Abstract: The principles and embodiments of the present invention relate to a system for facilitating an interaction between a person (group or sponsor) and a merchant. In some embodiments, a system is provided in which the person electronically institutes a promise to spend a specific amount of money on purchases with the particular merchant in a specific time period and the merchant electronically institutes a savings offer on transactions made using a credit or debit card in exchange for the customer setting aside the predetermined amount of money. The system can comprise an account management system, user interface, first communication system, merchant interface system, second communication system and payment processor that may be dispersed elements or nodes interconnected by communication lines.

Abstract: A method of operating a data collection and analysis system. An exchange computer receives customer identification data associated with a customer. A quantitative analysis algorithm determines whether the exchange computer has received an amount of customer identification data sufficient for the customer to be uniquely identified, and if so, then a linking service computer or a plurality of remote database computers perform a qualitative analysis algorithm with the customer identification data to determine if the customer identification data is sufficient for the customer to be uniquely identified. If the qualitative analysis algorithm passes, then customer information may be retrieved from the remote databases and collated and analyzed at the exchange computer. The customer may automatically register with reward programs using already-entered user information. A data analysis embodiment enables offers to be generated that are tailored towards specific users.

Abstract: The present technology proposes techniques for managing indoor geolocation conversions based on a user's intent in an indoor location. An advertiser may determine the intent of a user of a mobile device and transmit advertisements to the mobile device related to the determined intent. The intent may be determined based on events that include a location of the mobile device, network browsing history, and a transaction made using the mobile device. The advertisement may provide the user with directions to an item based on location information from the mobile device. The advertisements may also load balance geolocation conversions in order to manage a number of users at a particular location.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to apparatus, methods, and computer program products for using transaction history to incentivize the use of a financial institution bank card. In some embodiments, an apparatus is configured to receive an information associated with a transaction history from a structured database associated with a customer's financial institution account, wherein the information is a recurring periodic payment; identify a first payment type associated with the information received, wherein the first payment type is not associated with the financial institution; and provide an incentive to the customer to use a second payment type instead of the first payment type, wherein the second payment type is associated with the financial institution.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for providing product evaluation. An exemplary apparatus is configured to identify purchase transaction data associated with identified electronic communications between a merchant and a customer, the purchase transaction data includes product level data from a transaction, receive the identified purchase transaction data, the purchase transaction data is received in an unstructured format, convert the purchase transaction data from the unstructured format to a structured format, associate the structured purchase transaction data with the customer's online banking application, aggregate purchase transaction data related to one or more products purchased by the customer, determine one or more products are purchased on a recurring basis, and provide the customer with one or more options based at least partially on determining the one or more products are purchased on a recurring basis.

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

Abstract: A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media processor having a controller to detect a portable media storage device (PMSD), present media content supplied by the PMSD, present a survey to appraise the media content; receive a survey response, and transmit the survey response to a survey collection system identified by the PMSD. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing purchase incentives include receiving purchase information about purchases made from a plurality of merchants by a plurality of payers. The purchase information for each purchase is associated in a database with payers that made that purchase and merchants from which that purchase was made. A first subset of the purchases that are associated with a first merchant and a first payer are determined to qualify for a first incentive provided by the first merchant, and a second subset of the plurality of purchases that are associated with a second merchant and a second payer are determined to qualify for a second incentive provided by the second merchant. The first incentive is then sent over the network to a first payer device of the first payer, and the second incentive is sent over the network to a second payer device of the second payer.

Abstract: A system and process for improving product recommendations for a first user includes receiving a request for one or more product recommendations for a first user, each product recommendation being associated with any one of a plurality of retailers, receiving a plurality of recommendation sets from one or more automated product recommendation systems, wherein the plurality of recommendation sets are generated using different selection models and using ensemble learning to select one or more most relevant product recommendation sets from the plurality of product recommendation sets.

Abstract: In a redeemable coupon there is a housing, a motion detector coupled to the housing, wherein the motion detector detects an amount of motion of the coupon, and an indicator coupled to the motion detector, wherein the indicator is activated by the motion detector upon detecting the amount of motion. Additionally, in a method of providing an incentive for a user to exercise, providing the user with a coupon to be coupled to the user, monitoring the motion of the user with a motion sensor included in the coupon, and activating the coupon when the motion sensor has detected a predetermined amount of motion such that the coupon becomes redeemable by the user.

