Abstract: Secure product provisioning systems and methods are described for preventing electronic fraud by generation of ephemeral virtual cards for injection from secure proxy accounts into electronic provisioning networks. A provisioning server receives a provisioning request from a provisioning application (app) that indicates a product selected from one or more products and a merchant selected from one or more merchants. The server generates an ephemeral virtual card comprising a unique ephemeral code and a payment amount, each injected from a secure proxy account accessible only by the provisioning server. The ephemeral virtual card virtually emulates a physical or electronic card acceptable by the electronic provisioning network of the merchant. The provisioning server submits the ephemeral virtual card to the electronic provisioning network of the merchant. The receipt of the ephemeral virtual card causes initiation of a transaction between a user and the merchant for the product.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves systems, software, and computer implemented methods for automatically providing a lending offer for loyalty points based on a customer account analysis. One example method includes initiating an offer analysis for a customer account associated with a particular customer and storing an account balance and a point deficit balance. The offer analysis determines whether to provide an offer for a point loan, and is based on profile information of the customer, a current point balance, and a reward identified from the loyalty account. If an offer is to be provided, an offer for a loan of points equal to the difference between the current point balance of a loyalty account and the point value cost of the reward is transmitted to a client device of the customer. If accepted, the current point balance and the point deficit are both incremented by the amount of the offer.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves systems, software, and computer implemented methods for automatically providing a lending offer for loyalty points based on a customer account analysis. One example method includes initiating an offer analysis for a customer account associated with a particular customer and storing an account balance and a point deficit balance. The offer analysis determines whether to provide an offer for a point loan, and is based on profile information of the customer, a current point balance, and a reward identified from the loyalty account. If an offer is to be provided, an offer for a loan of points equal to the difference between the current point balance of a loyalty account and the point value cost of the reward is transmitted to a client device of the customer. If accepted, the current point balance and the point deficit are both incremented by the amount of the offer.

Abstract: A method and system for providing electronic universal incentive awards processing with blockchains. Universal incentive award points are earned for academic (e.g., tutoring, homework completion, lab completion, project completion, etc.) athletic (e.g., watching sports events, participating in sports events, assisting with sports events, etc.), mentoring, volunteering, extra-curricular activities, clubs, community service and/or other selected activities. The universal incentive award points earned are stored in a blockchain. The blockchain allows the creation and use of universal electronic universal incentive award points with transparency, authentication, verification and fraud prevention. The universal incentive award points are immediately redeemable from the blockchain for goods and services. The incentive award points information can be immediately sent and received with wireless, contactless transfer of information.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a system, method and computer program for enabling local or regional merchants to participate in an automated cause marketing (ACM) program using mobile devices. The ACM program that may provide benefits to several parties involved in fundraising for one or more supported organizations, including one or more supported organizations, advertising providers, merchants, and individuals. Merchants are able to access enhanced analytics regarding their transactions with members and non-members of the ACM program and can use these enhanced analytics to realize an increased number of or revenue from transactions with members. The present invention also teaches a system and method for enabling advertising providers to acquire and analyze data associated with consumers-merchant transactions. The present invention provides the above features optimally using mobile devices.

Abstract: A system and method is presented for product substantiation and promotion redemption. A purchased product list is transmitted from a retail store system to a promotion analysis server along with a user identifier. The promotion analysis server identifies promotions available to the user, and then considers whether the benefits under the promotions are still available to the user. Discounts for available promotions related to the purchased product list are calculated and transmitted to the retail store system for deduction from the transactions. An approved product list can be provided that filters the purchased product list before transmittal. The approved product list can include promotions from a plurality of programs.

