Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing targeted marketing to goods and services provides and consumer resource management services to consumers. An example system and method for targeted marketing comprises collecting transaction data from point-of-sale (POS) terminals and using a consumer identifier in the transaction data to access stored information about the consumer. This information may be used to target offers and advertisement to the consumer. In an example system for consumer resource management, a consumer may configure a consumer account on the enterprise infrastructure via a web-site. The consumer may use the consumer account to purchase and configure gift cards that may be used for purchasing goods and services. A universal transaction identifier may be associated with the consumer account and used to purchase goods and services from more than one selected goods and services providers.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving a decoded value multiple times from multiple respective devices. The decoded value is formed by decoding an image of a graphic. For each reception of the decoded value, a reward that is to be awarded for providing the decoded value is identified such that for any one reception of the decoded value, the reward is dependent in part on how many times the decoded value has been received.

Abstract: As disclosed herein a computer-implemented method includes identifying, by a first automobile, a proximate automobile, and determining a trust score corresponding to the proximate automobile. The method further includes conducting an affinity group qualification process responsive to the trust score exceeding a selected threshold value, and inviting the proximate automobile into the affinity group responsive to the proximate automobile passing the affinity group qualification process. A computer program product and a computer system corresponding to the above method are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for marketing a product of a partner includes generating a link that is unique to the partner; receiving a request, comprising the link, from a non-partner, wherein the non-partner receives a coding invitation from the partner, the coding invitation including the link; associating the non-partner with the partner based on the link in the request; receiving a coding from the non-partner; and saving the coding and providing a result of the coding to the partner and the non-partner.

Abstract: Accounts are grouped via database connections to form account groups that can be used to efficiently track the propagation of resources or privileges. Virtual accounts can be grouped via non-replaceable connections, where each of the virtual accounts is limited for online transactions with a predefined website without a respective account identification device for presenting account identification information to a reader of a transaction terminal for offline transactions. A primary account in a non-replaceable group of virtual accounts may include (or be linked to) resources and/or privileges that can be propagated to the secondary accounts in the non-replaceable group. The primary account may be a virtual account, or a non-virtual account.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for optimizing publisher profits in online advertising based on real market movements is provided. The method may include dividing an advertisement (ad) placement for an ad unit into a plurality of levels. The method may also include generating a plurality of variables that are configured to test for the real market movements between levels. The method may further include processing ad impressions based on the plurality of variables within a time period to evaluate the real market movements for the ad unit, and determining whether to adjust one or more of the minimum floor prices based on a score for each variable calculated within the time period.

Abstract: A determination device according to the present application includes an acquisition unit, a calculation unit, and a determination unit. The acquisition unit acquires user information that is information regarding a user who uses a terminal device that becomes a providing destination of content. The calculation unit calculates scores regarding a probability of the user performing a predetermined behavior for a plurality of pieces of the content on the basis of the user information acquired by the acquisition unit. The determination unit determines distribution content to be distributed to the terminal device on the basis of the scores of the plurality of pieces of content calculated by the calculation unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for displaying search results upon the occurrence or detection of an event and/or time-delay. The present provides a user with the ability to view search results upon satisfaction of an event trigger or specified time delay (e.g., a rule). The disclosed systems and methods enable features that allow a user to link a search query and/or a set or sets of results for the search query to a trigger, whereby upon detection and satisfaction of such trigger, the search (and/or related results) are displayed. Such trigger can be associated with, but not limited to, a calendar event, to-do list item, location, a product or contact person, among other types of event based information events.

Abstract: The invention provides, in some aspects, a statistical algorithm-driven digital system for automated optimization of a large number of key performance indicators (KPI) involved in social digital interactions among the users, contents and advertisement, further augmented by data-driven verification and recommendation. The users include humans from diverse socio-cultural-economic groups, whose identity may be pseudonymous (though persistent), and whose explicit features may remain private, though statistically imputable. The contents include webpages, downloads, videos, music, or other content accessed by the users. The advertisements include product placement, branding, appeal, surveys, or other third-party contents, not explicit sought by the user. A server application executing on the server digital device responds to requests received from the client digital devices for delivering thereto requested digital content.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to collect and process browsing history are disclosed. One disclosed method of collecting browsing history includes collecting a plurality of web requests, and for a web request in the plurality of web requests, determining a count indicating a number of other ones of the plurality of web requests that include a referrer identifying the web request. The method also includes when the count meets a threshold, indicating that the web request is a parent web request.