Abstract: Techniques for generating matchups of sale and coupon deals are described. For example, deal data that pertains to a sale deal and a coupon deal is received. A sale brand identification and a coupon brand identification are identified based on the deal data. A first set of deal data including the sale brand identification and corresponding to the sale deal, and a second set of deal data including the coupon brand identification and corresponding to a coupon deal are determined based on the deal data. A matchup of the sale deal and the coupon deal is generated based on matching the sale brand identification and the coupon brand identification, detecting a sale deal type in the first set of deal data and a coupon deal type in the second set of data, and determining that a sale deal's and a coupon deal's validity periods overlap and have not expired.

Abstract: Approaches to facilitating targeted-advertisement-based event savings programs are provided. In certain implementations, a product or service type may be associated with a user. An advertisement identifying a product or service that relates to the associated product or service type may be provided for presentation to the user. A purchase of the product or service by the user responsive to providing the advertisement may be determined. An amount may be credited to an account on behalf of a beneficiary associated with user based on the purchase of the product or service by the user. In some implementations, a credit amount associated with purchasing the product or service may be determined. An estimated future value of the credit amount with respect to a time that corresponds to a predetermined life event associated with the account may be determined. The estimated future value may be provided for presentation to the user.

Abstract: A method to configure a loyalty points reward program, where the method configures a loyalty program server comprising computer readable program code to configure a loyalty point merchant consortium and a loyalty point customer consortium comprising a plurality of participating consumers. The method further dynamically sets a universal loyalty point value, and determines a quantity of universal loyalty points to allocate to the first customer based upon prior purchases made by the first consumer from the plurality of participating merchants.

Abstract: A system for tracking brand interactions is provided. The system includes a memory and at least one processor coupled to the memory. The at least one processor is configured to receive information defining a plurality of brand interactions, receive a first indication of a first interaction defined within the plurality of brand interactions from a first source system, receive a second indication of a second interaction defined within the plurality of brand interactions from a second source system different from the first source system, and record an association between the brand, the first interaction, the second interaction and the brand enthusiast.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for providing offers for linked transactions. Transaction data corresponding to a first product physically purchased using a financial service account and product identification data identifying the first purchased product are received. The transaction data and the product identification data are associated. A consumer that purchased the first product is determined based on at least the transaction data. Follow-on purchase to offer for sale to the consumer based on the product identification data is determined and a follow-up purchase offer to purchase the follow-on product is generated. The consumer is provided with the follow-on purchase offer to enable the consumer to purchase the follow-on product in an electronic commerce purchase transaction.

Abstract: A subscription-based system for providing commerce information for one or more mobile devices for one or more merchants. Some techniques employed feature a subscription-based method for presenting commercial resources to a mobile device. The method involves receiving mobile device user information relating to a geographic location to locate one or more merchants within a subscription-based shopping network, and receiving mobile device user information relating to a merchant type within the subscription-based shopping network. The method also involves receiving, from a database over a communication network, information for one or more merchants associated with the mobile device user information for the geographic location and the merchant type, and presenting the associated merchant information on the mobile device.

Abstract: A system, method, and wireless communication device that profiles a user thereof, or a user at a second wireless communication device in communication therewith. The wireless communication device gathers user data for a user thereof, or from a user at a second wireless communication device, and either directly generates, or has generated elsewhere, a user profile, such as a personality or psychological profile, or medical diagnosis of the user, and can display the user profile to the user and/or alter the wireless communication device functionality based upon the user profile. The gathered user data can be from a user interaction with the wireless communication device, from information available to the wireless communication device, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A data connection method for establishing a data connection between a bandwidth user (an application user) of a network connected user access device and a data source on a network connected target device over a communication network relating to the provision of data connection services to the user utilizing a subsidized application to allow the user of the subsidized application access to at least one target devices via a communication network, the method comprising: providing, via the communication network, a content and services brokerage engine, including a content and services brokerage engine web site store front, providing, via the web site, an online sale of a data connectivity package to at least one provider of a subsidized application; and, accepting, via the web site the purchase by a provider of a subsidized application of the at least one data connectivity package for inclusion by the provider of the subsidized application into a subsidized application to be used by a user of the subsidized appli

