Abstract: An advertisement delivery apparatus according to an embodiment includes a first advertising information output unit and a second advertising information output unit. The first advertising information output unit outputs advertising information according to user information on a company corresponding to an entry site of a wireless terminal as first advertising information to the wireless terminal. The second advertising information output unit outputs advertising information according to a user having a wireless terminal when the wireless terminal accesses a server as second advertising information to the wireless terminal. One of the first and second advertising information output units outputting, to the wireless terminal to which the advertising information of the other advertising information output unit is output, advertising information related to the advertising information output from the other advertising information output unit.

Abstract: A user's need to purchase a service or a good is communicated to a commercial network. The commercial network includes a plurality of merchant members that offer services or goods for sale. A plurality of electronic channels of communication is established between the mobile computing device and respective electronic devices of a subset of the plurality of merchant members. Offers for the service or good needed by the user are received from the merchant members through the electronic channels of communication. The user accepts one of the offers from a selected merchant. Thereafter, the electronic channels of communication between the mobile computing device and the respective electronic devices of the rest of the merchant members are automatically terminated. Meanwhile, the electronic channel of communication between the mobile computing device and the electronic device of the selected merchant is maintained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for unobtrusively determining previous actions and information associated with a user via an RGB string and generating web page content based upon previous actions and stored information.

Abstract: A gateway for location at a user premises is provided. Bother users and user devices are registered with the gateway which is provided by a service provider. Users access services, such as video streaming, on their user devices via the gateway. The gateway allows users to share content. The gateway collects information about the user's patterns of behaviour for the system provider, and can be used to directly obtain feedback from the users.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for facilitating payments using low-cost barcode or RFID tags are disclosed. Such tags can be attached or affixed to physical, real-world objects thus allowing the objects to be purchased using a customer mobile device, without the need for a dedicated, on-site point-of-sale system. The tags may be constructed from paper, metal, leather, plastic or some other low-cost material. The tag allows a unique visual identifier such as a tag code to be imprinted so that it can be read using a mobile camera or other sensor enabled telephone.

Abstract: A method for providing customized marketing associated to multimedia broadcasting, comprising: receiving multimedia broadcast data at a multimedia broadcast receiver apparatus; determining user information of the multimedia broadcast receiver apparatus; transmitting the user information to a service server; defining customized marketing information associated to the received multimedia broadcast data based on the user information; transmitting the customized marketing information to a user apparatus; determining, by the user apparatus, marketing information presentation settings defined by a user; and providing the customized marketing information via a user interface of the user apparatus based on the marketing information presentation settings.

Abstract: Media content is provided using metric-apportioning. In accordance with one or more embodiments, remote-user interface circuits are authenticated and remote access is provided to different sets of media content via the interface. For each authenticated interface and a time-based period during which the interface accesses the media content, time-stamped usage data that characterizes use of the media content at the interface is communicated therewith. A usage metric characterizing usage of the media content is apportioned based upon the time-stamped usage data and stored weighting factor data for the media content.

Abstract: A real-time mobile multi-media content management and communications system for marketing and engagement. The system comprises a processor, a storage and instructions for a multi-media user interface module, a multi-media content collection module, and a multi-media templating module, a communications module, where the modules provide a user with real-time multi-media content management to market and engage third parties.

Abstract: An approach is provided for optimally matching advertisements to content items for targeted consumers using the content distribution characteristics. A distribution processor determines one or more distribution characteristics of one or more first content items that are distributed among one or more devices. The distribution processor then processes and/or facilitates processing of the one or more distribution characteristics to cause, at least in part, a selection of one or more second content items. In one scenario, the one or more second content items may include advertisements. From there, the distribution processor processes and/or facilitates a processing of the one or more first content items to cause, at least in part, an embedding of the one or more second content items in the one or more first content items.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide touristic routes to users. For example, a user at a client device may request a touristic route between an initial and a final destination. A server uses the initial and final destinations to determine a shortest route. The server then defines an envelope around the route in order to identify points of interest. The identified points of interest are ranked and filtered, in order to select the most relevant points of interest. Once the points of interest are selected, the server determines a final route between the initial destination, the points of interest, and the final route. This information is then transmitted to the client device and displayed to the user. The server may also identify and transmit content associated with the final route and/or the points of interest, including, but not limited to, photos, videos, hyperlinks, and advertisements.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for controlling a public device that provides services that are shared by a plurality of users. The plurality of users may control an operation of the public device in order to provide a public service desired by the users.

