Abstract: Systems and methods for harvesting comments regarding users on a network-based facility are described. The method involves presenting a single input interface via a communications network that includes input mechanisms. The input mechanisms include a first input mechanism facilitating user input of comment information that pertains to a first user and a second input mechanism facilitating user input of comment information that pertains to a second user. The method further involves receiving the comment information via the communications network. The comment information is provided through the single input interface and pertains to the first user and the second user.

Abstract: Methods and computer storage media for creating referral links are provided. Receiving an advertiser's registration of a target page that offers goods or services for sale. Receiving a request for a referral link that is directed to the target page, wherein the referrer of the referral link requests the referral link from the target page. A referral link is then created and presented to the referrer. In some embodiment, an indication that the referral link has been utilized is received. And upon receiving an indication that the referral link was utilized, a reward unit is determined and presented to the referrer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fulfilling purchases is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure can include, for example, a portable communication device having a controller element that receives from an online system a barcode image as an object of acknowledgment of a product purchased from said online system, and presents on a display of the portable communication device said barcode image to complete a purchase fulfillment process by way of at least one among a visual inspection of the barcode image by a merchant employee and processing of said barcode image by a point of sale (POS) device. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed systems and methods provide media content through an electronic commerce server. In one implementation, a method for providing electronic content is provided. The method includes receiving an order of a user. The order of the user may comprise a request of the user for a physical copy of media content. The commerce server may determine whether to provide to the user an electronic copy of the media content based at least on the order. Further, a request to access the electronic copy of the media content is received from the user. The method further grants the user access to the electronic copy of the media content based at least on the request to access the electronic copy of the media content.

Abstract: An identification method and process for objects from digitally captured images thereof that uses data characteristics to identify an object from a plurality of objects in a database. The data is broken down into parameters such as a Shape Comparison, Grayscale Comparison, Wavelet Comparison, and Color Cube Comparison with object data in one or more databases to identify the actual object of a digital image.

Abstract: A digital image of the object is captured and the object is recognized from plurality of objects in a database. An information address corresponding to the object is then used to access information and initiate communication pertinent to the object.

Abstract: A method for leveraging email to complete an online transaction from a third party vendor, the method comprising: storing customer information, the customer information including a customer name, customer email address, customer shipping address, and customer billing information. The method further comprises receiving an authorization request from an application programming interface associated with a third party vendor requesting access to a portion of the customer information and receiving confirmation from a customer to allow the third party vendor to access the portion of the customer information. The method further comprising transmitting an access code to the third party vendor and receiving a request message from the third party vendor, wherein the request message comprises the access code, and wherein the request message requests an authorization token. The method may further comprise confirming the received access code and transmitting an authorization token to the third party vendor.

Abstract: In one aspect, a computing apparatus is configured to represent offer rules based on requirements for the detection of predefined types of events and actions scheduled to be performed in response to the detection of each occurrence of the events. The events are independent from each other in processing and are linked via prerequisite conditions and/or ineligibility conditions to formulate the requirements of an offer campaign. In one embodiment, the ineligibility of a user, participating in the offer campaign, to meet the requirements of a first event leads to the monitoring of a second event that has a prerequisite condition formulated based on the ineligibility of the user to meet the requirements of the first event; and the second event provides an alternative path within the offer campaign when the user cannot meet the requirements of the first event.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable medium for providing content with respect to a website. A request for content is received where the request includes information related to a user. One or more pieces of localized content associated with at least one condition is retrieved when it is determined that the at least one condition is consistent with the information related to the user, where each localized content is localized with respect to the content requested. At least one of the retrieved localized content is identified when the information related to the user meets the associated at least one condition. The identified at least one localized content is sent as a response to the received request for content.

