Abstract: Introduced is a method for presenting online advertisements based on a visibility of an advertisement (ad) spot in online content. The method includes determining ad spots that are visible or at least a substantial portion of the ad spots that are visible for a pre-defined duration, and serving advertisements in those ad spots. The method includes auctioning only the selected ad spots to the advertisers. Another method for measuring effectiveness of an ad creative is disclosed. The effectiveness of an ad creative is measured using a metric, such as an engagement rate of the ad creative. The engagement rate is determined as a ratio of a number of users that responded to the ad creative to a total number of users to whom the ad creative was served, wherein number of users who responded to the ad creative is a function of response score of the ad creative.

Abstract: A cost-per-second (CPS) based technology for Internet advertising is introduced. In one embodiment, the systems and methods described herein improve efficiency and efficacy of Internet based advertisements. Efficiency is improved by making advertisements relevant to the user; decreasing loss or waste in advertisement space and opportunity for the publisher; and displaying advertisements only for an appropriate duration and being charged according to actual duration for the advertiser. In embodiments, the cost for a certain branding effect can be measured and used with higher accuracy. In embodiments where multiple advertisements are shown simultaneously or at various timings, the technology introduced here provides unique bidding models to allow an advertiser to bid for advertising space, of an advertisement display. The bidding models incorporate bidding based on CPS, a function of CPS and cost-plus-click, effective CPS, etc.

Abstract: A cost-per-second (CPS) based technology for Internet advertising is introduced. In one embodiment, the systems and methods described herein improve efficiency and efficacy of Internet based advertisements. Efficiency is improved by making advertisements relevant to the user; decreasing loss or waste in advertisement space and opportunity for the publisher; and displaying advertisements only for an appropriate duration and being charged according to actual duration for the advertiser. In embodiments, the cost for a certain branding effect can be measured and used with higher accuracy. In embodiments where multiple advertisements are shown simultaneously or at various timings, the technology introduced here provides unique bidding models to allow an advertiser to bid for advertising space, of an advertisement display. The bidding models incorporate bidding based on CPS, a function of CPS and cost-per-click, effective CPS, etc.

Abstract: A cost-per-second (CPS) based technology for Internet advertising is introduced. In one embodiment, the systems and methods described herein improve efficiency and efficacy of Internet based advertisements. Efficiency is improved by making advertisements relevant to the user; decreasing loss or waste in advertisement space and opportunity for the publisher; and displaying advertisements only for an appropriate duration and being charged according to actual duration for the advertiser. In embodiments, the cost for a certain branding effect can be measured and used with higher accuracy. In embodiments where multiple advertisements are shown simultaneously or at various timings, the technology introduced here provides unique bidding models to allow an advertiser to bid for advertising space, of an advertisement display. The bidding models incorporate bidding based on CPS, a function of CPS and cost-per-click, effective CPS, etc.

Abstract: The various embodiments described in the present disclosure, in at least one aspect, relate to computer-implemented methods of online advertisement. In one embodiment, a method includes, in response to receiving a request for an ad to be provided to a user in an online session, identifying a plurality of ads as candidates for consideration, determining one or more sentiments of a content of the online session, and ranking the plurality of identified ads based at least in part on (i) a correlation between the content of the online session and a content of each identified ad, and (ii) a correlation between the one or more sentiments of the content of the online session and the content of each identified ad.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of Free Delivery to create a new system, method, and apparatus for delivering uniquely identified hard copy advertising and marketing materials to a consumer, which includes a system, method, and apparatus for Coupon Exchange, in which the coupon may be a hard copy or soft copy, which includes a uniquely identified bar code or other uniquely identified machine readable code, or which may be configured as a structured or semi-structured electronic message.

