Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of Free Delivery to create a new system, method, and apparatus for delivering uniquely identified hard copy advertising and marketing materials to a consumer, which includes a system, method, and apparatus for Coupon Exchange, in which the coupon may be a hard copy or soft copy, which includes a uniquely identified bar code or other uniquely identified machine readable code, or which may be configured as a structured or semi-structured electronic message.

Abstract: Methods and systems for coordinating delivery of coupons issued by a network-based system are disclosed. For example, a system can include a coupon generation engine, a coupon widget, and a communications module. The coupon generation engine can issue a unique coupon redeemable exclusively by a registered user of the network-based system. The coupon widget can present the unique coupon via a first communication channel internal to the network-based system. The communications module can deliver the unique coupon to the registered user via a second communication channel external to the network-based system.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for executing on-line purchases. The apparatus includes three different servers, a ticket server, a doorman server, and a checkout server. The purchase tasks are spread among the servers, and timed, so that the on-line purchase can be handled without server overload and customers losing their place in line. The ticket server issues a purchase ticket to a customer. The purchase ticket includes a predetermined time after which the customer can present the ticket to purchase the purchase item. On or after the predetermined time, the customer presents the purchase ticket to the doorman server. The doorman server validates the ticket and checks that the predetermined time has passed. Once the doorman server approves the purchase ticket, the doorman server passes the purchase ticket to the checkout server with a purchase approval indicator. The checkout server then executes the on-line purchase of the purchase item.

Abstract: A computer system communicates with sponsors, mobile wireless devices, and wireless service providers to present incentives to wireless device users for accepting offers to interact with sponsor content. The incentive offers provide mobile wireless device accounts with credits that are paid by the sponsors. The system generates ACH messages to obtain payment for the credits and transfers the money to the wireless service providers for partial payment of wireless service charges.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a method is described for reducing bias by data fusion of a household panel data and a loyalty card data. In embodiments, a method is provided for receiving a consumer panel dataset in a data fusion facility, receiving a consumer point-of-sale dataset in a data fusion facility, receiving a dimension dataset in a data fusion facility, fusing the datasets received in the data fusion facility into a new panel dataset based at least in part on an encryption key, estimating a consumer behavior using a first model based on the consumer panel dataset, estimating a consumer behavior using a second model based only on those consumers present in both the consumer panel dataset and the consumer point-of-sale dataset, and refining the first model based at least on the results of the second model.

Abstract: A method for generating identification information is disclosed including: when a terminal receiving a data acquisition instruction from a server, and then collecting data according to the data acquisition instruction; storing the data, and updating the data to the server to enable the server to issue a rule of generating identification information, to generate the identification information of the terminal; storing the identification information of the terminal that could be used as current identification information when install application action is detected. A device for generating identification information having the same is disclosed. The rule of generating identification information issued by the server and the data collected by the terminal are invariant, and hence the obtained identification information is invariant, ensuring the stability of generating identification information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for targeted advertising are described. The systems and methods identify a series of events that may be related to a transaction for goods and services. The systems and methods may select at least one future event from the series of events. The systems and methods may generate an account with information about goods and services, and parties to the transaction. The systems and methods may use the information contained in the account about the goods and services and at least one future event as a selection criteria and trigger for sending targeted advertisements to a customer.

Abstract: The present system provides a user remuneration in exchange for participation in a qualifying event. The system has an internet interface for interacting with a plurality of users and a plurality of advertisers, an account database; and a token generation module. The token generation module is configured such that when a user encounters a qualifying event on the internet as presented by the advertiser, the token generation module, upon login by the user, delivers an authentication token to the advertiser. When the user finishes the qualifying event, the authentication token is authenticated by the advertiser and returned to the system, such that the system can account for a remuneration for the user to be credited in an account associated with the user in the account database.

Abstract: Techniques for customized deployment of offers are provided. Customized offers are packaged into a description, a presentation, and offer evaluation execution logic and deployed to an enterprise system. Portions of the package's execution logic have access to some resources of the enterprise system. Once the customized offers are deployed, they can be pushed or pulled to point-of-sale devices for redemption processing during transactions with consumers.