Abstract: An iterative method for optimizing targeted advertisement distribution for a social network including a plurality of users, the method including the steps of creating a user summary for a user by extracting persona attributes of a user account, generating a promotion summary for each of a plurality of advertisements, selecting an advertisement for the user based on the similarity between the promotion summary of the advertisement and the user summary, assessing a user reaction to the advertisement, and updating the user summary and promotion summary based on the user reaction.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the disclosure include methods and systems that allows for improved user navigation within a group of content items. For example, a content navigation system can identify a content item within a group of content items to provide to a user in response to a user interaction. In some embodiments, the content navigation system can identify a content item to provide to the user based on one or more factors, such as a characteristic of a user interaction and a relevance of a content item. In addition, the content navigation system can strategically provide advertisement content items to a user by adjusting one or more factors with respect to advertisement content items.

Abstract: The system and method for targeted and location-based advertisement across several locations. A method for booking and placing an advertisement tor targeted and location-based system includes: registration of a user account in a computer system; a user id and password of said registered user account; graphical representations of various modes of advertisement; uploading and scoring images, audio related to advertisements and media, for easier viewing creating and attaching the desired geographical location detail. The system includes a computer based web application configured to receive data that defines an advertisement from an advertiser; receive, and upload a request to serve an advertisement; and communicate the advertisement to the browser; select geographical location associated by user for advertisement; and configured the geographic location of the advertiser and the geographic location associated for advertisement.

Abstract: A system and methods for an offer management system for use in delivering targeted marketing offers to consumers during a session with an online (web-based) Internet portal, such as an online banking portal of a financial institution. A component receives aggregated transaction data from a financial transaction system for use in creation of an advertising campaign. A component provides a marketing campaign interface that allows advertisers to define an advertising campaign by display of information derived from the aggregated transaction data indicating potential market segments defined by the advertiser, define a predetermined market segment, and define a predetermined targeted marketing offer for delivery to consumers under predetermined conditions. A component outputs the campaign data to the financial institution for delivery of the targeted marketing offer to consumers within the predetermined market segment in response to the predetermined conditions during online sessions with the portal.

Abstract: Application developers can request to have their applications registered for use with a content delivery platform. The operator of the content delivery platform establishes perimeters defining geographic areas, and maintains records reserving particular areas for delivery of content associated with particular sponsors. Registered applications running on mobile devices can request content from the content delivery platform. Based at least in part on the request, the content delivery platform can identify a target location, which may be the location of the mobile device, or some other location indicated in the request. A mobile device can be provided content based on the relationship of the target location to the geographic areas, so that a registered application running on a mobile device with a target location contained within a geographic area assigned to a particular sponsor will receive content related to that sponsor.

Abstract: A system for providing a background advertisement to a virtual key input unit on an information communication terminal supporting a touch user interface (TUI) is provided. The system comprises an advertisement providing server configured to provide advertisement contents and the information communication terminal. The information communication terminal further comprises a processor, a display configured to display a key input method, a transparent skin input unit generator executed by the processor and configured to generate a transparent skin input unit, an advertisement contents skin generator executed by the processor and configured to generate an advertisement contents skin, a skin combiner executed by the processor and configured to combine the transparent skin input unit and the advertisement contents skin, and a wireless connection detector configured to detect whether free wireless access is available to the information communication terminal and notify a result to the user.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments illustrate methods for displaying targeted content on a digital signage board (DSB). The method includes receiving encrypted profile information from each of a plurality of user-computing devices when the plurality of user-computing devices is in a proximity range of the DSB, wherein the DSB is associated with one or more products and/or services. The method further includes aggregating the encrypted profile information received from each of the plurality of user-computing devices to generate an aggregated encrypted profile. Further, the method includes transmitting the aggregated encrypted profile to a content server, wherein the content server decrypts the aggregated encrypted profile to select the targeted content from a content repository associated with the one or more products and/or services, wherein the targeted content is displayed on the DSB.

