Abstract: A consumer system receives capabilities metadata from a producer system that includes resource class metrics for a resource class included in the producer system. Next, the consumer system creates a rule that corresponds to one of the consumer system's managed entities. The rule includes one or more prescriptions that reference the resource class metrics and specify a periodicity, which informs the producer system as to a time interval for which to send prescription results that includes metric information pertaining to the resource class metrics. The consumer system sends the rule to the producer system and, in turn, the consumer system receives the prescription results from the producer system at the specified periodicity and applies the metric information to the managed entity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for engaging consumers in the performance of predetermined action. The method comprises the steps determining performance of a predetermined action, providing feedback related to the determined performance of the predetermined action, and broadcasting confirmation of performance of the predetermined action along with at least a portion of the provided feedback. An incentive be provided based upon performance of the predetermined action, or upon broadcasting. The predetermined action may include eating a candy or other edible item. The feedback may include material related to an advertising campaign, or otherwise related to the candy or edible item.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and mechanism that virtualizes a physical queue in a retail establishment. Customers using this system have the ability to indicate they would like to pay now (i.e., enter the virtual queue) using a button on their mobile device, and then they continue shopping until the mobile device informs them to proceed to a checkout counter. In addition, the system implements features that address users waiting in the queue. One feature is about transactions within the queue. This means that customers can buy priority using their mobile device, while waiting. Another feature is targeted advertisement and recommendation of products, leading to increased impulsive purchases.

Abstract: A system for incentivizing purchases by consumers comprises a kiosk configured to appraise an item having one constituent selected from the group consisting of a precious stone, a semi-precious stone, a precious metal, and a semi-precious metal. A composition of the item is determined using an evaluating device. A cash value is associated with the item using data obtained by the evaluating device and market data obtained over a network, and an exchange value of the item is determined by subtracting a processing fee from the cash value. At least one of the cash value and the exchange value is relayed to the consumer on an output device. The consumer is asked to select via an input device between at least a first offer and a second offer in exchange for the item.

Abstract: A method and system to report the environmental benefits of consumers' purchases of alternative fuels. The system tracks and stores the purchases of customers from a vendor of alternative fuels. The system calculates the environmental savings that a customer generates by using alternative fuel in place of standard fuels. Environmental savings may be calculated in terms of various metrics, including reduced carbon emissions, gasoline not consumed, or other environmental benefits. The system provides a marketplace that allows consumers to receive the benefit of the calculated environmental savings by selling, trading, or retiring the generated savings.

Abstract: Demand response to reduce energy consumption by individual consumers is provided by aggregating individual consumers, and providing feedback to such consumers regarding their energy consumption relative to other energy consumers in a group. The resulting feedback may result in reduced energy consumption by the individual consumer.

Abstract: Improved techniques and systems to facilitate use of credit to acquire digital media assets from a network-based media server are disclosed. A user can acquire credit in a variety of different ways including, for example, through redeeming a credit invitation. Once a user has available credit by whatever means, the user can acquire one or more digital media assets from the network-based media server using his/her available credit. In one embodiment, the credit is provided as item credits, whereby each item credit can be used to acquire a selected digital media asset. However, not all of the digital media assets available from the network-based media server are permitted to be acquired using item credits. The country of origin of the user and/or the type of media asset can influence the digital media assets that can be acquired using item credits.