Abstract: A system that automates the clearing and settlement of electronic coupons (E-Coupons) by leveraging existing technologies and enabling E-Coupon redemption at any merchant having electronic funds transfer (EFT) capabilities, such as credit/debit card acceptance. The system reduces opportunities for fraud, reduces or eliminates the need for manual clearinghouse counting and sorting of coupons, and provides an electronic audit trail for coupon redemption, tying a specific purchase to a specific coupon. After registering and selecting coupons, consumers then use an E-Coupon card or account access device at a merchant's point-of-sale (POS) terminal. E-Coupon values are deducted from the consumer's final amount due. Both consumer package goods manufacturers (CPGs) and merchants may be charged a fee. Expired coupons are automatically removed from the account and their value refunded to the CPGs. Reports on redeemed coupons and consumer profiles can be generated and provided to CPGs or merchants.

Abstract: Transaction data is collected from POS terminals in order to generate transaction paths for account holders. The transaction paths link merchant locations where transactions are conducted. Common features of transaction paths, such as intersecting path locations, and transaction data associated with the merchant locations are used for marketing and other purposes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for guaranteed redemption of sale items. The systems and methods can include a payment system for issuing a payment instrument to a customer when the sale item is not available in a retail location. The systems and methods can further include a redemption system for redeeming the payment instrument for the sale item.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus according to the present application includes a receiving unit and a delivering unit. The receiving unit receives a delivery request for content from a terminal device. The delivering unit delivers the content corresponding to the delivery request, and user information that is related to a user who is using the terminal device and that is to be added to the content to the terminal device. For example, the delivering unit delivers the user information corresponding to an attribute that is selected from attributes related to the user, based on a correlation with the content, to the terminal device.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving, from a remote communication device and at a server system, information that indicates a unique identifier for a physical item that corresponds to media content, the identifier differing from identifiers for other physical items that correspond to the same content; associating the received information with an account of a first user of a hosted internet service; and subsequently providing, by the hosted internet service, content that matches the content that corresponds to the physical item, based on a determination that the received information authorizes the first user to obtain the content provided by the hosted internet service.

Abstract: A method and system for providing multiple authorization request messages for multiple products offered by respectively different merchants in a single order are disclosed. If one of the authorization request messages is declined, then an order interrupt message may be sent to the consumer. In order interrupt message may indicate that the single order is canceled, even though authorization request messages for the purchase of other products in the order are approved.

Abstract: A method for removing credentials from a smart grid device includes: receiving, by a receiving device, a removal request, wherein the removal request includes a device identifier associated with a smart grid device and is signed by an entity associated with a set of security credentials stored in a memory of the smart grid device, the set of security credentials restricting access to one or more components or operations of the smart grid device; extracting, by a processing device, the device identifier included in the received removal request; generating, by the processing device, a permit configured to remove the set of credentials from the smart grid device, wherein the generated permit includes the extracted device identifier; and transmitting, by a transmitting device, the generated permit to the smart grid device for removal of the set of credentials from the memory of the smart grid device.

Abstract: A device may process a message associated with an account to identify a first identifier that identifies a third party. The device may identify a match between the first identifier and transaction information related to an individual associated with the account. The transaction information may include a set of first identifiers that identify a respective set of third parties. The transaction information may facilitate identification of one or more messages that is likely to include account information. The device may tag the message with a second identifier based on the match. The device may receive, from another device, the message based on the message being tagged with the second identifier. The device may process the message to identify the account information related to another account. The device may extract identified account information from the message. The device may perform an action related to extracted account information or the message.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computer-implemented system and method for enabling the use of rewards cash or points with a mobile device at a merchant's point of sale device, according to one example. The method may comprise the steps of: acquiring information about the location of a mobile device of an account holder; sending information to the mobile device identifying one or more nearby merchants at which the account holder is able to make a payment with the mobile device using a rewards currency associated with an account of the account holder; sending to the mobile device an available rewards currency amount that can be applied to a purchase; receiving a selected rewards currency amount that the account holder elects to apply to the purchase; and initiating a generation of an electronic payment signal by the mobile device for the total purchase amount.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fulfilling purchases is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure can include, for example, a portable communication device having a controller element that receives from an online system a barcode image as an object of acknowledgment of a product purchased from said online system, and presents on a display of the portable communication device said barcode image to complete a purchase fulfillment process by way of at least one among a visual inspection of the barcode image by a merchant employee and processing of said barcode image by a point of sale (POS) device. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved technique involves inputting data in postings from social media or news websites into a risk engine. A posting extraction device continually observes postings aggregated in social media and news websites, such as Twitter, Facebook, CNN, and the like. The posting extraction device parses postings that contain specified keywords such as “credit card,” “account number,” and the like. The posting extraction device also parses these postings for metadata such as user identifiers, times, and locations. The posting extraction device then stores the parsed information in a transaction database that is accessed by an adaptive authentication engine for risk score assignment.