Abstract: A remote sensing device, system and method is described. The remote sensing device includes an enclosure, a smartphone, and a microcontroller. The smartphone is fixedly coupled to the enclosure. The microcontroller is communicatively coupled to the smartphone. The microcontroller includes a power management module, a controller, and a wireless sensor network. The power management module is electrically coupled to an auxiliary battery that powers the smartphone. The controller is communicatively coupled to smartphone and the controller controls the power management module. The wireless sensor network includes a wireless communication interface that is different from the smartphone wireless communication interface. The remote sensing system includes a remote sensing component, a network module such as a web application server, and a database. The network module is communicatively coupled to the wide area network and receives sensor signal output and a timestamp from the smartphone.

Abstract: Some embodiments described herein relate to reverse geocoding using, for example, real estate parcel data. In some embodiments one or more location records can be received, for example, from a location record database associated with a real estate mapping service. Each location record can identify or otherwise be uniquely associated with a closed shape, such as a two-dimensional polygon, circle, or other boundary that can, for example, define the metes and bounds of a real estate parcel. Geolocation data that represents a location of a mobile communication device can also be received. The geolocation data can map to a location within a shape and the location record associated with that shape can be selected. When the selected location record corresponds to a residential location, household data can be associated with that location record and/or the mobile communication device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for searching cloud-based databases are provided herein. A service provider may have a need to make their database(s) searchable through search technology. However, the service provider may not have the resources to implement such search technology. The search technology may allow for search queries against these cloud-based databases. The technology described herein provides a solution addressing the service provider's need, by giving a search technology that furnishes search results in a fast, accurate manner. In further embodiments, systems and methods to monetize those search results are also described herein.

Abstract: Embodiments enable display updates other than a video stream in a graphical user interface (GUI) to be rendered, encoded, and transmitted exclusive of the video stream. A virtual machine generates a GUI that includes an encoded video stream and other display updates. A virtual graphics processing unit (VGPU) stack associated with the VM renders the other display updates of the GUI to a framebuffer. The rendered display updates are encoded and transmitted to a client for display. The encoded video stream, or a modified (e.g., reduced bit rate) version of the encoded video stream, may be transmitted to the client, such that the client can display the encoded video stream within the GUI. For example, the encoded video stream may be selectively transmitted to the client based on the performance capabilities of the client.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method receives a first request from a user device for content. First geolocation information for the user device is determined. The method facilitates a determination whether the first geolocation information complies with a geographical restriction associated with the content. Then, the method receives second geolocation information provided by the user device from a media server that received a second request for the content from the user device and a token generated based on the first geolocation information complying with the geographical restriction. A determination whether the second geolocation information complies with the geographical restriction associated with the content is facilitated where the determination causes a message indicating whether to allow or deny the second request to be sent to the media server.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for communicating product or service information to a potential purchaser. A product or item describing a service are scanned to obtain both a product or service code and an advertisement promotion code provided by a vendor/retailer or manufacturer of the product or service using a smartphone of a first user. A barcode is generated on the smartphone by combining the product or service code and the advertisement promotion code with information from the smartphone associated with the product or service and with an advertiser code that uniquely identifies the first user. The barcode is communicated to a communication device of a second user that is the potential purchaser of the product or service. When the communication device is presented to a point of sale (POS) terminal, the terminal scans the barcode, decodes the barcode, and compensates the first user according to the advertisement promotion code.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a secured transaction system. In one embodiment, a point-of-sale (POS) system includes an input module configured to receive a transaction description from a mobile client device, an encryption engine configured to generate an encrypted transaction description using the transaction description from the mobile client device, and a communication module configured to transmit the encrypted transaction description for processing.

Abstract: A method and computer program product for identifying attributes of customers and potential customers, allowing marketing to be directed at such consumers. Information is received regarding each of a number of consumers. This information can include demographic information, data regarding spending habits, and information as to how such attributes may have changed over time. Once attributes have been determined, and any changes over time to such attributes have been determined, a correlation of the attributes is performed. Such combined attributes are denoted as composite dimensions. Given the composite dimensions, as well as attributes that may not have been correlated with any other attributes, consumers are plotted in the resulting multi-dimensional space. Sets of consumers that appear to be grouped in this multi-dimensional space are then identified. Common attributes of this consumer group are identified. Unique attributes of a given consumer in such a group are also identified.