Abstract: An online merchant system provides a merchandise trade-in program that includes advance payment for items traded-in by qualified customers. When a request to trade-in an item is received from a customer, a determination is made as to whether an advance payment can be made for the item. If an advance payment can be made for the item, an advance payment for the total estimated trade-in value of the item is made to the customer. The advance payment may be made prior to shipment of the item to the merchant or when the merchant is notified that the item has been shipped. When the item is received by the merchant, the customer is debited if the actual value of the item is less than the advance payment and credited if the actual value of the item is more than the advance payment.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a system including an interface for receiving a request from a rider, wherein the request includes a start location of the rider and an end location of the rider. A vehicle identification module connected to the interface identifies at least one vehicle located within a threshold distance from the start location. A communications module connected to the vehicle identification module sends the request to a driver of the vehicle. A validation module connected to the interface verifies that the rider and the driver and/or the vehicle were each located at the start location at the same time, and verifies that the rider and thdriver and/or the vehicle were each located at the end location at the same time.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of sourcing electronic tasks is disclosed. The method includes receiving customized electronic tasks, each customized electronic task being customized for a content managing entity. The method also includes identifying a plurality of users that selected to participate in receiving customized electronic tasks. The method further includes communicating one or more of the customized electronic tasks to at least one of the identified plurality of users. A method of consuming electronic tasks is also disclosed. The method includes displaying indicators of customized electronic tasks to a user, receiving a user selection of one of the customized electronic tasks, and generating feedback information regarding the selected customized electronic task.

Abstract: Crowdsourced research can be improved by increasing the submissions of solutions in languages other than languages in which a research problem is posed. This may be facilitated by providing incentives for translators to participate in translating the research problem, to solve research problems and to provide them with incentives for submitting solutions in the languages in which they translated the research problem or other language that is different from the language in which a research problem is posed.

Abstract: A system and method of managing credit subscriptions corresponding to a customer are disclosed. The credit subscriptions may include quantities of one or more credits with predetermined validity durations. The credit subscriptions may be active for a subscription lifetime, and the credits may be redeemable in a variable value transaction involving a piece of media content. Managing a credit subscription may include receiving a subscription management message, translating a subscription package code to a quantity of credits, creating or renewing the credit subscription with the quantity of credits, modifying the credit subscription, or deleting the credit subscription. The subscription management message may include a customer number, a subscription package code, and a subscription lifetime specification. Credits and credit subscriptions may be created as a one-time issuance or may be automatically renewed on a periodic basis.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable and executable instructions are provided for recommending print locations. Recommending print locations can include receiving recommendation, user, and geographic information for a first mobile print location (MPL) and a second MPL. Recommending print locations can also include indexing the recommendation, user, and geographic information for each of the first MPL and the second MPL as an automatically created uniform resource indicator (URI) on an MPL system. Furthermore, recommending print locations can include ranking the first MPL and the second MPL based on the recommendation, user, and geographic information and presenting a list, via a user interface, of the ranked first MPL and the second MPL.

Abstract: A system, methods, and apparatus for facilitating a user interaction using baseless tokens are disclosed. In an example embodiment, a campaign is purchased by a campaign ruler from a campaign administrator for a cost that includes a rebate amount allocated to a rebate account. A set of rules for creation is received from the campaign ruler defining interactions with corresponding baseless token awards. A set of rules for destruction is received from the campaign ruler defining interactions such as participation in an auction with corresponding destruction of baseless tokens. Users are awarded baseless tokens which are redeemable only through a right of participation, and baseless tokens are destroyed based on user participation. A prize is delivered to a winning user. A rebate is provided to the campaign ruler for delivery of the prize, from the rebate account, which is maintained independently of baseless token creation and destruction.

Abstract: Activity involving content distributed in a first content distribution channel, such as viewership of a content item, is used to determine how related content, such as another content item, should be distributed in a second content distribution channel. The determination can be made based on a model of the relationship between activity in the first content distribution channel and activity in the second content distribution channel. Distribution information regarding how the related content is to be distributed can be created or modified based on the determination, and the related content can be distributed according to the distribution information for the related content.