Abstract: A system provides information to a user viewing content about what items associated with that content is available for acquisition. When the user pauses presentation of the content, the system determines the merchandise associated with the particular scene of the content that the user is currently viewing. The system may also display the items to the user and provide multiple options for purchase, rental, and so forth. The system may enable the user to make a selection to purchase the merchandise, receive an order confirmation, and then resume presentation of the content.

Abstract: A service provider may collect information about items offered by merchants and prices for the items. The service provider may use the collected information to determine whether to recruit the merchant to join an electronic marketplace to offer one or more items for consumption. The service provider may receive the information from customer submissions, from monitoring payment processing data accessible to the service provider, or both. The service provider may collect various pieces of information about the seller and/or items offered by the seller. The collected information may include contact information of the seller, location information of the seller, a price of the item, an inventory or availability of the item, special options, and so forth, which may differentiate the seller and/or the item from other available sellers and items accessible through the electronic marketplace.

Abstract: Transaction data is collected from POS terminals in order to generate transaction paths for account holders. The transaction paths link merchant locations where transactions are conducted. Common features of transaction paths, such as intersecting path locations, and transaction data associated with the merchant locations are used for marketing and other purposes.

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: There is provided a printing system. A reward information memory stores reward identification information and an upper limit amount in association with each other. A set charge memory stores a usage charge for each print setting. A specification unit obtains an upper limit amount in association with the input reward identification information from the reward information memory, and specifies selectable print settings within a range of the upper limit amount from the information stored in the set charge memory. A controller controls the execution of printing so as to be executed with the print settings specified by the specification unit.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes identifying an application installed on a client device of a first user, and one or more second users of a social-networking system that are connected to the first user within the social-networking system. Data associated with the one or more second users may be determined. The data may indicate: a number of the one or more second users who have installed the identified application, or a number of uses of the identified application by the one or more second users over a pre-determined period of time. The data, which may be configured to be displayed on the client device with an interactive element associated with the application, may be sent to the client device of the first user.

Abstract: Systems and methods of tracking and rewarding users of any of a variety of content hosting systems, such as search engines. In one embodiment, a method of rewarding a user of a search engine includes receiving secure identification information identifying a user, retrieving user account information using the secure identification information, receiving a search query associated with the user account information, crediting the user account with a reward that is directly related to providing the search query, and returning search results in response to the received search query.

Abstract: Described herein is a method and apparatus to randomize instruction sets, memory registers, and pointers to increase computer security by increasing resource commitment requirements for malicious software, malicious computer users, or reverse engineers to understand the meaning of the new instruction sets, memory registers, and pointers.

Abstract: A method of displaying an ad on a swipe screen of a mobile device comprises: receiving, at the mobile device, a plurality of ads, storing the plurality of ads in an ad cache in a memory of the mobile device, select an ad from the plurality of ads stored in the ad cache, receiving an input on the mobile device when the mobile device is in a sleep mode, presenting a swipe screen on the mobile device based on the input, and displaying, by the swipe screen application, the ad on the swipe screen on the mobile device.

Abstract: A system to measure effectiveness of displayed content includes a video processing service configured to receive and process a stream of video images captured by one or more video cameras, a display application service configured to produce display content to be displayed on one or more display monitors and to capture user interactions with the displayed content, and a display effectiveness service configured to correlate data received from the video processing service and the display application service and generate a display effectiveness measurement that is a measure of an effectiveness of the displayed content for specific periods of time.