Abstract: A method and system for facilitating a transaction between at least one user, at least one merchant, at least one associate is provided. The method includes the steps of the associate processing device transferring into the user processing device a first merchant link for a first merchant Web site on a first merchant processing device. The first merchant link is framed with associate information. The user selects the first merchant link. The associate processing device transfers into the user processing device information regarding a first product from the first merchant Web site. The user selects the first product to purchase. The user provides purchase information for purchasing the first product. The user processing device transfers the purchase information to the associate processing device. The associate processing device adds promotional information to the purchase information responsive to the user identification value.

Abstract: Selecting an advertisement is disclosed. A preference event associated with a first advertisement is received from a first user. A quality score for the first advertisement is determined based at least in part on the received preference event. An advertisement fulfillment request is received. The request is responded to by selecting an advertisement based at least in part on the quality score of the first advertisement.

Abstract: Providing information to an occupant of a vehicle. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: identifying an occupant of a vehicle, the identifying creates an indicia of occupant identity; determining an identity of the vehicle, the determining creates an indicia of vehicle identity; tracking location of the vehicle when occupied by the occupant; and providing information to the occupant, the information selected based on the indicia of occupant identity, the indicia of vehicle identity, and/or the locations of vehicle when occupied by the occupant.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer-readable media for providing an indication of a change in an online price. According to one method, a request for an indication of a change in an online price of a product or service is received from a user. A current price of the product or service is provided and a target price of the product or service is received from the user. A change in the price of the product or service is detected and an indication of the change in the price of the product or service is generated.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to mobile marketing techniques. Specifically, this invention relates to a system and method for providing advanced and real time (or near real-time) mobile marketing means through SMS messages. Numerous methods are described herein for the provision of and functionalities provided by one or more mobile marketing networks.

Abstract: A system and method for targeted delivery of advertising of a first or second sponsor to a plurality of cellular phones of a first or second type by way of a competitive bid auction process includes (a) receiving a credit card datum from a credit card provider; (b) presenting to the first and second sponsor data corresponding to (1) the credit card datum and (2) the first type and the second type of cellular phone; (c) receiving from each sponsor advertising associated with credit card characteristic relating to the credit card datum, wherein each advertising has a different rendering capability associated therewith; (d) attributing a priority to the delivery of the advertising based upon a resultant yield determination; and (e) transmitting the appropriate advertising to the types of cellular phones having the corresponding rendering capabilities of the advertising.

Abstract: Methods and systems for performing targeted advertising are described. Relative concentration of consumer types in the audience of particular media content is determined by measuring the coincidence of key values identifying certain consumer types, and other key values identifying audiences of particular media content, in a database.

Abstract: A cost-per-second (CPS) based technology for Internet advertising is introduced. In one embodiment, the systems and methods described herein improve efficiency and efficacy of Internet based advertisements. Efficiency is improved by making advertisements relevant to the user; decreasing loss or waste in advertisement space and opportunity for the publisher; and displaying advertisements only for an appropriate duration and being charged according to actual duration for the advertiser. In embodiments, the cost for a certain branding effect can be measured and used with higher accuracy. In embodiments where multiple advertisements are shown simultaneously or at various timings, the technology introduced here provides unique bidding models to allow an advertiser to bid for advertising space, of an advertisement display. The bidding models incorporate bidding based on CPS, a function of CPS and cost-per-click, effective CPS, etc.

Abstract: A cost-per-second (CPS) based technology for Internet advertising is introduced. In one embodiment, the systems and methods described herein improve efficiency and efficacy of Internet based advertisements. Efficiency is improved by making advertisements relevant to the user; decreasing loss or waste in advertisement space and opportunity for the publisher; and displaying advertisements only for an appropriate duration and being charged according to actual duration for the advertiser. In embodiments, the cost for a certain branding effect can be measured and used with higher accuracy. In embodiments where multiple advertisements are shown simultaneously or at various timings, the technology introduced here provides unique bidding models to allow an advertiser to bid for advertising space, of an advertisement display. The bidding models incorporate bidding based on CPS, a function of CPS and cost-per-click, effective CPS, etc.

