Abstract: A method and a system offer an incentive to a user of a mobile device based on a geographic location of the mobile device and the intent of the user. For example, a machine determines a geographic location of a mobile device. The machine identifies an item specified at the geographic location of the mobile device via an optical input of the mobile device. The machine determines an offer from a merchant within a predefined geographic boundary. The determining of the offer may be based on the geographic location of the mobile device. The machine determines that the offer from the merchant does not correspond to the identified item, and redefines the predefined geographic boundary in response to the determining that the offer from the merchant does not correspond to the identified item. The redefining may result in a redefined geographic boundary.

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

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling redemption of an electronic coupon involve issuing an electronic coupon with a predetermined redemption characteristic and later updating the redemption characteristic of the electronic coupon based on one or more factors.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for semi-opaque sales with bundles of items. An example bundle can include hotel lodging and a bonus service, status, or item associated with that hotel. An system can identify a first bundle of a first base and bonus item, and a second bundle of a second base and bonus item. The system can present a semi-opaque offer comprising the first bundle, the second bundle, and a discount price, wherein the semi-opaque offer does not identify which of the first bundle and the second bundle will be sold at the discount price to the user upon acceptance of the semi-opaque offer, and wherein the discount price is a full price of the first base item. After receiving acceptance of the semi-opaque offer from the user, the system can disclose that the user has purchased the first bundle at the discount price.

Abstract: A method includes accessing, by a server computer, a plurality of electronic mail messages; identifying, based on information contained in each electronic mail message, one or more actions that can be taken with respect to each electronic mail message; and outputting, for display at a client computing device, an electronic mail interface. The electronic mail interface includes a message preview element for each electronic mail message. Each message preview element includes an interface element for causing performance of the action for each electronic mail message.

Abstract: A time-restricted product sale promotion system includes a promotion platform, at least one seller system, at least one buyer system and a promotion management unit. A time-restricted product sale promotion method includes: providing a time-restricted degressive mechanism on the promotion platform and connecting with a real-time price reporting system to generate a real-time price reference; a seller utilizing the mechanism to calculate optimum degressive sale prices within a restricted promotion time interval and sending the optimum degressive sale prices and the real-time price reference to a buyer; the buyer sending a purchase order to the promotion platform according to the promotion price; comparing the promotion price with the purchase order; displaying a bargain information on the promotion platform if the purchase order is verified.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for providing dynamic group-based retail events in an m commerce platform. The method includes registering merchant-users and consumer-users, receiving a merchant profile, defining a group of consumer-users, wherein the group is time-limited and geographically limited, obtaining consent from a merchant-user to market and advertise an item to the group, determining a offer price for said item, generating an advertisement to present said offer price to each consumer-user of the group, transmitting said advertisement over a network for a predetermined period of time for each consumer-user of the group to review, receiving an acceptance of the offer price for the item, generating a redeemable voucher having a unique transaction identification and a scannable code and accepting the redeemable voucher.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a service to goods and/or service providers and consumers in the traditional context of a “first-come, first-served queue” or “class based” queue. A provider presents a listing of one or offerings to consumers to solicit bids for a good or service associated with the offering. After receiving an acceptable bid from a user, the provider provides feedback regarding the bid that indicates the ranking of the user with respect to other bidders in the bidding process. Based on the feedback, the user may submit a modified bid. Following confirmation of a bid by a user, a winning bid is determined and the user is notified.

Abstract: A method and system for promoting usage of a print device during non-peak time periods is disclosed. A print device promotion system includes at least one print device, a processor in communication with the at least one print device and a computer readable storage medium. The storage medium is configured to store program instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to receive data corresponding to measurements of usage of a print device over a plurality of baseline time periods; identify at least one non-peak time period; select a promotion for the print device; receive data corresponding to measurements of usage of the print device over a plurality of additional time periods; determine whether the usage during the time window satisfied the one or more target usage criteria; and offer the consumer the consumable item at the reduced price.

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

Abstract: A system and method for providing dynamic incentives is described. An individual incentive may include a message portion, offer value portion, creative, and an audience segment. A mix of incentives is distributed and the mix is optimized based on delivery data and redemption data. Other applications include determining an audience segment and optimizing incentive design for other campaigns.