Abstract: An online system identifies target audience for distributing content items based on historical activity of users. The online system receives information describing events representing actions of users performed on the online system or on an external system and stores the information as action logs. The online system receives targeting criteria specified as expressions, for example, expressions specifying aggregate values determined over a plurality of actions of a user. The online system retrieves events from the action logs and determines partial results based on expressions representing the targeting criteria. If the partial results for a user indicate that the user satisfies the targeting criteria, the online system selects the user for targeting the corresponding content item. The online system may process events in batches.

Abstract: An online system determines the score for each additional user based on the measure of similarity between the additional user and a group of seed users. The online system divides the additional users into one or more segments according to their respective scores, and assigns a bid amount for each segment. The online system presents sponsored content to the additional users according to the corresponding bid amounts, and for each of the additional users in each segment that is presented with the sponsored content, the online system identifies a value generated by the additional user due to being presented with the sponsored content. The online system uses the identified values of the additional users for each segment to determine an updated configuration of assigned bid amounts for the segments that is predicted to increase a return on investment and assigns the updated bid amounts for each segment.

Abstract: A fashion display method, system, and non-transitory computer readable medium, include a customer identification circuit configured to identify a fashion style of a customer viewing a fashion display, a customer assessing circuit configured to determine an assessed trait of the customer by assessing the fashion style of the customer, and a display augmenting circuit configured to augment the fashion display to display a new fashion display customized to the customer based on the assessed trait.

Abstract: A method for providing customized information through advertising in a simulation environment and associated simulation system are provided. The method includes: controlling a head mounted display (HMD) device of the simulation system to present the simulation environment and allow a user of the simulation system to see the simulation environment when wearing the HMD device on the user's head; controlling the HMD device to display a first controller in the simulation environment, to allow the user to interact with the simulation environment; controlling the HMD device to display an advertisement as a service trigger object in the simulation environment, to allow the user to trigger a specific service related to ordering commercial products in the simulation environment; and after the specific service is triggered through the service trigger object, controlling the HMD device to display a second controller in the simulation environment to match simulation contents of the specific service.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an advertisement providing system that takes advantage of the comment function of an SNS to expand Internet advertising, such as affiliate advertising, between members. Upon receiving a predetermined notification from an advertiser server, an SNS site control unit identifies a first user identifier associated with a second user identifier included in the notification and transmits, as content data, comment data including user information pertaining to a user of a second communication terminal and link information for a commercial website to a first communication terminal to which is allocated the identified first user identifier.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to communicating customized information about a product or service to customers based on the customers' values and preferences. In some embodiments, there is provided a system communicating sourcing stories about products or services to customers including: an electronic interface configured to receive input identifying a customer and input relating to a product or service; a first database communicatively coupled to the electronic interface, the first database containing data regarding the customer; a second database communicatively coupled to the electronic interface, the second database containing a plurality of sourcing stories about the product or service; and a control circuit operatively coupled to the electronic interface and the first and second databases, the control circuit configured to select one of the sourcing stories based on the customer data and to transmit the selected sourcing story to the customer.