Abstract: A system to measure effectiveness of displayed content includes a video processing service configured to receive and process a stream of video images captured by one or more video cameras, a display application service configured to produce display content to be displayed on one or more display monitors and to capture user interactions with the displayed content, and a display effectiveness service configured to correlate data received from the video processing service and the display application service and generate a display effectiveness measurement that is a measure of an effectiveness of the displayed content for specific periods of time.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing electronic coupons are provided. The apparatus and methods include a system that uses a plurality of coupon processors to pull coupon data from an electronic coupon platform upon the expiration of a predetermined time period. The apparatus and methods additionally include a system that uses an electronic coupon platform to pushes data to a plurality of coupon processors upon the expiration of a predetermined time period. The apparatus and methods also include a system that redeems electronic coupons by initiating a deposit of an amount of funds in a customer bank account at predetermined time intervals. The apparatus and methods further include an electronic coupon platform that sends an electronic notification to a plurality of coupon processors upon the receipt of data from a first coupon processor which relates to the receipt of customer payment card and/or loyalty card information.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer readable media configured to receive an advertisement including an image. A fraud assessment value for the advertisement can be determined. An image assessment value for the image can be determined. The fraud assessment value and a threshold value for fraud assessment can be compared. The image assessment value and a threshold value for image assessment can be compared. Fraud associated with the advertisement can be determined based on comparison of the fraud assessment value and the threshold value for fraud assessment and comparison of the image assessment value and the threshold value for image assessment.

Abstract: An enhanced shopping system for facilitating grocery shopping and in-store advertising is disclosed. The system uniquely changes (1) the way grocery retail industry captures and retains customers, (2) how customers organize their shopping efforts in grocery stores, (3) the approach to advertising and reaching customers, and (4) the information available to retailers and merchandisers related to customer (a) shopping patterns, (b) responses to merchandising and advertising, and (c) specific impact of discounting/coupons.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of providing a brand sponsorship environment includes providing a computer-implemented platform establishing a sponsorship junction involving, in case 1, a first set of trigger-monitorable activities defined by a set of audience providers or, in case 2, a second set of trigger-monitorable activities defined by a set of sponsoring brands, or, in case 3, both the first set and the second set of trigger-monitorable activities.

Abstract: A service provider may obtain information about a plurality of items offered for acquisition by a merchant. The service provider may identify one or more items of the plurality of items that are the same as one or more respective items included in a catalog of items associated with the service provider. The items included in the catalog of items may be available for acquisition via the service provider. Additionally, the service provider may communicate with the merchant to offer services in relation to the items included in the service provider catalog of items that match the items offered by the merchant.

Abstract: Virtual mobile rewards, gift cards, and/or physical world retailers' loyalty and reward programs are aggregated into a common account accessible and transactional from an Internet capable mobile radio device. Subscribers gain access to discounted codes, coupons, rebates, gift cards, and/or limited time offers, on their mobile device for food, travel, lifestyle, electronics, and entertainment products that fit their lifestyle spending habits, enabling users to edit participating retailers, manage separate account balances, and present preferred discounted offers at retailers and apply discount towards purchase of goods.

Abstract: a system and method for providing search results is disclosed. One embodiment includes first presenting an image containing a product to a user and providing the user with a user interface for selecting the image, or a portion of the image associated with the product, from among several images. Search results are generated by searching for at least one characteristic based on one tag applied to the image or portion of the image in a database associated with a brand or designer identified in a second tag. In another embodiment, a user is provided with an upload interface to upload and tag an image so that the image is tagged for use in generating and providing search results to an independent user.

Abstract: A method for key rotation includes initiating key rotation for a user account of a multi-factor authentication platform enabling one-time password authentication using a first symmetric cryptographic key; generating, at an authenticating device, a second symmetric cryptographic key; transmitting, at the authenticating device, the second symmetric cryptographic key to the multi-factor authentication platform; configuring the multi-factor authentication platform and the authenticating device to disable authentication that uses the first symmetric cryptographic key; and configuring the multi-factor authentication platform and the authenticating device to enable authentication that uses the second symmetric cryptographic key.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for allowing a merchant to create offers for distribution via multiple distribution channels. The distribution channels may include social media networks and location based services. The method may include receiving offer parameters for generating the offer, generating offer data based on the offer parameters and merchant transaction data, and determining data subsets of the offer data for distribution through multiple electronic distribution channels. The systems and methods may include associating a transaction account of the account holder with the offer, monitoring a transaction of the transaction account, comparing with a criterion governing the offer, and generating a report for the merchant. The report may include various metrics of the offer, such as return on investment, tracking information on the number of repeat customers and new customers during an offer period, and may occur approximately real-time with the transaction.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes identifying one or more first users of the social-networking system that are connected to a second user within the social-networking system; inferring one or more applications of interest to the second user based at least in part on information associated with one or more applications installed on one or more client systems of the first users; generating one or more recommendations corresponding to one or more of the applications of interest to the second user; ranking the recommendations based on social-graph information of the second user relative to the one or more first users; and sending one or more of the ranked recommendations to one or more client devices of the second user.

