Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, methods, processes, computer program code, and means for employing the wireless or near field communication (“NFC”) functionality of mobile devices and payment terminals for use in payment, loyalty, and offer and coupon transactions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using machine learning to determine product offers for individuals are disclosed. According to certain aspects, the systems and methods may determine, using a machine learning model and based on a set of products purchased by a user, a set of digital offers associated with an additional set of products to provide to the user. The user may redeem any of the digital offers, and the systems and methods may use any additional product purchase information to update the machine learning model for use in subsequent analyses.

Abstract: A bracket contest system has an entrant device connected to a server having a set of matches in a single elimination bracket tournament in memory. Each match is between two participants in the tournament in which one half of the participants are eliminated in each round. The entrant device receives predictions before a start of a first match. Each prediction includes a pre-set number of predicted winners of each match starting with a winner of a final match. The predictions are entered sequentially based on a predicted final rank of the participants, from first place to nth place. After each selection, a next selection is limited to participants from a predetermined valid position in the tournament. After receiving results of the set of matches, a score of the predictions is made based upon the results, and if the score exceeds a threshold, the predictions are declared a winning entry.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a subscription travel service. The systems and methods include operations for receiving travel information with a travel date for a user; computing a subscription value as a function of a booking date and the travel date; determining a minimum travel value and a maximum purchase amount based on the computed subscription value; searching a list of travel services that are available on the travel date to identify candidate travel services each having a first cost that exceeds the minimum travel value; selecting a subset of the candidate travel services that each have a second cost that is less than the maximum purchase amount; and generating for display to a user, in a graphical user interface, one or more interactive visual representations of the selected subset of the candidate travel services.

Abstract: A user analytics computing device for processing mobile device telematics data and generating user offerings includes at least one processor in communication with a memory device. The processor is programmed to: (i) form a first group, (ii) receive first telematics data, (iii) parse subsets of the first telematics data, (iv) receive second telematics data, (v) parse subsets of the second telematics data, (vi) retrieve at least one eligibility condition that defines eligibility for the first group to qualify for a user offering, (vii) aggregate one subset of the first telematics data and one subset of the second telematics data associated into first group telematics data, (viii) determine whether the first group telematics data satisfies the at least one eligibility condition, and (ix) compare the first group telematics data to a plurality of other group telematics data to determine whether the first group has won the user offering.

Abstract: An offer processing system is configured to receive transaction data associated with user purchases from third party point of sales devices and/or third party payment processing systems. The offer processing system may then identify offers or savings that are applicable to the transaction data and redeem the offers on behalf of the users.

Abstract: A system and method for settling monetary and quota-allocated dual currency transactions may be used to reduce Co2 emissions. Each purchasable item (product or service) in the system may have a monetary price and a Carbon price whose value corresponds to a number of Kg of Co2 emitted by the manufacture/sale/use of the purchasable item. The system and method individualizes the reduction of Co2 emissions and allows each consumer to choose purchasable items in part based on the Carbon price.

Abstract: Provided herein are exemplary systems, methods and interactive conversational graphical user interfaces, including a networked computing device comprising a processor and a display screen, the computing device configured to dynamically display a specific, structured interactive conversational graphical user interface paired with a prescribed functionality directly related to the interactive conversational graphical user interface's structure. The networked computing device may be a networked server having a processor and communicatively coupled to the computing device, the networked server including a user identification mechanism to identify a user of the networked computing device. The networked server may further include a profile for the user and a sponsorship engine configured to send an advertising icon to the user.

Abstract: A charitable donation system is provided. The system includes a computer server having a memory storing charitable organization data and user data, a collection device coupled to the computer server, and a user computing device coupled to the computer server. The system establishes a proximity zone around the collection device. When a user computing device enters the proximity zone, a connection between the server and the user computing device is established. The computer server may be programmed to receive from the user computing device a signal activating a donation, the signal including user data and donation data, including a user identifying information and a donation amount. The computer server may be programmed to process the payment and account for the donation amount.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to mail application features. In some embodiments, a contact identifier is selected. In some embodiments, an adaptive toolbar is provided. In some embodiments, document functions are accessed.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention can comprise: a bidding starting price determination step of allowing a bidding product shopping mall server to determine a bidding starting price of a bidding product by linking with the sales volume of a shopping product having been sold online or offline; a bidding information transmission step of allowing the bidding product shopping mall server to transmit bidding product information, a bidding tender schedule, and a bidding starting price to communication terminals used by customers, who have bidding qualifications and can bid in the auction for the bidding product; a successful bidder determination step of allowing the bidding product shopping mall server to determine a successful bidder among bidding participants participating in a bidding tender by proceeding with the bidding tender having the bidding starting price at the minimum price for the customers having bidding qualifications during a preset bidding tender period; and a bidding product selling step of allow

