Abstract: An information equipment has obtained identification information including a store ID indicating a predetermined shop store. An application ID indicating a game application running on information equipment and a user ID indicating a user of the game application are received together with the store ID over a network from the information equipment. A first database which manages a progress level of the game for the user in association with the application ID and the user ID and a second database which manages the application ID and a first game remuneration ID indicating a first game remuneration corresponding to the progress level are referred to, in accordance with the application ID and the user ID. First indication data indicating that the first game remuneration corresponding to the progress level of the game is provided to the user of the game application is transmitted over the network to the information equipment.

Abstract: A method for user-generated content privacy control, including: detecting a trigger event, identifying a post for permissions analysis, determining permissions for the post, and storing the updated permissions in a post indexing system.

Abstract: Successive offer communications are sent to an offer recipient. A first offer communication includes an offer of a merchant and the second offer communication includes an announcement about the offer. The first and second offer communications are each formatted to be rendered by respective communication device, such as a mobile phone of the offer recipient or a Point of Interaction (POI) terminal. The content of the offer communications may be tailored to the offer recipient based on the offer recipient's past transactions within a transaction processing system or a real time geographical location of the offer recipient.

Abstract: Successive offer communications are sent to an offer recipient. A first offer communication includes an offer of a merchant and the second offer communication includes an announcement about the offer. The first and second offer communications are each formatted to be rendered by respective communication device, such as a mobile phone of the offer recipient or a Point of Interaction (POI) terminal. The content of the offer communications may be tailored to the offer recipient based on the offer recipient's past transactions within a transaction processing system or a real time geographical location of the offer recipient.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system and methodology for obtaining information associated with spend history of a first user in connection with playing an online game and processing the information associated with the spend history to assign the user spend parameter value to the first user which may be further used to provide selective access to an exclusive virtual section associated with an online game when the user spend parameter value meets the spend threshold.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be implemented in, among other things, a method that includes providing instructions to an administrative device for presenting an administrative interface. The administrative interface includes user input controls for selecting conditions for inclusion of content in a section of a user interface. The method includes receiving one or more selections of the user input controls. The selections include the conditions for inclusion of content in the section of the user interface. The conditions include types of actions requested by an account associated with the user interface. The method includes receiving a request for the user interface from a client device. The method includes selecting a subset of the content for inclusion in the section of the user interface based on the conditions and the type of action. The method includes providing instructions to the client device for presenting the user interface.

Abstract: A social networking system provides relevant third-party content objects to users by matching user location, interests, and other social information with the content, location, and timing associated with the content objects. Content objects are provided based on relevance scores specific to a user. Relevance scores may be calculated based on the user's previous interactions with content object notifications, or based on interests that are common between the user and his or her connections in the social network. Context search is also provided for a user, wherein a list of search of results is ranked according to the relevance score of content object associated with the search results. Notifications may also be priced and distributed to users based on their relevance. In this way, the system can provide notifications that are relevant to user's interests and current circumstances, increasing the likelihood that they will find content objects of interest.

Abstract: A gaming system which displays a community game to one or more participating players. During the community game, the gaming system accumulates one or more community game tokens for one or more participating players. The gaming system subsequently assigns a value to each community game token redeemed by each participating player.

Abstract: A gaming system selects and displays one of a plurality of symbol blocks in each of a plurality of block positions, wherein each of the selected blocks includes at least one partial symbol. Each partial symbol has at least one complementary partial symbol which, when arranged in a designated spatial relationship with one another, form a complete matching symbol. If any of the partial symbols on the selected blocks create a complete matching symbol, the gaming system provides at least one award to the player. Each matching block which includes any portion of a complete matching symbol is then removed, creating an empty block position. The gaming system then fills the empty block position by either shifting a displayed block into the empty block position or by selecting a new block. The gaming system repeats this process until no complete matching symbols are formed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed which involves using an identifier which may be stored in an electronic component of a vehicle. A short range, wireless protocol connectivity system of the vehicle may establish a wireless link with a personal electronic device (PED) of a user when the user enters the vehicle with the PED powered on. The link may be used to automatically transmit the identifier to the PED. The PED then transmits the identifier to a remote authorization source which checks if the identifier is valid and, if so, sends an unlock code back to the PED. The PED uses the unlock code to unlock an application on the PED which enables access to the remote content source.

