Abstract: A computer implemented method and system for creating a virtual community network for incentivized multimedia content viewing is provided. A first viewer receives the multimedia content for viewing on a client device from a server provided in a networked environment. The first viewer refers the multimedia content to one or more second viewers in the networked environment for viewing and further referrals. The server controls access to the multimedia content and confirms viewing of the multimedia content by the first viewer, the second viewers, and nth viewers from further referrals using a random challenge. The server generates response reports based on viewing of the multimedia content. The server credits the first viewer, the second viewers, the nth viewers, etc. with one or more items of value based on referring of the multimedia content, multimedia content view confirmation, and/or registration of the second viewers, the nth viewers, etc, with the server.

Abstract: A system for serving localized advertisements receives data that defines an advertisement from an advertiser and determines a geographic location of the advertiser. The system also receives a request to serve an advertisement from a browser operated by a user and determines a geographic location associated with the user. The system communicates the advertisement to the browser if the geographic location associated with the user matches the geographic location of the advertiser.

Abstract: An electronic shelf label system is provided. There is provided a method in which an electronic shelf label periodically transmits its remaining battery capacity to a server in a electronic shelf label system according to the present invention, and the server converts the battery level into a remaining battery life (time) and provides the same, so that a manager can check the remaining battery life in a management mode of the server and a terminal, and easily manage an electronic shelf label using a battery.

Abstract: A method for providing transaction details for payment transactions indicative of offer redemption includes: receiving an offer listing including at least one merchant offer entry, wherein each entry includes an offer identifier and an indication of a valid merchant with which a corresponding offer for goods or services may be redeemed; receiving an offer linking notification including a consumer identifier and an indication of a selection of an offer corresponding to a specific merchant offer entry by a consumer associated with the consumer identifier; identifying a merchant identifier, wherein the merchant identifier corresponds to the valid merchant indicated in the specific merchant offer entry; storing a transaction processing rule, the rule including the identified merchant identifier and the consumer identifier; and transmitting transaction details for a payment transaction included in an authorization request, wherein the authorization request further includes at least the identified merchant identifi

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for calculating a series of discounted sale prices for one or more vehicles offered for sale and making those calculated sale prices available to one or more potential vehicle purchasers such that the discounted sale prices each correspond to a series of elapsed time periods and are withheld from the potential vehicle purchasers until the period of time corresponding to a discounted sale price occurs.

Abstract: A system and method to provide customized coupons, the method including: receiving, by a user terminal used by a requesting user, radio-frequency (RF) signals containing information usable to determine position; determining a location of the user terminal from the RF signals; determining participating merchants within a configurable distance threshold of the location of the user terminal; retrieving a coupon template from a database, wherein the coupon template identifies business-related boundaries of an offer from a participating merchant; customizing the coupon template, by use of a media data object, to create a customized coupon; and providing the customized coupon to be shared with a recipient user.

Abstract: First content configured for generating a media item is identified; a portion of the first content as being configured to obtain second content for presentation on the page is identified; and at least one parameter associated with the identified portion is identified, including determining whether the presentation of the plurality of advertisements in the media item reflects the ranking order.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, systems and components enable selective control of an operational mode for a vehicle that is subject to an administrative standard. In some instances a qualified person or entity may attain a possible consequential result related to a user-selected vehicle operation mode that may involve a vehicle operation paradigm and/or a vehicle travel route and/or a vehicle travel destination. In some embodiments, implementation of the selected vehicle operation mode may modify a conformity status of the vehicle relative to the administrative standard. Various accessible records may be maintained regarding administrative compliance states and their respective benefits, as well as regarding certification of preferable consequential results available to qualified recipients based on a correlated vehicle operational mode.

Abstract: A method for dynamic coupon pricing includes steps of: receiving an indication of a trigger event regarding a value of a coupon; receiving an identification of the coupon; calculating a real-time value of the coupon by automatically updating the stated value of the coupon according to coupon price parameters; and providing the real-time value of the coupon.

