Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a system and method to reducing loyalty point liability through gaming. The system enables a member of a loyalty program provided by a loyalty program provider to use the member's accumulated loyalty points to play one or more games in one of a variety of different play modes. The system enables the member to win loyalty points or other suitable awards through game play. The system employs one or more mechanisms to cause loyalty points to be removed from circulation; that is, the system causes loyalty point providers to remove loyalty points from members' loyalty point balances, thereby removing those loyalty points from the loyalty program providers' balance sheets. The system is configured such that, over time, more loyalty points are removed from circulation via these mechanisms than are added to circulation through awards provided to members through game play.

Abstract: A computer apparatus is provided that comprises processor and a computer-readable medium coupled to the processor. The computer readable medium comprises code executable by the processor for implementing a method that comprises receiving a first indication at a computer apparatus that an evolving token has been used in a first transaction. Use of the evolving token in the first transaction provides a first benefit. The method further comprises that in a subsequent transaction after the first transaction, the evolving token changes so that it is associated with a payment account and the evolving token can be used to make payments.

Abstract: Uses media, for example audio, video or text performances that were integrated into an online community for feedback determinative of outcome, for digital distribution. Apportions compensation for a selected artist from revenue that may be generated through one or any combination of advertisement, services associated with artist's performance, and media sales. The media may include singing, instrumental music, rhythmic music, videos, and writings.

Abstract: The invention provides consumers with the services of multiple cards or accounts while allowing consumers to carry a single card, transponder, code and/or other access device. Because the card may access combined services such as financial transaction services and transportation services, the system may facilitate charging the financial account for the transportation services. The system may allow the consumer to use loyalty points or geographic based loyalty points to pay for the transportation services. The system may also limit the use of certain loyalty points based upon the geographic area for certain transportation services in certain geographic areas.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a reward points accumulation and redemption program wherein a user earns reward points from a plurality of independent reward points issuing entities, with each tracking the user's earned reward points in a user reward point account stored on a multi-function card (such as a frequent flyer account or a credit card loyalty account). The multi-function card is adapted to aggregate some or all of the user's earned reward points from the reward accounts and credit the aggregated points into a single reward exchange account on the multi-function card. The user may then select an item for purchase with the accumulated reward points from the multi-function card. The item is provided to the user in exchange for a subset or all of the reward points from the multi-function card.

Abstract: In one example of smart appliance registration, a system comprises an electric device that is configured to transmit a unique identifier upon activation, a smart meter that is configured to receive the unique identifier and to further transmit the unique identifier, and a monitoring entity configured to receive the unique identifier from the smart meter for device-specific profiling.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide systems and methods for managing elements and users of a community-based content aggregation system. An element is received that includes content associated with a community topic. The element is provided to a moderator and an approval of the element is received. The element is stored with elements attributes that can include a comment, a rating, and a label identifying a sub-topic of the community topic. A search request is received and the element is outputted in response to the request. A rating and a comment on the element is received and stored in the element attributes. Approval of the comment is received. In some embodiments, points may be awarded to a user for participating in the community and the user's user level may be modified based on the points of the user.

Abstract: In various embodiments, pollution is reduced by associating a pollution credit with a consumer product or service. The pollution credit is transformed into points and purchasing the product or service earns the points. The points may be accumulated and redeemed for value, thus retiring the pollution credit.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing customer benefit offer program enrollment are provided. A system for enrolling a purchasing instrument in an electronic customer benefit offer program an electromagnetic receiver module. The receiver module may be configured to receive data from the purchasing instrument and receive from a customer a customer selection of a notification channel, the channel to be used for notifying the customer about a customer benefit. The system may also include a processor module configured to associate the purchasing instrument data with an account on an electronic platform so that a customer benefit offer that is stored on the platform may be associated with the purchasing instrument.

Abstract: A broadcast signal having reward and broadcast (programming and/or advertising) content is broadcast, and viewers provide reward responses in response to queries in the broadcast content. Viewers also provide consumer data associated with the reward response provided. Rewards may then be awarded based on the accuracy of the reward response as well as the utilization of the associated consumer data provided.

