Abstract: In implementations of multi-item influence maximization, a computing device can obtain updates to a user association graph that indicates social correspondence between users, and obtain updates to a user-item graph that indicates user correspondence with one or more items. The computing device includes an influence maximization module that can update an item association graph that indicates item correspondence of each item with one or more other items, where the item association graph can be updated based on the user-item graph that indicates the user correspondence with one or more of the items. The influence maximization module can then iteratively determine a resource allocation for each of the users to maximize user influence of multiple items that are associated in the item association graph and based on the social correspondence between the users, as well as assign a variable portion of the resource allocation to any number of the users.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for providing targeted messages to a person using telephony services by generating user profile information from telephony data and using the user profile information to retrieve targeted messages.

Abstract: Systems and methods of selecting content based on image data are provided. A system can receive an image captured by a camera of the computing device. The system can analyze the image to identify a pattern that matches a predetermined pattern of an object stored in an image pattern database comprising a plurality of predetermined patterns of objects. The system can identify one or more image keywords from the image based on the predetermined pattern of the object that matches the image. The system can select, based on a comparison of the one or more image keywords with one or more keywords of each of a plurality of content items, a content item. The system can provide, to the computing device, the content item to cause the computing device to present the content item.

Abstract: An electronic computing device establishes a communication session between a lender of a loan and a recipient of the loan. A debt owed to the lender by the recipient is tracked. Upon an initial communication between the lender and the recipient, a debt reminder is displayed on a display screen of the electronic computing device. The debt reminder provides a reminder to the lender that the debt is owed to the lender by the recipient.

Abstract: Vocal commenting system and methods for recording and playing a voice message associated with a selected internet page. The system includes a voice-commenting-management module, operatively activated on a personal device of a user, the personal device having a microphone, and a vocal-commenting-services server. The server includes a processing unit, a database unit including a comments database. The vocal commenting methods include the step of posting a voice comment, using the microphone. Upon completion of the voice comment, the voice-commenting-management module sends the voice comment to the server. The vocal commenting method further includes the steps of receiving the recorded voice comment by the server, storing the recorded voice comment in a remote storage services proving unit, analyzing the recorded voice comment thereby generating metadata associated with the recorded voice comment, and storing the metadata of the comment in a comments database.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for web real-time voice communication based on two-dimensional code scanning which, even when the called party does not have its own web, can automatically generate a temporary web embedded with a web communication plug-in for the called party by a network voice communication SIP server, and realizes web real-time voice communication based on two-dimensional code scanning. In addition, by using the web real-time voice communication technology, the calling party can communicate with the called party without downloading and installing the client, and the calling party can call and communicate with the called party answering terminal by the web real-time communication SIP server and the network voice communication SIP server, only with the need to scan a two-dimensional code to use the web communication plug-in on the web of the called party or the temporarily generated web.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assisting individuals, such as to provide assistance with respect to detainees at an inmate facility, are provided. Embodiments facilitate booking, bonding, and release with respect to an inmate facility by providing assistance to a detainee communicating with service providers and friends and family. Assistance may include prequalifying a detainee for services, collecting information useful to the service provider, and providing collected information to the service provider. Assistance may include collecting information useful to the friend or family member and providing collected information to the friend or family member. Embodiments communicate with banking systems to allow a detainee or friends and family to employ various payment techniques in posting bail or in making payment to a service provider. Additional functionality, such as call accounting/logging, call recording, and message delivery, automated response, may be provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method to support visible and audible communications using various multimedia services are provided. A method to provide communications using a multimedia service in a server of a communication system is provided. The method includes receiving a voice call connection request for a second device from a first device. The method also includes providing the first device with visual multimedia information generated in advance, over a web network in relation to the second device. The method further includes connecting a voice call between the first device and the second device.

Abstract: A method and system for operating a multitenancy telephony system including a call queue that stores call requests received from a plurality of users; an expandable and contractible telephony resource cluster that establishes call sessions for call requests; a analysis system that calculates capacity requirements of the system; a resource allocator that manages the scaling and operation of the telephony resource cluster; and a plurality of telephony network channels that are used as telephony communication channels for call sessions.

Abstract: Controlled-environment facility resident contact tools for intelligent controlled-environment facility resident communication and/or media device interfaces may be configured to present a contact list of non-residents of the controlled-environment facility for a respective resident of the controlled-environment facility, to the respective resident. The interface may also present the resident an interface to input name and contact information for the contacts. Additionally or alternatively, the system may auto-populate the contact list for at least one resident. Messages, such as nudges for the non-resident to take an action with respect to the resident, such as make a deposit to a trust account of the resident, set-up a video visitation with the resident, or the like, are transmitted to the contacts, in the name of the respective resident.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for providing targeted messages to a person using telephony services by generating user profile information from telephony data and using the user profile information to retrieve targeted messages.

