Abstract: An approach to facilitating in-vehicle services for user-provided devices is provided. One or more communication sessions with one or more user-provided devices may be facilitated by an in-vehicle computer system. One or more content items available to the one or more user-provided devices may be stored by the in-vehicle computer system. A list of the one or more content items may be provided by the in-vehicle computer system to the one or more user-provided devices. A selection of at least one content item from at least one user-provided device may be received by the in-vehicle computer system. Access to the at least one content item may be provided, by the in-vehicle computer system via the one or more communication sessions, to the at least user-provided device based on the selection.

Abstract: A document machine may detect a request for provision of a document while that document is available for provisioning. The document machine may update a count of referrals to the document and, based on the count of referrals transgressing a threshold value, generate a substitute document based on the original document. This substitute document may then be provided in response to further requests for the original document after the original document is no longer available for provision. The updating of the count of referrals is based on the identifier of a network that referred a request detected while the first document was still available for provision. The document machine may then provide the substitute document in lieu of the original document in response to a further request for provision of the first document.

Abstract: The tokenless transaction system described herein allows a user conduct financial transactions absent the need for his/her credit cards, debit cards, promotional cards, discount cards, and all other cards typically used in executing a financial transactions. In the same manner, the chances to have a card lost or stolen are reduced, bolstering the security of the user's financial information. The transaction terminals list the entire collection of a user's credit cards and the like and allow the user to access any one or a combination of the cards to finish a financial transaction. These accounts are accessed via multiple layers of security and the system further employs various security strategies to protect the user's sensitive information.

Abstract: Provided is a method and a GUI-based software application that acts as a wallet with network interconnectivity for enabling a user to securely and seamlessly conduct transactions with his or her online financial transaction program by means of a computer or a wireless handheld device without having to depend on an Internet browser.

Abstract: Included are systems and methods for directing data. At least one embodiment of a method includes receiving a listing for a data provider, the listing including a plurality of criteria related to the data provider and receiving an indication to add at least a portion of the listing to a personal directory. Other embodiments include adding at least a portion of the listing to the personal directory and receiving an indication from the data provider to send data to the personal directory.

Abstract: The present invention provides advertisement opportunities during presentation of a shopping list, while displaying ingredients of a recipe, or during a similar display of items to a consumer. When a type of product is displayed to a consumer as part of a shopping list, recipe, or other similar display, the present invention can provide a product manufacturer or supplier with the opportunity to advertise its product to the consumer in conjunction with the display. In this way, the present invention can enable product manufacturers or suppliers to provide targeted advertisements for a product at the moment when consumers are making a decision to purchase a product. Because these targeted advertisements can be more effective at influencing a consumer to purchase a particular product, a manufacturer or supplier can spend less money to promote its products than when other forms of general advertising are used.

Abstract: Providing prioritization of user online access to an online commerce site. Third party applications using API function calls to access an online commerce site are restricted to specific services by an access rule. An access rule defines which API server on the online commerce site a specific third party application may access when using a specific API function call. In this way, the operator of the online commerce site may prioritize server access per service level agreements based on a specific third party application and API function call.

Abstract: A computing apparatus includes an offer engine configured to generate offers on behalf of merchants based on transaction data and a reduced set of parameters, such as budget, timing, and logo. The offers may be generated to include offer terms, identification of targeted customers to whom the offers will be provided, identification of media channels through which the offers will be distributed, and other aspects that generated based on the transaction data in accordance with the reduced set of parameters.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media processor having a controller to receive from a media communication system metadata describing one or more marketable items depicted in a media program supplied by the media communication system, present images of the media program at a media presentation device without highlighting the one or more marketable items, present an icon at least at one of a remote controller managing operations of the media processor or the media presentation device to indicate a presence of the one or more marketable items in one or more of the images presented at the media presentation device, detect a selection of the icon, and highlight the one or more marketable items. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method includes: receiving notice, via a communications network that a member of a particular market demographic is shopping on-line; analyzing on-line and/or off-line shopping basket content information associated with the market demographic, according to consumer benefit(s) of a product market category of the contents; identifying a consumer need of the market demographic according to the analyzed consumer benefit(s); and communicating information, associated with products or services related to the consumer need, via an electronic communications network, to the market demographic member.