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: Service systems and methods to be used in an application (App) download use environment are provided. After at least one user selects an icon related to an application in a browser picture, an advertisement link related to the application is presented on a wall of a personal webpage on a social website corresponding to the at least one user. After the advertisement link is selected, the browser picture having the application is returned, and/or, a number of selection times of the icon in the browser picture for each user is recorded, and the number of selection times of the icon for each user is transformed into reward points. The user can exchange the accumulated reward points for redeem applications provided by an application developer.

Abstract: An on-line computer activity is provided to users who generate points through participation. Promotional and incentive offers are displayed simultaneously with the activity to encourage participating users to select and enjoy the offers. Accumulated points may be applied to activate displayed offers to thereby allow participating users to be eligible for offers as sufficient points are accrued. Users are thereby filtered based on interest and willingness to participate.

Abstract: Disparate account holders may form a group or buying club within which points or rewards for credit or debit card use are allocated into a pool for the account holders. At the end of a billing cycle, transaction totals may be weighted based on the type or number of items purchased by members of the group to making point or reward allocations into the pool. Account holders may be added to the group by invitation as members of a group operate to solicit friends having similar interests and character to join the group. Merchants may market products to like-minded account holders in the group through one or a few members in a manner consistent with social networks or viral marketing approaches.

Abstract: A customer loyalty system assists to build and keep a customer base. The system gathers feedback from customers and enables tracking of goods and services. The customer loyalty system rids a customer of multiple loyalty cards by replacing them with one account. A customer account is associated with, for example, a customer cell phone number. A short lived promotional code enables the customer to pay through a virtual wallet and to receive bonus points or rewards. A point of sale (POS) system generates a bill with a short-lived active promotional or activation code. The code identifies the currently ordered or selected goods or services at a particular establishment. The code expires after a few minutes or other relatively short time. Through, for example, a mobile Internet-enabled device, a customer redeems the short-lived code. Redemption may be done in a variety of ways, and may be done before or after payment, but before code expiration.

Abstract: A system rewards use of a software application in a computerized device during operation of the software application in the computerized device by identifying an amount of an input signal received from at least one input device in association with the software application and accumulating a total of the amount of the input signal received over time for the software application. The system provides a reward, such as airline miles or other credit, to a registered user associated with the software application based on the accumulated total of the amount of the input signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing temporary QoS upgrades as loyalty awards. In one embodiment, an Online Charging System (OCS) stores account information for end users that access data services provided by a packet core network. The OCS receives a request involving a data service of an end user from the packet core network. In response to the request, the OCS determines that the end user qualifies for a loyalty award based on the account information for the end user. The OCS then grants a temporary QoS upgrade for the end user as the loyalty award, and transmits an indication of the temporary QoS upgrade to the packet core network. Based on the indication of the temporary QoS upgrade, the packet core network is able to enforce the temporary QoS upgrade as the end user accesses one or more data services.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for providing telecommunication services based on customer groups. A customer group is offered a service plan that provides an incentive to early subscribers in the form of a more attractive pricing plan (i.e., discounts). For example, a particular subscriber may be provided a discount for each customer in the group who becomes a subscriber after the particular subscriber. The discounts and pricing plan may also be based, at least in part, on the total number of customers in the group that become subscribers. Further, in order to reduce customer churn, customer discounts or other incentives may be applied toward the end of a subscription plan period. Further, subscriber discounts and/or credits may be banked in a subscriber account.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a purchased article registration apparatus includes a declaration unit, an input unit, a determination unit, and a notification unit. The declaration unit accepts a declaration input indicating that a customer carries a reusable shopping bag with which the customer takes a purchased article home. The input unit accepts input of article identification data that can identify the article purchased by the customer. The determination unit determines whether the article specified by the article identification data having its input accepted by the input unit is an article to be separately packaged or not. The notification unit notifies that separate packaging should be provided, when the declaration that the customer carries the reusable shopping bag is accepted and it is determined that the article is an article to be separately packaged.

Abstract: A method and system are set forth which include one or more terminals providing near field communication with an electronic device held by the user such as a smart card. The device includes a display panel configured to persistently display a visual condition associated with the user's account, promotional status or as selected by the user.

