Abstract: A data distribution system which includes business groups, a client system and a main database system is described. Coupons and coupon data may be exchanged between the business groups, the client system and the main database system. Each coupon being exchanged may include one or more fraud protection features that can neither be altered nor tampered by users, consumers or retailers.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an advertisement is matched to subject matter in a portion of rich media content, such as a digital video, Flash™ animation, etc. For example, during the playing of rich media content, it may be determined by audio recognition techniques that the content's subject matter matches or correlates with an advertisement. Rendering preferences associated with the advertisement are then determined. The rendering preferences may be used to determine how the advertisement should be rendered (i.e., displayed in association with the content). The advertisement is then served to a device. The advertisement is served such that it can be rendered relative to a time that the portion of media is being displayed on the device.

Abstract: A rules engine stores customer data, a first rule comprising a first plurality of conditions, and a second rule comprising a second plurality of conditions, wherein the customer data is associated with a particular customer. The rules engine transforms a first portion of the customer data into a first code segment by applying the first rule and by satisfying a condition of the first plurality of conditions of the first rule. It also transforms a second portion of the customer data into a second code segment by applying the second rule and by satisfying a condition of the second plurality of conditions of the second rule. The rules engine further combines at least the first code segment and the second code segment to form a customer profile code. An interface engine communicatively coupled to the rules engine communicates the customer profile code to a third party.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system that uses data from an online social network to optimize subscription offers. During operation of the online social network, the system gathers data associated with subscription offers that were presented to members of the online social network, including information about which subscription offers were converted. Next, the system uses a machine-learning technique to train a model based on the gathered data. Finally, the system uses the trained model to select subscription offers to present to a member of the online social network.

Abstract: A method and system which adaptively recommends potential relationships to individual users based on a set of items that are known to be of interest to the user, such as a set of potential matches previously messaged by the user. The system generates the adaptive recommendations using previously-generated user activity that indicates the user's preferences of particular attributes.

Abstract: A system or method is provided to detect and check-in a user at a merchant's store. The system may retrieve the user's preferences and may customize advertisements and/or promotions based on the user's preferences. The customized advertisements may then be presented or displayed to the user as the user browses or shops in the merchant's store. In particular, the customized advertisements may be selected or generated based on the user's transaction history, browsing history, purchase history, pre-defined preferences, and the like. In an embodiment, the system may detect and check-in multiple users at a merchant's location. The system may select or generate advertisements based on multiple users who are visiting the merchant.

Abstract: Methods and systems that record the location of a user and transmit targeted content to a user based upon their current and past location information. A network is configured to include a server programmed with a database of targeted content, a database of location information, a database of user information, a database searching algorithm, and a wireless communication system capable of communicating with the user's mobile device. The location of the mobile device is ascertained and recorded. The location information is analyzed to determine the routes taken by the user, businesses visited by the user, and other behaviors of the user. Targeted content is sent to the mobile device of the user and whether the user visits the physical locations associated with the targeted content is monitored. Payment systems, phone exchange systems, and other features may also be integrated to provide detailed conversion tracking to content producers and business owners.

Abstract: Customer online data is collected via script on customer computers and is communicated to a server hosted by an organization, such as a card issuer. The customer online data communicated to the server is non-personally identifiable information (non-PII). In turn, the server aggregates the non-PII customer online data from the set of participating merchants. The server associates the received non-PII customer online data with non-PII demographic data. Other non-PII transaction data, such as previous transactions processed at a card issuer, also can be associated with the non-PII customer online data and non-PII demographic data. These associations are, in turn, used to create reports and to provide services to help merchants or other requesting organizations develop online strategies to drive click thru and conversion rates.