Abstract: Systems and methods are for enabling a group of individuals, each using an individual computing device, to collaboratively answer questions or otherwise express a collaborative will/intent in real-time. The collaboration system comprises a plurality of computing devices, each of the devices being used by an individual user, each of the computing devices enabling its user to contribute to the emerging real-time group-wise intent. A collaboration server is disclosed that communicates remotely to the plurality of individual computing devices. Herein, a variety of inventive methods are disclosed for interfacing users in a real-time synchronized group-wise experience, and for deriving a convergent group intent from the collective user input.

Abstract: Systems and methods that enable product (or service) purchasers, or other such entities, to share promotional materials via social networks and/or other means of communication and may further enable the purchasers to receive rewards, such as rebates, in response to interactions with the promotional materials by others (e.g., friends of the purchaser). In various embodiments, the promotional materials shared by the purchaser relates to the product purchased, which may lend greater credibility and/or interest in the promotional material being shared.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to present advertisements on mobile devices for communication connections of multiple content types. In one embodiment, a method includes: providing an advertisement to a mobile device, the advertisement to include a communication reference to be used by the mobile device to request a communication connection; and billing for the advertisement in response to an initiation of a communication, comprising more than one of text, voice, audio, image, and video, via the communication reference.

Abstract: A system for managing customer involvement with a contact center involves one or more monitoring applications executing on one or more computerized servers associated with the contact center, the applications monitoring communications between individual customers and the center; and a rules engine executing on the one or more computerized servers, the rules engine accessible to the monitoring application, the rules engine enabled to generate and implement business rules. Upon detection by one of the monitoring applications of an instance of unsuccessful or incomplete interaction between a customer and the contact center, session data determined during monitoring is used by the rules engine to determine contact center-initiated activity to be implemented to establish new communication with the customer to resolve issues related to the unsuccessful or incomplete interaction.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for sharing state information using a web-enabled system and a phone service system are disclosed. In some embodiments, a presence module is used to identify a currently accessed web page to an agent during an on-line session. In some embodiments, documents are delivered to a user through a web browser concurrent with an audio message delivered by phone. Concurrent delivery of documents configured to accept an electronic signature is disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are methods, systems, and media for Internet Advertising. Exemplary methods may include: providing an advertisement including a first identifier to a website using at least one of a template and an application programming interface (API), the advertisement to be displayed on the website; receiving a communications session initiated by an end customer using the first identifier, the communications session including a second identifier associated with the end customer; accepting the communications session when the second identifier is not included in a black list; retrieving a record associated with the end customer using the second identifier; determining to provide a promotional message to the end customer using the record; selecting an offer using the record; providing the promotional message to the end customer using the communications session, the promotional message including the offer and a request for an indication of interest.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for providing targeted messages to a person using telephony services by generating user profile information from telephony data and using the user profile information to retrieve targeted messages.

Abstract: A system is described herein that facilitates the easy scheduling and conducting of prison visitations. The system provides a remotely-accessible means for visitors to authenticate themselves, check the availability of those they wish to visit, and schedule a visit with that individual. As part of this process, the system tracks the availability of prison inmates as well as the devices and visit sites that are available to those inmates. In this manner, the system can quickly identify the availability of different inmates in order to provide on-demand scheduling capabilities to potential visitors. The system is connected to multiple facilities as well as public networks, and therefore can be remotely accessed. Additionally, the system also functions to monitor visits while they are in progress, as well as to store visit recordings for future review. Because the system is networked, remote monitors can access the review system in order to monitor visits or review recordings.

Abstract: Delivery of video to controlled-environment facility residents via podcasts may include accepting a digital video file or series of digital image files, such as from a non-resident, indicated as directed to a resident of the controlled-environment facility. Such video or image files may be uploaded, such as by the non-resident, via a provided user interface. The video file or series of digital image files are converted into a podcast. The podcast is cached in controlled-environment facility content server storage and the resident is notified of availability of the podcast. The podcast may be streamed and/or downloaded, within the controlled-environment facility, to one of the controlled-environment facility resident media devices.