Abstract: Syndication data feed items, corresponding to hosted content, are provided to a user program. A resource locator to hosted content to which a syndication data feed item corresponds is processed, including adjusting the resource locator to associate the resource locator with an intervention service with regard to the syndication data feed item. The processed syndication data feed items are provided to the user program. In addition, requests are processed to view hosted content corresponding to syndication data feed items. An intervention service receives a request from a user program to view hosted content to which a syndication data feed item corresponds, including a resource locator to the host that has been adjusted in the syndication data feed item to associate the resource locator with an intervention service. Intervention processing is performed, including causing interaction with the host of the requested content such that the host content is caused to be displayed at a user location.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for the creation of a contextual mobile advertising and opportunity matching platform (CMAP) that provides contextually relevant advertising, lead generation, feedback, quotation or offers for goods and/or services, collaboration, or other contextually relevant interaction between parties to opportunity receivers based upon data generator sourced or generated values, inferences or data. The system analyzes and processes data obtained from and/or about a data generator, and uses this data to either directly determine and deliver a contextual opportunity to the opportunity receiver or match to a list of associated third party opportunity publishers who may be able to provide a relevant contextual opportunity to the opportunity receiver.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, by a first computer, input from a first user. The method further includes creating, by the first computer, a hierarchical class tree implementing security profiles based on the input from the user. The hierarchical class tree identifies data, actions, and behaviors pertaining to content, and the security profiles restrict access and use of that user's content. The method also includes transmitting, by the first computer, a portion of the hierarchical class tree to a second computer. A corresponding apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A server stores personal information associated with a user of a wireless communication device. The server also receives from the wireless communication device an image of an item for sale and a price of the item, and appends the image and the price to include the user's email address and the delivery information.

Abstract: In a first aspect of the present invention, methods and apparatus implement graphical user interfaces for interactively specifying service level agreements used to regulate delivery of services to, for example, computer systems. An interactive graphical user interface allows a user to see the effects of varying values of service delivery variables on the level of service achievable in a particular service delivery context. In a second aspect, methods and apparatus of the present invention provision resources required for service delivery. In the second aspect, the methods and apparatus of the present invention select a service delivery model dependent on context. The selected service delivery model is used to provision resources that will be required during service delivery. In a third aspect, methods and apparatus of the present invention monitor compliance with a service level agreement during a service delivery event.

Abstract: A system for obtaining insight information for a plurality of client applications and a plurality of mobile users, comprises a content management system module configured to distribute a plurality of types of content to the plurality of mobile users, wherein at least one of the content and types of content differs for each of the plurality of client applications; an insights module configured to allow a client associated with a specific client application to define one or more locations and select a target vertical, select an insights algorithm based in the target vertical, identify the status of the plurality of users relative to the defined locations, and cause the content management system module to distribute certain types of content to the plurality of users based on the status; and a data warehouse configured to store the status information for each of the plurality of client applications and associated users.

Abstract: An application program interface (API) is operably associated with application programs executing on an electronic device and enables the application programs to retrieve, store, and display content. The API enables application programs to communicate with other application programs and to send/retrieve content to/from other application programs. In addition, the API is configured to perform various event accounting functions. A gateway communicates with an electronic device application program via the API and is configured to retrieve content from a content server in response to receiving requests from the application programs. The gateway is configured to serve content retrieved from the content server to the electronic device, as well as to other servers and/or devices. Methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for dynamically selecting advertisements for use within user-requested content wherein the advertisements are stored locally within a user client device.

Abstract: A system for creating and providing custom post-checkout out offers to a user is described. The system collects purchase history data and social network data associated with the user to create custom post-checkout offers for the user, which are provided to the user immediately after the user makes a purchase. The post-checkout offers may also be customized based on the products and/or services that were just purchased by the user.

Abstract: Geomapping-based marketing, to gas station customers.