Abstract: System and method that utilizes a participant's points and a single use, virtual credit card account to implement a cash purchase with a cash vendor. The virtual credit card is active for a single purchase only with an available credit equal to the total of the cash purchase price and any fees. The virtual credit card may further be active for a limited period of time.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computing system for the sharing of experiences is provided. The method may include receiving a request for suggested experience data from the first user, said first user being associated with first user profile data stored in an experience data store and determining location data for the first user. The method may further include determining one or more interests for the first user based at least in part on the first user profile data. The method may also include determining at least one suggested experience based at least in part on the location data for the first user and the one or more determined interests for the first user. The method may further include providing the at least one suggested experience to the first user in response to the received request.

Abstract: A method for processing a discount for an off-peak transaction includes: receiving an off-peak offer, the offer including a merchant identifier, start time, end time, and transaction modifier; identifying an offer identifier; storing the offer with offer identifier; transmitting the stored offer; receiving a discount request, the request including a consumer identifier and offer identification; identifying a selected offer where the offer identifier matches the offer identification; receiving an authorization request including a consumer identification, merchant identification, transaction time, and transaction amount; calculating a new amount based on the transaction amount and the transaction modifier for the selected offer if the consumer identification matches the consumer identifier, the merchant identification matches the merchant identifier, and the transaction time is within the start and end times; and transmitting an authorization response for the new amount, where the response is for a final author

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program by which a content provider can display an incentive for a user to remain with their current channel or program. When the user attempts to leave the current program, a pop-up window containing an incentive to remain with the current program is displayed. The user must respond to the pop-up window in order to proceed, whether the user chooses to leave or remain with the current program.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system of user-managed coupons in a geo-spatial environment are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes automatically applying a location meta-data to a coupon when a user provides the coupon to a geospatial environment based on a geographic marker of the user, storing the coupon in a library of coupons, searching the library of coupons based on the location meta-data based on a user request and flagging certain coupons in the library of coupons as being expired based on a user response. The method may further include providing an incentive to the user who provides the coupon to the geo-spatial environment in exchange of providing the coupon and/or in exchange of sharing a content meta-data that tags and identifies a source, duration, a value, and/or a description of the coupon.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a pricing application. Customer interest in unpurchased items is determined by a browsing history of a customer. A notification is communicated to a merchant of the item soliciting an offer for the item to be communicated to the customer. The offer is then communicated to the customer for redemption.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a method for enhancing a wireless customer's experience by providing incentives in exchange for the consumer signing a limited period contract. The method comprises the steps of offering a new mobile phone for a subsidized price to an existing consumer, providing an additional discount on the new mobile phone in order to renew the contract at the contract commencement, providing an option for retaining their existing mobile phone that they are already accustomed and continue using the service without signing a renewal, allowing the existing consumer to choose a third party service provider for contract renewal, allowing the third party service provider for purchasing the new mobile phone from the primary wireless service provider at the subsidized price on behalf of consumer, and receiving a monetary payment from the third party service provider in exchange of contract renewal.

Abstract: Digital media is distributed to a list of subscriber addresses. The digital media is stored in a memory of a client device that is dedicated to content offered by a producer.

Abstract: Briefly, the disclosure describes embodiments of methods or systems for providing an offer to potential recipients based on an appeal score and/or preference indicators of the potential recipients.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a data processing method comprises receiving, from a first computer, and storing at a service provider computer, a copy of a non-natively-executable computer program; generating and distributing a download link that is configured, when activated, to cause downloading of a dynamically generated natively executable installer program from the service provider computer; receiving a request based upon the download link, and in response, the service provider computer generating a natively executable installer program that comprises the non-natively-executable computer program file and, optionally a player or other support software and/or one or more bundled external software offers, and providing the installer program to the end user computer; receiving, from the installer program, a request for the non-natively-executable computer program; providing the non-natively-executable computer program from the service provider computer to the end user computer; and the method is performed by one or more

Abstract: A social engagement display controller controls the display of additional information about an event on displays that are located at the site of the event or at other locations where there is interest in the event. A social engagement server generates check-in codes displayed by the social engagement display controller on the various displays. Upon entry of a check-in code by a user, the social engagement server validates the check-in code to verify with high probability that the user is actually present at the event. Once checked in, the user may provide commentary on or otherwise interact with the event using social networking services, e.g., by posting a message responding to the additional information about the event displayed on the displays. The social engagement server may credit the user for the event commentary.

Abstract: The present invention relates to providing a system for allowing coupon-based transaction, and, more particularly, to system and method for facilitating point-of-sale transaction based on the use of coupons.