Abstract: An example method for generating a user profile for a user based on a static profile and a dynamic profile of the user includes compressing dynamic rules into aggregated rules for validation. The dynamic rules associated with a particular user are matched to one or more validated aggregated rules to generate the dynamic profile for that user. The static profile for the user is generated for the user based on factual user information and historical transactional data for the user. The static and dynamic profile are then combined to form the user profile.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for communicating product or service information to a potential purchaser. A product or item describing a service are scanned to obtain both a product or service code and an advertisement promotion code provided by a vendor/retailer or manufacturer of the product or service using a smartphone of a first user. A barcode is generated on the smartphone by combining the product or service code and the advertisement promotion code with information from the smartphone associated with the product or service and with an advertiser code that uniquely identifies the first user. The barcode is communicated to a communication device of a second user that is the potential purchaser of the product or service. When the communication device is presented to a point of sale (POS) terminal, the terminal scans the barcode, decodes the barcode, and compensates the first user according to the advertisement promotion code.

Abstract: A system for transforming customer data includes a network interface and a processor. The network interface communicates a request for customer data associated with a determined set of customers. It also receives a customer profile code associated with the customer data, wherein the customer profile code comprises a first code segment and a second code segment. It further receives first and second rules associated with the customer profile code. The processor determines the set of customers, transforms the first and second code segments into customer data using the rules, and analyzes the customer data to determine an operations history for the set of customers.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for determining, for each of a plurality of resource requests for a resource that includes first content, whether a supplemental content event has occurred. The occurrence of the supplemental content event indicates that supplemental content will likely be served to a user device after the resource is served to the user device. For each resource request for which the supplemental content event has occurred, the resource is served with a defined supplemental content environment in which the supplemental content is to be displayed, the supplemental content environment being of dimensions that accommodate display of the supplemental content without adjustment of display of the first content upon the user device rendering the resource. For each resource request for which the supplemental content event has not occurred, the resource is served without the defined supplemental content environment.

Abstract: A consumer user can perform a number of augmented reality shopping operations using a local client shopping application executable on a mobile device. Features related to implementations of the current subject matter can include, but are not limited to, the ability to view an augmented reality depiction of a shopping display using the mobile device and to execute various “e-commerce” functions accessible via the augmented reality depiction. Visual image processing based on one or more inputs from sensors on the mobile device can be used to compute and efficiently provide the two dimensional projection of the three dimensional model to be presented on the screen of the mobile device. Related methods, systems, articles of manufacture, and the like are described.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide approaches for integrating and searching electronic communications received from a plurality of different communication platforms. Specifically, a consolidated communication/messaging platform integrates and consolidates bi-directional communications/messages from individuals, groups, or other entities from various channels (e.g., text messaging, instant messaging, social networking platforms, e-mail, and the like), and enables end users to search and locate content or substance of a specific communication via a user interface and locally stored repository.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a fulfillment entity receives over an electronic interface from a merchant website associated with a third-party online user community an order from a member of the user community for an item from the merchant website. During order processing, a set of rules for rewarding members of the third-party online user community based on the past behaviors of one or more members of the user community is evaluated. Responsive to a condition fulfilling one of the rules, the member order is modified to provide an incentivizing reward to the member of the online user community.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for determining social compatibility using a selected group are disclosed. According to one method, the method occurs at a computing platform. The method includes receiving, via a communications interface, interaction information about a first person. The interaction information is associated with at least one member of a selected group. The method also includes determining, using the interaction information, whether the first person is compatible with a second person.

Abstract: A system, method, and article of manufacture for generating a digital pass is disclosed. The method may comprise retrieving a plurality of identity attributes, and grouping a subset of identity attributes in the plurality of identity attributes to generate at least one digital pass. The method may further comprise grouping a subset of static identity attributes and a subset of dynamic identity attributes to generate a digital pass.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for administration of a customer loyalty program at a point of sale terminal. The system, in one embodiment, contains a database of customer records for the loyalty program where each customer record contains information about a customer's payment device and information about a customer's mobile device. The system may locate a customer record in a database based on payment device or mobile device information captured at the point of sale terminal and apply any applicable loyalty program discounts. The system may then forward the payment device information to a third-party payment processor for payment processing. The system may print out a receipt at the point of sale terminal indicating any discounts and containing a promotional message. The system may also send a promotional message to the customer's mobile device using the mobile device information stored in the customer's record.