Abstract: Methodologies, systems, components and software are provided that perform web analytics to measure visitor to consumer conversion continuously throughout surfing, through conversion and past completion of a purchase on-line. In accordance with at least one embodiment, such methodologies, systems, components and software may be utilized to determine efficacy of a plurality of parameters relating to one or more Transaction Related Offerings (TROs). In accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention, such methodologies, systems, components and software may be utilized to configure one or more Consumer Behavior Decision Models (CBDMs) and/or generate consumer behavior data.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for providing payment options. In one embodiment, a system may receive transaction information regarding a plurality of purchase transactions involving a plurality of merchants and customers of a financial service provider. The system may also determine a merchant and payment type for each of the plurality of purchase transactions based on the received transaction information. The system may further associate one or more of the determined payment types with each of the determined merchants. The system may also generate at least one configuration file reflecting the one or more of the determined payment types associated with each of the determined merchants. The system may also provide the at least one configuration file to at least one client device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved approach to implement a shopping interface that includes a friend offer mechanism which identifies marketing deals that are available as an adjunct to a primary sales situation. The friend offer mechanism presents the additional marketing deals to the consumer. This permits friends offer mechanism to allow the primary consumer to choose a free gift or to purchase another item for a friend at a discount. The invention is applicable to any application in which a product or service to be purchased by a consumer is amenable to be provided to a friend of that purchasing consumer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for managing a payment transaction wherein a processor receives a transaction information input corresponding to a particular card type. The processor then accesses a BIN table and a rate table to calculate a fee based on the transaction information input and compares the calculated fee with alternate fees corresponding to alternate card types. A card type corresponding to a determined lowest fee between the calculated fee and the alternate fees is then outputted. The processor then completes the payment transaction by accessing transaction information corresponding to a user selected card type.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides information to enhance at least one of: a sales, a service and an administrative transaction by communicating with a plurality of applications from a group of applications in accordance with rule information and based on at least two of the received: end user identification information, client identification information and transaction type information. In one example, the apparatus includes a rules engine, an application integrator, an integration and presentation module, and an integrated user interface. The rules engine causes the application integrator to communicate with a plurality of applications in accordance with the rule information, and at least two of: the end user identification information, the client identification information, and the transaction type information.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for providing a mobile shopping budget application. The system includes an account processor that receives, via a network, location data associated with the current location of an account holder, product data, and budget data, a database that stores the received location, product and budget data, and an aggregator that determines a total price based on at least the location data, product data, and budget data, and provides a virtual shopping basket to the account holder based at least on the product data and budget data.

Abstract: Tools and techniques are described herein for determining click values, along with incentive schemes for website visitors and advertisers. These tools may provide a click value system that includes a click value determination unit and an incentive administration unit. The click value determination unit may compute respective click values for different visitors to a website. These click values may indicate a likelihood that the visitors may transact for particular goods or services offered through the website. The incentive administration unit manages visitor incentives provided to the visitors, and also manages advertiser incentives provided to the advertisers.

Abstract: An electronic receipt system generates, in association with a code of a shopper, electronic receipt information related to commodity sales data processing, stores the generated electronic receipt information in a storing unit, and stores additional information associated with commodity information and a specific condition in the storing unit. The electronic receipt system causes an information processing apparatus associated with the code of the shopper to display the electronic receipt information associated with the code and a selectable object for instructing a start of processing for the additional information related to the commodity information included in the electronic receipt information in a display unit. The electronic receipt system displays the electronic receipt information and displays. If the selectable object is operated, the electronic receipt system transmits a start signal for the processing for the additional information.

Abstract: A server for an electronic receipt system includes a storing unit configured to store electronic receipt information including an item purchased by a customer, customer information, and promotion information for a predetermined item, a communication unit configured to receive a request for the electronic receipt information from a communication device, and transmit the electronic receipt information to the communication device, and a controller configured to associate the electronic receipt information with the promotion information if the purchased item is the predetermined item, and control the communication unit to transmit the electronic receipt information with the associated promotion information to the communication device in response to the request for the electronic receipt information.

Abstract: Systems and methods of targeted advertisement are disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes performing a deep packet inspection process of packet traffic within at least a portion of a communication network. The deep packet inspection process includes determining source data and destination data from the packet traffic without inspecting packet payload data. The method includes receiving aggregate demographic data of users that are associated with at least some of the packet traffic and generating an anonymous first profile of a first user based on first data acquired via the deep packet inspection process and based on the aggregate demographic data. The method also includes retrieving first user profile data from the anonymous first profile and sending the first user profile data to an advertisement system to determine a targeted advertisement based on the first user profile data.

Abstract: A method and system for conducting an online payment transaction through a point of sale device. The method includes receiving input from a user selecting an item for purchase through the point of sale device; calculating a total purchase amount for the item in response to a request from the user to purchase the item; and sending payment authorization for the total purchase amount from the point of sale device to a payment entity, in which the payment authorization is sent to the payment entity via a mobile communication device of the user. The method further includes receiving a result of the payment authorization from the payment entity through the mobile communication device; and completing the payment transaction based on the result of the payment authorization.