Abstract: A campaign offers and rewards system includes an offer serving engine, and an analytics engine with data intelligence. The analytics engine compares information about similar goods or services sold by different entities, manufacturers or service providers to create product and service categories. A redemption engine is included.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for creating data sources for a variable data publishing (VDP) marketing campaign pattern. The method and system can be utilized to generate a data source from external sources, such as Encyclopedic knowledge-bases, when desired data is not locally available. A user can specify a conceptual identity, and the method and system automatically map the conceptual identity to an appropriate database, generate semantic queries, and query the database to develop the data source for use in the campaign.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for making a playlist available to the public. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for creating a playlist comprising user-defined descriptor information. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for searching for such public playlists.

Abstract: A computerized method and system for keeping popular advertisements active are provided. Example embodiments may include identifying one or more expiring online content from a plurality of online contents. A popularity of the one or more expiring online content may be determined; and an expiration date of the one or more expiring online content may be extended based on the popularity.

Abstract: A method, within a computer hardware system, includes the following. A first functional marketing element associated with a second entity is inserted within a first website associated with a first entity. A second functional marketing element associated with the first entity is reciprocally inserted within a second website associated with the second entity based upon the first functional marketing element being inserted within the first website. The second functional marketing element, within the second website, includes a link to the first website, and the first functional marketing element, within the first website, includes a link to the second website.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a product promotion method. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a product promotion system. In one specific example, the present invention provides a product promotion method, comprising: selecting at least one winning prize for the product promotion; selecting a time period over which the product promotion will be run; selecting a number of prize-winning items that are sold in a store; and providing at least a portion of the winning prize to a person who purchases from the store, during the time period over which the product promotion will be run, all of the selected prize-winning items.

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

Abstract: A system for true one to one advertising where prospects are exposed to messages that attract them requesting them to provide their electronic mail information and identifiers associated with the messages seen by the prospects. In addition to the offered incentives, a server selectively sends subsequent sets of information to participants based on predetermined conditions, with additional awards or probabilities of earning awards, to prompt replies relevant to sponsors advertising their goods and/or services. As the participant becomes engaged with the system, the sponsors formulate offers for products and/or services based on the replies received. Marketing reports are compiled from the information received and forwarded to the sponsors measuring the penetration of their advertising messages.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for controlling charging in a mobile communication system. The method for controlling charging in a mobile communication system is characterized by comprising the steps of: generating, by a service provider, a sponsor coupon to transmit to a terminal when a sponsor service request transmitted from the terminal is received; receiving, by the terminal, the sponsor coupon to transmit to an operator; setting, by the operator, a filtering and charging rule for sponsor traffic by using the sponsor coupon, and notifying the terminal; requesting, by the terminal, the sponsor service to the service provider again, and receiving a sponsor traffic service from the service provider; and charging, by the operator, the service provider for the sponsor traffic.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide financial health assessment and incentive systems for financially responsible behaviors. The methods, apparatus and computer program products provide for receiving a financial behavior set associated with a customer, identifying a difference between the financial behavior set associated with the customer and a second financial behavior set, and providing to the customer an incentive to make an alteration to a financial behavior. In some example implementations, financial behaviors exhibited by or otherwise attributable to individuals who are socially affiliated with the customer via a social network are observed and associated with the customer. In some example implementations, advertisements for goods and/or services that are potentially attractive to the customer are directed to the customer in response to identifying a difference between the financial behavior set associated with the customer and the second financial behavior set.

Abstract: The invention provides an automated hand hygiene/infection control monitoring sensor-based system suitable for improving hand hygiene and multiple infection control measures and ensuring compliance by health care workers as well as visitors to hospitals and clinics. The use of biometric identification devices such as cameras for face recognition and profiling, microphones for voice recognition, etc. permit highly accurate identification without the use of removable identification devices such as identification badges which may include bar codes, magnetic strips or wireless devices such as RFIDS. Identification badges are removable and hence susceptible to being lost, misplaced, etc. Visitors are typically not assigned identification badges and hence enforcement of hand hygiene policies is minimal.

Abstract: A method for improving the driving behavior of a driver includes the step of receiving a request to establish a goal from a first user, such as a parent. A request to establish a non-monetary reward from the first user is received. The driving behavior of a second user, such as a teen, is monitored over time. The driving behavior of the second user is compared to the goal. Based upon the comparison, is may be indicated that the second user has met the goal and can receive the non-monetary reward.