Abstract: Methods and systems disclosed herein for processing a sheet of sheet material include a plurality of processes. The methods and systems include a process of receiving the sheet in a sheet-accepting device. The methods and systems include detecting, by a first sensor mechanism of the sheet-accepting device, first information of the sheet. The first information of the sheet includes a value of the sheet and a serial number of the sheet. The methods and systems include disposing the sheet in a removable container coupled to the sheet-accepting device. The methods and systems include storing the first information of the sheet in a memory coupled to the removable container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer system and method for promoting on-line activities on desired sites via a virtual entertainment system that provides games, interactions or activities that take place either partially or fully on the partner's website or within the virtual space associated with the partner's website. According to one aspect, the invention drives on-line traffic to partner sites using Virtual Collectibles and other prizes rewarded for participation in Internet-based games. The games are designed to promote users to visit and/or perform other activities on the partner sites, and can include giveaways, special offers, treasure hunts, combo puzzles, among many other types of games. According to other aspects, the games can be played by users in the course of, or with very little effort in addition to casually surfing the web.

Abstract: A system and method for queuing players of casino games for rebates is provided. The rebate queuing system of the present invention caches game play data received from electronic game tables, electronic gaming machines, and online casinos in a game server and generates invoices, each of which associates with a gaming transaction of an identified player. The invoices are sent to a rebate queue management server to be processed and queued for rebate credits. Enqueuing credits are determined based on the information extracted from the invoices, and are divided into a plurality of values according to the decimal number system. Based on the divided values, a new queue number is added to each of the corresponding rebate queues. When a queue number becomes the current rebate number of a rebate queue, the player associated with the queue number receives a corresponding amount of rebate credits.

Abstract: An approach is provided for determining proximity of a user to a POI to dynamically adapt applications, content, and user incentive. One or more service providers determine a proximity of at least one device to at least one point of interest and determine at least one difficulty level associated with at least one application, at least one content item, or a combination thereof based, at least in part, on the proximity.

Abstract: A computerized method and system for keeping popular advertisements active are provided. Example embodiments may include identifying one or more expiring online content from a plurality of online contents. A popularity of the one or more expiring online content may be determined; and an expiration date of the one or more expiring online content may be extended based on the popularity.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a game program for a game which is played through a network causes a computer to realize a selection receiving function of receiving, from one user, the selection of whether to transmit a message to other user, an extraction function of extracting at least one other user to which the message is transmitted, on the basis of a certain condition, a message transmitting function of transmitting the message to the at least one other user extracted by the extraction function when the selection receiving function receives the selection indicating that the message is transmitted to the other user, and a reward giving function of giving a reward to the one user when the message transmitting function transmits the message to the at least one other user extracted by the extraction function.

Abstract: A server device determines a first item number by specifying a first object correlated with an item number of items defined in a game and determines a change value by specifying a second object correlated with the change value for changing the first item number. The server device changes the first item number to a second item number on the basis of the determined first item number and the determined change value and gives a reward on the basis of the second item number.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a product promotion method. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a product promotion system. In one specific example, the present invention provides a product promotion method, comprising: selecting at least one winning prize for the product promotion; selecting a time period over which the product promotion will be run; selecting a number of prize-winning items that are sold in a store; and providing at least a portion of the winning prize to a person who purchases from the store, during the time period over which the product promotion will be run, all of the selected prize-winning items.

Abstract: Techniques are described for providing functionality and information to users, including providing promotional information and opportunities to users of mobile devices in manners that are based at least in part on activities and locations of the users (e.g., based on games played by the users on their mobile devices and/or based on user satisfaction of system-directed tasks associated with offers or other activities). At least some of the promotional information and opportunities may be made available by various companies or entities that provide products and/or services (e.g., retailers, merchants, wholesalers, distributors, etc.) and/or by various companies or entities that provide advertising for available products and/or services. Various types of activities may be defined and used to provide promotional information and opportunities to users of mobile devices in particular embodiments and situations.

