Abstract: A system for diagnosing an object that includes a preset of an object, a visual representation associated with one or more sub objects of at least part of the object, and a module to analyze the applicable visual representation. The visual representation is captured by a device and provides a specified status of the object. Further the analysis provides a measure of fit between the preset and the specified status of the object as captured and is carried out based on keypoint descriptors used to separate sub objects on the applicable visual representation. The device has a reproduction capturing device and data connectivity.

Abstract: A tool and method for automating the process of forecasting are disclosed. The tool includes a data collector for collecting data from a plurality of sources. An extractor extracts, from the collected data, the predictor data streams and elements to be used for forecasting. The predictor data streams and elements are analyzed for completeness and their corresponding characteristics are determined. Further, the predictor data streams and elements are arranged into multiple sets such that each set has a common data pattern. A plurality of forecasting models and the corresponding unique properties and a unique master list of their forecasting parameters, are stored in a second repository. The unique properties are compared with the properties of each of the forecasting models, and a set of forecasting models suitable for performing a forecast are identified and ranked. The most appropriate forecasting model is selected and provided to the forecasting engine, for forecasting.

Abstract: Provided is a process, including: obtaining a coupon issued by a merchant, the coupon being redeemable both on-line, at the merchant's website, and in-store, at a physical location of the merchant; sending the coupon to publishers for presentation to consumers by the publishers on user devices of the consumers; and receiving indications from the user devices of the consumers that the consumers interacted with the coupon, the indications indicating a consumer selection of an in-store redemption option or an on-line redemption option.

Abstract: A method and system for analyzing customer feedback is provided. The method includes accessing a keyword and word mapping database and receiving consumer feedback data associated with a product or service. The consumer feedback data includes feedback data groups. Each group is divided into segments based on word analysis. Each segment is analyzed with respect to the keyword and thesaurus database. A score is generated for each segment and a composite score is generated for each feedback data group. Each composite score is stored.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed to model consumer choices.

Abstract: The disclosure generally describes computer-implemented methods, software, and systems for identifying a preferred next best customer for pharmaceutical sales representatives to contact to promote a pharmaceutical product. A customer can be defined as any health care practitioner, health care facility, health care hospital system, or health care plan.

Abstract: A passive measuring technique and system processes and analyzes imprecisely reported location estimates collected from a plurality of mobile devices. The number and socio-demographic composition of persons within defined areas of interest are estimated over time. Each mobile device is assigned to a group and identified by an anonymized identifier, and the identifiers of devices within each group are refreshed on a rolling basis to further enhance privacy. A statistical weighting approach is applied so that each device represents a fraction of the population and socio-demographic profile of one or more segmentation districts. Users requesting a defined area of interest via a communication network receive an estimate—derived by modeling respectively anonymized mobile devices within an area of interest over a selectable time period as corresponding, statistically weighted devices—of the number and socio-demographic profile of all persons within the area of interest over the selectable time period.

Abstract: A method for analyzing web visitors using anonymized behavior production models begins with a website visitor accessing a website. The website includes a web beacon, which redirects the website visitor's browser to the server of a marketing services provider (MSP). The MSP server reads a cookie previously set by the MSP that includes an anonymous link. The anonymous link may be used to match data related to the website visitor that is maintained by the MSP, and browsing activity for that visitor is stored in an activity database from which periodic reports may be constructed for the website owner. The anonymous link is not associated with any personally identifiable information (PII), and thus privacy for the visitor is maintained.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for managing fuel costs. Fuel-related data, including a request for authorization of a fuel transaction, is received from a fuel-related data source via a communications network. A fuel-related score is computed based on the fuel-related data and a predetermined weighting factor. The fuel-related score is presented through a user interface. In one example aspect, a fuel-related notification is generated for the fuel transaction based on the fuel-related score and a predetermined alert rule stored in an alert rule database. The predetermined alert rule is one of a plurality of sets of predetermined alert rules stored in association with a plurality of corresponding fleets, in another example.