Abstract: A system, method, and wireless communication device that profiles a user thereof, or a user at a second wireless communication device in communication therewith. The wireless communication device gathers user data for a user thereof, or from a user at a second wireless communication device, and either directly generates, or has generated elsewhere, a user profile, such as a personality or psychological profile, or medical diagnosis of the user, and can display the user profile to the user and/or alter the wireless communication device functionality based upon the user profile. The gathered user data can be from physical user interaction with the wireless communication device, or from other equipment resident at the wireless communication device, such as a camera and medical diagnostic devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a card-less reward system providing buyers with promotional offers and engendering buyers to be rewarded by submitting receipts obtained from sellers. A method for rewarding the buyers comprises providing to a buyer a list of promotional offers for a product or service of at least one seller, allowing the buyer to accept electronically at least one promotional offer, and allowing the buyer to submit a digital image of at least one receipt obtained from the seller, which offered the accepted promotional offer. The method further comprises processing received image to retrieve purchase data, and rewarding the buyer in response to the retrieved purchase data.

Abstract: A customer reward service may reward customers who show or are expected to show frequent patronage to a provider of a good or service. The type of reward given to a customer may depend on a variety of factors including the real-time location of the customer, registration or profile data, or other pertinent data provided by or about the customer including the customer's purchasing history or the customer's social interactions. By collecting and considering a variety of data associated with a customer, a business may provide rewards and incentives tailored to the customer thus improving the ability of the business to better attract and retain customers.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method performed by one or more computing devices comprises storing, for one or more marketplace associated applications, interaction information that identifies, for each particular application of said one or more marketplace associated applications, a list of devices that interacted with an instance of the particular application; receiving, from a requesting device, a request for a list of offer eligible applications; determining, based on said interaction information, a set of applications associated with the requesting device; based on said determination of the set of applications associated with the requesting device, sending a list of one or more selected eligible applications to the requesting device.

Abstract: One variation of a method for dynamically pricing vended products includes: identifying a purchase pattern of a user at a vending machine; in response to an approaching sell-by date for a unit of a product loaded into the vending machine and based on the purchase pattern, setting a discount rate for the unit of the product for the user; transmitting an electronic communication to an account associated with the user, the electronic communication indicating the discount rate for the unit of the product; identifying the user in a transaction initiated at the vending machine; and in response to selection of the unit of the product from the vending machine during the transaction, initiating a payment with a payment mechanism supplied by the user according to the discount rate.

Abstract: A system to provide price adjustments based on indicated product interest includes reception of an indication from a customer of interest in a first product, reception of an indication from a customer of interest in a second product, determination of a price adjustment for the second product based on the indication of interest in the first product, and transmission of the price adjustment to the customer. By virtue of the foregoing features, a retailer may be willing to provide a price adjustment for the second product which would otherwise not be provided. Moreover, such a price adjustment may incent the customer to purchase the second product in a case that the second product would not otherwise be purchased, thereby potentially increasing a total profit received by the retailer.

Abstract: Providing information to an occupant of a vehicle. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: identifying an occupant of a vehicle, the identifying creates an indicia of occupant identity; determining an identity of the vehicle, the determining creates an indicia of vehicle identity; tracking location of the vehicle when occupied by the occupant; and providing information to the occupant, the information selected based on the indicia of occupant identity, the indicia of vehicle identity, and/or the locations of vehicle when occupied by the occupant.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing incentives for the public to travel during time windows and routes that help alleviate traffic congestion. The systems described herein include at least two components: a computer server software system that includes various algorithms and database sub-systems; and a mobile device application. Generally, a user may enter an origin, destination, and preferred time of travel for an intended trip into the mobile device application, which transmits the information to a remote server. The server computes a route for the trip and provides the user with available incentives for traveling the route at one or more departure time windows. The user's mobile device transmits GPS data to the server, which allows the server to verify whether the user has traveled the route during the specified time window. If so, the server then provides the incentive to the user via the user's mobile device or through email.

Abstract: In a first aspect of the present invention, methods and apparatus implement graphical user interfaces for interactively specifying service level agreements used to regulate delivery of services to, for example, computer systems. An interactive graphical user interface allows a user to see the effects of varying values of service delivery variables on the level of service achievable in a particular service delivery context. In a second aspect, methods and apparatus of the present invention provision resources required for service delivery. In the second aspect, the methods and apparatus of the present invention select a service delivery model dependent on context. The selected service delivery model is used to provision resources that will be required during service delivery. In a third aspect, methods and apparatus of the present invention monitor compliance with a service level agreement during a service delivery event.