Abstract: Provided are computer implemented methods for combining online and offline gaming, advertising, and commerce and providing free games, free products, and free services. The method may commence with receiving a buying request associated with a product from a user. The method may continue with providing an incentive to the user to play a game and receiving an indication that the user intends to play the game. In response to the indication, a payment amount associated with the game may be transferred from a user account. The payment amount associated with the game may constitute a predetermined portion of a payment amount associated with the product. The method may include receiving results of the game played by the user. Based on the results of the game, the user may be selectively provided with a discount for the product. The discount may be equal to the payment amount associated with the game.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for incorporating advertisements into a mobile application for computerized systems, and in particular, mobile devices. In one embodiment of the invention, the system comprises an entertaining game application, a tool application, or a utility application that features various advertised goods or services, wherein the goods or services may be won and redeemed for an actual equivalent at participating businesses. Alternatively, cash or other prizes may be won or redeemed. In another embodiment, the method provides revenue to mobile application developers based on the inclusion of advertised products or services within the mobile applications, as well as on the number of times an advertisement is displayed. Consumers are incentivized to use the mobile application and engage advertisements because they are rewarded with goods, services, cash, or other prizes from participating businesses.

Abstract: A method is described for rewarding a viewer of a broadcast program in exchange for the viewer proving his presence at the time that certain program content is being broadcast. The method involves the use of running an application in a television environment, said application displaying a graphic inviting the viewer to intervene in some manner and to subsequently log the viewer's intervention, thereby documenting his viewing activity. The method further allows for the convenient and mobile reporting of the status of a log of the viewer's viewing activity. Finally, the method allows for the convenient and flexible redemption of accrued credit, as documented in the viewing log, against goods and/or services.

Abstract: An interactive advertisement method and system provides a computer generated game or virtual environment with interactive tasks presented to a user and in which user participation is monitored and advertising is presented in conjunction with an interactive task, and in which a user's attention to an advertisement is detected and presentation or awarding of a redeemable reward.

Abstract: A hospitality establishment includes guest rooms having media devices installed therein. Each guest room has one or more in-room media devices for providing a pay-per-use media function. A media system controller dynamically associates a credit corresponding to a monetary value with a particular guest room in response to an occurrence of a first event, configures an in-room media device of the particular guest room to indicate the credit associated with the particular guest room and allow a guest of the particular guest room to utilize at least an amount of the credit toward an order of the pay-per-use media function, activates the pay-per-use media function on at least one of the in-room media devices of the particular guest room in response to a received order, and decreases the credit associated with the particular guest room according to the amount of the credit utilized toward the received order.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for mobile advertising. One of the methods includes receiving from a user of a mobile device an indication of a response of the user to a presentation of content on the mobile device. The method includes in connection with the presentation of the content or the receipt of the indication of a response of the user, receiving information from a mobile carrier about the user. The method also includes based on the response of the user and the information about the user, generating an offer to be presented to the user after the content has been presented.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method in a gaming system includes displaying an advertisement to a user through one or more display devices. Game-logic circuitry detects user interactions with the advertisement through at least one of the one or more display devices and one or more input devices, and unlocks one or more rewards if the user interactions satisfy one or more engagement requirements.

Abstract: A band formed to secure to a part of a human body. The band including a motion detection component. The motion detection component including circuitry for detecting and recording movement of the motion detection component. The motion detection component including a display defined to provide a visual indication of an amount of movement recorded by the circuitry. The circuitry including an electrical contact for electrical communication of signals associated with the detected and recorded movement of the motion detection component.

Abstract: In a redeemable coupon there is a housing, a motion detector coupled to the housing, wherein the motion detector detects an amount of motion of the coupon, and an indicator coupled to the motion detector, wherein the indicator is activated by the motion detector upon detecting the amount of motion. Additionally, in a method of providing an incentive for a user to exercise, providing the user with a coupon to be coupled to the user, monitoring the motion of the user with a motion sensor included in the coupon, and activating the coupon when the motion sensor has detected a predetermined amount of motion such that the coupon becomes redeemable by the user.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to presenting offers for in-game virtual rewards to users. In implementations, rewards of virtual currency associated with the offers may be determined on a per user basis, such that a reward of virtual currency associated with an offer is incremented until the user accepts the offer and performs an action associated with the offer.