Abstract: A system for an integrated multi-vendor customer loyalty and personalized marketing program and a method for its use are disclosed. The system comprises at least one database server operably connected to a plurality of external vendor servers and a plurality of devices at many disparate points of sale, whereby sales transactions are processed and communicated to the system's on-line transaction processing database, reward and eligibility determinations are made, consumers are credited immediately for various factors relating to the sales transactions by each participating vendor (i.e., merchant or CPG) involved in the transaction, and separate credit balances are maintained in vendor-specific subaccounts for that particular consumer. The method involves the creation of a single, centralized consumer account to which the system automatically allocates and applies credits to individual vendor-specific subaccounts by dividing and segregating the credits for any given sales transaction.

Abstract: Provided is a method for providing a promotional instrument. The method includes determining a number and/or value of promotional instruments purchased and assigning, by a promotion system, a promotional incentive based at least in part on the number and/or value of promotional instruments purchased.

Abstract: Methods of communicating for advertising and for facilitating commercial transactions between businesses and consumers. Said methods are enabled by a software application that allows a consumer to dispatch an offer request to a service provider, wherein the offer request specifies an amount of money that the consumer intends to spend on a particular product category and a geographic area in which the consumer intends to make a purchase. The service provider then communicates the offer request to a plurality of businesses that offer the specified product category and that are located within the specified geographic area. If the offer request satisfies certain criteria established by one or more of the businesses, those businesses will issue offers that advertise special deals and discounts to the consumer. Such offers are generated using a software application. The consumer can then accept and redeem any of the offers that the consumer finds attractive.

Abstract: In an image network system used for network print service which receives an order for printing or the like by using a communication network such as the Internet, there are provided a center server capable of providing service which is different depending upon points given to a customer according to an order track record, at a time of using the system, capable of suitably setting a storage capacity and a storage period of an image for a user without placing a burden on the user while importance is placed on an operational efficiency of the system, capable of allowing a user to upload images as many as possible in an album, and useful for prompting an order, and an image network system including the center server.

Abstract: A computer-implemented hierarchical revenue model to manage revenue allocations among derived product developers in a networked system. The model includes providing a first revenue value associated with a first digital component, providing a second revenue value associated with a second digital component, and combining the first revenue value with a second revenue value to produce a third revenue value associated with the second digital component, the second digital component including at least a portion, of the first digital component.

Abstract: The disclosed technology provides a method for granting partial refunds (post-payment discounts) to purchasers of a product only if a pre-determined/pre-defined number of sales has been met to purchasers signing up to be part of a partial-refund program for the product. In this manner, the purchasers have the incentive to spread information about the partial refund to their friends, such as via social networking, and “advertising” on the part of the seller, who then makes more sales. If the sales threshold is met, the partial refund is issued.

Abstract: A subscription system allows a customer to establish a subscription to a product with one or more retailers (e.g., by establishing the subscription through a controller or central system). In one embodiment, a subscription may be established after receiving information that identifies a product. Terms of a subscription for the product are established, such as a frequency and a duration of the subscription.

Abstract: A system for implementing a loyalty program includes a personal terminal, an interaction terminal, and a loyalty module. The personal terminal may be associated with a user. The interaction terminal may be associated with a product or service. The interaction terminal and the personal terminal may be operable to establish a communication when in proximity of each other. The loyalty module may be operable to provide a benefit to the user in response to the communication. The benefit may be provided without regard to whether the user obtained or purchased the product or service.

Abstract: The invention facilitates pooling, gifting or transferring of geographic area loyalty points between accounts. The invention also facilitates a transfer of geographic area loyalty points from a consumer account associated with a sponsoring company to a consumer account associated with a host company. The invention may also facilitate gifting of loyalty points to charitable organizations on a recurring basis, wherein the gifting may transfer any portion of geographic based points to various charities. The system may also convert the geographic area loyalty points to a monetary value, thereby allowing the points to be donated to a charity such that the donation appears to be a monetary value donation to the charity.

Abstract: A system of the present invention allows owners of various commercial establishments including and not limited to hotels, motels, and any other commercial establishments that rent or lease spaces for short terms or long term use to patrons to provide the patron with incentives such as loyalty points (“green points”) in exchange for the patron's efficient and economical use of consumer energy. The system includes several components operably communicated with one another for calculating usage of electricity and water, compare actual usage of electricity and water with a predetermined amount or value of electricity and water usage for a particular premises such as a room in the hotel, a rental apartment, an office space and the like based on a season, geographic location of the premises.