Abstract: The technology disclosed relates to rapidly logging sales activities in a customer relationship management system. It also relates to simplifying logging of sale activities by offering a streamlined data entry path that as immense usability in a mobile environment. The streamlined data entry path can be completed by triple-action, double-action, or single-action. In particular, the technology disclosed relates to automatically identifying and selecting entities that are most likely to be selected by a user. The identification of entities as most likely to be selected is dependent at least upon access recency of records of the entities, imminence of events linked to the entities, and geographic proximities of the entities to the user. It further relates to automatically identifying and selecting sales activities that are most likely to be performed by the user.

Abstract: A system and method to facilitate word-of-mouth advertising and sales support associated with displayed media objects on distributed networks is described. The system provides one or more advocates to a network user accessing advertising of a brand, product, or service. One or more of the advocates may be socially related to the user. User interactions with the advocates are facilitated through a real-time communication network, follow-on commercial activity is tracked, and the value of word-of-mouth advocacy is captured and distributed.

Abstract: Example apparatus and methods concern establishing context for a phone call. A computing device is controlled to display content and applications that are relevant for the call during the call. A party on the call is identified using data received from a phone used by the party. The relevant content and the relevant application are identified using actions (e.g., purchase to make, call to make) and intentions (e.g., family matter, business matter) identified in text provided in a text-based transcript of the call. The text-based transcript is provided in real time by a natural language processing (NLP) service during the call. The devices are controlled to selectively present the relevant content and the relevant application to make the call more automated and more productive. A to-do list is automatically generated based on the intentions, the actions, and on subject matter or content discussed or accessed during the call.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the efficiency of social media campaigns. The system collects searchable activity data of members of a social network and processes this data locally to extract interaction data happening on the profile page of the social media campaign on the social network. The interaction data is then weighed in accordance with its type. The system may also determine a reach of the campaign and a responsiveness score of a user. The system may also determine an effort score representing a monetary value of the profile page based on the volume of contribution by the owners of the social media campaign. The efficiency score may then be determined based on a relationship between the number of interactions, the weight associated with each interaction, the reach, the responsiveness score, and the effort score.

Abstract: A system for managing customer involvement with a contact center involves one or more monitoring applications executing on one or more computerized servers associated with the contact center, the applications monitoring communications between individual customers and the center; and a rules engine executing on the one or more computerized servers, the rules engine accessible to the monitoring application, the rules engine enabled to generate and implement business rules. Upon detection by one of the monitoring applications of an instance of unsuccessful or incomplete interaction between a customer and the contact center, session data determined during monitoring is used by the rules engine to determine contact center-initiated activity to be implemented to establish new communication with the customer to resolve issues related to the unsuccessful or incomplete interaction.

Abstract: A system for assuring agent connection for outbound calls placed in an automated outbound calling campaign includes an outbound dialing server, a digital data repository coupled to the outbound dialing server, the data repository storing outbound dialing records for automated outbound dialing, and software executing on the outbound dialing server from a non-transitory physical medium, the software providing a first function for determining for a specific outbound dialing record if the connection to a live agent must be an assured connection, a second function for dialing and engaging an agent via an internal call for reservation of the agent, and a third function for bridging the call connections forged between the system and the agent and the system and the outbound party upon answer of the outbound call.

Abstract: Internet streaming from broadcast radio may carry replacement ads for those ads broadcast terrestrially. Video ads may replace audio ads. Some Internet media players are not capable of playing video ads, and for those the audio-only portion of the video ad is streamed. Script commands are sent to compatible media players capable of video, causing them to access and play the actual video ad.

Abstract: Methods and systems for call processing are described. A call from a caller intended for a first party is received at a call processing system, which stores call signaling information associated with the call. A greeting is played to the caller, and a voice communication is received and recorded. At least a first portion of the voice communication is transmitted in substantially real time to a terminal associated with the first person. At least a portion of the voice communication is converted to text and the text is stored and transmitted to a terminal associated with the first party. When a search query is received from the first party, the system searches the data store to determine if there is matching call having related matching call information. If there is a matching call, related information may be provided to the first party.

Abstract: Techniques are provided that include targeting a user of a mobile electronic device with an interest-based advertisement, based at least in part on various call logs on a user device. Techniques are provided in which a set of calls from a user's call log from a mobile device are assigned to one or more categories indicative of potential user interests for the purposed of targeted advertisements. The usage pattern of the user's call log takes into account the time of the day, week, and/or month that the user tends to make particular calls to determine recurring patterns and calculate individual metrics for comparison with other users.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for providing targeted messages to a person using telephony services by generating user profile information from telephony data and using the user profile information to retrieve targeted messages.