Abstract: A computer-implemented active strategy management platform (ASMP) performs the functions of: receiving ideas from at least one organizational stakeholder; receiving a selection of one or more of the ideas to implement as a strategic plan for a corresponding organization; transforming, via the ASMP, the idea into at least one strategic plan of the corresponding organization; transforming the at least one strategic plan into a plurality of operational execution components that align routine operational activities of the organization with broad strategic intentions; and identifying and outputting operational data related to executing strategic ideas in a manner that improves an ability of the organization to realize transformational business goals.

Abstract: Systems and methods for protecting business assets are provided.

Abstract: Methods, software, and devices for scoring performance of a plurality of privacy protection activities by an organization are disclosed. A plurality of electronic reports are received, with each report indicating that the organization performs one of the privacy protection activities and providing evidence that the organization has performed that privacy protection activity. A plurality of lifespan metrics are maintained, each measuring a lifespan for an associated one of the electronic reports, after which evidence provided in that electronic report is deemed to have expired. A score reflective of extent of performance of the privacy protection activities by the organization is calculated. The calculation takes into account the plurality of electronic reports that provide evidence that has not expired.

Abstract: A system, mobile device, backend server, and RFID toll module work in cooperation to automatically pay vehicular tolls to a toll agency that operates toll stations along a roadways traveled by the user of the mobile device. Upon approaching a toll station the mobile device enables the RFID toll module. The toll reader at the toll station transmits a toll reader signal that is received by the RFID toll module, which responds by transmitting a unique identifier. The unique identifier is associated with the mobile device at a toll account maintained by a toll service backend server. Upon completion of a toll transaction, the RFID toll module indicates the transaction to the mobile device, which forwards toll transaction information to the toll service backend server for payment from the toll account to the toll agency.

Abstract: A precision usage-based transportation infrastructure charging service includes a dynamic road and infrastructure usage engine that can fairly assess road usage based on any combination of mileage, time of day, vehicle mass, location, road class, defined zones and other relevant parameters. This flexible service leverages detailed vehicle driving information to generate road usage summaries, detailed validation data, and invoices or bills where appropriate. This service applies not only to movement along road networks, but also includes time-based and complex rules that support usage-based charging within parking lots, and usage-based charging based on per-person transportation efficiency and environmental impact.

Abstract: Techniques for processing customers affected by involuntary denial of boarding which facilitate electronic storage of completed forms. An example method includes displaying terms of a compensation award to a customer affected by involuntary denial of boarding by a computer, recording an electronic signature of the customer by the computer, and storing the terms and the electronic signature in a data store by the computer. The method may further include issuing the compensation award in accordance with the terms.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for reminding users to use, and for tracking usage of, reusable container and carry products such as reusable bags, boxes, cups, cup sleeves, and bottles, especially for food and beverages. In an aspect, the system and method provides an identification module which may be attached to or embedded within a reusable container or carry product. The identification module is preferably adapted to be detected by or be operatively connect to a mobile communication device such as a smart phone, smart watch, tablet, or some other device form factor. An app provided on the mobile communication device is used to provide a schedule or location based reminder to use the reusable product, and may track usage and environmental impact for an individual user or a group of users. Promotional incentives, rewards, and pre-payment options may be provided.

Abstract: An input device of the present disclosure is an input device which performs change of a content in conjunction with a display of a content of a signage terminal, the input device including a change instructing unit configured to input a change instruction with respect to the content displayed on the signage terminal, and a transmitting unit configured to transmit a device ID, which specifies the signage terminal, and the change instruction.