Abstract: Data is received from an activity tracking device. The received data indicates an amount of movement of the activity tracking device. The received data is associated with an account of a user of the activity tracking device. Feedback is generated for the user based on the amount of movement of the activity tracking device as indicated by the received data. The feedback is presented on a website with an indication of points accumulated by the user for the amount of movement of the activity tracking device over time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating search results including searching by subdomain and providing sponsored results by subdomain is provided. A search system according to embodiments of the present invention analyzes search queries to determine if they are to be routed to subdomains and presents results include sponsored hits sponsored on a subdomain by subdomain basis.

Abstract: Product offering systems are provided. Product offering systems may include sending an offer to a customer that possesses a mobile computing device and has agreed to receive offers for products via the mobile computing device. Agreeing to receive offers would result in the unique data about the customer being available to offer provider. Unique customer data may include data related to the customers wireless service provider or from a financial account in a financial institution, and collecting customer data about the customer, wherein the customer data comprises financial data and personal data. Product offering systems may further include registering a wireless computing device of the customer to able the device to receive the offer, and determining opportunities to send the offer to the customer by monitoring the customer and the customer data. Product offering systems may also include sending the offer to the customer's registered device based on the determination of opportunities.

Abstract: A website hosting service provides a plurality of services to each of a plurality of unrelated websites, each of the plurality of services being adapted to contribute to a distinct service package for at least a plurality of unrelated websites, at least one of the plurality of services serving a third party interface that allows access to a third party service in the distinct service package.

Abstract: Methods of collecting information from an individual regarding absorbent articles are provided. A method entails collecting input information from an individual regarding absorbent article use wherein at least some of the information collected includes data generally known by most consumers. The method further entails collecting still or video image data from an individual consumer using a computing device and uploading the input information and still or video image data to a server. The input information and still or video image data is used to output data regarding the absorbent articles and to output a set of correlations between the visual data and the input information.

Abstract: The present technology proposes techniques for managing indoor geolocation conversions based on a user's intent in an indoor location. An advertiser may determine the intent of a user of a mobile device and transmit advertisements to the mobile device related to the determined intent. The intent may be determined based on events that include a location of the mobile device, network browsing history, and a transaction made using the mobile device. The advertisement may provide the user with directions to an item based on location information from the mobile device. The advertisements may also load balance geolocation conversions in order to manage a number of users at a particular location.

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: Web page data is generated for rendering coupons, for a currency of value available to a user for increasing a value of the coupons and for one or more activities that can be used to increase the currency of value. When at least one of the activities has been completed by the user, the currency of value is increased by an amount specified by the activity that has been completed. A selection is received of a coupon whose value is to be increased. Additional web page data is generated to including dollar amounts to which the coupon may be increased. When the user selects one of the dollar amounts, a number of the currency of value is determined corresponding to the selected dollar amount. The value of the coupon is increased by the selected dollar amount. The currency of value available to the user are decreased by the number of the currency of value corresponding to the dollar amount.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for estimating demographic compositions of television audiences from audience similarities. In an aspect, pairwise cosine similarities of segment of viewers of rated and unrated television programs are determined, demographic information of rated programs is attributed to the unrated programs from the cosine similarity measures and demographic information for the rated programs.

Abstract: A near-field communication (NFC) system may include an NFC tag comprising a memory configured to store geo-position data corresponding to a geographic position of the NFC tag, and a first NFC sensor coupled to the memory and configured to initiate a transaction based upon NFC communications. The NFC system may further include a mobile wireless communications device comprising a second NFC sensor and a controller coupled thereto. The controller may be configured to establish NFC communications with the first NFC sensor when in proximity thereto and retrieve the geo-position data therefrom, authenticate a geographic position of the NFC tag based upon the retrieved geo-position data, and perform the transaction with the NFC tag if the geographic position of the NFC tag is authenticated.

Abstract: A system and method in accordance with exemplary embodiments may receive, at a server, user profile data associated with one or more set top boxes via a network. The system and method may then search for and select local advertisement content based on at least the user profile data. Further, the system and method may transmit, to the one or more set top boxes, the selected local advertisement content.