Abstract: Delivery of video to controlled-environment facility residents via podcasts may include accepting a digital video file or series of digital image files, such as from a non-resident, indicated as directed to a resident of the controlled-environment facility. Such video or image files may be uploaded, such as by the non-resident, via a provided user interface. The video file or series of digital image files are converted into a podcast. The podcast is cached in controlled-environment facility content server storage and the resident is notified of availability of the podcast. The podcast may be streamed and/or downloaded, within the controlled-environment facility, to one of the controlled-environment facility resident media devices.

Abstract: A method and a system of online shopping using a digital storefront. For example, a digital storefront having multiple touchscreen display surfaces presents a plurality of tiles to a user, where one or more tiles display images of items for sale and at least one hunch question which may be related to the environment. In further examples, a response is received from the user to one or more hunch questions, and items are recommended for the user and presented to the user in one or more updated tiles on a touchscreen display surface.

Abstract: Techniques are provided that include targeting a user of a mobile electronic device with an interest-based advertisement, based at least in part on various call logs on a user device. Techniques are provided in which a set of calls from a user's call log from a mobile device are assigned to one or more categories indicative of potential user interests for the purposed of targeted advertisements. The usage pattern of the user's call log takes into account the time of the day, week, and/or month that the user tends to make particular calls to determine recurring patterns and calculate individual metrics for comparison with other users.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer-readable storage devices for streaming data. The method includes presenting a data stream including an interactive communication and detecting feedback from the user in response to the interactive communication. If the feedback indicates a request to receive data associated with the interactive communication, the method includes buffering the data stream from a point in time associated with the feedback to yield a buffered data stream, connecting the user device to a commerce presence associated with the interactive communication temporarily and resuming playback of the buffered data stream to the user device following completion of the temporary communication between the user device and commerce presence.

Abstract: A method and message server (204) for routing a speech message, received (2:1) from a user equipment (200) of a sending user, to at least one recipient (208, 210) in a communication network. After obtaining (2:2) a text version created by speech recognition (206) of the received speech message, the at least one recipient is identified (2:3) by the message server based on the obtained text version, and the speech message is then routed (2:5) to the identified at least one recipient.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system and method for providing advertisements to the parties of a communication, such as a telephone call or a video conference. A calling party agrees to view or listen to an advertisement in exchange for communications services, such as a telephone call. A called party may also agree to view or listen to an advertisement in order to receive a call. After an advertisement is broadcast to the calling and/or calling parties, a call connection is completed between the parties. Alternatively, audio and/or video advertisements may be broadcast during a call connection.

Abstract: Methods and systems for call processing are described. A call from a caller intended for a first party is received at a call processing system, which stores call signaling information associated with the call. A greeting is played to the caller, and a voice communication is received and recorded. At least a first portion of the voice communication is transmitted in substantially real time to a terminal associated with the first person. At least a portion of the voice communication is converted to text and the text is stored and transmitted to a terminal associated with the first party. When a search query is received from the first party, the system searches the data store to determine if there is matching call having related matching call information. If there is a matching call, related information may be provided to the first party.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dissemination of information from a controlled-environment facility may offer a non-resident and/or resident an option to subscribe to notifications about a particular resident of a controlled-environment facility and/or notifications about the controlled-environment facility. Identification and contact information may be accepted from the non-resident to establish the non-resident as a paid or non-paid subscriber to notifications about the resident and/or the controlled-environment facility. A determination may be made, or an indication may be received from a controlled-environment facility administration and management system, when information about the resident hosted by the controlled-environment administration and management system changes and/or when a change is made to information about the controlled-environment facility. As a result, the subscriber is contacted and notified of the change(s).

Abstract: A directory assistance service includes a database and an interface module. The database stores a set of audio advertisements, and the audio advertisements are priced based on a tiered pricing model. The interface module is in communication with the database and receives a directory assistance request from a caller, plays the caller one or more audio advertisements from the database, and charges an advertiser for playing the audio advertisements based on the tiered pricing model.

Abstract: A system and method is constructed to provide financing of mobile communications by sponsors in return for permitting the dissemination of advertisements before, during, or after a particular call. The system includes a location server through which communication channels can be established, mobile communication terminals inter connected for communication over the communication channels established by the location server, a sponsor server having a memory in which is stored advertisements, and an application module resident on the sponsor server, mobile communication terminal, or location server to control a communication from one of the mobile communication terminals to another of the mobile communication terminals to, at the request of a user of the mobile communication terminal, place advertisements from the sponsor server into the communication and charge the cost of the communication to the sponsor server.

