Abstract: Techniques for affecting display of content may include receiving a request for content to supplement a response to an input initiated by a first user; outputting first content in response to the request, where the first content includes a control feature that is displayable along with the first content, and where the control feature enables the first user to register a negative reaction to the first content; obtaining information relating to the first content based on the negative reaction; identifying second content having one or more characteristics in common with the first content; identifying one or more second users having one or more characteristics in common with the first user; and using the information relating to the first content in determining whether to provide the second content to the one or more second users.

Abstract: Embodiments for providing intelligent location-based signage services are generally described herein. An intelligent signage device may include a proximity module arranged to receive a notification that a personal device is within an area of the intelligent signage device. The signage may also include a transceiver arranged to establish a connection from the intelligent signage device to the personal device and receive user data from the personal device via the connection. An offer-customization module of the digital signal may be arranged to determine a set of display options based on the user data, a member of the set of display options corresponding to an offer for a product and a presentation module of the digital signage may be arranged to display the member of the set of display options on the intelligent signage device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for sending and receiving prompts to end-users inside and outside the home. A prompt, for example, a message, image, or sound is presented to the end user in order to notify them of a health event, serve as a simple reminder, helps them through their daily activities. The invention includes, for example, the following components: a remote prompting client which runs on the end-user's home network and is typically associated with a physical display device. This entity has the ability to receive a prompt request from a remote prompting host, and display the prompt to the end-user; and a remote prompting host which runs on the end-user's home network and has the ability to scan the network and discover all existing remote prompting clients.

Abstract: A method and a system for real time targeted advertising using purchase transaction data and payment card holder activity and location information in a retail environment. The system includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader situated in a retail environment. The RFID reader communicates with an RFID tag that is situated on a payment card of a payment card holder to track the payment card holder as the payment card holder walks around in the retail environment. The system also includes a processor configured to select a predictive behavioral model based on payment activities attributable to the payment card holder and payment card holder activity and location in a retail environment, associate the predictive behavioral model with merchant advertising information, and convey the associated information to a merchant to enable the merchant to make a targeted offer to the payment card holder.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of notification by an inviter of information on a page of an advertising server to at least one contact of the inviter. A sharing server: receives (E403) a message from a device used by the inviter after loading of the page of the advertiser's server by the device used by the inviter, obtains (E405), from a social network server, information identifying at least one contact of the inviter who is currently connected to the social network server, transfers (E406) each information obtained and identifying at least one contact to the device used by the inviter, receives (E407), from the device used by the inviter, information identifying at least one contact selected by the inviter, transfers (E408) a message destined for the selected contacts, the message comprising at least one address relating to the page loaded by the device used by the inviter.

Abstract: Techniques for organizing and presenting deals/commercial offers received by users in emails are provided. Emails directed to a user that contain commercial offers for the user are determined. The determined emails are stored in a deal folder for the user. A deal newsletter is generated that at least summarizes commercial offers contained in at least a portion of the emails stored in the deal folder. The deal folder may be displayed to show the user the received deal emails. Furthermore, the deal newsletter may be displayed to the user to summarize the received deals for the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting fraudulent clicks in an online environment to reduce fraudulent paid clicks for online advertisers. The method includes server side and client side code which combined enables a click verification web site to identify valid and invalid clicks and in real-time prevents advertisers from getting billed for fraudulent activity.

Abstract: A home energy efficiency platform is described having as its fundamental component a network-connected, multi-sensing learning thermostat that leverages a visually pleasing interactive display associated therewith to encourage energy-saving behavior by a competitive gamesmanship modality, either in terms of self-competition in which a users energy-saving performance is measured against themselves over time, or in terms of community competition in which a users energy-saving behavior is measured against a relevant community.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus include computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium, including a method for providing content. An indication is received from a content sponsor of a first collection of entities, sharing common characteristics, to be used for selection criteria for presenting a first content item. References to the first content item and selection criteria are stored. A query is received including terms or phrases associated with a first entity. It is determined that the first entity is included in the first collection of entities, wherein the terms or phrases do not include the first collection. Eligible content items are identified, each being associated with selection criteria including criteria specifying the first collection of entities. At least a portion of the first collection of entities is provided for presentation along with search results, including providing one or more of the eligible content items and the first content item.