Abstract: An apparatus, computer-readable medium, and computer-implemented method for efficiently performing operations on distinct data values, including storing a tokenized column of data in a table by mapping each unique data value in a corresponding domain to a unique entity ID, and replacing each of the data values in the column with the corresponding entity ID to generate a column of tokenized data containing one or more entity IDs, receiving a query directed to the column of data, the query defining one or more group sets for grouping the data retrieved in response to the query, and generating an entity map vector for each group set, the length of each entity map vector equal to the number of unique entity IDs for the domain, and the value of each bit in the entity map vector indicating the presence or absence of a different unique entity ID in the group set.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a method of offering anonymous incentive based context to service providers, comprising delivering context information of a user to the service provider, wherein prior to delivery of the context information to the service provider, the context is anonymized by removing identifying information and aggregating it with context from additional users.

Abstract: Provided is a process and system for ascertaining the operating hours of a business. The process includes obtaining wireless-environment data indicative of the location of business and a timestamp; determining that a user device is located at the business responsive to both the wireless-environment data and wireless-environment data from checked-in user devices that have checked-in to the business via a social network; storing the timestamp in a timestamp data store; estimating operating hours of the business responsive to stored timestamps; and storing the estimated operating hours in a business-hours data store.

Abstract: Techniques for selecting content may include determining that a URL was historically visited, determining an interest associated with the URL, and selecting content associated with the interest. Selected illustrative applications for displaying relevant content, subscribing to relevant content sources, displaying relevant advertisements, and offering and/or applying relevant promotions are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a system, data access management utility and a method of generating links between local merchants and community programs, whereby the merchant may provide incentives to customers in relation to community programs. The present invention may track community programs, as well as both online and offline customer transactions between participants that make use of the incentive. The present invention may include as participants, customers, merchants, community organizations, intermediaries, and other groups or individuals. Participants may have participant identifiers, which may be linked to a payment source. Data may be collected about all participants, either expressly, or from offline or online transactions between participants utilizing a participant identifier, and said data may be stored in a data storage area. All data in the data storage area may be utilized by logic tool, which may provide information, such as details of consumer behavior and analytic reporting.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selecting and delivering advertising or promotional content based on, e.g., the attributes of a desired demographic. In one embodiment, the invention enhances advertising or promotional penetration into a particular demographic of a network subscriber pool by correlating the advertising/promotion (and even the contextual program content) with specific users or groups of users within the pool. This approach decouples the advertising or promotion from any given program or lineup, and gives the network operator flexibility in deciding where, when, and how often to insert advertisements or promotions in order to achieve the desired result. Dynamic network architectures such as broadcast switched architectures can also be leveraged to further enhance flexibility and targeting precision. In effect, the network advertising or promotion model is made results-driven (versus program-centric).

Abstract: Techniques for assisted self checkout are provided. Customers or store personnel use scan devices that are independent of a self-checkout kiosk as they shop in a store to scan goods that are to be purchased. The transactions are independent of any particular checkout terminal. When the customer is ready to checkout, the customer approaches a checkout station and the transaction for the customer is located and recalled. The customer completes payment at the station to end the transaction and exit the store.

Abstract: The disclosure provides various embodiments of systems, methods, and software for supporting server-side product catalogs. Software for managing ad serving may comprise computer readable instructions embodied on media and be operable to identify a logically local directed graph representing a logically remote network property associated with a publisher. The network property is associated with at least one product catalog representing a package of network ad slots. The software may then generate an ad service flight plan for serving various ones of a plurality of ads associated with a first of the network ad slots using an iterative solution on the directed graph.