Abstract: A method of processing a specification may include receiving, by a home site, information regarding a search for at least one good or service, automatically generating, by the home site, a specification comprising a command block, an origin block and a routing block, based on the received information, and transmitting, by the home site, the specification to the one or more destination marketplaces. One or more of the command block, the origin block and the routing block may include one or more domain-specific language instructions. The command block may include one or more instructions defining the search and one or more instructions defining one or more actions to perform with respect to results of the search. The origin block may include information identifying the home site. The routing block comprises information identifying one or more destination marketplaces.

Abstract: Methods, systems and device for verifying a transaction in a loyalty or advertising system are described. One such method includes: receiving, at least one processor, transaction data associated with a transaction between a customer and a merchant; determining, at the at least one processor, from the transaction data whether the customer and the merchant are associated with the loyalty or advertising system; and upon determining from the transaction data whether the transaction corresponds to a reward or advertisement, triggering the redemption of the reward or advertisement.

Abstract: A method enabling a frequent shopper reward system capable of tracking performance data of a plurality of members or account holders linked to a single frequent shopper account.

Abstract: An electronic commerce ticket comprised in a redeemable ticket system including: a server side program operable on one or more servers and having: a server side communications module facilitating communication with customer devices and seller devices; a membership module for receiving and storing customer information; a seller module for receiving and storing seller information; a data module accessible by sellers for storing offers and generating verification codes associated with each offer for distribution sellers; and for distributing offers to one or more customers, and comparing verification codes associated each offer; and a client side program operable on each of the client devices and having: a client side communications module for uploading one or more offers to the servers for distribution with the verification codes to the customers by accessing their customer devices whereby one or more customers may take up any such offer by communicating the relevant verification codes to the relevant sellers.

Abstract: A point storage unit stores points, which are imparted to the user in an electronic commerce, in association with user identification information. A link request receiving unit receives a link request for linking user identification information and membership card identification information for identifying a membership card for receiving points imparted at an actual shop. In a case where the link request is received, a link information storage unit stores link information indicating a link between the user identification information and the membership card identification information. In a case where a point use request with a designation of the membership card identification information is received, a use permission unit permits use of the points stored in association with the user identification information linked to the membership card identification information.

Abstract: An approach is provided for validating redemption of a coupon. The coupon management module causes, at least in part, presentation of a coupon via a device. Next, the coupon management module receives a first code in response to the presentation. Next, the coupon management module causes, at least in part, validation of a redemption of the coupon based, at least in part, on the first code. The validation is performed at the device, at a server, or a combination thereof. Next, the coupon management module retrieves a second code based, at least in part, on the coupon, the first code, or a combination thereof. Next, the coupon management module causes, at least in part, presentation of the second code for verification. The validation of the redemption of the coupon is further based, at least in part, on the verification of the second code.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus, and a system for generating and verifying a color barcode are provided. The method for verifying the color barcode is adapted to an electronic apparatus to execute verification with use of a color barcode certificate. In the method, direction information of a plurality of boundaries among a plurality of serially connected symbolic elements in the color barcode certificate is read to retrieve first authentication information of a first party. Each of the symbolic elements is one of at least two polygons, and colors of adjacent symbolic elements are different. Color information of the symbolic elements is then read to retrieve second authentication information of a second party. An identity of a holder of the color barcode certificate is verified according to the first authentication information and the second authentication information.

Abstract: A transaction handler receives, for forwarding to a sponsor account's issuer, a coupon authorization request message from a merchant's acquirer that identifies the sponsor account and a coupon for an item being purchased by a consumer in a transaction with the merchant. The issuer determines eligibility of the coupon for use by the consumer, and sends an authorization response message to the merchant via its acquirer and the transaction handler for the application of a corresponding discount for the item when the coupon is eligible. One or more coupon eligibilities for the purchase of the item by the consumer from the merchant can be derived from comparisons of the transaction to predetermined times, geographies, jurisdictions, sets of merchants, and/or the number of times that coupons have been used in other transactions. The transaction handler can further process the transaction for authorization the consumer's account to pay of the transaction.