Abstract: A system and process is provided for distributing branding and content messages to wireless mobile devices such as mobile handsets. The system has a mobile media portal process that enables a content owner and one or more sponsors to cooperate in negotiating, planning, and executing a branding or content campaign. For a campaign, a set of consumers has indicated a desire to receive particular content information on their mobile handset, and may have used a web interface or their phone to provide demographic information and content choices. A media center interface, either automatically or under human control, associates a particular marketing message from a sponsor with the content information, and distributes the marketing message and information to the user's handset. Since the marketing message has been selected and adapted to the demographics and preferences of the user, it is likely that the user will positively respond to receiving the marketing message.

Abstract: An approach is provided for sending a neighborhood-based ringtone advertisement. The approach involves receiving a ringtone request from a mobile communication device, wherein contextual information of the mobile communication device is determined and processed. The approach also involves determining the neighboring mobile communication devices, and then determining and processing the contextual information associated with the neighboring mobile communication devices. The approach further involves determining a ringtone that has the best influence on the users of the request sending mobile communication device, and the users of the neighboring mobile communication devices. Then, a neighborhood-based ringtone advertisement is selected.

Abstract: A time delay that occurs when an application is launched in a mobile handheld display device (MHDD), when the application or content is downloaded, before the MHDD is ready for the user to interact with it, wastes the user's time and, in an embodiment of the invention, this time delay constitutes an interval that is used to display targeted advertisements that are already stored on the MHDD, and that are rendered and displayed to the user on the screen while the user waits for completion of downloading of the application or content to the MHDD. An embodiment of the invention provides a micro-splicer that inserts alternate content for display on an MHDD, and renders and displays pre-stored advertisements during application launch time.

Abstract: The disclosed systems and methods refer to electronic interaction between a consumer and one or more merchandising venue systems in order to personalize and enhance the shopping experience. The interaction begins automatically upon consumer arrival at or near a venue. A consumer profile may be used to tailor programming material transmitted by the merchandising venue system.

Abstract: A system for providing advertisement information is disclosed. The system includes a display device, at least one near field communication (NFC) antenna and a control for controlling the display device for displaying advertisement contents and NFC antenna for providing data related to the advertisement contents displayed on the display device. The system may include as advertisement management server to supply the advertisement contents and data related to the advertisement contents.

Abstract: A system for targeted delivery of advertising including the steps of: (a) receiving a navigation request from a mobile communication facility; (b) receiving an indicator input comprising (i) a geographical location in which the user is situated and (ii) queries or accesses to content associated with a plurality of other mobile communication facilities within the geographical location; (c) receiving a business rule; (d) receiving rendering capability data corresponding to a rendering capability of the mobile communication facility; (e) dynamically creating an advertisement based at least in part on the navigation request, the indicator input, the business rule, and the rendering capability data; and (f) transmitting the advertisement to the mobile communication facility for display thereon.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring content among multiple devices are disclosed. Herein, the system for transferring content may include a coupling controller configured to identify a user equipment in accordance with a content transfer request and to perform coupling with the identified user equipment, and a content transfer unit configured to transmit content to the user equipment or to receive content from the user equipment, when coupling is completed.

Abstract: Subscriber authorization information from a wireless communication device is identified. The subscriber authorization information indicates that an identity of a subscriber associated with the wireless communication device is authorized to be shared without sharing information that identifies a location of the wireless communication device. Subsequent to the subscriber authorization information being identified, the identity of the subscriber associated with the wireless communication device is received or retrieved without information that identifies the location of the wireless communication device.

Abstract: Provided is a method of providing commercial content by a mobile messenger in a mobile device. The method includes: receiving a request to start the mobile messenger; displaying a virtual keyboard in a virtual keyboard region of a display unit of the mobile device as a virtual input unit, wherein the virtual keyboard is adapted to receive user input indicating a first message to be sent to a recipient; and displaying commercial content on at least a portion of the virtual keyboard region during a standby state after the first message is sent to the recipient and before a first response message is received from the device of the intended recipient.