Abstract: A processing system periodically configures a beacon code and random nonce to transmit to a beacon device at a location. Multiple users enter the location with associated user computing devices and retransmit the beacon code broadcasted by the beacon device to the processing system. A computing device at the location transmits to the processing system a request for account data comprising a hardware identifier and retransmits the beacon code and a random nonce. The processing system verifies the request based on the beacon code and random nonce and transmits, to the computing device at the location, user account identifiers associated with user computing devices that retransmitted the beacon code. Within a threshold period of time, the processing system may verify a subsequent request from the computing device, even without receiving the beacon code and random nonce, if the request comprises the hardware identifier.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for increasing participation in loyalty programs. In embodiments, the customer opts into a loyalty program. The customer is then provided with information about his or her loyalty participation and also is provided with information about one or more other customer's participation in the loyalty program. In another embodiment, one or more loyalty members can form their own competition or group within the loyalty program. The members can create loyalty sub-program rules for a competition and allow fellow loyalty members to participate in the competition. The customizable loyalty sub-program competitions further enhance member participation.

Abstract: In a computer-implemented method for enhancing revenue by driving credit account purchases through a single native mobile application browsing of retail items is enabled via the single native mobile application executing on a mobile device, wherein the browsing is not required to be web-based browsing, and wherein the single native mobile application is provided by a party. Multi-tender payment for the retail items are provided. Mobile marketing is provided to a user of the mobile device by the single native mobile application, wherein the mobile marketing indicates that additional loyalty rewards will be earned if the retail items are purchased by a credit account issued by the party.

Abstract: An e-fundraizing system includes a mobile device and a server. The mobile device produces, or is configured to respond to, an indicator of one or more specific donation amounts. The mobile device sends a first message to the server in response to the indicator. The mobile device receives a second message in response to the sent first message. The mobile device receives a user input based on the received second message. The mobile device sends a third message to a server in response to the user input. A user of the mobile device donates a specific amount based on the sent third message.

Abstract: Various technologies described herein pertain to joining a computing device in a local network to a community Wi-Fi network. The community Wi-Fi network includes disparate computing devices that share respective network bandwidth capacities with member consumer devices of the community Wi-Fi network. The computing device receives an opt-in signal indicating that the computing device desirably be added to the community Wi-Fi network. Responsive to receiving the opt-in signal, the computing device retrieves account parameters. The account parameters include data indicating a network bandwidth capacity allocated to the account, which is usable by the computing device. A shared portion of the network bandwidth capacity is determined based at least in part upon the parameters of the account. The computing device is configured to share the shared portion of the network bandwidth capacity for consumption by member consumer device(s).

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include systems and methods for administering actual and virtual investment portfolios based on social media activities associated with and information consumed by one or more users. The disclosed embodiments may be configured to obtain digital activity data identifying an interaction between the user and one or more social networks, and further, one or more elements of electronic content accessed by the user. The disclosed embodiments may also be configured to identify a loyalty program associated with the user, and a geographic region associated with the user. The disclosed embodiments may also be configured to identify one or more first securities based on the digital activity data, an investment risk tolerance of the user, and at least one or the loyalty program or the geographic region, and to transmit information identifying a first set of the one or more first securities to a user device.

Abstract: A communications system includes a display configured to display at least one time variable image, at least one passive near field communications (NFC) device associated with the display, and a media device. An identifier is associated with the at least one passive NFC device. A mobile wireless communications device includes a second NFC device, a wireless transceiver, and a processor. The processor is configured to receive, via communication between the at least one passive NFC device and the second NFC device, an identifier for the at least one passive NFC device. The processor is also configured to send, via the wireless transceiver and to the media device, the identifier and the identifier time, and receive, from and media device and via the wireless transceiver, data relating to the at least one time variable image based upon the identifier and an identifier time based upon the identifier.

Abstract: One variation of a method for calculating advertisement effectiveness includes: posting an advertisement for a product to a social feed within a social networking system; tracking a view of the advertisement by a user; determining a proximity of the user to a store of a merchant; in accordance with a privacy setting of the user, selecting personal data of the user from data stored in the social networking system, the personal data including an identity of the user and an interest of the user; in response to the determined proximity of the user to the store, transmitting the selected personal data to the store; and, in response to a transaction between the user and the store, assessing an effectiveness of the advertisement according to a determined correlation between the transaction and the view of the advertisement by the user.