Abstract: In a crowd-sourced question answering system, the user is allowed to provide clarifying information to eliminate some of the most probable solutions or answers. This allows the user to find less common solutions to a query.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for managing access to a digital content item (such as an ebook, music, movie, software application) to be transferred from one user to another. The transferor is prevented from accessing the digital content item after the transfer occurs. The entity that sold the digital content item to the transferor enforces the access rights to the digital content item by storing data that establishes which user currently has access to the digital content item. After the change in access rights, only the transferee is allowed access to the digital content item. As part of the change in access rights, the transferee may pay to obtain access to the digital content item. A portion of the proceeds of the “resale” may be paid to the creator or publisher of the digital content item and/or the entity that originally sold the digital content item to the original owner.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for managing access to a digital content item (such as an ebook, music, movie, software application) to be transferred from one user to another. The transferor is prevented from accessing the digital content item after the transfer occurs. The entity that sold the digital content item to the transferor enforces the access rights to the digital content item by storing data that establishes which user currently has access to the digital content item. After the change in access rights, only the transferee is allowed access to the digital content item. As part of the change in access rights, the transferee may pay to obtain access to the digital content item. A portion of the proceeds of the “resale” may be paid to the creator or publisher of the digital content item and/or the entity that originally sold the digital content item to the original owner.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a system for validating, redeeming, and financially settling paper coupons coded with a GS1 barcode and 8110 Application Identifier comprises a real time network through which a Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal communicates directly to, or through a POS controller, with an Intelligent Clearing Network (ICN) server. One or both of the POS terminal and POS controller are installed with a ICN POS data bridge which stores computer code. The ICN server is configured to run a real time application while in communication with the POS terminal, wherein the POS terminal transmits paper coupon data elements read from the GS1 barcode and other consumer transaction information including universal product codes purchased, and transaction details to the ICN server via the network.

Abstract: Purchase rewards account holders accumulate rewards currency. A network-based investment management system allows account holders to purchase shares in investments using reward currency. When all the shares for a particular investment have been purchased, the underlying investment is acquired. Account holders owning shares in an investment may sell shares to other account holders through system. Account holders are thereby able to invest their rewards dollars in investments typically requiring cash or cash equivalents and to grow their rewards currency.

Abstract: Methods and systems for encouraging and identifying new talent, as well as an incentive structure for financing creative/media projects, are described. A social network web site allows users to post their own content, and filters users to the top who have achieved a given level of popularity. Popular users can then post media proposals to a private section of the web site, through which established stars and talent review the proposals. Users, in exchange for access to the private section, grant to a proprietor of the web site an option to make one or more future productions with that user at a reduced rate should that user reach stardom. Established stars and talent, in exchange for participating in a media proposal at a reduced rate, receive an interest in one or more productions by the user if/when the proprietor of the web site exercises an option to make a future production with the user.

Abstract: A method is provided which provides functionality for doctors and staff to remotely electronically download a “virtual sample cabinet” software program from a central server onto their desktop computers or mobile technology devices to allow them to centrally search, review product information and insurance coverage, print or electronically send prescription drug sample vouchers and co-pay savings coupons to selected pharmacies. This eliminates the need for physician offices to manage and house physical drug samples, as well as offers a more convenient and efficient way to allocate, dispense and monitor needed drug samples and coupons for savings to their patients. Additionally, the method helps patients to enroll into further savings on refills for their on-going medications through automatically scheduled coupons that are emailed (or mailed) to the patients thereby promoting more affordable compliance to their prescribed therapies.

Abstract: Instant messaging (IM) is provided between a TDD/TTY user and an entity. The user may use a TDD device to initiate a call with the entity. One or more converters may convert a TDD message from the user's device to IM, which is then provided to a recipient of the call, such as a representative of a company. The converter(s) may also convert IM from the representative into a TDD message that may then be provided to the user on the TDD device.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for managing social commerce within a social media environment. A merchant implements a social commerce storefront on behalf of an affiliate, who selects a subset of available products contained in a master catalog. The selected products are then displayed as purchasable products within the affiliate's social commerce storefront. Users of various social media environments are then referred by the affiliate to the social commerce storefront, where they purchase the merchant's products. In turn, the affiliate receives a portion of each sale as compensation for referring the user.