Abstract: A webpage implementation system includes a client computer associated with a first user and a server system. The server system is configured to perform inserting, within a first website associated with the first user, a first functional marketing element associated with a second user; and reciprocally inserting, within a second website associated with the second user, a second functional marketing element associated with the first user and based upon the first functional marketing element being inserted within the first website. The second functional marketing element includes a link to the first website, and the first functional marketing element includes a link to the second website.

Abstract: A computer client system includes a computer hardware system associated with a first user. The computer hardware system is configured to perform receiving, from a webpage implementation system, a first website associated with the first user; and receiving, from the webpage implementation system, a second website associated with a second user. The first website includes a first functional marketing element associated with a second user. The second website includes a second functional marketing element associated with the first user and reciprocally inserted, by the webpage implementation system, into the second website based upon the first functional marketing element being inserted within the first website.

Abstract: A method, within a computer hardware system, includes the following. A second functional marketing element and a first website are associated with a first user. A first functional marketing element and a second website are associated with a second user. The first functional marketing element is inserted within the first website. At least one recommended website, associated with the computer hardware system, into which the second functional marketing element is to be reciprocally inserted is providing to the first user. The second functional marketing element is reciprocally inserted within the second website based upon the first functional marketing element being inserted within the first website. The at least one recommended website is different than the first website. The second functional marketing element, within the second website, includes a link to the first website. The first functional marketing element, within the first website, includes a link to the second website.

Abstract: A web page fact checking system verifies the correctness of information and/or characterizes the information by comparing the information with one or more sources. The web page fact checking system automatically analyzes the information, fact checks the information, and indicates a status of the information.

Abstract: In general, the invention relates to a system and method of operating a shopping system to facilitate payment using a mobile device. A network is configured to include a server programmed with a personal characteristic database, a database searching algorithm, and to be coupled to a wireless communication system that is capable of communicating with the user's personal data device. The user logs on through the wireless communication system to the secure network using her personal data device, and communicates to and stores in the database personal data defining her characteristics. Either the secure network automatically identifies the first users precise geographic location, or the user himself otherwise indicates and stores in the database of the network an identifying address that indicates his current specific geographic location. Personal data defining the user's characteristics are then sent to a business location at the user's location to facilitate a payment transaction.

Abstract: A mobile transaction system comprising: a user's mobile phone, a mobile network of any provider, a transaction device equipped with a microphone, a transaction processing center with dynamic early media generation capability and with the capability of communicating with the mobile network, wherein, upon a mobile phone user's call through the mobile network to the transaction processing center, the transaction processing center detects the call and, instead of answering the call, starts transmitting user identification data as a dynamically modulated signal through an early media connection to the mobile network and further to the user's mobile phone; wherein, the speaker of the user's mobile phone reproduces the modulated signal, which is then captured by the transaction device through the microphone.

Abstract: A system for enabling a retail transaction between a brick-and-mortar retailer and a customer, comprising: a mobile device including an application operated by the customer while physically present in the brick-and-mortar retailer, wherein the application is designed to obtain product information about a product and offer information from the customer including a proposed price for the product; a user information aggregation server designed to receive the product information and the offer information from the application on the mobile device and augment the product information and offer information with information about the customer, and to forward the product information, offer information, and customer information to a decision server; and further designed to receive a decision as to whether the offer has been accepted by the decision server, wherein the decision is at least partially based on the customer information, and to notify the customer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an electronic transaction and more particularly to a method for generating and storing a record of a financial transaction in an electronic format. In one embodiment, a purchaser selects data relating to the purchaser to be included in the financial transaction record. The purchaser data that is selected is retrieved, along with any additional information to be included in the financial transaction record relating to the transaction. An electronic record of the financial transaction is generated based on the retrieved data. The electronic record of the financial transaction is stored in a database.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for adding value to a stored value card in excess of the purchase price for the stored value card is provided. In one embodiment a stored value card transaction processor receives an activation or redemption request for a stored value card from a point of sale terminal. The activation or redemption request comprises at least one of a card identification, a point of sale terminal identification, a merchant identification, and an activation time which is compared to data stored in a stored value card datastore to determine if the stored value card to be activated is eligible for a value added award. The processor then determines the value added award and modifies the request to include the value added award. The processor then transmits the modified request to the card issuer authorization system and receives a response which is forwarded to the point of sale terminal.