Abstract: A system and method of providing incentives for users to use computer applications. Application use by a user is tracked and participation credits are provided to the user based on the tracked use. Credits can be provided based on time of use and/or application based incentives, such as achievements in a game. A limit may be placed on the amount of credits a user may have at any time, inducing the user to redeem the tokens. Credit redemption is provided by redemption system which rewards users with prizes directly or based on a random generation of prize rewards under the guise of game play based on chance.

Abstract: A method of rewarding loyalty of a user may include providing a personal terminal to the user, detecting whether the personal terminal is within proximity of an interaction terminal, and based at least in part on the proximity of the personal terminal to the interaction terminal, providing a benefit to the user.

Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, methods, and computer programs are disclosed for providing a virtual conference. One embodiment is a method for providing a virtual conference. One such method comprises: a conferencing system obtaining participant location information associated with a plurality of participant identifiers; the conferencing system establishing an audio conference with the plurality of participants associated with the participant identifiers; coupling a server to the conferencing system, the server identifying indicia of one or more acts during the audio conference, the one or more acts deemed worthy of a corresponding unit score in a reward program, the server communicating information to a rendering device that displays, during the audio conference, a graphical view via a display device.

Abstract: The preferred method involves receiving user generated content from an end user terminal at a web server; inserting an advertisement into the beginning of the user generated content; monitoring each occasion on which the user generated content is accessed from the web server; adjusting the length of the advertisement after the user generated content is accessed a threshold number of times; adjusting the quality of the user generated content after the user generated content is accessed a threshold number of times; and increasing the number of distribution channels for the user generated content after the user generated content is accessed a threshold number of times.

Abstract: A location based consumer interface for retail environments includes a plurality of data packet generators distributed around a retail store. The data packet generators include a wireless communication device and are configured to wirelessly transmit codes to mobile computing devices in the retail store. The codes are received by the mobile computing devices, and can be used to present promotional or other content to the consumer, such as content related to the consumer's current location within the store. The codes can also be used for other purposes, such as for use as part of a store rewards program. In some embodiments a vendor is charged a fee for presentation of the content to the consumer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an advertisement data output control system and a method of the same, the advertisement data output control system including: a communication unit which communicates with a user terminal; a storage which stores a plurality of advertisement informations and incentive informations corresponding to the plurality of advertisement informations, respectively; and a controller which renews the incentive information to vary the amount of incentive corresponding to the advertisement information concerned according to a predetermined incentive varying factor, and controls the plurality of advertisement informations to be arranged in order of the amount of incentive and displayed in the user terminal. With this, it is possible to effectively induce a user to access advertisement information and an advertiser to participate in running an advertisement.

Abstract: A system for permitting communications with a group of persons living at a set of known street addresses that has a server subsystem having a computer readable memory that has the set of known street addresses recorded thereon and that is capable of storing a set of messages, each linked to one of the street addresses. A network communications and logic subsystem is capable of permitting a message sending user to send a message, indicating a street address, to the computer readable memory. Also, the server subsystem further has the capability to relay the message on to a receiving endpoint.

Abstract: A method includes identifying a media file for distribution and identifying a plurality of commercial messages as possible content that can be associated with the media file when it is distributed. Votes from a plurality of customers can be received, with each vote reflecting a customer's preference for at least one of the plurality of commercial messages. The votes can be calculated and at least one preferred commercial message can be designated based on the calculation. At least one preferred commercial message can be associated with the media file to create a combined media file and the combined media file can be distributed and/or made available for distribution.