Abstract: In an image network system used for network print service which receives an order for printing or the like by using a communication network such as the Internet, there are provided a center server capable of providing service which is different depending upon points given to a customer according to an order track record, at a time of using the system, capable of suitably setting a storage capacity and a storage period of an image for a user without placing a burden on the user while importance is placed on an operational efficiency of the system, capable of allowing a user to upload images as many as possible in an album, and useful for prompting an order, and an image network system including the center server.

Abstract: A display unit displays information in a fitting room. An operation input unit receives operation input of information in the fitting room. An RFID reader writer performs radio communication with an RFID tag, which is attached to a commodity and stores data of a commodity ID for identifying the commodity, and sets a radio communication range in the inside of the fitting room.

Abstract: A system and method for offsetting printing costs. Specifically, the method includes collecting user information about a user and generating a user profile based on the user information. The user profile is stored such that the user profile is used to achieve delivery of data that is targeted to the user based on the user profile without requiring a release of user information in the user profile. At least one offer for the delivery of data is presented to the user. The data is targeted to the user based on the user profile. Thereafter, the method determines that an item of the data presented to the user has been printed. An incentive is received for printing the item.

Abstract: A method for recycling recyclable material involving revenue sharing of the value of the recyclable material for individualized users based upon the amount, quality and/or value of the recyclables contributed by each individual user. A system for recycling recyclable material involving a densification apparatus, a processor, and a computer for allowing revenue sharing of the value of recyclable material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for enabling a fundraising program using fundraising cards redeemable by not-for-profit organization (“NPO”) supporters for branded stored-value cards. The system includes a scrip company host system having a server, where the server includes a microcontroller. A remote user device, having a display, is operatively coupled to the scrip company host system and configured to enable access to the scrip company web site. The microcontroller is adapted to detect access to the scrip company web site by a NPO, and cause the plurality of fundraising cards to be distributed to the NPO in response to detecting an order for the plurality of fundraising cards by the NPO. The fundraising cards are distributed to the NPO prior to receiving payment from the NPO for the fundraising cards, thereby making it unnecessary for the NPO to carry a paid-for inventory of fundraising cards.

Abstract: A system comprises a point-of-sale (POS) terminal, a POS controller, a retail subscription system. The POS terminal allows a cashier to enter subscription sales data into the POS controller. The POS controller maintains databases on available subscriptions and produces databases containing data relating to subscriptions sold to customers. The retail subscription system verifies the subscriptions by reference to its own databases and transmits the subscriptions to a fulfillment house for distribution.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, a computer-implemented method for acquiring a captive customer base within a cloud computing environment comprises providing customer software to a service organization, with the customer software being configurable to facilitate communications between the service organization and a client base of the service organization. The customer software provided to the service organization is subsidized based on a condition that the service organization allows a software provider to embed context-based marketing content in the customer software, and is provided to the client base via the customer software, with the context-based marketing content directed to products offered by the software provider, and the products being supplemental to service organization services, thereby using the customer software to generate revenue for the software provider, with costs of the context-based marketing being determined by software development costs.

Abstract: Systems and methods for bookmarking media content for future availability are described. The method includes receiving a receiving a request for media content and user account data for a plurality of unique online content sources. The method also includes requesting content availability data from the plurality of unique online content sources and using received content availability data to generate a notification. Pricing information, the media format, and notification preferences may be used to further configure the searches and notifications.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for automatically making payments for recyclable items deposited at reverse vending machines.

Abstract: Managing risks of crop production can be performed by understanding the relative performance of different agricultural inputs under the same or similar environmental conditions. In addition, managing of crop production risks can be performed by understanding variations in the performance of the same agricultural inputs over a range of environmental conditions. By being able to describe and understand these variations in performance, decisions can be made which are consistent with overall business and/or production objectives and limit risk associated with variations in environmental conditions. In addition to producers there are other stakeholders in the crop production process, such as financial institutions, insurance providers, users of crops produced, and input suppliers. These and other stakeholders can provide financial incentives to producers for managing crop production risks through use of environmental classification and/or genotype-by-environment information.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to receive a search query from a user, typically via a web browser, the Internet, and a web server. A search engine obtains a set of potential search results based on the search query. For each Internet domain or web site mentioned in the search results, a set of data sources is accessed to obtain information concerning the legitimacy of the business associated with the Internet domain or web site. The legitimacy information is used to reorder or to change or to augment the appearance or presentation of the search result for the Internet domain or web site. The processed search results are returned to the user.