Abstract: An online system uses, in various embodiments of the invention, credit report information, loan affordability screening and credit approval and management functionality to facilitate the purchase and finance of products online. The online system may include both sellers of products and lenders that offer financing to buyers seeking to purchase the products. The system may automatically obtain a buyer's credit report information and use that information to determine if the buyer is pre-approved, for example, to obtain financing for a particular product or products. The system also enables use of buyer credit information to identify only those of a seller's products for which the buyer is pre-approved, for example, to finance using one or more loans. The system then enables selection of an identified product or products for purchase, and selection of a loan, for example, for financing of the selected product or products.

Abstract: Provided are an auction method and server that enable a seller and bidders to determine the price of a product at their own discretion by enabling the bidders to participate in a bid between the lowest price offered by the seller and the highest price of the product, and give benefit to both the seller and successful bidders by applying the successful bid price of a lowest successful bidder to all the successful bidders as a sale price.

Abstract: Provided are an auction method and server that enable a seller and bidders to determine the price of a product at their own discretion by enabling the bidders to participate in a bid between the lowest price offered by the seller and the highest price of the product, and give benefit to both the seller and successful bidders by applying the successful bid price of a lowest successful bidder to all the successful bidders as a sale price.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for card customization including a centralized issuer hub providing a single point of website integration for applicants in different countries or affiliations, the system comprising a centralized issuer hub comprising a server that coordinates data exchange among a plurality of country- or affiliate-specific websites, a card customization services for processing applicant requests, and an image administrator for customizing applicant submitted images. In operation, a local issuer country website provides a browser-based user interface tor an applicant. Card customization services includes a website that recognizes an issuer country or affiliation of the applicant and launches a dedicated country- or affiliate-specific website for the applicant based upon on a country of origin or affiliation of the local issuer country website.

Abstract: Product information associated with products is stored in a database. A website is provided. An interface is provided on the website for generating a shopping list including product attributes. An interface is provided on the website for adding product attributes to the shopping list by searching the product information in the database by product category or keyword phrase. An interface is provided on the website for adding product attributes to the shopping list using natural language descriptions. A list of recommended products is generated based on the product attributes. A price for each of the recommended products between retailers is compared. The purchasing decisions within the commerce system are controlled by generating a shopping option based on the price for each recommended product between retailers. An interface is provided on the website to substitute one of the recommended products with an alternate product.

Abstract: A method of selling products of a network includes creating at least one product list. The products on the product list are individually presented to a customer. A disposition command is received from the customer for each individually presented product. The products are allocated in a virtual shopping care based upon the received disposition command.

Abstract: A method and system for automating the management of an inventory of consumer items at a consumer location uses a programmed device that accepts input data and executes control logic for automating inventory management. At least one shopping list is received, a shopping list trend is established, and a smart list is generated with the control logic, in accordance with the shopping list trend, such that the smart list predictive of a next shopping list.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed that provides an Internet wish list for deferred purchasing. A user clicks on an add to wish list button located on locations, such as, a product page, a banner ad, or search results to add an item to the wish list. A reminder system is used to remind a user to purchase an item at a future time. The shopping list service may be integrated at a high level of integration and a low level of integration. On a low level of integration a proxy platform is used to add functionality to a website.