Abstract: A social media application for a media content providing platform for interaction and communication between and among audience members concerning the media content. The social media application includes a graphical user interface having a crowd representation section for providing a virtual crowd experience through visual representations of audience members attending the event. Accordingly, the social media application permits a user to review profile information associated with other audience members and communicate with audience members concerning the media content being displayed, in real-time. The social media application permits the media content provider to communicate with audience members, and to obtain information about the audience members.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores instructions executable by one or more processors to perform a method for identifying a high performing website for placement of an advertisement is provided. The non-transitory computer-readable medium includes, but is not limited to, instructions for compiling a list of N number of existing high performing websites for which a preselected advertisement performs well, instructions for compiling a list of websites which appear together along with any existing high performing website in a search result, instructions for flagging any website which appears together along with an existing high performing website in a statistically significant number of search results as a statistically significant website, and instructions for determining a co-occurrence rate for each statistically significant website and each existing high performing website.

Abstract: Techniques are described for providing functionality and information to users, including providing promotional information and opportunities to users of mobile devices in manners that are based at least in part on activities and locations of the users (e.g., based on games played by the users on their mobile devices and/or based on user satisfaction of system-directed tasks associated with offers or other activities). At least some of the promotional information and opportunities may be made available by various companies or entities that provide products and/or services (e.g., retailers, merchants, wholesalers, distributors, etc.) and/or by various companies or entities that provide advertising for available products and/or services. Various types of activities may be defined and used to provide promotional information and opportunities to users of mobile devices in particular embodiments and situations.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for promoting a device (105). In the method a promotion mode is enabled on the device (105) and a biometric identification of a user (110) of the device (105) is performed. After this, and based on the biometric identification, it is determined whether the user (110) is unknown whereby a reward procedure is performed on the device (105). The biometric identification may involve capturing an image (11) of the user (110) with a camera (107) associated with the device (105), and the device (105) may be owned by another user (100). The invention concerns also an apparatus and a computer program.

Abstract: A system including a transaction handler configured to split a transaction, initiated between an acquirer processor representing a merchant and an issuer processor representing a user of a payment account, into separate transactions with the issuer processor and one or more sponsor processors in control of reward accounts of the user for the redemption of loyalty rewards. The transaction handler may communicate with the sponsor processors in parallel or in sequence to reserve and release rewards, and may provide a partial authorization for the transaction in response to each authorization for reward redemption from a respective reward account without a subsequent, updated authorization request for the transaction in the payment account of the user.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for aggregating multiple quantities of services and/or multiple customers such that offers of value-added services and/or products can be requested. The method includes requesting quantities of services and/or products based upon an individual's predetermined buyer identifier. The predetermined buyer identifier comprises: a buyer profile associated with one or more third-party accounts; a buyer profile having one or more contract dates; and a buyer profile associated with one or more services and/or products. Next the method determines the availability of services and/or products from third-party suppliers based on the individual's predetermined buyer identifier. The method then determines which value-added services and/or products third-party suppliers may offer based on the individual's predetermined buyer identifier. The third-party supplier offers are matched with the individual's predetermined buyer identifier to create one or more third-party sales packages.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system, method and non-transitory software based computer writeable medium usable with a processor driven device for incentivizing service providers. A first subroutine assembles a best practices model in the form of a database downloadable to the processor device and which presents series of treatment options ranging from desirable to undesirable associated with a given type of service. A second subroutine provides a decision support system interfacing with the best practices database and processor device, the support system providing any of a grading or awarding system for scoring, in real time, performance metrics for each of any number of providers of the service. A third subroutine outputs to each of the providers, real time and continuously updated scoring of their performance metrics based upon the grading/awarding system.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing offers to a user through a user interface are disclosed. A first offer having a first price to a user through the user interface is provided. A user input indicating an acceptance to the first offer through the user interface is received. A request is transmitted to a payment processor to process a payment from a payment account of the user for the first price. A message from the payment processor in response to the request that the first request cannot be completed is received. A first message is processed to generate a second offer having a second price, wherein the second price is lower than the first price. The second offer to the user through the user interface.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for encouraging online shoppers to share online purchase transactions. Included are online advertisements or offers at the point of checkout. These offers indicate an incentive for sharing information about the online purchase on one or more social network platforms of the online shopper. The system may also include a pre-made or subsequently created video component featuring the product or a statement or opinion about the product. When the online shopper indicates a willingness to share in order to receive the incentive the video component featuring the product or a link thereto is displayed on the online shopper's social network platform as a posting in a newsfeed, on a profile page, or as a status update for the social network connections of the online shopper to see. The social network connections can then purchase, share, redeem and offer incentives as well.