Abstract: A method for providing advertisements on mobile communication devices includes identifying at least one URL link to which it is desired to add an advertising functionality and adding the advertising functionality to the at least one URL link. Upon the addition of the advertising functionality to the at least one URL link, selection of the at least one URL link results in opening both a primary first web page directly associated with the at least one URL link clicked by the user and a secondary second web page.

Abstract: A system is provided. The system comprises a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and an application stored in the memory. When executed by the processor, the application receives a plurality of first messages from a first plurality of handsets, each of the first messages indicating that one of the first plurality of handsets has installed a first ID, wherein the first ID is associated with a first ID provider, receives a second message from the first ID provider, the second message indicating that new content associated with the first ID is available, and in response to the second message, transmits a plurality of third messages, each of the third messages directed to one of the first plurality of handsets, indicating that new content associated with the first ID is available.

Abstract: A method for offering a purchase incentive from a retail merchandiser to a retail customer through a handheld customer communications device is executed at least in part by a computer system and includes receiving, at a first processor having a network address, data from an encoding that is scanned and wirelessly transmitted from the handheld customer communications device. A product that is associated with the encoding data is identified and a wireless address that is associated with the handheld customer communications device is recorded. The method further includes transmitting, from the first processor, pricing information for the identified product for display on the handheld customer communications device at the recorded wireless address and responding to a customer selection from the transmitted pricing information by transmitting an incentive message for display on the handheld customer communications device at the recorded wireless address.

Abstract: Ads delivered to mobile devices by virtue of a mobile app executing on the device are displayed on the device screen outside the confines or borders of the mobile app. This enables app developers to display ads through their apps to app users wherein the ads are displayed outside the confines of the actual app as displayed on the device. That is, the ad may be displayed as what may be characterized as a ‘regular non-app generated’ ad, such as on the device's home or lock screen (display areas not normally associated with an app). In this manner, clutter is decreased within mobile apps that would otherwise be caused by the ads. Consequently, advertisers are more likely to pay higher rates thereby generating more revenue for app developers or related entities.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing targeted recall notifications are provided herein. During operation the system will determine a probability of a customer actually having purchased a recalled product. A notification of the recall will then be sent to the customer based on this probability, even if no direct evidence exists that the customer actually purchased the product. Because recall notifications will be provided to customers based on their probability of purchasing a recalled product, customers will be more likely to receive a recall notification on a product that they purchased.

Abstract: A system and method automatically report electronically recorded golf scores and other information to a golfer during or upon completion of a round of golf. A golfer operates a mobile terminal during play of a round of golf. The mobile terminal displays at least an electronic score card on its display. The mobile terminal may optionally display other information, such as advertisements, that may be of interest to the golfer. During play, the mobile terminal receives inputs from the golfer to record the golfer's scores. Other inputs may include selection of a displayed advertisement or purchase of a displayed product or service. Once the scores have been entered, the mobile terminal wirelessly transmits the scores and/or other information to a central server via a wireless subsystem. The scores and/or other information are then automatically communicated from the server to an email account and/or personal web portal account of the golfer.

Abstract: The disclosure details the implementation of apparatuses, methods and systems for a Framework for Ad-hoc Applications Based on Advertising (FAABA). The FAABA may employ short-range radio-frequency communications. The disclosure teaches mechanisms for providing targeted advertising in connection with ad-hoc applications/point-to-point (P2P) communications between user terminals. In a manner, the invention teaches general collection components for user terminals, which is responsible for collecting and maintaining a dynamic set of advertisements as a background operation. This allows the user terminals to initiate applications that are based on P2P communication, and furthermore, allows collections of pre-loaded advertisements to be provided to the user terminals along and/or during the P2P communications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a personalized marketing system and a personalized marketing method. The personalized marketing system comprises: a display device, a detecting device, a database device, and a control device. The display device is utilized for displaying at least an information. The detecting device is utilized for detecting at least a viewer via at least a wireless signal that can identify the viewer. The database device is utilized for recording data of connections between the information and the detected viewer. The control device is utilized for controlling the display device to display a specific information according to the data recorded in the database device.