Abstract: The present application relates to a system and method for managing a plurality of accounts. A plurality of accounts is provided, with each account being associated with a customer. Account activity information associated with at least one action regarding one of the plurality of accounts is received at a first predetermined frequency. The received account activity information is analyzed, and at least one term of another account amongst the plurality of accounts is modified based upon a result of the analysis at a second predetermined frequency.

Abstract: A graphical user interface includes a conversion option to convert quantities of loyalty points of a loyalty program of an entity into different loyalty points of a different loyalty program of a commerce partner. The different loyalty points are accepted by a commerce partner as at least partial payment for commerce partner services provided by the commerce partner as part of the different loyalty program. The commerce partner does not accept the loyalty points as payment for commerce partner services, at least without requiring the loyalty points be first converted to different loyalty points. Responsive to a received selection of the conversion option, a computer presents within a user interface a quantity of available different loyalty points for use as payment for the commerce partner services. The quantity of available different loyalty points results from converting the subset of loyalty points into the quantity of available different loyalty points.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is described that includes an incentive application for providing incentives to a visitor of a site. The incentive application is both portable onto other sites and is customizable on each site to the information provided on the site.

Abstract: A device and method of electronic payment that enables an e-commerce server to maintain a database comprising records for shopper accounts, enable a shopper to interactively create a shopper account and to interactively deposit a specified amount of money in the shopper account, to provide the shopper with a unique shopper identifier that corresponds to the shopper account, to paying a merchant from the shopper account for a purchase at the merchant's e-commerce website by the shopper, where the shopper used the unique shopper identifier as a means of payment.

Abstract: A network-based communication and information discovery solution that pertains to network-accessible resources and the use of interlinks among resources. In one embodiment, dynamic interlinking of resources is proposed, wherein the resources reside in a web-based system and are accessible via web-clients. The resources can be representable by an administrator in a graph-like structure interlinking the resources with each other and thus defining a navigation model. An extended navigation model can be implemented by a user-generated, personal or collaborative interlinking functionality.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments described herein relate to the field of electronic registration (ER) of purchased items and, more particularly, to improved electronic registration techniques that provide validation and/or verification services for an award points program and/or products having associated award points. Certain exemplary embodiments provide electronic award points management techniques that authenticate item purchases, determine eligibility for inclusion in a manufacturer's or a retailer's award program, help identify and detect potential fraudulent transactions involving award points and/or associated products, etc. Certain exemplary embodiments may allow point information to be printed directly on a case where it is continually visible, which may, in turn, help increase enrollment by increasing visibility of the program, reducing the likelihood of insert cards being lost, etc., while at the same time reducing costs for program implementation on the part of manufacturers, retailers, etc.

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: The invention relates to a method for real time credit calculation of differing loyalty programs based on telephone usage of a user and use of IP-based multimedia sub system (IMS) services, wherein statistical data for the user is recorded and stored in a databank by means of an OSAS (Online Statistic Advertisement Server) service. The invention is characterized by storage of loyalty profiles in the LPF, registration of the customer in the IMS, start up of a service by the customer/user, contacting the OSAS in real time via the HSS profile, recording the statistics in real time for the service such as, for example, type, time spans and similar, triggering the OLS based on the HSS profile, startup of the interfaces by the OLS, use of operator systems through the OLS and provision of the service after contacting the OLS.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically enrolling users of a website or other network-based service in sweepstakes. A user of 4 user computer system connects to a host computer system hosting a website or other network-based service and is awarded points for accessing features of the website or service. The points are displayed in real-time on the user's computer and transmitted to a database server, which maintains the user's point totals. The user is then automatically given a number of entries in a sweepstakes based on the number of points he or she has been awarded. Users may also be awarded points for accessing features of websites or services of third-party host computer systems.