Abstract: A press release distribution system provides press release and other news to forum sites as posts. The forum software that runs at forum sites includes press release interface software or is adapted to receive press release interface plug-in modules for interfacing with the press release distribution system. The press release interface software or plug-in module may also monitor and/or analyze user data of forum members and/or forum activities of the users. The monitored user data and forum activities may be provided to the press release distribution system for analysis and generation of user profiles. Using the result of the analysis (e.g., user profiles), the press release distribution system can target particular users or forums to direct the press releases, news, or advertisements for most effective advertising campaign.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for maintaining security and data gathering for a number of vehicles. The systems include a vehicle activity module for each of the vehicles. The vehicle activity module has a wireless transmitter, a storage device, at least one sensor for receiving event information from identification devices, such as RFID cards, keypads, magnetic ID cards, and the like, a releasable key container, and a processor for accessing and analyzing information. The VAMs are wirelessly connected to a computer system. The VAMs control access to the keys, monitor information relating to access, and store and transmit information relating to sales events, non-sales events, and intrusion events. The VAMs are capable of autonomous operation, without the need to access the computer system to verify event information. The VAMs further include signal attenuating mechanisms to facilitate use of “smart keys.

Abstract: Management of user-generated game play advice is disclosed. The present invention allows for management of game play advice that is complete and up-to-date regardless of when a particular interactive gaming title is released. Game play advice is pervasive and easily accessible to game players in addition to being accurate and credible such that game players can trust or rely upon the rendered advice.

Abstract: A client-server social-network for providing automated clothing suggestions. Fashion interested users form social networks, upload records of their respective wardrobes and fashion preferences, and display their wardrobe items and outfits other members of the network, often displaying entire outfits using customizable virtual mannequins. The social network members can evaluate the fashion merits of both their outfits and their friend's outfits, and the system will further store data pertaining to the social network group's fashion assessments. The system may also make statistical inferences as to what types of clothing may be favored and disfavored by the user's social network group, and present these recommendations to the user. Other factors, such as weather, event type, and user's recent history of wearing various wardrobe items can also be considered.

Abstract: Device, process and program for determining and alerting a user of the existence of nearby acquaintance, including: providing a first electronic communication device having near-field transmitting and receiving communications capability, a user interface and control circuitry; transmitting from the first communication device an inquiry to determine the presence in the near-field of a compatible second electronic communication device; upon receipt of a positive response to the inquiry, transmitting from the first communication device anonymous user indicia; receiving anonymous user indicia from the second communication device; coordinating the received anonymous user indicia to determine the presence of any matches between the transmitted anonymous user information and the received anonymous user indicia; and providing either a list of matches or an indication of no matches to the user via the user interface.

Abstract: A tangible social network system comprises at least two interactive physical objects adapted for communicatively linking with each other, a visualization application for providing a visual representation of a user's tangible social network, and an object communication frame. An interactive physical object comprises a controller for forming a communicatively linked relationship with another interactive physical object and for receiving and responding to commands and data received from a linked object, and an audio or visual response subsystem. An object communication frame comprises a housing adapted to receive interactive physical objects, a communications subsystem for managing communications with installed objects and with interactive physical objects communicatively linked with installed objects, a controller, and a power subsystem for powering installed objects.

Abstract: A method for distributing alternatively generated power to a real estate development includes subdividing the real estate development into a plurality of plots. A portion of the subdivided real estate development is dedicated to alternative energy power generation. An alternative energy power generator is provided that forms a cooperative power farm electrically coupled to a power grid. Power is at least in part generated on the dedicated portion of the subdivided real estate development. Rights to a portion of an output of the cooperative power farm are included with ownership of at least one of the plurality of plots.

Abstract: A system for distributing alternatively generated power to a real estate development includes at least one alternative energy electrical power generator forming a cooperative power farm. A power grid receives electrical power from the cooperative power farm. A metering credit system is configured to determine a metered credit of power received by the power grid from the cooperative power farm. A plurality of real estate properties are electrically coupled to the power grid and receive at least a portion of the metered credit of power. Ownership of at least one of the plurality of real estate properties includes rights to the portion of the metered credit.