Abstract: A system includes a video-on-demand server and an authentication server. The video-on-demand server is configured to provide video-on-demand content through a broadband connection to a set-top box device. The authentication server is in communication with the video-on-demand server. The authentication server is configured to receive a request to allow access to a video-on-demand package that includes the video-on-demand content, to determine if a user is currently authorized to constantly receive a broadcast package that includes a plurality of broadcast channels related to the video-on-demand content, and to authorize a broadcast channel in the broadcast package when not currently authorized to receive the broadcast package.

Abstract: A method is provided for rendering a personal message sent by a sender for a recipient. The method includes: receiving the personal message by a processing software component of a server of a communications network; detecting, by the server, a connection of the recipient to an information rendering space; and replacing an advertisement insert display by the message subsequently to the connection of the recipient as a function of at least one rendering parameter accompanying the message.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for determining information associated with an extracted portion of content. In use, a user is identified. Additionally, content generated by the user is identified. Additionally, a portion of the content is extracted. Further, information associated with the extracted portion of the content is determined. Further still, the determined information is added to a profile of the user. Also, an action is initiated, based on the profile of the user.

Abstract: An interactive direct response system combines the use of short text message systems transmitted via GSM-SMS enabled cell phones with a database and website to enable advertisers to view in real time customer responses to a direct response campaign. Customers are invited to respond to a defined advertisement on for example a billboard by responding to a single telephone number associated with the website by sending a text message linked to that particular advertisement, i.e. a single word. A computer receives and analysis the responses and sends an acknowledgement message to the customer.

Abstract: Automation systems and methods of use thereof are generally disclosed. The systems may control devices, and may monitor use of a utility and provide feedback related to the utility usage. More particularly, the present disclosure includes systems including personalized incentives to encourage responsible usage of a utility.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a layered image assembly and a marketing method are provided including a passive consumer behavior tracking method without requiring an “opt-in” process. The layered image assembly includes a base layer and a top layer with an inner area formed between. An opening is provided within a perimeter of the base layer to provide access to the inner layer. The inner layer is provided with a media that may comprise coupons, offers, advertisements, collapsible springs, animated collapsible springs having an image, etc. The media may include one or more symbols for conveying information. The layered image assembly may be attached to an item, such as a substrate, envelope, package, magazine, etc. The customer information relating to the item may be associated, or merged, with the information from the one or more symbols from the media. This merging of information may be used to track customer purchases, customer information, and the like.

Abstract: Tracking and management data for distribution of informational, legal, or contractual notices and tracking associated response, or non-response, is disclosed. The system generates and links tracking data for both the distribution and the response, generates indicators that include the tracking data, and encodes the indicators so that the indicators are detectable as they traverse various events and locations throughout the lifecycle. A detailed audit trail of each event in the distribution and response lifecycle is constructed using data matching methods and various statistics regarding the lifecycle, such that the response habits of notice recipients are formulated.

Abstract: A server can receive information identifying media content to be offered to users at a discount or at a particular time of release. The offer can also include information identifying a minimum number of acceptances by users needed for the offer to be valid. During a predetermined period, if the number of acceptances has reached or exceeded the minimum number needed, the server may transmit a media stream containing the media content to the users. Furthermore, the offer may include multiple tiers of discounts and/or times of release.

Abstract: A method of providing advertising from a central database server connected to a global computer network to distributed sites via interactive television. A representative icon is presented to a subscriber on a television screen indicating an advertisement. When a the icon is selected, an advertisement information detail is retrieved from storage in a local memory, or from the central database server and presented to the subscriber on the television screen.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for tracking transactions over a computer network is provided. An advertisement is provided to a user using a web client, such as a web browser, at a user node. The user selects the advertisement, e.g., by clicking on the advertisement, to request to an ad server for redirection to a transaction node associated with the advertisement. The ad server formats a cookie and provides to the user node. When the user requests a transaction after the redirection, the transaction node sends a transaction confirmation after performing the transaction. The transaction confirmation includes a command to record the transaction. In response to the command, the user node provides a query string and the cookie to the ad server for the transaction to be recorded.

Abstract: A method and system for managing resources of various types of utility providers. The system includes a user interface configured to allow a consumer to select a rate plan having a limitation on resource usage and allow the consumer to select a level of participation in the rate plan and a server configured to vary a charge rate applied to a consumer's energy usage based on the level of participation selected through the user interface.