Abstract: A certification data management device that issues certification data easily editable on an administrator side while preventing copy and manipulation thereof, is provided. An access point device includes a communication unit, a data processing module, a memory controlling module, and a notification controlling module. The communicating unit is directly connectable with a communication terminal via wireless communication and acquires an interface ID (MAC address) used in the wireless communication, from the communication terminal. The data processing module issues certification data (electronic coupon) certifying a predetermined item. The memory controlling module performs a control of associating the interface ID with the certification data issued for the interface ID and storing them in a flash memory.

Abstract: A location based consumer interface for retail environments includes a plurality of data packet generators distributed around a retail store. The data packet generators include a wireless communication device and are configured to wirelessly transmit codes to mobile computing devices in the retail store. The codes are received by the mobile computing devices, and can be used to present promotional or other content to the consumer, such as content related to the consumer's current location within the store. The codes can also be used for other purposes, such as for use as part of a store rewards program. In some embodiments a vendor is charged a fee for presentation of the content to the consumer.

Abstract: A method for providing a mobile coupon in a mobile electronic device is provided. The method includes collecting information about the mobile coupon including a domain to which the mobile coupon is applicable, from a mobile coupon image including the mobile coupon, determining whether the domain to which the mobile coupon is applicable is identical with a domain of a web site accessed by the mobile electronic device and outputting, when the domain to which the mobile coupon is applicable is identical with a domain of a web site accessed by the mobile electronic device, the information about the mobile coupon.

Abstract: A method and system for transferring electronic units of value to a mobile device using a computer device coupled to a database are provided. The method includes establishing a transfer account associated with the mobile device, initiating, by the mobile device, a transfer of an identifier encoded in a geo.Chip to the mobile device, receiving, by the mobile device, the identifier and a geolocation of the mobile device, transmitting the received identifier and geolocation for verification of the identifier using the geolocation, and receiving, by the mobile device, an indication of the units of value associated with the geo.Chip location.

Abstract: A system and method for processing product marketing rebate claims submitted by a consumer in satisfaction of a rebate offer, the consumer having purchased designated products in a qualified transaction recorded by a point-of-sale data processing and storage system that issues a receipt containing a corresponding transaction serial number. The method comprises providing a designated site of a computer information network and accessible by the consumer, and receiving a rebate claim on the designated site. The rebate claim comprises (i) the transaction serial number corresponding to the qualified transaction, and (ii) identifying information corresponding to the consumer. The transaction serial number and the identifying information is stored as a stored data record.

Abstract: A distributed generation of coupons system and method is described. One example develops a campaign having a set of rules at a campaign management system. in addition, a communication channel is established between the campaign management system and a coupon generating subsystem. The campaign having a set of rules is provided from the campaign management system to the coupon generating subsystem via the communication channel. The coupon generating subsystem is authorized to independently generate a coupon based on the set of rules of the campaign without requiring communication between the coupon generating subsystem and the campaign management system.

Abstract: A method and system for reserving future purchases of goods or services or events including plural electronic options with associated option fees for the goods or services or events. The plural electronic options include electronic option terms established by one or more suppliers who can supply the goods or services or events. The purchase of the electronic option is accepted according to electronic option terms established by the desired supplier. The option terms may vary greatly among the individual suppliers and no two suppliers may use the same option terms. The electronic options are displayed, viewed, purchased, and exercised from a client network device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamically adjusting the user interface of a search engine in order to effectively communicate the improved relevancy achieved through real-time implicit re-ranking of search results is described. Real-time implicit re-ranking occurs without delay after every user action as the search is being conducted, so finding methods of immediately altering the search page without disrupting the user experience is important. Graphical icons next to search results are employed to enable generating and removing re-ranked results, referred to as “recommended” search results. Clusters based on the real-time user model are also displayed to facilitate query reformulations. Sponsored links are selected using the real-time user model along with a combination of RPC and CTR information and are displayed in a manner similar to the organic results, or used to replace the initial sponsored links altogether.