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 venue management system and method that effectively integrates and automates access control systems, membership and/or loyalty programs, and similar programs and systems to allow a sports team or other organization to more effectively monitor and track ticket holders' attendance histories, purchase histories, spending patterns and other behaviors and to provide rewards and other incentives more closely tied to these behaviors.

Abstract: A system and method for offering tax incentives for credit card usage includes partnering, between a municipality and a credit card issuer, to issue a credit card sponsored by the municipality, wherein the municipality receives a percentage of every transaction charged to the card, tracking, by a reporting and tracking computer, card usage by the users via transactions charged to the card, and offering, from a municipality computer, tax incentives, by the municipality, to users based on card usage.

Abstract: A bonus points system and a corresponding method are disclosed. First, the bonus points system records user activities on a first computer system managing a first online service that is accessible to all users. Second, the bonus points system awards points to a user when a predetermined activity is recorded. Third, the bonus points system exchanges points between the two computer systems when receiving an exchange request. Fourth, the bonus points system grants the user access to a second online service in the second computer system based on an amount of points of the user in the second computer system. The bonus points system allows an advertiser to buy points to display ads and award points to users performing the predetermined activity on the displayed ads. The second computer system is configured to manage points related to the second online service that is accessible to paid users.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to systems, methods, and computer program products for implementing a customer loyalty rewards program by assigning point values to a customer's completion of certain activities, monitoring the customer's activities to determine when the customer has completed an activity, crediting the customer the assigned value of points for the completed activities, correlating points to one or more rewards and facilitating the exchange of rewards.

Abstract: A method to promote use of one communication service by associating it with another service and offering incentives to use the first service in return for use of the second service. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A method for training a ranking application. The method includes ranking the help postings to create an initial ranking using initial parameter values, and storing user interactions with the help postings to obtain stored interactions. Simulations are performed using the stored interactions to generate revised parameter values for the ranking application. Performing the simulations includes calculating relevance values from the stored interactions, creating a test posting, assigning, to the test posting, an initial score and a relevance value randomly selected from the relevance values to generate a test ranking, and simulating user interactions with the test ranking to generate simulated rankings. The simulated rankings are analyzed to obtain revised parameter values. The method further includes ranking, using the revised parameter values, the help postings to generate a revised ranking, and displaying the help postings in the forum according to the revised ranking.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for completing a loyalty program transaction. The mechanism forms a coalition of a plurality of customers, including the requesting customer. Each customer within the plurality of customers requests to exchange loyalty points for a reward in a loyalty program. Each customer within the plurality of customers participates in a plurality of loyalty programs. Combined loyalty points of the plurality of customers in the plurality of loyalty programs are sufficient to be exchanged for the rewards requested by the plurality of customers. The mechanism further completes a transaction for each customer within the plurality of customers to exchange an amount of loyalty points in a respective one of the plurality of loyalty programs for a reward, such that completing the transactions for the plurality of customers results in a number of residual points. The mechanism further distributes the number of residual points among the plurality of customers.

Abstract: A user selects a product to be liquidated from a product provider and then designates to the transacting entity that reward points are to be used towards the purchase of the liquidated product. The transacting entity acts to decrease the number of reward points in the user's reward account by the required number of points. The reward account holder conveys consideration to the transacting entity equivalent to the par value of the reward points consumer obtains the product in exchange for reward points having a retail value equivalent to what he would have otherwise paid for the product, while the reward account holder is required to convey only the par value of the points. The product provider is able to liquidate the product and obtain payment equivalent to what it would otherwise have obtained in a prior art liquidation process, auction or trading environment.