Abstract: An example system can include a server that includes or is associated with a keyword recommendation module. The keyword recommendation module can be configured to select keywords for a search engine for use in a search engine marketing campaign, wherein the search engine provides more traffic to Internet content of a publisher than other search engines, for the keywords. The module can also be configured to determine, per keyword, user engagement with the Internet content resulting from the traffic provided by the search engine for the keywords, according to one or more of time spent viewing the Internet content, page views of the Internet content, and dwell times. The module can also be configured to score, per keyword, the keywords according to the determined user engagement with the Internet content, and generate keyword recommendations according to the scoring of the keywords.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus include computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium, including a method for providing content. A linking is provided of identifiers for users or devices known to a content delivery service. Each identifier is associated with the user or device in a specific context. The linking includes first and second identifiers. A request for content is received that includes either the first or second identifier. Bidders in an exchange are identified that have expressed an interest in bidding on a content delivery opportunity associated with the user or the device. For each bidder, a relative value is determined for a respective bidder for the opportunity to present content to the user or device in association with each identifier known to the bidder. For each bidder, a real-time bid request is generated in the exchange that includes the highest value identifier for submission to a respective bidder.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and apparatus for facilitating a provisioning of advertisements to customers effects display of one or more advertisements on a Web domain. Each displayed advertisement is configured to offer advertisement related assistance to customers visiting the Web domain. A selection input provided by a customer on an advertisement is received. In response to the receipt of the selection input, the system facilitates customer engagement with a customer support representative associated with an enterprise related to the advertisement. The customer engagement facilitated through the advertisement is configured to provide the advertisement related assistance to the customer.

Abstract: A determination device according to the present application includes an acquisition unit, an estimation unit, and a determination unit. The acquisition unit acquires user information as information about a user. The estimation unit estimates a degree of contribution of the user to a predetermined service based on the user information acquired by the acquisition unit. The determination unit determines an aspect of providing information content to the user based on the degree of contribution estimated by the estimation unit. Accordingly, the determination device according to the present application improves cost effectiveness of the information content.

Abstract: In various example embodiments, a system and method for evaluating and sorting product feedback is presented. In one example, a system includes a learning module to train a machine learning system on feedback from a plurality of users, the machine learning system configured to generate a quality rating for individual feedback, a feedback module to collect feedback for a specific product available from the online network based marketplace and apply the machine learning system to generate a quality rating for each feedback collected, and a sorting module to sort the feedback collected according to the quality ratings generated by the machine learning system.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments illustrate methods and systems of cost sharing in a pooled vehicle. The method includes receiving, by one or more transceivers of a computing device, a detour distance to be traversed by the pooled vehicle to process a travel request, wherein the detour distance is determined by one or more sensors in the pooled vehicle. Further, the method includes determining, by one or more processors of the computing device, a first cost to be compensated to at least one first commuter in the pooled vehicle based on the received detour distance, wherein the first cost is incurred by a second commuter associated with the travel request.

Abstract: A car rental system through price adjustment includes a rental-car information provision server configured to collect and manage rental-car data, a rental-car management unit connected to the rental-car information provision server and configured to manage an application program and to deliver rental-car management information of the car-rental company to the rental-car information provision server, a search database configured to collect rental-car demand information, a price adjustment server configured to collect a desired car model, price and demand during the specific period within a predetermined area from the search database, to analyze a demand and schedule of the user, a desired price category of the user, a real-time total stock of the car-rental company and a base price as variables, and to provide an adjusted rental price to the user along with the search result, and a user terminal configured to request price comparison search for an available rental car.

Abstract: Implementations of a membership system for allowing users to access multiple unaffiliated gyms and paying the participating gyms are provided. In some implementations, for a plurality of users, selections of a plurality of gyms are received from each user. For each user, a fee for a time-period to be paid by the user based on the gyms selected is calculated and the fee is received from the user. A unique code is assigned to each user. When a user visits a gym that the user selected, the unique code of the user and an identification of the gym visited is received and stored. For each user and each gym selected by the user, a payment to each gym selected by the user is calculated and paid based on the percentage of time the user visited the gym during the time period.

Abstract: A method for automatic email generation and delivery based on transaction account linkage includes: storing a plurality of account profiles, each related to a transaction account and including a primary account number and an email address automatically generated for the transaction account upon issuance; receiving a transaction message for a payment transaction including a specific primary account number and transaction data; identifying a specific account profile that includes the specific primary account number; generating an email message, wherein a body of the email message includes content generated from the transaction data and a header of the email message includes the email address included in the identified specific account profile as a destination address; and transmitting the generated email message to a mail server for delivery to the destination address included in the header.

