Abstract: Methods and systems for providing promotional information include collecting information at a server regarding promotions, including promotion location, supplied by a plurality of individual users. A request is received at the server from a requesting user that includes a user location. The server searches the promotional information to generate a list of promotions within a radius of the user location. The server then transmits the list of promotions to the requesting user.

Abstract: Advertising pricing based on campaign goal progress and/or achievement. Surveys conducted during campaign initiation can determine baseline statistics for goals. Periodic surveys during and after the campaign can be used to measure progress toward a goal and/or whether the goal has been achieved. Pricing of the campaign can be tied to goal progress and/or achievement. In one implementation, lift in brand awareness among an audience can be a campaign goal that is measured. Survey results are integrated into an ad server for running display ads on a publisher website and the advertiser only pays for percentage point lifts in reader awareness.

Abstract: An optimized targeting system can properly identify and determine information about an audience as part of the targeting process. Surveys may be used in place of advertisements on a page for receiving specific information about an audience that can be combined with known targeting data to generate an optimization model that better targets the audience. The model may be used for selecting targeted advertisements based on information about the audience. Interactions with the targeted advertisements and additional survey responses may be used to further refine the model. The model may consider and account for selection bias in the survey responses.

Abstract: A system and a method for measuring and monitoring effectiveness of on-line advertising are provided. The system and method provide a code attached to, for example, an advertising banner of a company that may advertise goods and/or services of the company. The code provides a signal to a server when the banner is viewed on a computer of a user. Cookie data is transferred by the server to the computer of the user providing information related to viewing of the advertising banner. Surveys are further presented to users to obtain information related to the effectiveness of the advertising for both exposed users and control users.

Abstract: A Sales and Marketing Recommendation System comprises one or more software packages designed to run on various hardware platforms (Windows PC, Apple, iPad, Android, BlackBerry, iPhone) and access a secure website, where a corporation's users may configure, initiate, and track marketing and sales activities. Behind the website is a database to track activity occurring within the system, as well as data on activity and customers received from other integrated systems. Additionally, a recommendation engine analyzes the data to constantly provide updated suggestions to the users regarding which customers to target and what messages to use.

Abstract: A system and method disclosed for using and updating a database of template responses for a live agent in response to user communications. The method includes computing an average string distance between each response from a live agent and a template, use to generate the response, modifying the computed average string distance based on a customer satisfaction score associated with each response and selecting a response that minimizes the computed average string distance and maximizes customer satisfaction. Upon receiving a further communication on a certain issue, the system presents a prototype response that has been added to the template database to the live agent for use in generating a response to the further communication that reduces handling time and increases customer satisfaction.

Abstract: An analytics system for monitoring consumer interactions with promotional activities provides rapid feedback to merchants engaging in promotional activity to increase consumer traffic, purchases, and knowledge with regard to the merchants' businesses. The analytics system may distribute one or more promotions to consumers electronically. An activity monitor of the analytics system may monitor and collect information regarding consumer interactions or activities surrounding the promotions. For example, the viewing, sharing, or redemption of particular promotions on a consumer's mobile or other device may be collected. This information may then be used to provide feedback to merchants regarding the results, success, or lack thereof of one or more of their promotions.

Abstract: The various exemplary embodiments provide a method for projecting survey information into a geographic region. The geographic region is divided into a plurality of geographic subregions, each of which are profiled using a plurality of profiling variables to form a selected geographic subregion profile. The profiling variables include both demographic and behavioral variables. A plurality of survey respondents are then randomly assigned into the selected geographic subregion to form a modeled population, with the random assignment weighted based on a representation probability of each of the corresponding plurality of survey respondents for the selected geographic subregion profile, with the representation probabilities having been determined using a sample balancing algorithm. Following such profiling and assignment for all subregions, survey information corresponding to the modeled population is projected into the geographic region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an advertisement information providing system and an advertisement information providing method. According to the present invention, when a data addresser transmits data to a data addressee through a data transmitting server of a network service medium or when the data addressee receives data from the data addresser through a data receiving server of the network service medium, an advertisement matched with the field of interests of which the data addresser and the data addressee are the most interested is generated in real-time and the generated advertisement is transmitted to the data addresser or the data addressee.