Abstract: A method and system for point of sale consumer packaged goods and lottery promotions. A discount coupon is generated having two barcodes. The first barcode encodes standard UPC barcode data including, e.g., manufacturer ID, retail product or a retail product family, and discount value code. The second barcode encodes a FreePlay identifier code. A POS system scans the barcodes and the FreePlay identifier code is recognized. Based on this, the consumer is offered a choice of a Lottery FreePlay coupon in lieu of the discount on the retail product. When the consumer accepts the choice of a Lottery FreePlay coupon, a Lottery FreePlay coupon is printed for the consumer in lieu of giving the consumer a discount on the retail product. The Lottery FreePlay coupon is redeemable at an authorized lottery booth for a lottery ticket having a purchase price based on the discount value code.

Abstract: A universal digital information management and transaction system facilitates a consumer's ability to organize, use and obtain personal data related to a consumer, including for example, the consumer's financial, health, and personal records. A consumer is provided with an online profile that stores all of the relevant consumer information, with a token associated with the consumer's profile to enable the consumer to securely login remotely to the system to access and manage all of their relevant information.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for promotional marketing for a group of persons. The system includes an advertiser registration device, an advertiser validation device, a payment facilitation device, a deal creation device, a deal repository device, a matching device, a deal delivery device, a token redemption device and a tracking device The method includes the steps of facilitating the advertisers to create deals for the services by including advertisements, selecting channels for promotion, and setting demographic and geographic preferences, matching the deal preferences and the preferences of the users for effective promotion, delivering the deals to the users after matching the deal preferences and the user preferences using selected channels, enabling users to pay for the services in a cashless manner using tokens, and tracking the deals between users and advertisers.

Abstract: A method and system for making a donation to a third party, wherein a user executes a purchase transaction using a card linked to a reward point account. If a user donation is desired, then the user's reward point account is decreased and corresponding value is transferred to a designated third party as a donation. In another aspect referred to as “topping off”, the donation amount is the difference between the ender amount and the purchase amount, and is transferred to a designated third party as a donation to the third party in lieu of providing change for the transaction back to the user.

Abstract: A method and system of managing a mortgage rebate transaction card account in which a transaction card provider computes a mortgage rebate amount based on the amount of charges incurred against the account and periodically arranges for application of the mortgage rebate amount against a mortgage loan balance for the cardholder. The account is provided by the transaction card provider in connection with either a pre-existing mortgage loan of the cardholder or a prospective mortgage loan of the cardholder. Further, the account can be provided in connection with a mortgage loan from any mortgage lender regardless of the existence or non-existence of an affiliation or association between the transaction card provider and the mortgage lender.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments described herein relate to digital downloading jukebox systems of the type that typically include a central server and remote jukebox devices that communicate with the central server for royalty accounting and/or content updates. More particularly, certain exemplary embodiments relate to jukebox systems that have revenue-enhancing features such as for example, music recommendation engines and bartender loyalty programs. Such innovative techniques help to both increase per jukebox revenue as well as keep jukebox patrons engaged with the jukebox.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments described herein relate to the field of electronic registration (ER) of purchased items and, more particularly, to improved electronic registration techniques that provide validation and/or verification services for an award points program and/or products having associated award points. Certain exemplary embodiments provide electronic award points management techniques that authenticate item purchases, determine eligibility for inclusion in a manufacturer's or a retailer's award program, help identify and detect potential fraudulent transactions involving award points and/or associated products, etc. Certain exemplary embodiments may allow point information to be printed directly on a case where it is continually visible, which may, in turn, help increase enrollment by increasing visibility of the program, reducing the likelihood of insert cards being lost, etc., while at the same time reducing costs for program implementation on the part of manufacturers, retailers, etc.

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 method of communicating a renewal incentive for an expiring account to a user of the account. The method includes the steps of identifying a renewal date for the account with a host computer, and calculating whether the account qualifies for the renewal incentive based on account history accessible by the computer. The method also includes sending renewal data to the user about the renewal date, and the renewal incentive, for the account. The renewal incentive is effective upon renewal of the account, and the renewal incentive includes an enhancement over a current feature for the account.