Abstract: A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and a mobile computing device comprises receiving multiplexed data comprising an audio program and one or more advertisements from a broadcasting computing device, wherein the advertisements are each assigned to one of one or more genres. The received multiplexed data is demultiplexed to separate the audio program and the one or more advertisements. Next, based on program information of the audio program, genre corresponding with the program information of the audio program is identified. Further, one or more of the advertisements associated with the identified one of the genres that corresponds with the program information of the audio program are identified. The audio program and the identified one or more of the advertisements are output.

Abstract: An application framework for mobile devices may provide a variety of application modules directed towards enterprise brand extension. The application modules are organized into five main categories: (1) featured, (2) community, (3) play/engage, (4) media, and (5) shop. The “featured” category may allow enterprises to push specific content onto its consumers. The “community” category may allow enterprises to leverage social networks and consumer communities that build and expand around their brands. The “play/engage” category may allow enterprises to offer compelling value and engaging utility to its customers. The “media” category may allow enterprises to entertain, inform, and educate consumers about brands through media content. The “shop” category may allow enterprises to facilitate electronic commerce with its customers. Further application analytics may be utilized by aggregating affiliate, sales, or usage data, etc.

Abstract: An interface device fits between a point-of-sale terminal and a peripheral element, for example, the UPC scanner, to permit a rapid checkout of groceries or the like by simulating rapid scanning of a stored grocery list accumulated by a consumer in a roaming checkout through the store. The consumer scans items as he or she shops to create the stored grocery list. A promotional system for providing coupons at the point of purchase decision and the novel method of handling items that need to be weighed are also provided.

Abstract: A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collect, charge and distribute portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). Availability of charged portable electrical energy storage devices available at a collection, charging and distribution machine are communicated to or acquired by a mobile device of a user or a user's vehicle. Once the mobile device of a user or a user's vehicle comes within close proximity of the collection, charging and distribution machine or within a particular area surrounding the collection, charging and distribution machine, the collection, charging and distribution machine or a collection, charging and distribution machine management system communicates an alert (e.g., over a cellular network, short range wireless signal or wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) network) to the mobile device or vehicle indicating how many portable electrical energy storage devices are available at the distribution machine.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for providing mobile applications at a predetermined data rate. In an embodiment, a request for a campaign is received, the request including an application title, an access endpoint, a campaign duration, and a list of a plurality of communication network operators. In response to receiving the request for the campaign, a special rating request is sent to each communications network operator on the list. The special rating request requests that a predetermined data rate be applied to data associated with the access endpoint for the campaign period. The data associated with the access endpoint is made available at the predetermined data rate on a communications network. Furthermore, advertising may be provided that communicates that the application is available for download and for use on the communications network at the predetermined data rate.

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

Abstract: A system and method for displaying information on mobile devices via a user interface (UI) includes an overlay structure on top of an application or web page which shows content related to a product or service. The overlay structure on top of an application or web page showing content related to the promoted product enables user action such as purchasing the product or service without taking the user away from the original view used for accessing the information.

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: In various embodiments, promotions are featured on mobile gaming devices. Data based on which a first promotion associated with a first advertiser may be displayed on a mobile gaming device. The data may include a first set of criteria identifying when the first promotion should be displayed.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering targeted advertisements to consumers by inserting the targeted advertisements into a content stream. The content stream may be monitored for advertisement placement opportunities, such that the targeted advertisements may be seamlessly inserted into the content stream to replace an advertisement in the content stream. The content stream's owner and/or provider may be identified such that revenues from the targeted advertisement may be shared with the owner's and/or providers. The system and method are further able to use a biometric recognition technique to verify that the targeted advertisement is actually delivered to the targeted consumer. Another aspect allows the targeted advertisements to be delivered across multiple platforms in accordance with an advertising campaign.

Abstract: A method of disseminating advertisements includes the step of transmitting to a media device (110) an embedded media player page for playing a media file. The embedded media player page allows a user of the media device (110) to create a bookmark for a browser. The bookmark points to the embedded media player page. The bookmark includes an address of the media file as a parameter. When the bookmark is used in the browser to play the media file, the embedded media player page instructs the media device (110) to request an advertisement from an advertisement server (104) for display in the embedded media player page.