Abstract: A computing device for consumer steering during a commercial transaction comprises a communication element, a memory element, and a processing element. The communication element communicates with a client computing device. The memory element stores a plurality of software components. The processing element executes software components including a cost analysis component for receiving original payment type information from a consumer and computing a cost score associated with the original payment type, a reward engine for determining a reward associated with an alternative payment type, an accept payment component for receiving information indicating either the original payment type or the alternative payment type, and a checkout component for transferring a receipt to the consumer and visually presenting the lost reward to the consumer if the original payment type was received or transferring the reward to the consumer if the alternative payment type was received.

Abstract: Methods of processing applications for compensation include: (a) receiving an application for compensation submitted to a processing hub through a point of sale and/or a system coupled therewith; (b) evaluating the application for compensation in response to the receiving based on data associated with a consumer and/or the application for compensation and/or the point of sale; (c) determining a dispositive outcome for the application for compensation; and (d) implementing the dispositive outcome at the point of sale. Systems and servers for processing applications for compensation, and computer-readable storage media containing instructions for processing applications for compensation, are described.

Abstract: A system including a transaction handler configured to split a transaction, initiated between an acquirer processor representing a merchant and an issuer processor representing a user of a payment account, into separate transactions with the issuer processor and one or more sponsor processors in control of reward accounts of the user for the redemption of loyalty rewards. User preferences and rules of the loyalty programs for the redemption of the loyalty rewards are stored to facilitate the determination of the redemption details in an automated way, such that the user (and/or the merchant) does not have to specify the redemption details. A portal may optionally notify the user of the award/redemption of the benefit of an offer using a communication channel separate from the transaction terminal that initiates and approves the transaction between the account holder and the merchant.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for optimizing and reporting time spent by a user engaged in a session. The system first obtains data associated with a presentation of an item of content at a mobile device, the presentation being divided into multiple partitions. Based on the data, the system adjusts at least one respective length of time associated with the multiple partitions to yield at least one adjusted length of time, the at least one adjusted length of time reflecting estimated time of user engagement with content associated with at least one of the multiple partitions. The system then determines an amount of time spent by a user at the mobile device engaging in the presentation based on the at least one adjusted length of time and the multiple partitions.

Abstract: Systems and methods of measurement and modification of advertisements and content are described. In one example, advertisements/content items (or web servers or applications that present the advertisements/content items) send signals to a measurement server in response to certain events or actions. The signals identify the advertisement/content item and the user that caused the event or performed the action. The measurement server aggregates received signals from different advertisements/content items to determine metrics such as digital brand lift (e.g., a change in brand awareness due to an advertisement/advertising campaign). The measurement server can send computed information back to an advertisement/content item, so that the advertisement/content item (or web server/application) can self-modify and/or deploy additional advertisements/content items.

Abstract: A system for classification, including: (a) at least one storage apparatus configured to store information pertaining to a set of ad entity performance data associated with different geographic locations; and (b) at least one processor configured to: define a classification scheme for classification of the performance data into classes based on at least the geographic location identifier in a defining process which includes assigning a score to the geographic location identifier, based on a plurality of quantities of successful occurrences of performance data, each of the quantities is a quantity of successful occurrences having a corresponding geographic location identifier; obtain a respective subset of the performance data; determine, with respect to each class of the plurality of classes, an outcome estimation; compute, for an analyzed performance data, a performance assessment.