Abstract: A method and system for conducting an online payment transaction through a point of sale device. The method includes receiving input from a user selecting an item for purchase through the point of sale device; calculating a total purchase amount for the item in response to a request from the user to purchase the item; and sending payment authorization for the total purchase amount from the point of sale device to a payment entity, in which the payment authorization is sent to the payment entity via a mobile communication device of the user. The method further includes receiving a result of the payment authorization from the payment entity through the mobile communication device; and completing the payment transaction based on the result of the payment authorization.

Abstract: A transaction is preprocessed wirelessly in response to a wireless transaction preprocessing user device being in a queue for a point-of-transaction. The transaction that was preprocessed is then completed in response to the wireless transaction preprocessing user device reaching the point-of-transaction. Financial transactions and/or purchase of goods and/or services may thereby be preprocessed wirelessly and then completed at a point-of-transaction. Related devices and computer program products are also disclosed.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for facilitating electronic commerce in an augmented reality environment. In some embodiments, a method comprises detecting, by a mobile device, presence of the physical product or the real life service; and presenting, on the mobile device, information to conduct the transaction of a physical product or a real life service via the augmented reality environment. In some embodiments, a method comprises detecting one or more targets in the augmented reality platform using a select area in a perspective of a user, the perspective being captured by a mobile device; and prompting the user to choose an object of interest from the one or more detected targets. Among other advantages, embodiments disclosed herein provide an intuitive and integrated user experience in shopping using augmented reality devices, thereby reducing the consumer user's effort in conducting such activities, reducing necessary sales personnel and their working hours, and increasing sales.

Abstract: A method of offering a user a plurality of scenarios under which to conduct at least one primary transaction involving at least one specific item, the specific item being one of goods and services, with each one of these scenarios entailing a corresponding cost to the user. The method can include at least the following. Communication is established via a communications device between the user and a system to facilitate the primary transaction. Primary transaction data is obtained relating to the primary transaction, with the primary transaction data including data representing an identity of the user and representing the at least one specific item. The user is offered a choice between at least two scenarios under which to conduct the primary transaction, determining costs of the transaction based on allowance of receiving offers of upsell transactions.

Abstract: Providing prioritization of user online access to an online commerce site. Third party applications using API function calls to access an online commerce site are restricted to specific services by an access rule. An access rule defines which API server on the online commerce site a specific third party application may access when using a specific API function call. In this way, the operator of the online commerce site may prioritize server access per service level agreements based on a specific third party application and API function call.

Abstract: A point-of-sale system is provided that permits users to self-manage prepaid debit cards. Such a system may be capable of identifying and managing a number of different prepaid debit cards provided by different card issuers. The system may permit, for example, a user to purchase, activate, load funds, or perform other management operations with such cards. The system may also enforce restrictions associated with particular card types, and follow process flows for activating and performing other operations of such cards. The system may also be easily extendible to other types of prepaid cards through established card network relationships.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing information associated with voice calls placed during a telephone number advertising campaign is described. The system receives information characterizing voice calls to advertiser telephone numbers and information from advertisers such as information about the outcome of the voice call (e.g., conversion information). The system correlates the voice call information with the advertiser information and generates reports based on the correlated information. The system can perform or enable the performance of other actions based on the correlated information. For example, the system may modify an ongoing advertising campaign based on an analysis of the correlated information.

Abstract: A system to provide price adjustments based on indicated product interest includes reception of an indication from a customer of interest in a first product, reception of an indication from a customer of interest in a second product, determination of a price adjustment for the second product based on the indication of interest in the first product, and transmission of the price adjustment to the customer. By virtue of the foregoing features, a retailer may be willing to provide a price adjustment for the second product which would otherwise not be provided. Moreover, such a price adjustment may incent the customer to purchase the second product in a case that the second product would not otherwise be purchased, thereby potentially increasing a total profit received by the retailer.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting information related to items offered for sale at a market lace location includes reviewing a first video stream to identify items displayed in the first video stream which correspond to the items offered for sale at the marketplace location, and generating a second video stream related to and including images of the items for sale at the, marketplace location. The method further includes causing the transmission of the second video stream to a user through a media outlet and receiving a purchase request from the user for at least one item offered for sale at the marketplace location and included in the first or second video stream.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a sharing unit that shares control information including at least a first URI and a second URI, a first obtaining unit that obtains first data referring to the first URI, based on the control information that is shared by the sharing unit, a second obtaining unit that obtains second data referring to the second URI, based on the control information that is shared by the sharing unit, and an offering unit that offers the first data and the second data to a user, based on the control information that is shared by the sharing unit.