Abstract: A system and method for soliciting repairs to an electromechanical device are disclosed. The system includes a signaling device for signaling a need for a repair of an associated electromechanical device. A repair mediator receives information related to an addressable fault with the electromechanical device and causes the signaling device to provide a signal indicating, to a candidate repairer passing by the device, a need for a repair to the device for which a reward is available for performing the repair. The repair mediator provides the reward for a completed repair.

Abstract: An automated consumer rewards/incentive program that accepts a registration of a consumer. The registration entitles the consumer to receive the benefits of the incentive program. To track the fulfillment of reward earning criteria established by member businesses, the registration includes information indicative of a credit card of the consumer. The system may track member consumer credit card transactions without receiving personal information for non-members by using a one way hash function. The system uses the credit card information to determine when member customers perform a transaction at a member business. When a member customer performs a transaction at a member business using the registered credit card, the system and method examines the credit card transactional information to determine if the consumer fulfilled the requirements of the incentive program for the member business.

Abstract: A system and method for offering services and benefits to transaction account holders desiring access to career assistance tools and related services is disclosed. The system may include identifying a qualifying transaction account, providing access to the career assistance program to a qualifying transaction account holder, and annotating the identified qualifying transaction account associated with the qualifying transaction account holder with an indicator of participation in the career assistance program. The identified qualifying transaction account may be determined to meet a predetermined criteria. The career assistance program may include career counseling and career placement advice.

Abstract: The invention facilitates a loyalty system which is associated with pre-determined geographic locations and/or services and goods offered in a specific geographic area. The system is configured with one product platform with a modularized approach to facilitate the development of market specific rewards and communication materials. The loyalty points may be earned within a specific geographic location, then redeemed in one geographic location, a subset of locations or without restrictions. Similarly, the loyalty points may be earned in one geographic location, a subset of locations or without restrictions, then redeemed only in a specific geographic location. The geographic features of the system may be implemented using existing data that is associated with geographic areas such as, for example, zip codes, retailer identification codes, service establishment codes and/or the like.

Abstract: Entertainment credits from a game of chance can be identified. The entertainment credits can be associated with an entity with which a user has previously interacted. The previous interactions can earning the entertainment credits, which are non-negotiable credits. Responsive to a user request, a conversion agency can convert a quantity of the entertainment credits to a quantity of negotiable funds, wherein the conversion agency is not directly associated with the entity. The user can be permitted to access the quantity of negotiable funds within a vender storefront physically proximate and distinctly independent of the entity, wherein the quantity of negotiable funds are able to be applied to user specified purchases within the storefront, wherein the vender does not honor the non-negotiable credits.

Abstract: A method for delivering customized data items to users of electronic privilege cards includes receiving a customized data item to be delivered to a user having an electronic privilege card, identifying the electronic device storing the targeted user's electronic privilege card, and transmitting the customized data item to the electronic device. In one embodiment, the data item is an offer or coupon that the user may redeem from an entity associated with the electronic privilege card, such as a retailer or service provider. In another embodiment, the electronic device storing the electronic privilege card is a mobile telephone.

Abstract: A system and method for providing online incentive programs that allows participants in the programs to access hierarchical reports detailing the current status of the incentive programs. The incentive programs include means to restrict access to the various hierarchical reports to prevent the different levels of management from accessing information relating to higher levels of management. Participants may therefore monitor their performance, as well as the performance of those individuals who are under their control.

Abstract: A system, method, apparatus, means, and computer program code for facilitating or allowing a user's affinity for a property to be evaluated, recognized, rewarded and/or monetized. A user may access a Web site, computer system, kiosk, or other resource operated by, for or on behalf of a property. For example, a server may implement a Web site on behalf of one or more properties. The user may then provide or authorize a payment that allows the user to receive or take a test directed to examining the user's knowledge of a property and/or to receive information regarding one or more actions that the user may complete to demonstrate the user's affinity for the property. A user demonstrating affinity for the property may receive recognition or other benefit associated with the property.