Abstract: Handling electronic coupons includes accessing information indicating association of an electronic coupon with an account of a user that identifies multiple retail entities associated with the user. Information indicating association of electronic coupons with the user's account may be transmitted to respective computer systems associated with the multiple retail entities. The computer systems may associate electronic coupons with the user such that the user may redeem the electronic coupons at a retail store upon presentation of a user identifier. When the user redeems an electronic coupon, cancellation information for the electronic coupon may be transmitted to the computer systems of other retail entities associated with the user. Receipt of the cancellation information may cause the respective computer systems to cancel the redeemability of the electronic coupon such that the user is prevented from redeeming the electronic coupon at a retail store associated with the corresponding retail entity.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods and computer systems for offering vehicles, which are subject to sale agreements between sellers and buyers, on online markets and soliciting additional offers for these vehicles by third parties. This additional offering may generate additional revenues, above the agreed upon prices between the initial seller and buyer, and these revenues can be shared by sellers, buyers, and service providers. For example, a seller may contract with a dealer to sell a used car for a certain price, which may be a part of a trade-in transaction. Information about the car, including a price, is then posted on a website. Third parties may view this information and post their offers, which are higher than the initial contract price. The new higher offer may be accepted and the proceeds may be shared by sellers, buyers, and service providers.

Abstract: Accordingly some embodiments, a merchant server receives an indication of acceptance by a customer of an offer for a subsidy from a second merchant of a purchase of at least one item from a first merchant. The customer agrees to participate in an additional transaction with the second merchant in exchange for having the subsidy applied against the purchase from the first merchant. In one embodiment, after selling the at least one item to the customer, the merchant server determines that the customer did not participate in an additional transaction with the second merchant as the customer agreed to, and assesses a penalty against the customer.

Abstract: Information pertaining to products made by manufacturers and sold to consumers through retailers, is distributed to consumers through a communication network that connects consumer communication nodes to a cooperative network site having an accumulation of information about manufacturer product offers and retailer special deals. A consumer can obtain selected items of this information without knowledge of how to reach the cooperative network site, by simply logging in to a manufacturer network site or to a retailer network site. At a manufacturer site, the consumer can obtain a list of local retailers carrying the manufacturer offers and can then select from among the offers and receive complete details of the selected offers. At a retailer site, the consumer can obtain a list of manufacturer offers available at the retailer stores in the consumer's area, and can then select from among the available offers and receive their complete details.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for enabling a user to search for and display information stored in a searchable database of product records, including providing a user interface to the database for enabling data contained in the database to be displayed on the user's computer and for enabling user input to be received, enabling a search of the database to be performed in response to user input, and providing results of the database search to the user, including enabling the user's computer to display a list of attribute values of a product record in the database, wherein the list of attribute values corresponds to a list of distinct attributes of a current product record contained in a selected set of product records, enabling the display next to an attribute value a set of selectable sub-elements, wherein each selectable sub-element corresponds to a predetermined rank and corresponds to a predetermined subset of possible attribute values for an attribute.