Abstract: Systems and methods to manage incentive campaigns and automatically approve requests for incentives received from consumers or their proxy based on dynamic parameters defined by an incentive provider are described herein. Users at various levels between an original equipment manufacturer and the consumer may interact and offer input. In various implementations, campaign parameters may be received from an incentive provider and used to initiate and/or otherwise administrate a campaign. Incentive providers may then dynamically modify ongoing campaigns via the system. One or more user interfaces may be generated through which users may interact with the system and visualizations related to a campaign may be presented. Based on the initial or modified parameters for a campaign, the systems and methods described herein may further determine whether to approve, deny, or otherwise respond to requests for incentives received from consumers or their proxy.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to managing promotional programs. A promotion card is associated with at least one promotional program. Eligibility of one or more items is determined based on rules associated with the promotional program. A payment amount is calculated based on the eligibility of the items and the rules of the promotional program.

Abstract: A technique is provided that dynamically controls the speed at which a mobile device user can use funds. More specifically, the technique provides a lockout mechanism, which temporarily prevents the mobile device user from accessing and thus spending the funds.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving input questions through interactive digital content and determining demographic designators associated the questions. The method further includes grouping together similar input questions and, for each group of similar questions, creating an answer. Scripts are created from each answer and each script and the corresponding group of similar input questions is recorded into a data repository.

Abstract: An internet-based, user-controlled aspirational savings social network system and associated method for end-to-end articulation, savings, and fulfillment of user's aspirations bridges the existing chasm between the user's savings and the purpose for their savings. A network platform facilitates users to discover and articulate aspirations and connects individual accounts assigned to the user's aspirational goals. A plan is developed for each account and a collaborative savings amplification tool of the platform increases the effective monetary amounts beyond the user's principal contributions and/or reduces the price of the aspired goods or services to advance the plan in ways that fulfill the aspirational goals. The network platform engages with a plurality of merchants associated with the aspirational goals to supply the goods or services and yield a comprehensive end-to-end solution.

Abstract: Systems and methods of improving the operation of a transaction network and transaction network devices is disclosed. A lightning KNN host may comprise various modules and engines as discussed herein wherein lookalike records may be identified whereby the speed of the lightning KNN network may be enhanced and the accuracy and precision of results improved whereby the transaction network more properly functions according to approved parameters.

Abstract: A mobile station, system, and method for collecting information. The mobile station including a controller which can determine a current location of the mobile station, output the name of one or more selected persons corresponding to a predetermined geographic area (such as a current location of the mobile station), and receive an identifier corresponding to the selected person via an input device. The mobile station may also communicate, via wired and/or wireless communication means, with a system for uploading/downloading and/or processing information such as petition signatures.

Abstract: Techniques for controlling redemption of offers are provided. A checkout process is detected having multiple offers associated with an item or items being purchased. Each offer is evaluated based on custom rules and some, all, or portions of the offers are selectively applied to a retail price for the item to arrive at a final price for the item during the checkout process.

Abstract: The systems and methods provide an offer to a user that may be accepted by the user through an action by the user. The action may be, for example, a broadcast through a social media channel. The parameters of the offer may defined that the broadcast comprise an offer identifier and may require that a user take subsequent action to fulfill the offer. The systems and methods may also be configured to monitor one or more broadcast channels, identify the source of a broadcast, identify transaction accounts associated with the source, evaluate transaction data associated with the transaction account, and provide benefits to the source and/or the transaction account.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for refining content selection criteria to facilitate content selection via a computer network. In some embodiments, a tool identifies a first entity used to select content of a first content provider. The first entity can correspond to a canonical stable identifier in a database. The tool can identify a plurality of sets of entities that each comprise the first entity and an additional entity different from the first entity. Each of the plurality of sets of entities can be associated with content of a corresponding content provider. The tool can determine a performance metric for the additional entity. The tool can compare the performance metric with a performance threshold. The tool can associate the additional entity with the content of the first content provider based on the comparison.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a request for a pass of a type of pass from a first customer. The method includes, based on an availability of a pass of the requested type, enabling the first customer to purchase the pass of the requested type either (i) from a set of available passes of the requested type or (ii) from a second customer. The method includes enabling a mobile device associated with the first customer to be used to present the purchased pass.