Abstract: A method for voice ordering utilizing catalog taxonomies and hierarchical categorization relationships in product information management (PIM) systems includes: prompting a user with a query to input speech into a speech recognition engine; translating the inputted speech into a series of words; querying a product information management component (PIM) based on the series of words; wherein the querying is performed as a matching algorithm against PIM category and attribute keywords; returning coded results to a voice synthesizer to produce at least one of: a voice response, and a text response to the user; and wherein in the coded results indicate one or more of: a not found message for zero matches, a confirmation of a suitable single match, a request for additional information in the event one or more of the following occurs: more than one matching item, category, and item attribute was found in the PIM.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for verifying content distribution authority. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a request for broadcast content for a broadcast feed from a requestor. In response to the request, specifying verification content for inclusion in the broadcast feed, the verification content being scheduled for presentation at a specified time. The broadcast feed is monitored for presentation of the verification content at the specified time. In turn, a determination is made whether the verification content was presented by the broadcast feed at the specified time. In response to determining that the verification content was presented by the broadcast feed at the specified time, the requestor is verified as an entity having content distribution authority over the broadcast feed.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for providing answers to questions based on any corpus of data. The method facilitates generating a number of candidate passages from the corpus that answer an input query, and finds the correct resulting answer by collecting supporting evidence from the multiple passages. By analyzing all retrieved passages and that passage's metadata in parallel, there is generated an output plurality of data structures including candidate answers based upon the analyzing. Then, by each of a plurality of parallel operating modules, supporting passage retrieval operations are performed upon the set of candidate answers, and for each candidate answer, the data corpus is traversed to find those passages having candidate answer in addition to query terms. All candidate answers are automatically scored causing the supporting passages by a plurality of scoring modules, each producing a module score.

Abstract: A questionnaire network in which a mobile device is used by user to create questionnaires and send it to other recipients. The questionnaire is created by user of mobile device using audio inputs for a questionnaire preamble and question preambles. A server in the network incorporates other generic portions of the questionnaire. Thus, a user can make adhoc questionnaires, send them to recipients and receive the results.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for verifying a consumer's cognitive awareness of an advertisement. Aspects of the invention provide a method of receiving a request for services from a consumer, presenting at least one advertisement to the consumer, presenting at least one verification question to the consumer, receiving at least one verification response from the consumer, and determining whether the at least one verification response matches at least one correct response. If the at least one verification response matches the correct response, then access to the service is granted. If the at least one verification response does not match the correct response, then access to the service is not granted. In some embodiments of the invention, the consumer is allowed to repeat the verification process if the verification response does not match the correct response.

Abstract: Targeted advertisements to social contacts is described. In embodiment(s), social contacts can be correlated based on messaging interactions between mobile communication devices that are associated with the social contacts. Feedback about an advertisement can be received from mobile communication devices that are associated with the social contacts, and the advertisement can then be targeted to one or more of the social contacts based on the feedback about the advertisement.

Abstract: A method analyzes preferences of one or more participants. Each of the participants may be presented with a plurality of evaluation items that illustrate various marketing options. Response data from the participants that indicates at least an approach, if any, toward the evaluation items is obtained. An approach entropy value may be generated for the marketing options based on the response data for each participant. A relative preference order for each participant for the marketing options may be determined from the generated approach entropy values.

Abstract: A system for targeting advertising content includes the steps of: (a) receiving first and second requests for advertising associated with first and second users, wherein the users are identified; (b) retrieving data pertaining to the users from a data provider; (c) selecting respective advertising content from the first and second sponsors based at least on a determination of relevancy of each advertising content to the data provider's data, wherein the relevancy determination generates respective relevancy scores; (d) determining the advertising content of the first sponsor is more relevant to the first user and the advertising content of the second sponsor is more relevant to the second user based on the respective relevancy scores; and (e) transmitting the advertising content of the first sponsor to the first mobile communication facility for display and transmitting the advertising content of the second sponsor to the second mobile communication facility for display.