Abstract: A system and method for substantially immediate issuance of transaction cards includes at least one unassigned transaction card including a storage medium having a card number encoded thereupon. The system also includes a computing system configured to receive application information from an applicant that has been provided said unassigned transaction card, and to activate the unassigned transaction card so that access to monetary funds is extended to the applicant through said unassigned transaction card, upon an evaluation of said application information indicating that the applicant has been approved for access to the monetary funds. The unassigned transaction card bears no visible marking presenting information concerning the applicant and encodes no information concerning said applicant upon the storage medium of said unassigned transaction card.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collection of ethnographic data from a building housing a population, which includes modern surveillance equipment, marketing and other testing materials, and may comprise an agreement between the dormitory and a dormitory sponsor to collect ethnographic data and provide test products and other materials in a dormitory equipped as a real-world social laboratory. This synergy between dormitory sponsorship, dormitory management, and students allows for easy, organized and cost effective experimentation and data mining of the valuable student demographic with incentive to the parties involved.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for exchanging one form of stored value for another form of value. In one embodiment, a method for exchanging stored value for an alternative form of value comprises receiving stored value account information relating to the stored value from a remote user device and generating a first offer to exchange the stored value for an alternative form of value. A request is sent to a first value provider to provide a supplemental offer to the first offer. The supplemental offer is then received from the first value provider, and the first offer and the supplemental offer are sent to the remote user device for acceptance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for exchanging one form of stored value for another form of value. In one embodiment, a method for exchanging stored value for an alternative form of value comprises receiving stored value account information relating to the stored value from a remote user device, sending at least a portion the stored value account information to a first value provider and receiving a first offer to exchange the stored value for an alternative form of value. A request is then sent to a second value provider requesting that the second value provider provide a supplemental offer, the supplemental offer adding a second form of value to the alternative from of value. The supplemental offer is received, and then both the first and supplemental offers are provided to the remote user device for acceptance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for exchanging one form of stored value for another form of value. In one embodiment, a method for exchanging stored value for an alternative form of value comprises receiving stored value account information relating to the stored value from a remote user device and sending a request to a first value provider to provide an offer to exchange the store value for the alternative form of value. The method further comprises receiving the offer, the offer comprising a first offer to exchange the stored value for an alternative form of value and a supplemental offer comprising a supplemental value. The method further comprises sending the first offer and the supplemental offer to the remote user device for acceptance.

Abstract: A system for determining customer identifiers (CIDs) associated with purchase of product items which are recalled includes a computer database management system (10, 20) and network (30). Consumers associated with the determined CIDs are notified of the recall of the products.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a server that hosts webpages facilitating user interaction between multiple endpoints. The system monitors for a user input requesting initiation of a happy hour, and when the input is detected, modifies the webpages to alert users of the happy hour. The users are notified of which user initiated the happy hour, and are also notified that interaction incentives accumulate at an increased rate during the happy hour. The system also tracks user scorings that accumulate based on the user interaction, and enables certain website features based on these user scorings. The system also tracks ratings for user-uploaded objects and identifies top rated objects for displaying on webpages viewable by other users.

Abstract: A publishing engine captures commercial information associated with a first user and automatically notifies other users in the first user's social network of this commercial information. The first user authorizes an e-commerce system to access his or her social network and to publish commercial information about the first user's commercial activity (e.g., a purchase or other commercial transaction) to users in the social network. By this automated notification, the notified users in the first user's social network can learn that the first user has completed a commercial transaction pertaining to a particular product or service. If a notified user is interested in a similar product or service, he or she can contact the first user to inquire about the first user's experience and information with the product or service.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a vending promotional printer for use within a vending machine are disclosed. A vending promotional printer includes a coupon database describing a stack of coupons that are specified using a template based couponing printer language. A coupon is selected for creation and issued to the customer based on a matrix of event-based triggers involving factors or parameters known to the vending promotional printer directly or supplied by master promotional controller. Triggers may include the time of day, the date or amount of a cash-out voucher to be issued to a customer, the duration of play on a vending machine, a customer classification, the amount of money or credits added to a game, or a random frequency of coupon issuance having satisfied any or all of the aforementioned factors.

Abstract: Purchase rewards account holders accumulate rewards currency. A network-based investment management system allows account holders to purchase shares in investments using reward currency. When all the shares for a particular investment have been purchased, the underlying investment is acquired. Account holders owning shares in an investment may sell shares to other account holders through the system. Account holders are thereby able to invest their rewards dollars in investments typically requiring cash or cash equivalents and to grow their rewards currency.