Abstract: Through an interface of a platform, promotional offers are provided from merchants. Each promotional offer pertains to a rebate, purchase credit, reward, price discount, or other consumer offering. Association information is also automatically obtained from a social network application to identify for a first user which other platform users are members of the first user's social group. Each other user is a member of the first user's social group through the social network application, independently of use of such promotional offers. A first promotional offer is provided by the platform from a first merchant to a client device of the first user. The first promotional offer is provided or the rebate amount, purchase credit amount, reward, price discount amount, or other consumer offering of the provided first promotional offer is determined, selected or applied, based on a measure of a purchasing or platform usage activity of the other users.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for a service provider to facilitate the sale and purchase of discount coupons applicable to products buyers are interested in purchasing. A buyer may transmit information on a product to the service provider. The service provider may search a repository of coupons to find coupons applicable to the product. The coupons are available to purchase from account holders of the service provider. The service provider may transmit information on the coupons to the buyer. The buyer may select a coupon to purchase and may transmit the selection to the service provider. The service provider may purchase the coupon. If the coupon is used to purchase the product, the service provider may apply the coupon to the product, charge the buyer for the coupon and the product, credit the coupon seller's account for the sale of the coupon, and pay a merchant for the product.

Abstract: A method is described for rewarding a viewer of a broadcast program in exchange for the viewer proving his presence at the time that certain program content is being broadcast. The method involves the use of running an application in a television environment, said application displaying a graphic inviting the viewer to intervene in some manner and to subsequently log the viewer's intervention, thereby documenting his viewing activity. The method further allows for the convenient and mobile reporting of the status of a log of the viewer's viewing activity. Finally, the method allows for the convenient and flexible redemption of accrued credit, as documented in the viewing log, against goods and/or services.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to electronic commerce (e-commerce) systems and media platforms, for use with both mobile and non-mobile systems, to deploy virtual advertising and promotion via the use of electronic coupons, and more particularly a method and system for aggregating and distributing carbon reduction credits in connection with the creation and/or use of electronic coupons or virtual electronic rebates (VeeBates) and permitting individuals and groups within one or more social communications networks to participate in and transmit information to others about their activities related to the virtual advertising, incentives, redemption and promotion and aggregate carbon credits in connection therewith, either as part of the incentive or aggregation by the incentive promoter as part of its activities in reducing its carbon footprint.

Abstract: The invention is system and method for extending social networking features to a map based system Social Navigation. It is called MySocialGPS where one can use Active Maps to locate friends, locate social activities, and send Active Messages, Plan Social Activities and Socialize. In addition to regular social networking features, a Beacon ID is generated by the system to enable social mapping on the Social GPS “SGPS” of Friends, Businesses, Places, Events and Deals. The Beacon ID enables enhanced GPS functionality enabling a Friend location to become a destination. The proposed system will have coupons and deals from merchant partners. The system provides a portal for merchants to upload their deals and coupons. MySocialGPS has a deals-events search engine, which connects to the other websites, retrieves and consolidates Featured Places, Events and Deals then displays them on the Social GPS Map for its users.

Abstract: A method and system for creating and editing video and/or audio tracks is described. The method includes providing at least one artist, venue, and track available for selection and providing at least one clip associated with the at least one artist, venue, and track. The method also includes allowing a user to create a custom track from the at least one clip. The system includes a plurality of video cameras for recording a live performance at a plurality of positions. The system also includes at least one server for storing a plurality of video clips created from the plurality of video cameras and an application stored on the at least one server for allowing a user to access the plurality of video clips via the Internet.

Abstract: A method is provided for offering and distributing digital coupons from promoters to users via a network. The method includes the steps of receiving the digital coupons, storing them on a central computer, and associating them with a product identifier. The user selects a selected product identifier, and the digital coupons associated with the selected product identifier are then transmitted to the user, who can then select a selected digital coupon, for use. The promoter pays a fee for the placement of and/or use of each of the digital coupons.

Abstract: Various methods, apparatus, and systems are disclosed for calculating a fee linked to an online financial transaction. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a fee calculation request linked to an online financial transaction associated with a fee type, a country code, and a client identifier; and then selecting, using a microprocessor, an initial base fee from either a default base fee determined by the fee type and the country code or from an overriding base fee associated with the financial transaction, wherein the initial base fee includes a transaction percentage and a fixed amount. The method further includes applying, using the microprocessor, at least one adjustment to the initial base fee to calculate a final fee, the at least one adjustment being applied when an associated condition set is determined to be true.