Abstract: The presentation of advertisements to a client device is disclosed. An advertisement delivery request with one or more targeting option parameters and a device type identifier corresponding to an output display configuration is received from an agent module embedded within content being rendered on the client device. A one of the advertisements is retrieved based on matching the targeting option parameters to each targeting option value assigned to the advertisement. The target option value corresponds to one of a plurality of targeting specificity levels along a breadth continuum, each of which may be associated with a definition applicable to the content. The retrieved one of the advertisements may include a plurality of variants, each of which are configured for a different output display configuration. One of the variants is transmitted to the client device, and corresponds to the output display configuration specified in the device type identifier.

Abstract: Techniques for utilizing APs and messaging service for delivering personalized message to individual mobile devices connected to internet through APs. In one example embodiment, for any particular wireless AP, a set of messages are identified based at least in part on attributes of the service subscriber associated with the particular wireless AP; and the set of messages are distributed to the particular wireless AP for further distribution to wireless devices in the vicinity of the particular wireless AP.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and a user interface for automatically scheduling a media play is disclosed. The user can specify criteria for play of the media play, including times, stations, and/or external criteria such as a weather condition or the occurrence of an event. Information relevant to the entered criteria is received and assessed against the criteria to determine if the criteria are met. Responsive to the received information meeting the criteria for play of the media play, an accessor accesses the media play inventory and inserts the media play into a media feed.

Abstract: A system and method for targeted delivery of promotional messages from a sender to a receiver are disclosed. The system includes a website providing access to a plurality of promotional messages, and comprises a web-based user interface enabling the sender to create a set of promotional targeting records. A promotional targeting record comprises the sender's communication identifier, a targeted destination's communication identifier, and a selected promotional message. The created promotional targeting records are stored in a database.

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: Methods and systems for transmitting a promotional message associated with a promotion to a mobile device are disclosed. The method includes assigning a phone number to a promotion, receiving a call to the phone number assigned to the promotion from the mobile device, registering the call as a missed call at the mobile device, and transmitting the promotional message to the mobile device in response to receiving the call. In some embodiments, the phone number assigned to the promotion is a toll-free number. In some embodiments, the promotion is a coupon, rebate, an electronic refund, or a promotional offer.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for selecting relating to content selection. In one aspect, the invention provides methods and apparatus for determining appropriate content based upon various other input data, particularly for individuals on whom personal data is already known. In another aspect of the invention provides method and apparatus for analyzing feedback statistics obtained from previously delivered content in order to update new content for delivery. Another aspect of the invention is combinations of content determination with the analysis of feedback statistics, preferably in real-time, to take into account not only individual preferences, but environmental and other factors. An embodiment of the present invention is directed toward personalized advertisements, with particularly preferred embodiments described that are implemented with an Internet media platform, an interactive digital television platform, as well as cross-platform implementations.

Abstract: The mobile commerce authentication and authorization system allows a user of a currently existing mobile wireless communications instrument to conduct financial transactions, including purchases, across a wireless communications system using location data to authorize and authenticate the user and the transaction. The location of the mobile wireless communications instrument and the location of a vendor point-of-sale device are matched with a payment sum. Authentication of the mobile wireless communications instrument user is achieved at least by application of the position and/or location determinable features of the mobile wireless communications instrument, the position and/or location of a point-of-sale device of a vendor or merchant where the instrument user seeks to purchase goods or services, and the payment sum entered on the point-of-sale device.

Abstract: A wireless terminal according to an embodiment includes a list of identification information of wireless LAN access points according to a behavior history of a user, and receives information corresponding to an entrance place from an information management device when the entrance to a communication area of a wireless LAN access point whose identification information is included in the list is performed.

Abstract: A method includes receiving message data at a server from a first remote device. The message data is associated with a message to a second remote device and includes text. The method includes parsing the message data to identify information associated with an advertisement of an advertisement campaign. The advertisement includes advertisement text and a graphical image that corresponds to a pre-recorded audio message. The method includes generating an audio file based on the message data, the advertisement text, and the pre-recorded audio message, and sending the audio file from the server to the second remote device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for payment card terminals for mobile phones. In general, data characterizing a payment card and a settlement amount for a transaction may be received, where the data is user-generated input and is received at a mobile phone associated with a mobile phone number. Wireless transmission of data characterizing a request to provide a payment card settlement service of a merchant account of a merchant account provider for the transaction may be initiated, where the wireless transmission is to be from the mobile phone over a carrier data network to an application server. Data characterizing authorization of settlement of the transaction with the payment card may be wirelessly received by the mobile phone from the application server.