Abstract: A computing device that includes an interface, a memory, and a processing module receives a data access request from a requesting computing device and processes them to produce a set of distributed storage (DS) access requests. The computing device then transmits the set of DS access requests to a set of storage units (SUs) via a DSN connection that is between the computing device and the set of SUs and monitors the DSN connection to generate utilization information. The computing device then receives a set of DS access responses from the set of SUs via the DSN connection and monitors the DSN connection to generate updated utilization information. The computing device then transmits a data access response to the requesting computing device and generates billing information based on at least one of the updated utilization information associated with the DSN connection, a level of billing, and a billing rate.

Abstract: Organizing data in a cloud computing environment having a plurality of computing nodes is described. An authorization to service a request is received. The request may be from a user for launching an instance. In response to receiving the authorization and based on the request, an image list is determined. The image list includes information corresponding to a plurality of machine images. At least one machine image is identified from the image list associated with a functional requirement of the request. The instance is launched at the at least one computing node. The at least one machine image is updated after the instance has been launched.

Abstract: Techniques for collaborative shopping are presented. During a shopping transaction, a customer collaborates in real time with one or more additional participants. Real-time and dynamic feedback is provided to the customer from the participants throughout the shopping transaction. Furthermore, real-time and dynamic feedback is provided from the customer to the participants throughout the shopping transaction.

Abstract: Techniques for collaborative shopping are presented. During a shopping transaction, a customer collaborates in real time with one or more additional participants. Real-time and dynamic feedback is provided to the customer from the participants throughout the shopping transaction. Furthermore, real-time and dynamic feedback is provided from the customer to the participants throughout the shopping transaction.

Abstract: A computer system having a network of computers configured to assist in order fulfillment and retail sales is disclosed. In one embodiment, consumer application devices with location awareness interact with an Internet based server side (e.g., Portal, Cloud Server, etc.) to identify product offerings available based on location of the consumer application device (Proximity Based Offerings). Consumers may query offerings from Food Service Operators (FSOs) or other merchants and request purchase capabilities for offerings made available through the FSO/merchant existing supply chain. FSOs/merchants may control proximity parameters for product offerings. FSOs may allow multiple services for their customers rather than being only a provider of prepared meals.

Abstract: Computer based systems and methods allow collaborative shopping for and/or designing of (e.g., customization) consumer products, such as articles of footwear, apparel, athletic equipment, etc., by plural users using different computing devices. The users' computing devices may be in communication with one another in various manners, such as over networked connections (e.g., a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), an interne connection, etc.); via peer-to-peer communications; through a common server or combination of servers that establish a communications link; etc.). The various parties may participate in an on-line or other computer communicative session to create and buy customized products. Additionally, user interfaces for providing these collaborative sessions are described.

Abstract: Reverse auction methods and systems are disclosed herein and include fast multi-round auction methods and services to pervasive mobile applications, supporting mobile users in a location sensitive environment. A buyer agent, on behalf of a buyer, may generate a reverse auction request and then monitor auction rounds of an auction initiated based on the request. The buyer agent may terminate the reverse auction upon the auction reaching a maximal round or terminal condition, or executing an optimization policy. The optimization policy may include local optimization. The local optimization may be based on the location of a buyer and seller in a small cell network (SCN). A seller agent may calculate a bidding price based on a seller's acceptable price range and an available time window. The seller agent may determine a time to stop bidding based on bidding price rules. An auction service may select N sellers for each buyer.

Abstract: Methods and systems to automatically respond to a request for product information are described. In one embodiment, a data collection module may collect product data over a network, identify that the product data is related to a particular product, and store the product data and an association between the product data and the particular product in a database. An instant messaging engine may receive a request for the product data after the product data is stored in the database and an interpreter module may identify, in response to the request, the request to correspond to the particular product and retrieve the product data based on the association between the particular product and the product data. The instant messaging engine may also transmit, using an instant messaging protocol, a response to the request, the response including the product data.

Abstract: System and computer-implemented method of permitting or arbitrating encrypted electronic transactions to occur among an intermediary and an author in an electronic data system only when an interaction occurs between the author and a candidate who was exposed by the intermediary to data published by the author. The author publishes criteria about a candidate, and the candidate posts information about the candidate, which is ingested and married to personally identifiable information about the candidate. A score is calculated indicating a correlation between the candidate and the published criteria, and an intermediary exposes the candidate to the criteria, which is tracked. When the candidate completes an interaction with the author, an encrypted transaction is permitted to occur between the author and the candidate through a proxy, without the author knowing the identity of the intermediary who facilitated the introduction.