Abstract: A system, computer program product and a method of applying rewards to fees in qualifying accounts of a financial institution are provided. The system, computer program product and method ensure that one or more reward accounts of a single account holder or “household” of account holders at the financial institution are qualified to receive a reward, are entitled to receive income other than the reward amount, that the account holder of the account is enrolled to receive one or more service for a service fees from the financial institution and that the fees are entitled to be automatically offset against income earned by the reward accounts during the predetermined cycle. If so, the system, computer program product and method deduct the fees from the sum of earned reward amount and the income other than the reward amount.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to electronic commerce (e-commerce) methods for the use of systems and media platforms, for use with both mobile and non-mobile systems, to deploy virtual advertising and promotion via the use of electronic coupons, and more particularly a method and system for creating, deploying, transferring, clearing, managing, redeeming and reporting on the use of electronic coupons or virtual electronic rebates (VeeBates) and permitting individuals and groups within one or more social communications networks to participate in and transmit information to others about their activities related to the virtual advertising, incentives, redemption and promotion.

Abstract: A system and related method are disclosed for a platform that allows merchants to register, and enter their data, at which point the system generates sales, vouchers, or similar items automatically or using merchant input. Publication, by web or mobile app, can be controlled with parameters including geographic limitations, and published by divisions and employees under security authorizations. According to some embodiments, customers may pay a deposit for a redeemable version, refundable upon redemption.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to electronic commerce (e-commerce) systems and media platforms, for use with both mobile and non-mobile systems, to deploy virtual advertising and promotion via the use of electronic coupons, and more particularly a method and system for creating, deploying, transferring, clearing, managing, redeeming and reporting on the use of electronic coupons or virtual electronic rebates (VeeBates) and permitting individuals and groups within one or more social communications networks to participate in and transmit information to others about their activities related to the virtual advertising, incentives, redemption and promotion.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for allowing a merchant to process third party closed-loop instruments (such as gift cards) as if the closed-loop instruments were open-loop instruments. A customer provides card data of a third party gift card to a merchant, e.g., online or in a merchant store, for the purchase of one or more items provided by the merchant. The merchant sends the gift card data to an intermediary that deducts at least a portion of the balance of the gift card. The intermediary sends an offer for the gift card to the customer. If the customer accepts the offer, then the merchant applies the offer towards the total purchase price of the one or more items.

Abstract: A search engine, system and method for locating and rating a plurality of electronic mentions of respective ones of a plurality of brands.

Abstract: A ranking method and system for providing a ranking of a game group is disclosed. The method includes creating a game group including a user and at least one member among the user's registered friends who have joined a game service, based on a game group creation request received from a user terminal. The method further comprises calculating a ranking of the user with respect to other members of the created game group based on a ranking inquiry request received from the user terminal, and providing the user terminal with the calculated ranking of the user. The user terminal drives a game service platform associated with a plurality of games and provides the game group creation request information and the ranking inquiry request information through the game service platform.

Abstract: A system and method for internet-enabled retailing and redemption of coupon options; retailer-sold, consumer purchasable discounts for goods or products. The system may include a coupon option server receiving coupon option information including a purchase price, discount, and the underlying good. The coupon option is displayed on a coupon option website where it may be searched, reviewed, purchased by and delivered to a consumer. The consumer may then present the coupon option at a retail point of sale for redemption. A retailer site may also be equipped with a wireless broadcast device to broadcast coupon options to consumer smartphones for purchase by the consumers.

Abstract: From within an application other than a web browser running on a mobile device: a user is presented with the opportunity to receive a benefit and payment options for the benefit. The payment options includes offers, where completing any of the collection of offers entitles the user to receive the benefit. The collection of offers is loaded from a source outside the mobile device. An indication of interest in a selected offer is received, and the user is presented with first content describing the selected offer in a first collapsible pane. Simultaneously with presenting the first content, the user is presented with second content describing the selected offer in a second collapsible pane. Information sufficient to complete the selected offer is received and sent to an offer platform. A notification that the selected offer has been completed is received from the platform, the benefit is provided to the user.

Abstract: A system for managing electric energy exchange devices is disclosed. The system comprises a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to receive a set of predefined parameters for electric energy exchange a vehicle using an electric energy exchange device for a time increment. The processor is further configured to receive a set of transaction specific parameters. The processor is configured to determine a price for electric energy exchange based at least in part on the set of predefined parameters and the set of transaction specific parameters. The memory is coupled to the processor and configured to provide the processor with instructions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a SMS authentication method. The SMS authentication method includes transferring the authentication message into different types of authentication codes and/or review codes, sending the authentication codes and/or review codes to the authentication request end and the user via different types, providing the authentication codes input by the user and the authentication codes from the authentication service supply end to the authentication service supply end by the authentication request end, and making the user determine according to the review codes whether the authentication procedure is correct. Hence, the SMS authentication method of the present invention prevents the authentication information from being illegally recorded or stole during the transmission of the authentication message and prevents the phone number from being stole or forged.