Abstract: A lottery system and method is disclosed which promotes the continued play of a participant by rewarding them, on a pro-rated basis, for their loyalty. There are two aspects to the invention: (i) the tracking of a player's behaviour; and (ii) calculating a lottery payout structure based on the player's behaviour. In general, players are recognized for their loyalty or patronage, with those demonstrating superior loyalty being awarded a greater amount of a loyalty prize pot. In the event that several players select the winning number in a given lottery, the main prize would be equally divided amongst them. However, for those particularly loyal customers, additional moneys would be paid out from a loyalty reward pot. A mathematical formula in the form of a decay function incorporating the recency, frequency and intensity of a player's lottery ticket purchases would establish whether or not a player qualifies for a loyalty reward payout from the loyalty reward pot as well as the amount to be awarded.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for advertising supported matchmaking services includes logging onto a matchmaking service website for accessing a basic set of matchmaking functionalities. Completing at least one specified action on the first matchmaking service website generally assists the matchmaking service website in increasing revenue. Receiving incentive points, associated with the completing of the at least one specified action, encourages a generally consistent and generally productive use of the matchmaking service website. A list of premium matchmaking functionalities enhances a use of the matchmaking service website, wherein use of each of the premium matchmaking functionalities requires a predetermined number of the incentive points.

Abstract: Advertisement systems and methods are provided for use in connection with notification services or systems. One such method, among others that are disclosed, can be practiced by performing at least the following steps: (a) monitoring travel data associated with a mobile thing; (b) contacting a party based upon the travel data; (c) providing an advertisement to the party during the contact; and (d) charging a fee for or otherwise monetarily benefiting from providing the advertisement.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide incentives to a stimulative visual therapy user performing computer based visual therapy. User compliance with a recommended schedule of visual therapy is recorded, reward points are provided to the user based on compliance, and the user is rewarded based on the number of accumulated reward points awarded to the user.

Abstract: In one aspect, a computing apparatus includes: a data warehouse to store data associating a plurality of account identifiers with an offer having a predefined purchase requirement and an aggregated purchase requirement for a benefit; and a transaction handler configured to process a plurality of transactions. The transaction handler is further configured to determine whether each of the plurality of transactions satisfies a predefined purchase requirement, identify a set of transactions each satisfying the predefined purchase requirement, and determine whether the set of transactions satisfies an aggregated purchase requirement for the benefit. In one example, the transaction handler is configured to provide the benefit via statement credits when the set of transactions satisfies the aggregated purchase requirement.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for processing funds in distribution environments such as internet-based postage distribution environments. In exemplary embodiments, incentive programs are administered and managed within the system. These incentive programs can include discount programs, rebate programs and revenue sharing programs.

Abstract: Systems and methods for electronic trading that provide incentives to users of a trading system. The systems and methods may monitor a trading activity of the user and determine that the orders submitted by the user over a period of time exceed a first pre-determined threshold. Systems and methods also determine that a spread of the plurality of orders exceeds a second pre-determined threshold. Based on these determinations, the user is designated as qualifying for a special status, which entitles the user to incentives in trading. Systems and methods apply the incentives to an order submitted by the user. One such incentive provides the user with a priority in a trading queue, where orders submitted by the user are executed in advance of other orders in the trading queue.

Abstract: A customer reward system includes at least one activity monitoring device for monitoring trading activity. A processor is associated with the, or each, activity monitoring device for receiving data from said activity monitoring device, for comparing the data with a predetermined trigger condition, the trigger condition being selected from a particular set of conditions, and, when the data and the predetermined trigger condition coincide, generating an output signal indicative of a customer reward.

Abstract: It is disclosed a method of providing a content-on-demand service to a user by a communication network. The method includes transmitting content to a first terminal of the user and determining whether the user wishes to pay for the content at a reduced price. In the affirmative, the method further includes: generating an acknowledge request message and an expected acknowledge message; generating an advertising block including k commercials and the acknowledge request message in such a way that the user is able to answer the acknowledge request message after consuming the k commercials; transmitting the advertising block to a second terminal of the user; listening for an acknowledge message from the second terminal; and determining whether the received acknowledge message corresponds to the expected acknowledge message.

Abstract: A computer system enables a financial institution to award an account reward points when a customer remits a payment in a timely basis. Consequently, the financial institution encourages repayment of debt and recognizes good behavior through reward points every time a payment is received on-time. Each time a customer pays on-time, a credit card company may assign reward points to the customer's account for the amount of the payment. When a payment for a loan has been received in accordance with a reward policy, a number of reward points may be awarded to a customer that is dependent on a payment amount. For example, when the payment amount is at least as great as a minimum due and not greater than a balance due, setting the number of reward points to a constant multiplied by the payment amount. However, the reward points may be determined in a non-linear fashion.

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

Abstract: A private civil security loyalty reward program allows access to a user.