Abstract: A system for targeting advertising content includes the steps of: (a) receiving first and second requests for advertising associated with first and second users, wherein the users are identified; (b) retrieving data pertaining to the users from a data provider; (c) selecting respective advertising content from the first and second sponsors based at least on a determination of relevancy of each advertising content to the data provider's data, wherein the relevancy determination generates respective relevancy scores; (d) determining the advertising content of the first sponsor is more relevant to the first user and the advertising content of the second sponsor is more relevant to the second user based on the respective relevancy scores; and (e) transmitting the advertising content of the first sponsor to the first mobile communication facility for display and transmitting the advertising content of the second sponsor to the second mobile communication facility for display.

Abstract: A system for targeting advertising content includes the steps of: (a) receiving first and second requests for advertising associated with first and second users, wherein the users are identified; (b) retrieving data pertaining to the users from a data provider; (c) selecting respective advertising content from the first and second sponsors based at least on a determination of relevancy of each advertising content to the data provider's data, wherein the relevancy determination generates respective relevancy scores; (d) determining the advertising content of the first sponsor is more relevant to the first user and the advertising content of the second sponsor is more relevant to the second user based on the respective relevancy scores; and (e) transmitting the advertising content of the first sponsor to the first mobile communication facility for display and transmitting the advertising content of the second sponsor to the second mobile communication facility for display.

Abstract: A system for targeting advertising content includes the steps of: (a) receiving first and second requests for advertising associated with first and second users, wherein the users are identified; (b) retrieving data pertaining to the users from a data provider; (c) selecting respective advertising content from the first and second sponsors based at least on a determination of relevancy of each advertising content to the data provider's data, wherein the relevancy determination generates respective relevancy scores; (d) determining the advertising content of the first sponsor is more relevant to the first user and the advertising content of the second sponsor is more relevant to the second user based on the respective relevancy scores; and (e) transmitting the advertising content of the first sponsor to the first mobile communication facility for display and transmitting the advertising content of the second sponsor to the second mobile communication facility for display.

Abstract: A system for targeting advertising content includes the steps of: (a) receiving first and second requests for advertising associated with first and second users, wherein the users are identified; (b) retrieving data pertaining to the users from a data provider; (c) selecting respective advertising content from the first and second sponsors based at least on a determination of relevancy of each advertising content to the data provider's data, wherein the relevancy determination generates respective relevancy scores; (d) determining the advertising content of the first sponsor is more relevant to the first user and the advertising content of the second sponsor is more relevant to the second user based on the respective relevancy scores; and (e) transmitting the advertising content of the first sponsor to the first mobile communication facility for display and transmitting the advertising content of the second sponsor to the second mobile communication facility for display.

Abstract: A system for targeting advertising content includes the steps of: (a) receiving first and second requests for advertising associated with first and second users, wherein the users are identified; (b) retrieving data pertaining to the users from a data provider; (c) selecting respective advertising content from the first and second sponsors based at least on a determination of relevancy of each advertising content to the data provider's data, wherein the relevancy determination generates respective relevancy scores; (d) determining the advertising content of the first sponsor is more relevant to the first user and the advertising content of the second sponsor is more relevant to the second user based on the respective relevancy scores; and (e) transmitting the advertising content of the first sponsor to the first mobile communication facility for display and transmitting the advertising content of the second sponsor to the second mobile communication facility for display.

Abstract: A system and method for auction based polling is provided. Parameters related to a poll are received from a first user. Parameters related to a poll are received from a first user. A query is associated with the poll. A priority of the poll is determined based on the parameters. The poll is distributed to one or more second users according to the priority. Results to the poll are gathered. The results are reported to the first user.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide information products relating to past, present and future advertising transactions (i.e., contracts to place advertisements in various media) to enable a marketplace in advertising products. Information regarding a plurality of advertising transactions are gathered. Data is analyzed to determine its attributes. Some attribute values are transformed and the attribute values are stored in a database. Attributes are organized or indexed according to a taxonomy of attributes to provide indexes to advertising transaction records. Indexes and benchmarks for various selected types of advertising transactions can be generated by selecting certain records from the database and aggregating the data or otherwise synthesizing information products, such as benchmarks and market entities for the selected types of advertising transactions. Information products may be published and syndicated as market indexes and benchmarks.