Abstract: Product vendors are provided with a system for performing a marketing campaign to mobile communication device users, providing offers as instruments, such as digital coupons, to a selected group of users of the mobile communication devices and validating the integrity of the instruments. The invention has two phases: the selection of the components of the instrument from a menu provided by a social networking organization; and validating the instrument upon redemption from the product vendor. In the first phase, the product vendor selects elements from the menu relevant to the campaign, such as timing, nature of the offer, targeting of the recipients, etc. In the second phase, the instrument is encoded as to the marketing campaign and an arbitrary designation which initiates a pattern as the instrument is redeemed. The product vendor inspects the instrument to ensure that the encoding is correct during the redemption process.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to dispensing coupons to viewers of media content and in particular, providing coupons to an individual to buy the product just after having viewed a commercial or other media program featuring that product.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for determining a transaction cost recovery amount are provided. The transaction cost recovery amount may be determined for each of a plurality of locations. The locations may include point-of-sale terminals and/or checkout lanes. The transaction cost recovery amount may be determined based on Merchant Category Code (“MCC”) information. When a customer leaves a first location associated with a first MCC, the customer may be informed of a transaction cost recovery amount at a second location. The second location may be associated with a second MCC. The transaction cost recovery amount may be determined based on a product inventory. The transaction cost recovery amount may be imposed to maintain an inventory level above a critical level. The transaction cost recovery amount may be based on a decrease and/or increase in an inventory level.

Abstract: Architecture for offering enticements to cellular customers that will lead the customers to use the available services at times away from peak usage. For example, the provider can offer incentives (or enticements) that direct users to make phone calls during off-peak times of the hour or day. An incentive can include charging customers reduced minutes (e.g., 0.75 minutes) for each minute used from the customer plan when the customer uses services during off-peak time of the day. This applies to text messaging where users can attach files such as images and short video clips for communication to other cellular users, and to cellular devices via which users can access websites. In general, any services supported by the wireless provider can benefit by providing incentives to move users away from times of high network usage during the day.

Abstract: An exemplary system 1) provides, based on a subscription of a user to a media service, the user of the media service with subscription-based access to media programs distributed by way of a subscription-based media distribution model that utilizes a digital media distribution channel, 2) issues, based on the subscription of the user to the media service, a subscription credit for selective use by the user to pay for transactional-based access to a physical copy of a media program distributed by way of a transactional-based media distribution model that utilizes a media vending kiosk distribution channel, and 3) provides at least one tool configured for use by the user to indicate whether the subscription credit will be applied as payment in a transaction to access the physical copy of the media program by way of the transactional-based media distribution model. Corresponding systems and methods are also described.

Abstract: A method and system for the electronic distribution of product redemption coupons to remote personal computers located at users' homes are disclosed. A centrally located repository, such as an online service provider or web site on the Internet, stores packages of coupon data for downloading on demand to the user's computer. A coupon generated by the system and method of the present invention comprises an encoded area that consists essentially of a unique Coupon Id. The unique Coupon Id is also recorded in a database comprising a plurality of data tables. At least one of the data tables associates each Coupon Id with one or more of a Promotion Id and a Consumer Id. Preferably, the Print Id is also associated in a data table with a Session Id and information regarding the date/time of printing. The Ids other than the Coupon Id may not be printed on the coupon.

Abstract: A method for distributing a time- and location-based offer to a consumer includes: storing coupons and locations, each location including at least one geographic position; receiving a location from a device at an entry time; identifying a specific location where the included geographic position is in proximity to the location of the device; identifying at least one stored coupon corresponding to the specific location; calculating an elapsed time based on the amount of time passed since the entry time; and distributing, to a consumer and/or the device, the at least one stored coupon when a time threshold for the coupon is met or exceeded by the elapsed time, where the calculating and distributing are performed until the device has left the geographic position. Coupons may also be distributed based on aggregated time at a location or category of locations, or aggregated time of a group of consumers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a context-based service look up, wherein a service instance, having a scope includes at least one service instance data set having a hierarchy of levels. A service consumer data set, having a hierarchy of levels is received from a service consumer, having a situation. Comparisons are made of each service consumer data set with each service instance data set, for the same level. Dependent on results of the comparisons, it is determined whether said situation of said service consumer matches said scope of said service instance.

