all 40,320 three-input reversible functions, and millions of four-input circuits. This allows implementing a function optimally in constant time for use in the peephole optimization of larger circuits produced by existing techniques, and guarantees that every three-bit subcircuit is optimal. To generate subcircuits, we use a graph-based data structure and algorithms for circuit restructuring. Finally, we demonstrate a suboptimal circuit for which peephole optimization fails.

Method and system for occurrence frequency-based scaling of navigation path weights among online content sources

Abstract: A method and system for scaling navigation path weights among online content sources. A method may include determining a first probability of users traversing a first navigation path from a first to a second online content source, dependent upon a ratio of traversals of the first navigation path and traversals of all navigation paths to the second online content source. The method may also include determining a second probability of users traversing navigation paths from the first online content source to any of the online content sources, dependent upon a ratio of the plurality of online content sources to which navigation paths from the first online content source exist and a total number of the plurality of online content sources. The method may further include generating from the probabilities a scaling factor indicative of a strength of the first navigation path relative to other navigation paths among the online content sources.

Disease Assessment Concepts and the Advancements Made in Improving the Accuracy and Precision of Plant Disease Data

Abstract: New concepts in phytopathometry continue to emerge, such as the evolution of the concept of pathogen intensity versus the well-established concept of disease intensity The concept of pathogen severity, defined as the quantitative measurement of the amount of pathogen per sampling unit has also emerged in response to the now commonplace development of quantitative molecular detection tools Although the concept of disease severity, ie, the amount of disease per sampling unit, is a well-established concept, the accuracy and precision of visual estimates of disease severity is often questioned This article will review disease assessment concepts, as well as the methods and assessment aides currently available to improve the accuracy and precision of visually-based disease severity data The accuracy and precision of visual disease severity assessments can be improved by quantitatively measuring and comparing the accuracy and precision of rates and/or assessment methods using linear regression, by using computer-based disease assessment training programmes, and by developing and using diagrammatic keys (standard area diagrams)

Method and system for aggregating and presenting user highlighting of content

Abstract: Highlighting of content is aggregated across a plurality of users, thus enabling the content to be presented with highlights that represent the collective highlighting of the users. Highlighted content may be presented to the users with varying levels of prominence. Accordingly, depending on the aggregated highlight information, some content may be presented with a highlight that is more or less prominent than highlighting for other content. Prominence data associated with highlighted content may include a score indicative of a strength of the highlight for the highlighted content. A score indicating a stronger highlight causes the highlight to be presented with greater prominence. The score may be incremented, possibly on a weighted bases, to represent the combined highlighting of different users. Highlights may assume many different forms, including visual forms (such as colors, lines, borders, fonts, icons, etc.), audio forms and tactile forms.

Method and system for automated comparison of items

Abstract: An automated method and system for providing an item comparison includes identifying a first item and a set of one or more other items for comparison with the first item, prioritizing attributes of the first item and the other items, and providing the item comparison with prioritized attributes to a user. Identifying comparable items may involve a multiple step process in which a candidate set of items is first selected for possible comparison with the first item, and thereafter selecting one or more items from the candidate set for comparison. Prioritizing the attributes of the items may include measuring like attributes of the items against each other and arranging the attributes to appear in an order according to the degree the like attributes distinguish the items from each other. A modified item comparison may be prepared and provided in accordance with user feedback.

Method and system for displaying interest space user communities

Abstract: A method and system for displaying interest space user communities. A method may include detecting a request to access a given online content source, where the request is generated on behalf of a given user, where the given online content source is one of a number of online content sources included within an interest space, and where the interest space is identified dependent upon indications of user navigation activity among the online content sources. The method may further include displaying to the given user a representation of the interest space in response to detecting the request, where the representation includes respective indications of at least a subset of the content sources included within the interest space, and for a given content source within the subset, displaying to the given user respective indications of users on whose behalf a respective previously-generated request to access the given content source has been detected.

Image-based document display

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for continuously displaying image pages of digital content which are available over a network. More specifically, the method and system enables a user to view image pages in a continuous manner while a limited number of image pages are being downloaded at a given time. Several image pages which are adjacent to the image page(s) the user is currently viewing may be stored in temporary memory. The image pages in the temporary memory are utilized so that, within the image pages, the user can move the displayed image pages up and down without experiencing any discontinuation. In order to ensure continuous display throughout the entire digital content, the next possible set of image pages is constantly determined and obtained to update the current set of image pages in the temporary memory.