Abstract: A set-top box (STB) obtains a listing of businesses responsive to a request for a business directory search from a customer. The STB receives, from a customer, a selection of a business from the listing of businesses to call. The STB performs one of: initiating, at the STB, a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) call to a phone number associated with the business and connecting the VoIP call to a mobile device, or other VoIP device, associated with the customer via a VoIP network, or initiating, at the STB, establishment of a call between a phone number associated with the business and a mobile device associated with the customer via a telephone network. The STB sends data associated with the request for the business directory search to a billing server for billing the customer for the request for the business directory search received at the STB.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for improving the utilization of manufacturing machines in manufacturing processes. In a typical implementation, manufacturing machine utilization is improved by publishing a schedule of Production Events, accepting customer orders within Production Events, and calculating prices for the customers modified based on the customer orders.

Abstract: A loyalty system and a method for customer retention that enables users with mobile devices to interface with venues through a loyalty system using a single application. The application is fully customizable based on the preferences of the venue and the customer and may display different information depending on the venue, location of the user, day, or time at which the customer is present at a venue. The customer interacts with the venue through the loyalty system and may set criteria for rewards and promotions. The loyalty system allows end users to participate in real-time events, receive relevant entertainment information, and receive rewards for participation. Venues may reward end users for participation and target incentives based on preferences of the venue which may be determined by the information collected or according to a schedule.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing a customer to create savings goals for one or more savings categories is provided. More particularly, the customer is enabled to contribute to the one or more savings categories an amount of funds equal to the sum of annuity payment amounts and customer-specified percentages of payroll deposits. When a predetermined number of customers meet and/or exceed a common savings goal, the customers who met and/or exceeded the common savings goal is presented with an offer featuring a discounted group rate based on the predetermined number of customers who met and/or exceeded the common savings goal. The savings goal(s) of each customer may be adjusted based on other savings goal balances.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating a presentation of purchase incentives to a shopper. A presentation to present to a shopper is created. A depiction of a store layout is depicted on the presentation, where the store layout depicts a plurality of areas with each area being associated with a respective set of associated items within a plurality of items offered for purchase. A respective depiction is depicted, on the presentation of the store layout, for each of at least one purchase incentive. Each purchase incentive has a respective associated item within a plurality of items offered for purchase. The respective depiction is graphically linked to a respective area that is associated with the respective associated item.

Abstract: According to an aspect, a method for creating or improving customer preference profiles includes providing a decision coupon to a customer with two or more promotional options directed to related items selected to ascertain a purchasing preference associated with the related items through selection of one of the promotional options. A selection of one of the promotional options is received and an indication of the selected promotional option is stored in a purchasing preference profile for the customer. The indication of the selected option is used to update an affinity for a product or product category for the customer within the customer's purchasing preference profile.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for engaging consumers in the performance of predetermined action. The method comprises the steps of determining performance of a predetermined action, broadcasting confirmation of performance of the predetermined action, and providing incentive based upon the broadcasting. The predetermined action may include comprises consuming a consumable item. The broadcasting may be performed via a social networking site, and wherein the broadcasting further may include transmitting a video of the performance of the predetermined action. The incentive may comprise a monetary incentive to the performer of the action, to one or more peers of the performer of the action viewing the broadcast, or to one or more peers of the performer of the action upon performance of the predetermined action by the one or more peers.

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: To entities that are likely to engage in a behavior, a behavior discrimination threshold for each of a plurality of behavior variables is determined. Variable values for each entity of a plurality of target entities and for each of the behavior variables are compared to the relevant behavior discrimination threshold to provide identifying variables for each entity. An index value is determined for each of the plurality of target entities based on the identifying variables for that entity. An index threshold is determined such that those entities of the target entities having index values that meet or exceed the index threshold are likely to exhibit or engage in the behavior more frequently than a random sampling of the plurality of training entities. Actions designed to affect the likelihood that the resulting targeted entities will engage in the behavior may be directed to the targeted entities.

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: A method and system for the electronic distribution of product or service promotion information to a mobile user are disclosed. A user may provide profile information to an online promotion service, such as user interests and preferences with respect to products and services as well as other information. The online promotion service may receive location information of point-of-sale facilities associated with particular promotions for products or services. The online promotion service may generate one or more targeted promotions to a mobile user when the user travels within a predetermined distance of an associated point-of-sale facility. A mobile user's location may be identified by a global positioning system and conveyed to the online promotion service. The user location information may be transmitted via a cell phone, a PDA, a pager or other device. This enables the user to take advantage of targeted or requested promotions while the user is within a close proximity to an associated point-of-sale facility.