Abstract: A method and system for facilitating the creation and promotion of creative works involves displaying or providing information about one or more undeveloped creative works, and receiving and processing requests for purchases of benefits relating to selected ones of the undeveloped creative works. Patron information is stored in a manner associated it with work under development selected by the user. Monetary amounts received from patrons relating to the undeveloped works are aggregated and, at a certain point, made available to the producer of the work to be developed. Patrons may be notified concerning availability of the selected and previously purchased benefits relating to the patron's sponsorship of the particular work. The benefit may be redeemed or obtained in a variety of different manners, depending upon the nature of the benefit.

Abstract: A computer-implemented service integrates with merchant sites to enable registered users of the service to perform purchase transactions on the merchant sites. In one embodiment, a merchant can incorporate a reference to a display object served by the service into coding of a page of the merchant's site. When the page is loaded by a user's browser, the reference causes the browser to request the display object from the service for display on the page. If the user is recognized by the service, the service may return a personalized display object that includes functionality for the user to perform a purchase transaction using the service. Also disclosed are embodiments that enable users to initiate transfers of personal account information to the merchant sites.

Abstract: A first voucher, at a price that is equal to a full discounted price of a merchandise or service being offered, is provided to a computing device that is associated with a first user and that is configured to display such first voucher on a display of such computing device. The first voucher is provided from a platform that is configured to provide a plurality of vouchers from a plurality of different merchants. After the first user purchases the first voucher at the voucher purchase price, a reward, which is obtained from a portion or all of proceeds obtained from users who buy the first voucher or from another source, is remitted to the first user based on said first user's purchase of two or more of the plurality of vouchers via the platform.

Abstract: A first voucher having a voucher purchase price and a discount offer is provided to a first user. The discount is specified as a price reduction or credit applicable towards purchasing a good or service. The first voucher is provided from a platform that is configured to provide a plurality of vouchers, including the first voucher, for a plurality of discounts offered by a plurality of different merchants. After the first user purchases the first voucher at the voucher purchase price in a first transaction, a monetary or fiat currency reward is remitted to one or more users, including the first user. The reward is related to at least a portion of proceeds that were obtained from voucher transactions with respect to a sale of one or more vouchers that occurred prior to the first transaction or wherein such reward is related to proceeds from another source.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting financial transactions by means of a smartphone is disclosed. A barcode is printed on the invoice, which is scanned by the mobile device screen. The mobile device is used instead of a credit card or cash. Provisions for data security, transaction verification, and communications protocols are disclosed.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for providing travel directions includes receiving a request for a travel route from a first location to a second location; determining the travel route; providing, based on the travel route, a suggested transaction and directions for a first portion of the travel route; and receiving a notification that the suggested transaction has occurred. A computer-readable medium comprising computer-executable instructions that perform the method is also provided. In response to a notification that the suggested transaction has occurred, directions for a second portion of the travel route may be provided.

Abstract: A system and methods for an offer placement system for 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 advertising campaign data from an advertiser including a plurality of targeted marketing offers for delivery to consumers in response to a particular condition (e.g. an offer-triggering event), and stores the campaign data in a database. A component determines the occurrence of an offer-triggering event caused by a consumer during an online session with the online portal, for example, viewing a list of banking transactions. A component identifies a predetermined targeted marketing offer stored in the database that corresponds to the offer-triggering event. A component delivers information corresponding to the targeted marketing offer to the consumer during the online session with the portal.

Abstract: For product trial use transactions, a distribution module receives a single specified subscription fee from a subscriber and receives a selection of a first product from a plurality of products. Purchase prices of the plurality of products are not uniform. The distribution module further provides the first product to the subscriber in response to receiving the single specified subscription fee and the selection of the first product. In addition, the detection module detects a return of the first product by a specified trial end date. A transaction module automatically transacts a sale of the first product to the subscriber after the specified trial end date if the first product is not received back from the subscriber by the specified trial end date.

Abstract: A platform connects customers and businesses for purchasing goods and/or services at a first price, which is less than a second price offered to the general public. Offers are made to customers through the platform under a first payment option or a second payment option. The first payment option is a pay now option where a customer pays for the voucher before receiving it, and the business pays financial consideration to the platform for the opportunity to provide the vouchers. The second payment option is a pay later option where the business pays no financial consideration to the platform for its offers. Customers pay a periodic subscription and receive the vouchers without payment. Payment for the vouchers occurs directly with the business at the time of redemption. Businesses may also be paid commissions for attracting customers to use the platform.