Abstract: A computer based system (1,5) for measuring the effectiveness of a marketing element for a product is disclosed. It has an apparatus (1) comprising one or more computing processes (30, 32, 34, 36) for determining how well a product and/or marketing element measures against each one of one or more consumer perceived benefits (15) that consumers seek through purchase and/or consumption of the product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spawning and management of online surveys is provided. An administration and redirector subsystem (ARS) is used manage ongoing surveys for a plurality of sites. Surveys can be added to or removed from individual sites using the ARS. The ARS also tracks statistics for individual surveys. Redirector tags invite users to participate in surveys and track user survey participation through cookies. The system can be used to conduct advertisement effectiveness studies. Tracker tags and corresponding cookies are used to track users who have viewed content containing the tag. Each study is issued a unique content tag, but uses the same redirector tag.

Abstract: A system and a method for measuring and monitoring effectiveness of on-line advertising are provided. The system and method provide a code attached to, for example, an advertising banner of a company that may advertise goods and/or services of the company. The code provides a signal to a server when the banner is viewed on a computer of a user. Cookie data is transferred by the server to the computer of the user providing information related to viewing of the advertising banner. Surveys are further presented to users to obtain information related to the effectiveness of the advertising for both exposed users and control users.

Abstract: A system and method disclosed for using and updating a database of template responses for a live agent in response to user communications. The method includes computing an average string distance between each response from a live agent and a template, use to generate the response, modifying the computed average string distance based on a customer satisfaction score associated with each response and selecting a response that minimizes the computed average string distance and maximizes customer satisfaction. Upon receiving a further communication on a certain issue, the system presents a prototype response that has been added to the template database to the live agent for use in generating a response to the further communication that reduces handling time and increases customer satisfaction.

Abstract: Methods of detecting, and providing a notification of, the existence of misinformation using usage patterns of a network service enable an organization to respond to the misinformation. The method includes establishing common usage patterns of the network service, identifying an irregular usage pattern, determining that the irregular usage pattern was caused by misinformation, and responding to the misinformation.

Abstract: Configurations for electronic commerce are disclosed. In some embodiments, data related to the distribution of advertising content to consumers via at least one media outlet can be acquired and stored. The content can include a message response facilitator useable by a text based message system (TBMS) to provide a selectable link to facilitate a reply path. The selectable link allows a consumer ad-hoc access to a transaction account when the consumer responds to an impression created by the advertising content. The link, when activated, can place the CID in communication with a payment gateway where the communication can include a request for information related to the transaction account, a reply to the request, and a status message from a transaction account authorization entity.

Abstract: A system and method are described for presenting on-line survey invitations to users over a network. The system enables selectively presenting survey invitations to users in accordance with a survey recruitment definition associated with a tag embedded within an on-line advertisement downloaded and executed on a user computer. If a determination is made by a survey recruitment server that a requestor is to be a potential control (unexposed) survey participant, then instructions are issued to the requesting user computer to obstruct presentation of the on-line advertisement which caused the issuance of the request for a survey invitation from the user computer.

Abstract: A system and method classifies advertising based on referenceable attributes. An individual advertisement is classified by predefined referenceable attributes. The advertisement and the predefined referenceable attributes are linked using alphanumeric or digital codes. The advertisement and the linked codes are stored such that the advertisement and linked codes are accessible by a user.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed to tailor an advertising campaign. A disclosed example method involves receiving, by a processor, an indication of user exposure to a first advertisement, selecting, by the processor, a survey prompt based on the indication of user exposure to the advertisement, and sending the survey prompt for presentation in a web-based challenge prompt.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for coordinating advertising among at least two devices currently being used by the same user. A server receives information about what advertising is sent to a first user device. Based on that information, the server creates a “context directive” that specifies how to appropriately direct advertising to a second user device. The context directive is sent to a device that manages an advertising campaign for the second device. The context directive can be based on advertising policy rules set by campaign managers for the first and second user devices. The policy rules may be based on demographic information associated with the user of the second device. In some embodiments, a server collects information on advertisements sent to the various user devices, correlates that information, and produces a report. Advertising managers use this report to gauge the effectiveness of their campaigns across devices.