Abstract: An information processing system includes an image acquisition unit that acquires a captured image corresponding to a field of view of a user. The information processing system includes an advertisement detection unit that detects an advertisement viewed by the user from the captured image. The information processing system includes a storage unit that stores therein information of the detected advertisement in association with the user.

Abstract: Activity on computing devices may be tracked based on identifiers such as IP addresses. However, tracking systems may not be informed of which IP addresses uniquely identify end user computing devices, and which IP addresses are instead shared by multiple end user computing devices. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems, methods, and/or computer-readable media that store instructions for assigning quality scores to tracked identifiers, which may then be used to determine which identifiers are useful for tracking purposes and which are not.

Abstract: Based on prior interactions associated with a user, an online system predicts an amount of interaction by the user with an object associated with an advertisement. Using the predicted amount of user interaction, the online system determines an expected value of presenting the advertisement to the user. The advertisement is ranked among other advertisements based on the expected values associated with the advertisements, and one or more advertisements are selected for presentation to the user based on the ranking. An advertisement may also specify a threshold amount of interaction with an associated object as targeting criteria, so the predicted amount of interaction with the object associated with the advertisement may determine if a user is eligible to be presented with the advertisement.

Abstract: A method of generating an event on a digital device; the event derived from a cycle of communication between the digital device and at least one other digital device; the method comprising recording at least a portion of the cycle of communication on the digital device; processing the at least a portion of the cycle of communication thereby to generate at least one event signal; comparing the event signal with one or more available events and selecting an event which best matches with the event signal; and executing the event on the digital device. Also disclosed is a system for generating an event on a digital device.

Abstract: If a customer has picked up a product from a display shelf, a display device displays first sales promotion information. In an information providing system, if the customer has not been attracted to the product and has returned the product to the display shelf, the display device displays second sales promotion information, which is different from the first sales promotion information. By displaying the different pieces of sales promotion information using the display device provided near the product, it is possible to promote the product to the customer in two different ways, thereby stimulating the customer's desire to buy the product and reducing loss in opportunities to sell the product.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, apparatus and systems for providing an intelligent shopping cart service that operates to alert a consumer when a product or service is not aligned with the consumer's preferences, criteria or requirements before a purchase transaction is consummated. In some embodiments, a consumer device includes a processor that stores intelligent shopping cart software in a memory, and that uses the intelligent shopping cart software to detect product or service identification data when a consumer adds a product or service to a shopping cart. The processor then determines, based on the product or service identification data, that the product or service is a mismatch when compared to predetermined consumer preferences, criteria or requirements. An alert indication is then provided to the consumer via an output component before a purchase transaction is consummated.

Abstract: A method for generating a social network message linked to a payment transaction includes: storing a plurality of consumer profiles, each profile including data related to a consumer including a consumer identifier, social network identifier, device identifier, and preferences; receiving an authorization request for a payment transaction, the request including transaction data and a specific consumer identifier; identifying a specific consumer profile wherein the included consumer identifier corresponds to the specific consumer identifier; generating a social network message, the message including the transaction data and the social network identifier included in the specific consumer profile and generated pursuant to the preferences included in the specific consumer profile; transmitting the social network message to a computing device corresponding to the device identifier included in the specific consumer profile; receiving an indication of approval of the social network message; and transmitting the socia

Abstract: Based on prior interactions associated with a user, an online system predicts an amount of interaction by the user with an object associated with an advertisement. Using the predicted amount of user interaction, the online system determines an expected value of presenting the advertisement to the user. The advertisement is ranked among other advertisements based on the expected values associated with the advertisements, and one or more advertisements are selected for presentation to the user based on the ranking. An advertisement may also specify a threshold amount of interaction with an associated object as targeting criteria, so the predicted amount of interaction with the object associated with the advertisement may determine if a user is eligible to be presented with the advertisement.