Abstract: Assigning attributes to an image includes determining a particular capturing device used to obtain the image and detecting attributes of the image based on image data, where an expected location and content of the image data varies according to a particular set of rules that is chosen based on the particular capturing device used and/or a type of document represented by the image. The capturing device may be a scanner, a facsimile device, or a camera. The image may have an expected form factor. Some of the attributes of the image may be fully recognized and some of the attributes may be partially recognized and, for at least some of the partially recognized attributes, a lookup table may be used to clarify unrecognized portions thereof. A user may be prompted to facilitate identifying partially recognized attributes. Partially recognized attributes may be indicated to a user with question marks.

Abstract: A method for providing a provider-selected message in response to a user request for user-selected information is disclosed. The method includes receiving a request from a client program for user-selected information. If a provider-selected message has not been previously transmitted to the client program, the method further includes transmitting provider-selected information to the client program. If a provider-selected message has been previously transmitted to the client program, the method further includes transmitting the user-selected information. In one embodiment, the method also includes receiving a second request from the client program for the user-selected information after the provider-selected information is displayed for a limited time.

Abstract: A method and system whereby a consumer creates a shopping list using a portable barcode scanner to scan barcodes from a printed catalog and a printed advertisement. The entered barcodes are downloaded to an smart base-station from the barcode scanner. The base-station retrieves related information from a barcode database via the Internet. The database can belong to a merchant, or it can be a generic shopping service. The base-station can be a consumer's computer, or some other smart electronic device. The base-station maintains a predictive shopping list database for all barcodes entered via the barcode scanner. The database learns the shopping consumption habits of the consumer over a period of time and ensures that when the consumer is ready to shop no previously needed, but currently forgotten items are left off of the shopping list. The consumer can use this method to shop in a store, or via Mail-Order/Telephone-Order or on the Internet.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems and computer program products for providing scan-triggered application services to a user using a scan-able information encoded in a service scan code, such as a bar code, a quick response (QR) code, an RFID code/tag, or an NFC code/tag. In one embodiment, a mobile communication device such as a smartphone, tablet computer or other mobile computer is adapted to include a scan-triggered service client module for scanning and communicating scan code information obtained from a scanable service code. In one exemplary embodiment, service scan code scanning is accomplished by a code scanner that is associated with the smartphone or other mobile computing device. The scan-triggered service client module communicates the obtained scan code information to an associated server application for collecting and processing the scan code information and providing the associated service.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include methods of removing carbon dioxide from combustion gas from an engine of a vehicle, systems for removing carbon dioxide from combustion gas from an engine of a vehicle, vehicles, methods of managing carbon dioxide emissions from an engine of a vehicle, and computer software program products for managing carbon dioxide emissions from an engine of a vehicle.

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: A hospitality establishment includes guest rooms having media devices installed therein. Each guest room has one or more in-room media devices for providing a pay-per-use media function. A media system controller dynamically associates a credit corresponding to a monetary value with a particular guest room in response to an occurrence of a first event, configures an in-room media device of the particular guest room to indicate the credit associated with the particular guest room and allow a guest of the particular guest room to utilize at least an amount of the credit toward an order of the pay-per-use media function, activates the pay-per-use media function on at least one of the in-room media devices of the particular guest room in response to a received order, and decreases the credit associated with the particular guest room according to the amount of the credit utilized toward the received order.

Abstract: A portable electronic device is provided comprising a processor, a memory, a first radio transceiver, a second radio transceiver, and an application stored in the memory that, when executed by the processor, receives a first rule associated with a first commercial promotion via the first radio transceiver. The application also determines, based on the first rule and information specific to the device, that the device is qualified to exercise a right associated with the first commercial promotion. The application also transmits to a server via the first radio transceiver a message indicating that the device has qualified to exercise the right associated with the first commercial promotion and associating a code with the first commercial promotion. The application also completes a payment transaction for one of a product or a service via the second radio transceiver, wherein the payment transaction comprises transmitting the code associated with the first commercial promotion.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for enabling a portable electronic device to retrieve information about an object when the object's symbology, e.g., a barcode, is detected. According to one embodiment a method is providing in which symbology associated with an object is detected and decoded to obtain a decode string. The decode string is sent to one or more visual detection applications for processing, wherein the one or more visual detection applications reside on the portable electronic device, and receiving a first amount of information about the object from the one or more visual detection applications. The method also includes sending the decode string to a remote server for processing and receiving a second amount of information about the object from the remote server. The first amount of information is combined with the second amount of information to obtain cumulative information which is displayed on the portable electronic device.