Abstract: A method and system for the electronic distribution of product redemption coupons to remote personal computers located at users' homes are disclosed. A centrally located repository, such as an online service provider or web site on the Internet, stores packages of coupon data for downloading on demand to the user's computer. A coupon generated by the system and method of the present invention comprises an encoded area that consists essentially of a unique Coupon Id. The unique Coupon Id is also recorded in a database comprising a plurality of data tables. At least one of the data tables associates each Coupon Id with one or more of a Promotion Id and a Consumer Id. Preferably, the Print Id is also associated in a data table with a Session Id and information regarding the date/time of printing. The Ids other than the Coupon Id may not be printed on the coupon.

Abstract: Data is detected from transaction systems, the data including a party's financial inflows, holding, outflows, payables and receivables. Data is also detected from location systems, the data including a party's proximity to a place or further party. Data is processed to determine if a reward should be triggered. Rewards are expressed as an amount of a virtual currency.

Abstract: A system for distributing promotional certificates includes a system server and a user device. The system server has a processor and a memory. The memory is in communication with the processor and has at least one database embodied thereon. The database defines a plurality of users, a plurality of participating businesses, and a plurality of promotional certificates associated with the participating businesses. The processor is configured to associate in the memory each of the users with either an individual one of the participating businesses or a provider of the system server. The user device is associated with one of the users, and is in communication with the system server. The user device has a software application that is configured to present the promotional certificates for redemption at the participating businesses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed that allows advertisers to define and distribute Short Messaging Service (SMS) and Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) coupons to consumers, and for consumers to redeem the received coupons, where such SMS and MMS coupons are used by businesses to promote their products and services to consumers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system, method and server to assist account issuers in managing risk, fraud and unauthorized use. A system, method and server for use in pushing advanced warning alerts to issuers based on consumer data element level triggering events and fraud and unauthorized use reports is disclosed. The ability to the push the alerts to issuers with a permissible purpose for receiving the information in the alerts provides a real-time, online and cost effective way of providing issuers with valuable risk management tools.

Abstract: A system and a method for distributing and redeeming coupons through mobile devices of consumers are disclosed. Consumers submit a coupon and purchase proof to the redemption server through mobile devices. Once the purchase information is confirmed, a reward is granted to the consumers along with a survey with questions about consumer demographic information and product related questions. The consumers' answers to the survey questions help target the future coupon distributions.

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing both electronic and paper coupons that includes a coupon web application and coupon card that allows paper coupons to be electronic, paperless, easily accessible, and organized with the use of mobile devices and wireless capable kiosk. Disclosed herein, the aforementioned printed and/or electronic coupons will have the ability to be loaded via web application to mobile device and/or scanned via wireless capable kiosk or personal home scanner. These same coupons will be placed in a user account via the web application and/or placed on a coupon card that will have the capability to be scanned by a retail UPC-type scanner for the process of being redeemed. This coupon web application and coupon card allows all coupons to be captured into one place, extracted effortlessly, notifies of expiration and allows better and easier utilization.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cloud-based storage, retrieval and sharing of files tagged with scannable code tags and group invitation. This application and method includes establishing a user account on a network, the user account being linked to a user space configured to store at least media files for an owner of the user account, generating a scannable code tag, and linking the scannable code tag with the user account and the owner. The method also includes linking a group invitation to one or more media files.

Abstract: Edupon is a type of a discount system on the merchandise items or services, where it splits total discount amount of offer between promotor/fundraiser/marketer and the customer/purchaser/user of the Edupon. It embeds the identity of the promotor/fundraiser/marketer along with the offer information. When printed or electronic Edupon is used during purchase of the merchandise item or service, offer is activate in the computer based platform and records the information in it for offer fund(money) disbursement for both promotor/fundraiser/marketer and customer/purchaser/user.