Abstract: A method and system for broadcasting multimedia data is disclosed. In an embodiment, a method for broadcasting multimedia data is disclosed. The method comprising generating one or more multimedia data streams using the multimedia data, scheduling the one or more multimedia data streams at one or more timing slots of one or more advertisement, and processing the one or more multimedia data streams with a first data stream at the one or more timing slots. The method further comprises inserting multimedia data streams within the first data stream in accordance with a geographic location.

Abstract: Techniques for image selection and region of interest analysis are described herein. A pair of two or more users is configured, and an image is displayed to the pair. The image can be a still image (i.e., a picture) or a moving image (i.e., video). In some instances, a plurality of advertisements is suggested for possible association with the image. Input is received from both users in the pair, indicating a positive or a negative association between each advertisement and the image. When the pair positively rates an advertisement, the advertisement is associated with the image. A plurality of regions of interest within the image may be suggested. In response, positive or negative input is received from the pair indicating whether each of the plurality of regions of interest is appropriately suggested for placement of an advertisement.

Abstract: A technique for adapting an advertising campaign based on real-time campaign metrics, such as a composition of the target audience among advertising recipients or an impact on brand metrics. As the advertising campaign runs, parameters of the campaign are updated to boost performance of a portion of the advertising campaign determined to be particularly effective by the campaign metrics. The campaign metrics utilize real-time, single-question surveys across segmented portions of the target audience, and then adapt the advertising campaign to target a particular segment based on desired brand and audience metrics.

Abstract: A system for mobile devices that facilitates the creation and dissemination of user interest surveys to a plurality of mobile devices and PCs/laptops that comprise a user interest survey client component. A computer or PC comprising an user interest survey generator is used to generate audio assisted user interest surveys and communicate it to a distribution server for dissemination. Recipient devices, such as PCs and Mobile devices comprise an user interest survey client component to receive and present user interest survey to a user, gather user interest information, and to send it back to the distribution server or an alternate destination.

Abstract: A system for evaluating a review having unstructured text comprises a segment splitter for separating at least a portion of the unstructured text into one or more segments, each segment comprising one or more words; a segment parser coupled to the segment splitter for assigning one or more lexical categories to one or more of the one or more words of each segment; an information extractor coupled to the segment parser for identifying a feature word and an opinion word contained in the one or more segments; and a sentiment rating engine coupled to the information extractor for calculating an opinion score based upon an opinion grouping, the opinion grouping including at least the feature word and the opinion word identified by the information extractor.

Abstract: A system includes an interactive item catalog and a data repository that stores purchase histories for users, first reviews for items submitted by users, and first review helpfulness scores. A search engine system identifies catalog items that do not have reviews from users. The system includes a user interface that enables the user to select an item identified by the search engine system as not having user reviews. The systems includes review entry user interface via which the user can enter a first review for an item selected by the user. A game system is configured to calculate for a first review game first review scores and first review rankings for users based at least in part on data stored in the data repository and the first review scores. The system includes an interface configured to provide information to users related to their first review scores and rankings.

Abstract: A method for determining advertising effectiveness of cross-media campaigns provided. The effectiveness of the combined campaign is plotted, and the effects of different media are isolated. Examining complementary effects and synergies are examined, and a dollar-for-dollar comparison for each of the media is performed. This dollar-for-dollar comparison may include a return on marketing objective calculation. If applicable, budget re-allocations are recommended. Optionally, post effectiveness, efficiency, and allocation analysis are performed. Such analysis may include providing descriptive advertising and media suggestions on each media independently.