Abstract: A venue display system provides selected localization of content to a client and includes a server and a processor. The server is configured to provide selected localization of content from at least one of: a venue display; a D-Cinema or alternative content; and at a selected location. A screen management system (SMS) is included as is a venue display management system configured to assist in localization of content at the selected location. A storage device stores content.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for creating a contact list and pre-populated user accounts. An existing contact list associated with a first user is imported at a computer system. A second contact list is created for the first user for a user account associated with a social network service wherein the second contact list comprises members from the existing contact list. Members of the existing contact list whom already have a user account with the social network service are filtered into a first category. Members of the existing contact list whom do not have a user account with the social network service are filtered into a second category. Pre-populated user accounts associated with the social network service are created for the members in the second category.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a process that reduces a sampling size of a total population of on-line social network users based on a comparison of seed information to a population of on-line social network users. The reduced sampling of on-line social network users is compared to a social graph of the on-line social network users, wherein the social graph is obtained from an algorithm applied to the reduced sampling of the on-line social network users. An outlier is determined in the reduced sampling of on-line social network users based on a characterizing of a cluster of social network users. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic periodical advertisement including a number of time dependent offers is generated, e.g., using a computing device. The offers are organized into a number of modules. A default set of the modules is presented to a user. The default set of modules is edited to generate a user-defined set of modules. A user-defined electronic periodical advertisement including the user-defined set of modules is presented to the user.

Abstract: Provided is adaptive authentication that utilizes relational analysis, sentiment analysis, or both relational analysis and sentiment analysis to facilitate an authentication procedure. The relational analysis evaluates a transactional profile and a behavioral profile of the user. The sentiment analysis evaluates available user information that is obtained from various forms of Internet activity related to the user. A level of authentication is selectively modified based on a result of the relational analysis and/or the sentiment analysis.

Abstract: Multiple copies of the same coupon are delivered to a consumer simultaneously via different delivery channels. After one copy of the coupon has been presented in connection with a transaction and used, the coupon is marked as used with respect to all delivery channels for that consumer. Different copies of the coupon can have different coupon identifiers, for example when delivered through different channels. Consumers also can access such multichannel coupons without having to login each time they wish to access their coupons from multiple channels. In one implementation, each consumer has a user profile. A promotion is associated with that consumer's user profile. Each user profile also is associated with different channel identifiers representing communication channels to deliver instances of the promotion to the consumer. Each delivered instance of the promotion includes a coupon identifier associated with the promotion.

Abstract: A distributed generation of coupons system and method is described. One example develops a campaign having a set of rules at a campaign management system. in addition, a communication channel is established between the campaign management system and a coupon generating subsystem. The campaign having a set of rules is provided from the campaign management system to the coupon generating subsystem via the communication channel. The coupon generating subsystem is authorized to independently generate a coupon based on the set of rules of the campaign without requiring communication between the coupon generating subsystem and the campaign management system.

Abstract: Location-based augmented reality systems configured exchange of items based on location sensing and associated triggering icons, and methods and devices related thereto. In one exemplary embodiment, a first, provider user identifies a specific physical location; associates a triggering icon representing a value item with the specific physical location; and, transmits the existence of the triggering icon and specific physical location to a second, mobile recipient user computing device. The second, mobile recipient user receives the triggering icon and specific physical location from the first, provider user computing device, then finds the specific physical location, activates the triggering icon and receives the value item.

Abstract: A digital image of the object is captured and the object is recognized from plurality of objects in a database. An information address corresponding to the object is then used to access information and initiate communication pertinent to the object.