Abstract: A method delivers information to satisfy current needs of a driver of a vehicle, by first acquiring data related to a current state of the vehicle. The current state and a predictive model are passed to a predictive procedure to determine choice probabilities for nodes in a choice tree (CT). Based on the choice probabilities, information related to the current needs to the driver are selected from a database storing commercial and non-commercial information. Then, the information is delivered to the driver, wherein the delivering is autonomous of the driver.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for generating intelligent account reconfiguration offers to users of a content management system. The content management system may monitor how a user utilizes available features and/or storage space to determine whether the user would be amenable to an offer to reconfigure their user account. Such account reconfiguration offers may include an offer to alter the amount of storage space and/or features available to the user account.

Abstract: A system for merchant disambiguation using receipt data accesses a receipt database and clusters the receipt information according to product characteristics. The system identifies merchant similarities according to the clustered receipt information, and an offer engine module generates competitive offers based on the merchant similarities.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium, for providing content. A query is received that includes a plurality of terms or phrases. Entities associated with the plurality of terms or phrases are identified. For each identified entity, one or more collections of entities are determined. A determined collection of entities includes a respective identified entity as a member. A commercial intent of a user that submitted the query is determined, including evaluating the determined one or more collections of entities. Based on the determined commercial intent, a decision is made when to deliver additional content items along with search results that are responsive to the query.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating searching and recommendation for reaching a particular consumer audience with a marketing message operates across multiple media channels. Syndicated survey data for consumer behaviors is combined with consumer segmentation schema to create a subset of segments best associated with the product or service that is the subject of the marketing message. An average propensity index is calculated for that subset of best segments, and displayed for a user along with the total number of consumers in that subset of segments across multiple possible media channels.

Abstract: A system and method facilitating online purchases within social network environments comprises posting or re-posting a string of characters affiliated with a product on a social network newsfeed, page, or as a status update. The system includes a search engine monitoring posts for the string of characters indicating intention to purchase and a payment processing component. The purchase is completed without further entry of information by the user if the user's financial data is previously available. The system may include a customer validator, payment information validator, electronic receipt generator, error detection components, and may communicate with an external merchant account. The method allows an internet merchant or marketer to offer a product for sale by posting a string of characters that can be purchased by users of a common social networking platform by posting or re-posting the string of characters.

Abstract: A method and a system for context-based real-time advertising are provided. In example embodiments, a document content that is displayed to a user may be analyzed and keywords may be identified. Selected listings from a publication system may be received; the selected listings may he selected using the keywords. The system may detect user events associated with the keywords and, in response to the detection of the user events, display information related to the listings while maintaining the displaying of the document content.

Abstract: Various methods are described for tracking the location of a customer possessing a mobile device and facilitating location-relevant communication between the mobile device and an establishment device. One example method may comprise detecting the presence of the customer within a first distance of an establishment. The method may further comprise receiving establishment information from the establishment entity for displaying to the customer to entice a visit to the establishment. Additionally, the method may comprise detecting the presence of the customer within a second distance of a location point within the establishment. Another example method may further comprise determining location information relevant to the location point; and providing for display of the location information to the customer. Similar and related methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are also provided.

Abstract: A demographic-based marketing system and related method of providing services, education, and tracking results for client business owners using a web-hosted remote server accessible by client computing devices. The system requests information from the clients and accesses multiple national databases to determine relevant customer demographic information which would direct the clients how to best advertise their products to increase local foot traffic to a physical retail location.

Abstract: A database correlating the geographic locations of users of a network to the network address through which the users access the network is maintained and used to infer the geographic location of other users of the network that access the website through the same IP addresses. An Internet website operator may generate such a database from home or business address information self-reported by users of the website. If a plurality of users that access a website through the same IP address have self-reported information as to their geographic location to a website operator, that information collectively provides information as to the likely geographic location and the geographic diversity of other users that access the network through that IP address. Accordingly, such information is used to infer the extent to which a given IP address is likely to correlate to any particular geographic area and the particular area.