Abstract: Systems and methods to selectively generate user reminders for game conditions are described. In some embodiments, a method accesses a game condition identifier associated with a game condition for a user of an online game. The method further determines a value associated with the game condition identifier and determines that the user has not performed a particular action required with respect to the game condition based on the value of the game condition identifier. Additionally, the method determines whether to remind the user of the game condition. If so, a reminder associated with the game condition is generated and presented to the user. The reminder includes a user response interface that allows the user to indicate whether the user has performed the game condition. The game condition identifier is updated if a response received from the user indicates that the user has performed the game condition.

Abstract: Computer-based platforms, systems, and methods as well as software applications for providing non-currency alternatives to access goods, services, and/or information through interaction with ad-based games.

Abstract: A method and system for interactive advertising may use digital watermarks embedded in multimedia content displayed to a user of a mobile device that includes a camera. The user may capture the digital watermark by simply recording the multimedia content using the camera on the mobile device. A digital watermark value obtained from the digital watermark may be sent to a watermark service provider who validates the digital watermark value and returns an advertising token to the mobile device. The advertising token may be usable by the user to receive promotions, offers, and other information associated with an advertiser.

Abstract: Example systems and methods related to providing rewards for an online game in response to web-based purchases are presented. In an example, information is received that describes a proposed item for purchase presented to a user of an online gaming system at an online merchant system distinct from the online gaming system. Also received is an identifier of the user. The information describing the proposed online action is analyzed, and an in-game reward for the user to be provided by the online gaming system is selected based on the analyzing of the information. A confirmation generated by the online merchant system that the user purchased the proposed item is received. The in-game reward for the user is provided in response to the confirmation that the user purchased the proposed item.

Abstract: A method of dynamically sizing incentive rewards for location-based actions by groups is disclosed. A first incentive reward that is to be provided based on a first number of times members of a group of users complete a location-based action is determined. A second incentive reward that is to be provided based on a second number of times members of the group of users complete the location-based action is determined. A magnitude of the second incentive reward is greater than a magnitude of the first incentive reward based on the second number of times being greater than the first number of times. The group of users is notified of the incentive reward and the additional incentive reward.

Abstract: A service to manage customer/user engagement, sweepstakes, games, contests, loyalty programs and scavenger hunts is disclosed. The user of an end user device moves to different locations and sends back information regarding the user's location to the service. The service can be updated/adjusted real time to automatically track users, points, entries, location, and multiple step scavenger hunts. The service may send the user to different locations where the user can obtain prizes. Companies can engage with their customers in new ways by leveraging and modifying mobile technology. In one implementation locations, address book, on device animations, randomized unique identification generated by a device during the contest can be modified in real time during operation of the service.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a computer-implemented online game provides an in-game advertising publication service to publish interactive advertising content within a computer-implemented game in accordance with a pricing structure that defines different prices for different types of player engagement, for example having a cost per acquisition (CPA) pricing mechanism and a cost per engagement (CPE) pricing mechanism. A linked sequence of prompts is presented on a user device, to prompt a series of player engagements including at least two different engagement types. In some instances, a CPA prompt is presented earlier in the sequence, with an associated CPE prompt being presented subsequent to player engagement pursuant to the CPA prompt.

Abstract: The systems, methods, and computer program products (collectively “systems”) described herein are generally configured to monitor actions in digital channels. More specifically, the systems may be employed in digital channels to initiate purchases or facilitate rewards. The systems are capable of syncing transaction accounts with various digital channels. Moreover, the systems are capable of initiating or completing transaction based on user information. The systems may also be capable of providing rewards based on activities or accomplishments in the digital channels. Moreover, the systems may be capable of verifying activities based on transaction information.

Abstract: A wireless communication device declares one of a plurality of extended instant messaging states and transmits the declared states to a presence information server. Declared extended instant messaging states for destination devices are received, and an enhanced instant message based on declared extended instant messaging states is generated.

Abstract: Data is received from an activity tracking device. The received data indicates an amount of movement of the activity tracking device. The received data is associated with an account of a user of the activity tracking device. Feedback is generated for the user based on the amount of movement of the activity tracking device as indicated by the received data. The feedback is presented on a website with an indication of points accumulated by the user for the amount of movement of the activity tracking device over time.

Abstract: An event based service provides services and/or products based on an event. Services/products are made available to persons attending an event. Services, products, and/or advertisements can be made available to persons via wireless mobile communications devices. The services/products can be made available to persons attending an event. Services/products can be made available while the event is occurring. Additionally, advertising space is auctioned allowing the ability to bid for advertising space for advertising services/products via the event based service. Individual providers can offer services/products to a group of people at the same location, and at a time that people may be most interested in the services/products. Access to the event based service can be via service provider offered access points. An individual provider's device can act as a server that enables services/products to be purchased.