Abstract: A flexible shipping delivery system has an online marketplace interface, a client interface, a shipping carrier interface, and a flexible shipping delivery engine. The online marketplace interface communicates with an online marketplace application. The client interface communicates with a client that places an order for an item on the online marketplace application. The client interface receives a shipping delivery preference of a user of the client. The shipping carrier interface communicates with a shipping carrier server. The shipping carrier server provides a tracking shipping status of the item. The flexible shipping delivery engine adjusts a delivery option of the item based on the tracking shipping status of the item and the shipping delivery preference.

Abstract: An invention is described herein that provides methods and apparatus for collecting, distributing and storing product data. A data structure suitable for use in collecting, distributing or storing product data for use in a catalog is disclosed. More particularly, the data structure is based on a data model having one or more classes, where each of the classes has one or more associated categories. The data structure includes at least one class definition, each class definition being arranged to identify one or more associated categories. In addition, the data structure includes a plurality of category definitions, each category definition being arranged to identify an associated attribute group.

Abstract: A website for bringing together for communications purposes creators of publishable art, publishers of publishable art, and consumers of publishable art using the internet. The website may have a page for the creating artists including a forum for discussion by general consumers, a newsletter, direct emailing, and a link to social networks. Publishers may have a page for publicizing their sponsored creators, selling publishable art, and other purposes. General consumers may review and discuss with other consumers, displayed or advertised publishable art, post reviews, ratings, and recommendations, sell used publishable art, purchase hard version or electronic publishable art, and post and watch videos. Art in electronic form carries enabling authorization issued by the website. Resale of art previously purchased from the website revokes authorization from the original purchaser.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating a customer profile, managing a customer profile, providing customer profile security and providing a payment service associated with a customer profile are provided.

Abstract: A method for ordering and entering measurements for installing coverings for architectural openings may include receiving consumer information for measurement of an architectural opening. The method may also include transmitting a measurement request to a communications device of a covering installer for scheduling measurement of the architectural opening in response to receiving the consumer information. The method may additionally include presenting a measurement GUI for entering measurements of the architectural opening and other information associated with the architectural opening and storing the measurements for the architectural opening in a database. The method may additionally include transmitting a request to the consumer to access a website for selecting a covering for the architectural opening based on the measurements. The method may further include presenting a covering selection GUI for selecting and ordering the covering for the architectural opening.

Abstract: A method of initiating a consumer transaction using a human interaction device to read voice or human based gesture actions is disclosed. Video data is transmitted from a processing device to a display device. The video is monitoring for event data corresponding to a plurality of consumer products or services, and monitored event data is received in the processing device. A consumer is notified on the display device of an eligible consumer transaction. Voice or human based gesture actions are read with a human interaction device and are analyzed. If the voice or human based gesture actions conform to a predetermined set of requirements, then a consumer transaction for the plurality of consumer products or services is initiated.

Abstract: The methods and systems described herein relate to online methods of collaboration in community environments. The methods and systems are related to an online apparel modeling system that allows users to have three-dimensional models of their physical profile created. Users may purchase various goods and/or services and collaborate with other users in the online environment.

Abstract: A solution is provided for a method for a user to shop online in a three dimensional (3D) virtual reality (VR) setting by receiving a request at a shopping server to view a shopping location, having at least one store, and displaying the shopping location to the user's computer in a 3D interactive simulation view via a web browser to emulate a real-life shopping experience for the user. The server then obtains a request to enter into one of the stores and displays the store website to the user in the same web browser. The store website has one or more enhanced VR features. The server then receives a request to view at least one product and the product is presented in a 3D interactive simulation view to emulate a real-life viewing of the product.

Abstract: Collection of life cycle inventory (“LCI”) data for all phases of the life of goods and/or services is provided. Suppliers of goods and/or services may log into a LCI and assessment data hub via one or more access points for entering LCI data on all phases of development, production use and/or disposal of their goods and/or services. Access to the data hub, as a central data collection point, requires authentication of accessing suppliers via a security framework associated with the data hub. LCI data may be provided via a structured data template, or raw business or business transaction data may be entered in association with a unit process model requested by the supplier.