Abstract: A comprehensive suite of tools to ensure improved customer satisfaction. Tools are provided for designing a room; obtaining blogger information to help in product selections (influence of bloggers); Selecting furniture—see it in your space; sharing the design for comment by others; making sure furniture fits through doors and room passages and shipping the furniture with targeted third party advertisements.

Abstract: A business process model for online group buying offers discount based on time of visit. It enables businesses to conduct some customers to visit the store in off-peak hours. If patrons visit business during off-peak hours they receive maximum amount of discount, while visiting during rush hours carries minimum amount of discount for customers. Hour's status (peak or off-peak), discount values and minimum of coupons to activate deals are defined by business. The deals are initiated by users and approved by business.

Abstract: A data processing system for managing electronic offers, the system comprising: a first logic module adapted to receive a set of recommendation reference data comprising a plurality of items, the plurality of items including at least one product or service, and at least one offer; a second logic module adapted to determine a set of association scores for the plurality of items based on the recommendation reference data; and a third logic module adapted to select a recommended offer based on at least one association score. In an embodiment, the recommended offer is distributed in response to a request for a receipt. In an embodiment, the recommended offer is included in a transaction receipt transmitted to a customer data processing system. In an embodiment, at least one weight is modified based on feedback from an offer redemption, an offer activation, or a purchase.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for defining subcategories of product items to be used in merchandising. The subcategories may be defined on the basis of product data and/or sales data for the product items. Based on a distribution of the product items in accordance with one or more of the product and/or sales data, implicit groups or subcategories can be identified and selected for merchandising purposes.

Abstract: Systems and methods of providing information via a computer network are provided. An indication of a transaction with a first merchant can be received via a computer network by a data processing system. The data processing system can create an index representing an inventory of a second merchant which is independent of the first merchant, and can identify a product from the inventory of the second merchant using the index and data associated with the indication of the transaction. The data processing system can provide content corresponding to the product for display at a computing device prior to completion of the transaction.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for obtaining shipping services information over a network by a telephone call center receiving orders for merchandise. Instructions are received at the telephone call center, which permits the telephone call center to access the shipping information for shipment of the merchandise. The telephone call center sends the request over the network to the server for the shipping services information. Thereafter, the server sends the requested shipping services information to the telephone call center. The shipping service information may be in the format of a label, which may be attached to a package for shipment of the merchandise.

Abstract: A hybrid context information matching approach may produce a customized product catalogue based on the user's context and the mobile device the user is using. A Knowledge Base (KB) and a KB manager, along with various processes perform specific collaborative tasks in order to achieve the overall goal of producing a customized product catalogue. In addition, the effort builds and/or updates the KB. Various contextual inputs are provided from both the user environment and data repositories. Hybrid matching is performed in order to determine optimal search results based on the contextual input provided.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method managing telephonic connections is disclosed. The method includes transmitting from a computer server system, for display on an electronic communication device, an advertisement from an advertiser; receiving from the electronic communication device a request to be connected telephonically with the advertiser; automatically playing a predetermined audio message after connecting telephonically with the advertiser; and connecting the electronic communication device telephonically with the advertiser after playing the predetermined audio message.

Abstract: The present inventions provide an integrated, modular array of administrative and support services for electronic commerce and electronic rights and transaction management. These administrative and support services supply a secure foundation for conducting financial management, rights management, certificate authority, rules clearing, usage clearing, secure directory services, and other transaction related capabilities functioning over a vast electronic network such as the Internet and/or over organization internal Intranets. These administrative and support services can be adapted to the specific needs of electronic commerce value chains. Electronic commerce participants can use these administrative and support services to support their interests, and can shape and reuse these services in response to competitive business realities. A Distributed Commerce Utility having a secure, programmable, distributed architecture provides administrative and support services.

Abstract: An approach to facilitating in-vehicle services through attendant devices, user-provided devices, and/or an in-vehicle computer system is provided. In one implementation, one or more communication sessions with the in-vehicle computer system may be facilitated by an attendant device. Passenger information relating to one or more passengers of a vehicle and service information relating to one or more services to be provided to the one or more passengers may be obtained by the attendant device from the in-vehicle computer system via the one or more communication sessions. The passenger information and the service information may be provided by the attendant device. An indication that at least one service is in progress or is complete is received by the attendant device.