Abstract: A computer correlates web and email attributes to detect spam. A security module on a client collects attributes of a web site to which an email address was submitted and attributes of an email message sent to the email address that was previously submitted. The security module analyzes the attributes of the web site and the email message to determine whether the email message was sent to the email address responsive to the submission of the email address to the web site. Based on the analysis, the security module determines whether the email message is spam. A machine learning module on a security server establishes training data describing the attributes of the web site to which email addresses were submitted and attributes of legitimate emails received in response to the address submissions. The machine learning module generates an attributes classifier for the security module for spam detection.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for mobile advertising. One of the methods includes receiving from a user of a mobile device an indication of a response of the user to a presentation of content on the mobile device. The method includes in connection with the presentation of the content or the receipt of the indication of a response of the user, receiving information from a mobile carrier about the user. The method also includes based on the response of the user and the information about the user, generating an offer to be presented to the user after the content has been presented.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a memory coupled to a processor. The processor can be operable to receive a request for promotional information responsive to a media processor detecting a promotional tag in a media program stream and transmit to the media processor promotional information associated with a promotion responsive to a determination that a promotional offer is available. The processor can also be operable to receive from the media processor a request for redeemable material associated with the promotion and store the redeemable material in a portion of a database associated with a user of the media processor. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic couponing technique includes transferring coupon information, which may include a coupon ID (identification) to a first portable terminal and storing same therein. The portable terminal displays a representation of the transferred coupon information on a display thereof. The stored coupon information may be transferred from the portable terminal to another terminal for redemption. The stored coupon information may also be transferred from the portable terminal to another portable terminal. Various schemes may be used to transfer the coupon information including a Bluetooth low-range radio link or an optical bar code scanner scanning an optical bar code or an infrared link or a wireless link from the portable terminal. The Internet or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) may also be used in transferring the coupon information to and from the various terminals.

Abstract: Embodiment of the invention are directed to passing a plurality of communications directly from a merchant to a payment processing network. A first communication may include payment information in an authorization request, while a second transaction may include non-payment transaction data. The communications may be linked with a transaction identifier. In other embodiments, a capture file process is disclosed where capture files are generated by the payment processing network, and transactions are subsequently cleared and settled.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing an in-game offer to one or more players of an online game. The offer is provided to players that have newly joined the game and/or to players that have not yet made a purchase. In some implementations, the offer may be meant to incentivize purchase upon entry into the game. The in-game offer may comprise an offer to one or more items and a bonus comprising one or more bonus items provided to the player responsive to the offered items being purchased. The in-game offer may only be made available to a qualifying player for a certain amount of time.

Abstract: According to a commercial method of the present invention, a merchant forwards transaction data to a consumer. If the consumer accepts the transaction, a payment command is forwarded to a service provider. The service provider selectively applies authentication before approving payment. Once payment is approved, the service provider forwards a payment instruction, including consumer account information, to a payment service. The payment service forwards payment to the merchant and a payment confirmation is returned to the service provider and, through the service provider, to the consumer. The service provider stores information about each transaction performed by each subscriber. Consumer identity is protected because it is only exchanged between the service provider and the payment service, and is not made available to the merchant. In addition, the storage of the transaction information by various devices facilitates the return process and adds marketing capability to the service provider.

Abstract: A system for delivering targeted content to a device includes a database and a processor. The database stores anonymous identifications for a plurality of customers of a financial institution. Each anonymous identification is associated with financial information for a respective customer of the financial institution. The processor includes software that is configured to classify consumers, create a targeted list of content viewers, and deliver a targeted advertisement over a network to a device used by a content viewer on the targeted list. The classifications can be based on the financial information associated with each anonymous identification. The target list of content viewers can be based on at least one selected classification. The advertisement can be delivered to a device used by a content viewer on the targeted list after the device has been used to log onto an application offered by the at least one financial institution.