Abstract: Systems and devices for providing access to data content via an interactive feature include a user device in communication with a content server that stores data content. An interactive feature is conducted on the user device. The interactive feature includes selectable interactive elements which, at least in part, provide the interactivity within the interactive feature. A determination is made whether an achievement has been earned through the interactive feature. If an achievement is earned, the content server provides access to the user device to data content. Optionally, data content is exclusive insofar as it is only accessible in response to an achievement.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a data processing method comprises receiving, by a mobile app, incentive data comprising one or more app event types, wherein each app event type is associated with an incentive frequency value and a reward type; detecting an occurrence of an app event of the mobile app, wherein the app event is associated with a particular app event type of the one or more app event types; determining, based on the incentive frequency value for the particular app event type, whether to generate a scaffolding event comprising displaying an advertisement and providing a reward of the reward type associated with the particular app event type; displaying the advertisement and providing the reward; wherein the method is performed by one or more computing devices.

Abstract: Methods and systems for dynamically incorporating advertising content into multimedia environments, such as games, are provided. Example embodiments include a dynamic inserter, which selects content, based upon a set of criteria, to deliver to a receiving client system, such as a game client. The receiving client system typically dynamically determines locations within the game where advertisements are desirably inserted. Associated with these locations are ad tags that specify criteria for the ads including, for example ad type, ad genre, and scheduling information, which are sent by the client system to the dynamic inserter to select appropriate ads. The dynamic inserter selects ads based upon the criteria and sends them to the client system, which selects them for ad tags with conforming criteria. The client system then renders the selected ad in the appropriate location.

Abstract: A gaming device includes a game module for presenting instances of a game title and a game transaction module for interfacing with a system controller of a game entertainment center. The gaming device further includes a printer for printing various items such as tickets, coupons, vouchers, and other promotional material. The gaming device further includes a printer manager for arbitrating print job conflicts.

Abstract: A method of providing offers for sales of combinations of virtual items at discounted prices is disclosed. An offer is generated for a sale of a combination of virtual items at a discounted price. The offer for the sale of the combination of virtual items at the discounted price is presented to a user. The presenting suggests to the user that the combination of virtual items is randomly selected from a set of virtual items and the discounted price is randomly selected from a set of discounted prices, the presenting of the offer being performed by a processor. However, in actuality, the combination of virtual items or the discounted price may not be selected randomly.

Abstract: A gaming system includes at least one gaming server having at least one processor and at least one memory device storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one gaming server to assign one or more unique identifiers to a registrant, monitor for web activity associated with the one or more unique identifiers and initiated by the registrant, measure an effect of the web activity, and convert the measured effect into a gaming incentive.

Abstract: Example systems and methods related to providing rewards for an online game in response to web-based purchases are presented. In an example, an online catalog webpage including information describing a product available for purchase is generated. The online catalog webpage includes code instructing a device receiving the online catalog webpage to issue a request to an online gaming system to determine an in-game reward for a user based on the product. The online catalog webpage is transmitted to a client device of the user. An order for the product is received from the client device. The order indicates the in-game reward determined in the online gaming system. An order confirmation webpage is transmitted to the client device in response to the order, and the order confirmation webpage indicates the in-game reward.

Abstract: In a method and system of sending an out-of-band instant message from a game networking system, an instant messaging system is accessed from the game networking system to send the out-of-band instant message to a friend of the user on behalf of the user, with the out-of-band instant message pertaining to the game networking system.

Abstract: A method of voting with your feet is disclosed. A performance of a location-based action by a player of a computer-implemented game is associated with a vote on a matter. The performance of the location-based action by the player is detected. A count of votes corresponding to the vote on the matter is incremented based on the detecting of the performance of the location-based action by the player.

Abstract: Disclosed are video games that offers players of a video game particular virtual items (such as a virtual object or a virtual service delivered in the video game) in exchange for a particular price, such as real money or the player character wearing a logo or branded material of an advertiser. The time at which the offer is provided to the player can depend on various game factors such as the location or the status in the game of the player character of the player.