Abstract: Techniques for identifying a user and authenticating payment transactions based on the identification include requesting the user to send his audio, video, and/or image from the point of sale location and comparing the received audio, video, and/or image to an audio/video/image on file to identify and authenticate the user as being the official holder of the payment device being used in the transaction. Once the user is authenticated, the payment processing can be performed using conventional techniques. Some techniques involve use of accelerometer data associated with the user in addition to or in lieu of the audio, video, and/or image data to perform the identification and authentication of the user.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention include determining if updates performed by a second user include a systematic change such as a reversal of an update previously performed by a first user within a time window. The reversal is associated with a record of data used by a gamification application executing in a computer system. A time delay is introduced between the update performed by the second user and rewarding the second user if the update performed by the second user includes the reversal within the time window. An update history of the first user and the second user is evaluated to identify pattern of reversals associated with similar records within the time window. The second user is prevented from being rewarded based on identifying that there are patterns of reversals from the update history occurring within the time window.

Abstract: A system and method for determining data usage based on provenance information, in a stream-processing system, includes progressively setting usage information for output stream data objects (SDOs), determining input SDOs that an output SDO depends on, based on a provenance dependency function; recursively feeding back the usage information for a subset of SDOs that can be discarded; and discarding the subset of SDOs. A system and method for data retention based on usage information, in a stream-processing system, includes managing retention of SDOs by deleting SDOs that are determined to be of null usage; and enhancing retention characteristics of SDOs that are deemed to have usage.

Abstract: A System Solution offers a Retailer and a Manufacturer a way to prevent Coupon Fraud when Electronic Coupons are used. A plurality of Electronic Coupons are redeemed by Consumers and an Electronic Coupon Clearing Process validates that the redeemed Electronic Coupons are legitimately redeemed by a Consumer when purchasing associated products or services and that the total number and Face Value of the redeemed Electronic Coupons are not altered by any business entity, organization, or individual. The System Solution computes a Redemption Encrypted Identifier that is associated with the redeemed Electronic Coupon and is validated against stored parameters by an Electronic Clearing House. The Redemption Encrypted Identifier is computed using a first identifier known by a Retailer and a second identifier known by a Manufacturer.

Abstract: Optimized delivery of locally applicable Internet content to users. A cache of locally applicable Internet content is maintained in a local content server, based upon a monitoring of locations of users requesting Internet content. Requests for Internet content are received from user equipment through a wireless network base station, and served from the local content server, which is logically proximate to the wireless network base station. The caching of locally applicable Internet content may be maintained on a layered basis. Secure action request receipt and corresponding performance, and item condition alerts are also described.

Abstract: A method for determining the validity of an offer redemption includes: storing, in an algorithm database, at least one scoring algorithm, each algorithm associated with an offer identification; storing, in a consumer database, consumer profiles, each profile including a consumer identification and evaluation data; receiving transaction information for a financial transaction, the transaction including a consumer identifier, an offer identifier, and a redeemed offer; identifying a specific profile, wherein the consumer identification corresponds to the consumer identifier; identifying a specific algorithm, wherein the offer identification corresponds to the offer identifier; identifying a redemption validity score based on the redeemed offer and an application of the specific algorithm to the evaluation data of the specific profile; and transmitting the identified redemption validity score to an entity associated with the offer identifier.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, a system and a computer program product for processing third party online coupons. According to one embodiment, a third-party online coupon is received. Text is parsed to determine a merchant's website. The third-party online coupon description is parsed to determine a product term. The product term is searched for. The third-party online coupon is tested with a product associated with the product term. The third-party online coupon is determined if valid with the product.

Abstract: A method for implementing electronic promotional offers and a promotion system are provided. In an embodiment, the method includes receiving promotional offer information associated with a consumer. Optionally the information may be transmitted by a near-field communication and/or in another form of two-way communication mode. The promotional offer information is authenticated. In one embodiment, the promotional offer information is encrypted during transmission and decrypted upon receipt. A request to confirm that the consumer wishes to redeem the promotional offer may be sent. After receiving the confirmation, the promotional offer information is processed and the promotion of the promotional offer is implemented.