Abstract: This specification describes technologies relating to content presentation. In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods that include the actions of receiving ad information from a seller; generating, using one or more processors, a single conversion ad using the received ad information, where the single conversion ad has an available inventory of one such that only a single conversion of the ad can be performed; transmitting the single conversion ad to one or more potential buyers; receive an input from one of the one or more potential buyers; and notifying the seller of the user input. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding systems, apparatus, and computer program products.

Abstract: The present invention provides techniques for use in providing advertisers and other entities with information relating to target audiences. Techniques are provided in which, in reply to an advertiser query, the advertiser is provided with, in connection with a specified target audience, topics of interest, levels of interest per topic, and a level or levels of engagement with the advertiser. Other information may also be provided, including topic of interest trending information, as well as topics of interest that best differentiate between the target audience and a specified comparison audience.

Abstract: A method of providing targeted communications within a hyper-local domain from a first user to a second user, the method including receiving a communication from a first device, the first communication related to the hyper-local domain, receiving an input from a second device, comparing the input to the communication, and transmitting the communication to the second device, a third device, or combinations thereof, based on the comparing of the input to the communication.

Abstract: The present invention is a method, system and investment product for allocating or structuring investment assets (such as marketable securities, bonds, mortgages, or other property interests, options or derivatives). The system, method or product enables selecting or grouping a number of individual financial instruments together into a portfolio (e.g., a fund or trust) and assigning weight coefficients to the selected financial instruments based upon a predetermined scale. After assigning the weight coefficients, the system or method purchases the selected instruments based on the allocated total purchase for each instrument (i.e., the total price of each instrument reflects is the price per unit×number of units, which correspond the predetermined weight coefficient). Then, the purchased individual financial instruments are allowed to fluctuate and perform for a predetermined time period (i.e., a number of years and months) without any further significant adjustments to the initial portfolio.

Abstract: As a result of the system, effective advertisements may be created using only the structured data from the seller. The difficulty of determining keywords to bid on is eliminated as the system determines the keywords from the structured data. In addition, the structure data is used to create the text and images for an advertisement. The seller supplies the sales data and the system creates advertisement based on the sales data. In addition, the system may be able to create and adjust bids on keywords to better optimize sales.

Abstract: A system for electronic commercial information transmission, and the method for electronic information transmission applied therein. The system comprises a server and at least one portable work station that can communicate with the server on which a combination of free multi-media information are stored. The multi-media information is played free of charge with non-limited times. The music group and commercial goods will gradually become famous. The actions for watching the commercial information will enlarge the market for multi-media information download and the commodities business. This system will enclose the combination of the said multi-media information and commercial information in the greeting card and send the same to whose lover and families to offer the festival wishes, and this card, further to the multi-media information and commercial information will easily become the gossip topic of the public.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter provide methods and systems to automatically identify popular television programs based on the viewing of broadcast television programs by at least some of the subscribers of a television distribution system. One or more of the popular television programs identified are stored and offered to one or more of the subscribers on-demand. Subscribers can obtain delivery of at least one of the stored popular television programs for viewing on a subscriber television.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to adaptively gather audience information data are disclosed. The disclosed methods and apparatus monitor system factor(s) and select one or more sensors from a plurality of sensors positioned to gather audience measurement data based on the monitored factor(s). Thus, the disclosed methods and apparatus adapt to the conditions they face by selecting an amount and/or type of audience measurement data they gather.

Abstract: A targeted marketing system and method are provided that provide a customer with customer questions, receive responses to the customer questions from the customer, and store data associated with the responses. The customer is provided with a feedback page that graphically illustrates data associated with the customer's standing in a selected peer group. The customer is provided with options operable to adjust the customer's actual demographic to a hypothetical demographic, and data associated with hypothetical demographic changes from the customer is received and processed. Hypothetical feedback information is then displayed that graphically illustrates the hypothetical standing of the customer within the selected peer group such that the customer can see the effect of the hypothetical demographic changes.