Abstract: An inventory sharing network includes a manufacturer of a plurality of manufacturer's products and a plurality of authorized merchants that are independently owned and operated from the manufacturer as a non-exclusive seller of products. The inventory sharing network is controlled by the manufacturer, who may select the plurality of authorized merchants that are authorized to participate in an inventory sharing network and select the key products that may be offered by the authorized merchants within the inventory sharing network. The inventory sharing network may be implemented by an e-commerce platform stored on an access server that manages access to an inventory sharing database and display of related information.

Abstract: A method and system for facilitating child support management are disclosed. In a first aspect, the method comprises providing a child support management system between two parties, wherein the child support management system includes a central repository to store joint documents. The method includes managing expenses incurred by at least one of the two parties and automatically calculating an amount owed by at least one of the two parties, wherein the amount owed is communicated by the child support management system to each of the two parties. In a second aspect, a system comprising a processor and a memory device coupled to the processor, carry out the steps provided by the method.

Abstract: A method is provided for integrating a contract administration project and a corresponding accounting job via a graphical user interface of a web client. The method includes retrieving contract administration data corresponding to the project from a web server over a first data network, the contract administration data including a schedule of values having multiple line items; retrieving accounting data corresponding to the corresponding accounting job from an accounting system over a second data network, the accounting data including a job file having multiple job items; and mapping the contract administration data to the accounting system data. The mapping includes matching a line item of the schedule of values with at least one job item of the job file.

Abstract: Disclosed is a processor-implemented method for processing image data representing a document using an image processing apparatus. The processor receives image data, determines the classifications and counts of pixels in the image data (e.g., in device independent space that are degrees of neutral or non-neutral), classifies the image data into a category based on the determination of classifications and counts of pixels, and determines a billing structure for the image data based on the classification of image data. The classification can be performed on the image data prior to conversion into device dependent space. For example, by counting true color, neutral, non-neutral, and fuzzy color pixels and comparing them to thresholds, the image data can be classified as neutral or very colorful. By classifying images earlier in the image path, errors in billing are reduced.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying, locating and recovering collateralized assets are provided.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for generating conditional offers for semi-anonymous trading participants is provided. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method comprises associating a trading entity with an identifier; acquiring trade history information including a history of trading transactions associated with said identifier; and receiving an offer from a Liquidity Provider based on said trade history information, said offer being only made to the trading entity associated with one of said identifiers.

Abstract: A trading system includes: a first set of two or more functions and a second set of two or more functions, wherein each of the functions in the first set and the second set includes a variable that is of a common variable type, wherein the value of the variable that is of the common variable type in the first set of functions and the value of the variable that is of the common variable type in the second set of functions may be different at a given point in time, and further wherein at least a first function from the first set of functions and at least a second function from the second set of functions may be executed sequentially.

Abstract: A trading system includes: a first set of two or more functions and a second set of two or more functions, wherein each of the functions in the first set and the second set includes a variable that is of a common variable type, wherein the value of the variable that is of the common variable type in the first set of functions and the value of the variable that is of the common variable type in the second set of functions may be different at a given point in time; and a function editing mechanism through which the value of the variable that is of the common variable type in the first set of functions may be edited for each of the functions in the first set of functions without affecting the value of the variable that is of the common variable type in the second set of functions.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of managing trading is provided. In a market for a particular type of instrument, buy orders and sell orders are received from a plurality of traders. Each buy order has an associated bid price and each sell order has an associated offer price. A determination is made of whether the particular trading order is an outlying trading order by determining whether the particular trading order differs from at least one comparison price by more than a threshold value. If it is determined that the particular trading is an outlying trading order, a restrictive action is taken regarding the outlying trading order. For example, if a trader subsequently submits another trading order that would trade with the outlying trading order, an alert message may be sent to the trader and the subsequent trading order may be prevented from trading with the outlying trading order at least temporarily.