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

Abstract: Systems, methods, and media for targeting advertisements based on user search information are provided.

Abstract: A videoconference system includes a plurality of computers associated with the system to collectively send and receive video data streams. A video encoding program is stored in a memory and is executable by at least a first computer. When executed, the executing computer encodes video data using one or more encoding parameters. A decode information set request monitoring program is stored in a memory and is executable by at least the first computer, causing the first computer to perform the steps of monitoring the network for receipt of a decode information set request message and responding to the received request message by querying the received message for an ID and, if the ID of the received message corresponds to a video data stream generated from the first computer, communicating the corresponding decode information set including the encoding parameters to at least a computer that transmitted the message.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for implementing promotional reward programs are provided. One or more images of a proof of purchase are transmitted to a remote location by a mobile device. If it is determined that the one or more images meet predetermined criteria and if the transmission is eligible for a reward, the reward is instantly transmitted to the mobile device. According to another embodiment, one or more images of an item identifier provided on one or more products or displays or a text message containing the item identifier are transmitted to a promotional reward program managing apparatus by a mobile device. If it is determined that the one or more images of the item identifier or a text message containing the item identifier meet predetermined criteria and if the transmission is eligible for a reward, the reward is instantly transmitted to the consumer through the mobile device or through a loyalty program account number.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lottery promotional method. The method involves the step of receiving, with a server, confirmation of a ticket purchaser being at a geographic location to qualify for a promotional offer offered in conjunction with a lottery ticket purchase. The geographic location may include either a display or a reseller store. The server may receive a QR code to qualify for the promotional offer.

Abstract: This document describes proximity-based task notification. By notifying a user of an entity at which the user can perform a task when that entity is near to the user, the techniques enable the user to decide, at a time and location likely convenient to the user, whether or not to perform the task now at the entity or wait until a later occasion. If the user wishes to forgo performing the task, the techniques can notify the user again when the entity or some other entity is likely to be convenient to the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of processing a call are disclosed. One example method may include receiving a request at a server for dealer information. The request may be initiated by a user via his or her mobile station. The example method may also include determining whether there is user preference information and user location information included in the request. The information may be used to limit the amount of search results to increase relevancy. The method may also include searching a database for at least one dealer based on the user preference information and the user location information, and transferring the at least one dealer information to the user.

Abstract: A method of mapping a location of an event that is scheduled in a calendar application includes steps of identifying a contact associated with the event, determining address information associated with the contact, obtaining map data for the address information, and generating a map of the location associated with the contact based on the map data. Meeting or event locations can thus be mapped even if there is no event location or address information specified directly in the meeting request or appointment.

Abstract: A system and method are described for providing dynamic retailer rewards. A database stores transaction data identifying attributes of a plurality of past purchases by a purchaser at a respective plurality of different retailers associated with one or more predefined retail sectors. An analytical engine calculates a customer value index (CVI) and a customer engagement index (CEI) for the purchaser based on attributes of the stored transaction data, the CVI indicative of a value of the purchaser to an identified retailer or retail sector based on the attributes of past purchases, and the CEI indicative of a level of engagement by the purchaser with the identified retailer or retail sector. A reward determiner calculates a dynamic reward for the purchaser based on the calculated CVI and CEI, the reward being redeemable by the purchaser against a purchase transaction at the identified retailer or a retailer of the identified retail sector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing targeted advertisements are provided herein. During operation a system will determine a shopper's intent based on the shopper's attire (i.e., what the shopper is wearing and/or carrying). Specific advertisements will be sent to the shopper based on the shopper's attire. Because advertisements will be provided to shoppers based on the shopper's attire, shoppers will be more likely to receive an advertisement better tailored to their current needs.

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.