Abstract: There is provided a center server and a store terminal to enhance the targeting accuracy in providing services. The center server gives a unique ID to a member application, sends it to a particular mobile information terminal and manages it as authentication information about a member who is the user of the mobile information terminal. In response to purchases of a particular article by the member, the store terminal inputs the ID from the mobile information terminal and inputs purchase information about the article the member purchases. The center server then acquires attribute information about a member identified by the ID. Then, by checking the purchase information, the attribute information and service information set in association with attribute information about the member and kinds of articles and stored in particular storage means, information about a service to be provided for the member is identified.

Abstract: Fulfilling a pre-order for a collection of media items in an online store and enforcing one or more pricing schemes which adjust the price charged for the collection of media items purchased as a pre-order.

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: The present disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for selling advertising space for display of advertising on a website. A data broker, who controls a website, obtains information from customers, the information including identifying data, behavioral data, and demographic data concerning the customers. The data broker also obtains permission from the customers to provide this information to advertisers on the website and to track purchases made after receiving the advertising. The data broker then sells advertising space to advertisers and provides the advertisers with access to the customers' information. When the customers make purchases from the advertisers that can be attributed to the advertising, the data broker collects a payment from the advertisers and returns a portion of the payment to the customers. The customers benefit from this arrangement by receiving something in return for their purchases.

Abstract: A campaign offers and rewards system is provided. A receipt intelligence engine includes receipt processing that in operation extracts information about items purchased based on an image of a receipt from at least one of a shopping trip and an electronic receipt from an online or offline transaction. An analytics engine includes data intelligence coupled to the receipt processing and performs analysis of the receipt. In response to processing and analysis, an offer is then sold.

Abstract: A campaign offers and rewards system includes a receipt intelligence engine with receipt processing that extracts information from a receipt, including information about items purchased based on a receipt from at least one of a shopping trip and an electronic receipt from an online or offline transaction. An analytics engine includes data intelligence coupled to the receipt processing and performs analysis of the receipt. The system is configured to be coupled to a mobile device.

Abstract: Financial transactions are tracked and a communication thread related to a financial transaction is generated. A reward stimulus is offered as part of and related to the communication thread. A third party vendor or a bank server can identify the communication thread and initiate a communication with the reward stimulus. A behavior profile can be generated based on the financial transaction and personal data including purchases tracked and spending habits. A communication exchange can be initiated on a mobile device as part of the communication thread based on predetermined options such as important dates, a geophysical location, social networking activity, a reminder, the behavioral profile, an inquiry and/or feedback received or published.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods, apparatus systems and computer program products that provide for using real-time video analysis for recognizing financial document images by capturing a real-time video stream using a mobile device, wherein the video stream features one or more financial documents, analyzing and correlating the images in the real-time video stream to the images necessary to process the financial document, providing notice to a user of additional images needed to process the financial document and communicating the information associated with the financial document to a financial institution to complete a transaction once sufficient images of the financial document have been captured to process the financial document.

Abstract: A method and system for managing driving patterns by charging a variable incentive and/or disincentive based on individual driving behaviors. Distances detected between a vehicle and other vehicles are detected within a time period. N tailgating incidents are identified based on the detected distances being less than a threshold value for distance. A variable toll is determined by evaluating a function of a base amount and N. The driver of the vehicle is charged the variable toll. Charging the variable toll provides an incentive to the driver to encourage driving that does not include tailgating or a disincentive to the driver to deter tailgating.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture that can facilitate verification or feedback in association with consumer transactions. In particular the architecture can image a transaction receipt, translate the image into text-based data, and extract relevant transaction data there from. Such relevant transaction data can be saved to a data store maintained or supervised by the customer and/or transmitted to authorized components that can benefit from data related to transaction histories, verification, and/or feedback.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for customer experience management for an organization. Embodiments of the invention can be used to monitor and analyze customer activity. From larger volumes of data, data can be concentrated to identify events with higher relevance to customer or guest experiences with the organization. Data can be correlated with customer or guest experiences to provide more personalized experiences in the future. Embodiments include event processing rules. Event processing rules can be used to provide more intelligent rewards to customers or guests. Event processing rules can also be used to synthesize other events. Embodiments can apply data analytics at a range of organizational levels (e.g., operator to management level) to improve customer or guest experiences. Embodiments can provide visualizations to an organization to present correlated trend data about customers or guests.