Abstract: A solution for managing branding for an entity is provided. The solution can generate a brand style guide by analyzing electronic entity identity resources, which are representative of one or more branding strategies for the entity. The analysis can include extracting entity brand attributes from each electronic entity identity resource. Illustrative entity brand attributes can include one or more of: image data, font data, color data, or text. An ad hoc style guide, which can include at least one branding strategy for the entity can be generated and provided for presentation to a user.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for providing garments with improved and customized fits to one or more target consumer groups. One method provides the ability for a consumer to purchase apparel specifically fit for that consumer, as provided through entertainment media and media platforms, using the personal communication device of that consumer. Another method provides for distributing specific apparel to a target consumer group located within a particular geographic location in order to better suit the fit and quantity of the general consumer within that region. Additional aspects are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for customizing vehicle tires based on a purchase order placed by a customer is disclosed. The customer is enabled to place the purchase order through one of a local store, a mail order and an online website. While placing the purchase order, the customer is enabled to provide the requirements regarding the color shade, areas to be colored etc., based on the color of the vehicle. The color shade in the purchase order is any one of primary colors or shades obtained by mixing primary colors excluding black. Once the purchase order is received, the color of the vehicle tires is customized based on the requirements provided by the customer.

Abstract: The improved data management system includes a computerized database device for capturing item technical data provided and maintained by a vendor. A digital representation of the item, for example, a linear or matrix code, ASCII, image, or video data is associated with the technical data. An end user interface utilizes a camera on the end user's smart phone, tablet device, or other computing device to generate image related data of an item of interest for correlation with the digital representation, and is utilized by the database to look up and present the technical data associated with the item of interest. An enhancer interface allows the addition and maintenance of enhancement data to be associated with item technical data and presented to an end user when considering an item of interest.

Abstract: There is provided an ordering and order receiving system for fish and shellfish, capable of achieving an ingenious transaction type that can be performed due to an electronic transaction using computers. When each of the ordering clients inputs ordering data into the order receiving server, the server forms order receiving data based on customer information according to the ordering data and commodity information on fishes and shellfishes for which an order has been received, and also forms stocking data and shipping data based on the order receiving data so as to output the pieces of data to a management client in fish and shellfish management section.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an interest information analysis method and an apparatus using the same. The method and apparatus are configured to extract a target screen from a user terminal in consideration of scrolling speed, calculate a degree of interest in content information included in the target screen in consideration of multiple split screens corresponding to the target screen and a user touch area, and analyze information about interest of the user by arranging multiple pieces of content information acquired from the user terminal based on the degree of interest. Accordingly, information about interest of the user or a field of interest to the user may be analyzed without referring to a definite intention expressed by the user.

Abstract: Generally discussed herein are systems, apparatuses, and methods for providing information regarding a product that is unique to a geographical region. In one or more embodiments a method may include determining a location of a user, receiving information indicative of one or more products unique to a particular geographical region corresponding to the determined location of the user, wherein each of the one or more products are offered for sale in the particular region by one or more merchants, and providing information about at least one of the products and about a merchant, from the one or more merchants, offering that product for sale in the geographical region.

Abstract: Methods and systems to suggest information to be used with an item being listed for sale may include analyzing stored search queries and identifying co-occurring terms or terms based on their desirability scores (or desirable terms). The co-occurring terms and the desirable terms may be identified based on their frequency of use in the search queries and/or in the title information or other information associated with items offered for sale.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide systems and methods for categorizing, searching, and retrieving information relating to products based on flavor profiles. Embodiments allow a user to dynamically specify values for multiple parameters. Similarly, a database of products is compiled with values and/or ranges assigned for each of the multiple parameters. A user can specify preferred values for each parameter. A computer-implemented process then retrieves one or more products that have parameter values within a predetermined range of the user's specified values.