Abstract: A system and related method for selectively controlling use of functionality in one or more multifunction devices includes a communications interface in operative communication with a printer and/or a display apparatus. The communications interfaces electronically communicates data with the printer and/or the display apparatus. The data includes a data structure configured to present an advertisement. The data may be print data or image data. The communications interface is operatively associated with an advertisement-credit component which can generate a credit value corresponding to the advertisement. The advertisement-credit component can subsidize multi-function device costs based upon a presented advertisement, e.g., the cost of printing, scanning, faxing, and related consumables including inks, toners and/or papers. The advertisement credit component authorizes use of a predetermined amount of a function with the credit value that corresponds to the advertisement.

Abstract: SmartCard is a personalized debit card that allows customers to alter their menu at the comfort of their own home while improving their fast food experience. Memory technology through a network linked to our website offers each individual a unique dining experience.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for providing and managing benefits associated with a product or service are provided. For example, a device for managing benefits associated with a product or service may include a processor configured to run a product benefit management application, a memory device operably coupled to the processor, an electronic display operably coupled to the processor, and an input interface. The input interface may be a near field communication interface configured to receive data associated with at least one benefit associated with the product or service from a radio frequency identification tag associated with the product or service. The electronic product benefit management application may be configured to enable a user of the electronic device to use the at least one benefit.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for providing and managing electronic event tickets are provided. For example, a device for managing an electronic event ticket may include a processor configured to run an electronic ticket management application, a memory device configured to store data associated with the electronic ticket management application, an electronic display configured to display at least a portion of the data associated with the electronic ticket management application, and an input/output interface configured to receive an electronic ticket and the data associated with the electronic ticket for management by the electronic ticket management application. The electronic ticket management application may be configured to enable the electronic device to gain entry to an event and to obtain at least one other event-related benefit after the electronic ticket is received by the input/output interface.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for facilitating an acquisition from a merchant, whereby payment for the acquisition is made at least partially through automated redemption of loyalty points from a loyalty account. In particular, information is received at a loyalty point exchange system from the merchant. The information may include loyalty data indicating that the acquisition was paid for using a transaction card account that is to be reimbursed using loyalty points from the loyalty account. The loyalty account is debited by an amount equal to a currency value of the acquisition and the transaction card account is credited the amount charged for the acquisition. Loyalty points may, alternatively, be used to directly pay for purchases without the steps of charging and crediting a transaction card.

Abstract: An ATM network is coupled to a data warehouse. Information about transactions, the timing of transactions and advertisements displayed on or near ATM terminals in the network are stored in the data warehouse. Complex queries performed on the data warehouse are then used to provide information about the effectiveness of advertisements displayed on or near the ATM terminals and also to enable choices of subsets of the terminals to be made to provide information about suitable subsets for advertising placement.

Abstract: A method of displaying information by a network kiosk which causes different information to be displayed when someone passes within a predetermined distance of the kiosk. The method includes the steps of sensing a person within a predetermined distance of the kiosk, displaying first information, timing a time period, and displaying second information if the person did not begin use of the kiosk within the time period.

Abstract: A kiosk based purchasing system coupled by a network to a payment processor and fulfillment house. The system includes a plurality of kiosks coupled to one or more servers. Each of the kiosks has an embedded computing system configured to display information related to product offerings stored in its system memory to a customer without accessing the network. Customers input orders and related payment information into the kiosks. Each order identifies at least one product and includes a shipping address. Each kiosk transmits each order and related payment information to the servers. The servers transmit the payment information to the payment processor, which either approves or rejects the payment. If the payment is approved, the server transmits the order to the fulfillment house, which ships the products identified in the order to the shipping address. Kiosks may be transported to events, and configured to sell products related to those events.

Abstract: A linked mobile business and advertising unit that can sell products, services, and/or publicity. A plurality of units, together with a control unit, can form a chain. The control unit can sell time and space for the publicity devices controlled by the units. It can run publicity campaigns selecting geographical zones, market segments, times, and dates, while measuring the effect on sales. It can remotely turn on/off publicity devices. The control unit can suggest new locations, optimize inventory levels, and centralize customer information and transaction history. The units don't require foundation and can install/uninstall themselves rapidly, leaving no trace. The units are self-sufficient in services such as water, electricity, gas and drain; and, have flexibility to use these services when available. The units can transform themselves to ease transportation, to optimize operation or to protect against vandalism. The units can be configured as drive-thru, drive-in, or drive-inside.

Abstract: An information-processing system for market research includes a number of stations connected to the computer, each desirably having a touch screen. The program available in the computer is adapted to output a series of questions to a respondent, optionally after providing beforehand information necessary to answer a question. Once the respondent has answered the group of questions, the respondent receives a free reward, such as a gift voucher or product, for example. By presenting product information about which questions are asked, the invention ensures that each respondent has viewed the provided information before the respondent can receive their reward.

Abstract: A goods/information distribution method by ATM terminal (TE1) operationally associated with a plurality of banks is described, said method including steps of: supplying, on behalf of a bank (B1) of said plurality, an identification code (CDB) to a first mobile communication terminal (TM1) associated with a first user (U1), said code (CDB) being representative of a plurality of attributes (PAT) indicative of the distribution of goods/information; visualising, on a display with which the first mobile terminal (TM1) is equipped, said identification code (CDB); placing, on behalf of the first user (U1), said first mobile terminal (TM1) close to an identification code optical reading device (LTC) with which the ATM terminal (TE1) is equipped; acquiring, on behalf of the ATM terminal (TE1), said identification code; recognising said identification code; making said goods/information available to said first user, on behalf of said ATM terminal.

Abstract: An electronic offer management system and method thereof is disclosed. In particular, the system comprises means for receiving information related to a plurality of offers distributed by a plurality of different offer distributors to customer for redemption at plurality of stores, means for automatically routing the information related to an offer to a point-of-sale system of each store in which the offer can be redeemed, and means for automatically clearing the offers redeemed by the customer at the stores. The system further comprises means for automatically reconciling financial obligations associated with each cleared offer, as well means for dynamically profiling customers so that improved offer targeting can be achieved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that determine a time window based on a presentation schedule for a multimedia content in response to receiving the presentation schedule is described herein. The multimedia content is played according to the presentation schedule at a predetermined location. During the time window, an interactive user interface pattern is presented within a vicinity of the predetermined location. In response to receiving a user input via the interactive user interface pattern, a reward is generated during the time window.