Abstract: A tablet computing device and controlled-environment communications processing system implemented process calls for the tablet requesting, via the controlled-environment communications system, a communication link between the tablet and another communications device. A resident of the controlled-environment facility operating the tablet is identified by the tablet to the controlled-environment communications system. The controlled-environment communications system selects advertisement(s) to be played on at least the tablet operated by the resident. The advertisement(s) are played on at least the tablet. The communications link is established by the controlled-environment communications system, between the tablet and the other communications device, before, during or following playing of the advertisement(s) on at least the tablet. Communication is carried out on the tablet, via the communications link, before, during and/or following playing of the advertisement(s).

Abstract: A device receives information associated with network devices of a network, such as device information associated with components of the network devices, application information generated by the network devices, or network information associated with interactions of the network devices. The device performs an analysis of the information associated with the network devices via analytics techniques in near real time, and generates analysis information based on the analysis of the information associated with the network devices. The device provides the analysis information for display.

Abstract: Web content is formatted to show an icon adjacent identified phone numbers to enable select-to-call, e.g., click-to-call functionality from within a web platform. The web platform can include various web browsers, web applications, and the like. The select-to call functionality can comprise an integral part of the web platform, such as comprising part of the web platform's binary. Alternately, the select-to call functionality can be provided through a web plug-in that is downloaded and incorporated into the web platform. The select-to-call functionality can enable the user's web platform context to be maintained during the call.

Abstract: Systems and methods for associating a string with a content item. A phone number of a content item provider may be extracted from a content item. The content item provider is contacted via the phone number and a connection to an automated system comprising a menu tree is verified. An endpoint of the automated system is determined and a string representing the phone number and the sequence of inputs required to reach the endpoint is generated and associated with the content item.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an application distribution and metrics system as well as an application monetizing system (ADMS). The ADMS incorporates a cross-platform application distribution system and a usage-based and ad-based monetizing system which allows for fine-tuned usage-based pricing schemes to be created based on system-defined metrics and developer-defined metrics, seamless integration of ad-based monetizing, third party participation in monetizing efforts, and a flexible revenue allocation process.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to select tracking mechanisms for the performance determination of advertisements. One embodiment includes: selecting one reference type from a plurality of reference types; and determining a reference of the selected type, the reference to be embedded in an advertisement to count communication leads generated from the advertisement. In one embodiment, the advertisement is to be charged according to a performance measure based on communication leads generated from the advertisement. For example, a price for the advertisement can be specified by a party for which the advertisement is to be presented. For example, the advertisement can be charged in response to a voice communication responding to the advertisement. In one embodiment, the plurality of reference types correspond to different mechanisms to track communication leads generated from the advertisement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for presenting multimedia content to a caller and/or a called party in association with a telephone call. Content may be presented pre-ring (before the called party's telephone rings), in-call, and/or post-call. Content presented to a party may be related to another party participating in the call or may be related to a third party (e.g., an advertiser that paid for the ability to have its content presented). Presented content may be actuable, to allow a caller to change the destination of a call, take advantage of an offer presented to him or her, redeem a coupon, schedule or queue a subsequent call, etc. To find a desired destination party, a caller may initiate a manual or automatic search of his or her local contacts (on his telephone) and/or a central or global directory or contact list.

Abstract: An interactive conference based is supplemented based on terminology content. Terminology content from a plurality of interactive conference participants is monitored. A set of words from the terminology content is selected. Supplemental media content at an external source is identified based on the selected set of words, and selectively made available and presented to an audience member for the interactive conference.

Abstract: In a click-to-call (C2C) communication environment, a web client of a computing terminal is configured to initiate a C2C call when a user selects a call tag provided in a web page being presented to the user. The call is intended to be established between a remote endpoint associated with the call tag and one of either the computing terminal or another terminal associated with the user. If the C2C call is directed to an automated system and placed in a queue or on hold, the present invention allows supplemental content intended for the user to be delivered to the web client from which the C2C call was initiated. The web client may present the supplemental content to the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for presenting multimedia content to a caller and/or a called party in association with a telephone call. Content may be presented pre-ring (before the called party's telephone rings), in-call, and/or post-call. Content presented to a party may be related to another party participating in the call or may be related to a third party (e.g., an advertiser that paid for the ability to have its content presented). Presented content may be actuable, to allow a caller to change the destination of a call, take advantage of an offer presented to him or her, redeem a coupon, schedule or queue a subsequent call, etc. To find a desired destination party, a caller may initiate a manual or automatic search of his or her local contacts (on his telephone) and/or a central or global directory or contact list.