Abstract: An e-commerce system for managing group buy operations has a group server (14) to hold data relating to all purchases of the same product or range of products over a time period and outputs data relating to a projected price curve and current membership of the group, based on a pricing engine (12) for display at an e-commerce portal.

Abstract: An online sales/automatic rebate and coupon redemption system provides online customers automatic retrieval and redemption of all applicable rebates and coupons during purchase. Purchase orders from customers are selectively fulfilled and products are shipped to the customers either by the system for online sales with automatic rebate and coupon redemption or by other merchant or manufacturer environments. The system purchases from merchants using applicable coupons and rebates and then sells the products to the customers, passing the savings to them. The system makes it possible to automatically retrieve coupons and rebates for items in a shopping cart during the activity of an online purchase at an electronic mall or an online merchant site. The system provides coupons to potential customers via email, based on customer profile, geographical information, etc. Manufacturers and merchants can update coupon value and content based on ongoing sales and volume of customer activity.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing excess capacity for restaurants and other industries during off-peak hours is provided. Customers or potential customers may bid on gift certificates redeemable at restaurants during a predetermined time. Users may register with the system and provide identification and demographic information which may be used by restaurants for targeted marketing strategies, promotions, and special offers. The system may include a registration module, an auction module, a restaurant guide module, a restaurant manager module, rewards and referral center module, restaurant reservation module, and advertisement displays.

Abstract: In methods and systems for allowing a user to book an appointment with a service provider, and for charging the service provider a fee for a successfully booked appointment, a user provides a search request via a client computer. In response, a calendar system provides search results including a link corresponding to a service provider. Upon user selection of the link corresponding to the service provider, the calendar system provides a calendar view showing available time slots of the service provider. The user selects an appointment time and available service, which initiates an appointment request to schedule an appointment with the service provider. Upon determining that the appointment request can be accepted, the calendar system books the appointment. Then the calendar system charges the service provider a pre-arranged fee for the booked appointment. In some embodiments the calendar system also collects payments from the user for the services provided.

Abstract: A long term goal oriented commercial promotion system is disclosed. A user is enabled to set up a trust account on the system to accumulate the financial incentives under the condition of a long term goal. The long term goal includes supporting college education, supporting retirement, staring a business, or patenting an innovation. A user performance includes various commercial activities required by a merchant.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for transmitting information to an entity (e.g., a merchant) upon associating a gift card with an account. An exemplary apparatus is configured to: receive information associated with a gift card, the gift card associated with a merchant; associate the gift card with an account; and transmit information to an entity, the information being associated with at least one of the gift card, the account, or a user associated with the account.

Abstract: A service to manage sweepstakes, games, contests, loyalty programs and scavenger hunts is disclosed. The user of an end user device moves to different locations and sends back information regarding the user's location to the service. The service can be updated/adjusted real time to automatically track users, points, entries, location, and multiple step scavenger hunts. The service may send the user to different locations where the user can obtain prizes. Companies can engage with their customers in new ways by leveraging and modifying mobile technology. In one implementation locations, address book, on device animations, randomized unique ID generated by a device during the contest can be modified in real time during operation of the service.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for adaptively responding to a user transaction. An exemplary apparatus is configured to: receive information associated with an offer, the offer enabling a user to receive a discount or rebate on a qualifying transaction; receive authorization information associated with a transaction, the offer not activated by the user prior to the transaction; and transmit a message to the user advising the user to activate the offer within a predetermined period, wherein the transaction is cleared upon expiration of the predetermined period.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention may reduce the amount of time a consumer spends coordinating a move. A system is provided which may guide the consumer through the process of planning the move, including developing an inventory of items to be transported. Based on the consumer's plan, quotes for the move may be provided from multiple movers, and each quote may be an exact price that a mover will charge, rather than merely an estimate. To enable movers to provide exact quotes, some embodiments of the invention implement a standard pricing methodology. The system may allow movers to define pricing information in accordance with the methodology, and this information may be used to calculate a quote for a move when a consumer requests one.

Abstract: Computer-based platforms, systems, software, and methods for dynamic recapture of retail sales in showrooming situations.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus may store a user account and a points balance associated with the user account. The apparatus may determine a geographic location of a user associated with the user account and communicate, based at least in part upon the geographic location, an offer for a product. The offer may be associated with an expiration time. The product may be associated with a points price. The points balance may be at least equal to the points price. The apparatus may receive a signal indicating an acceptance of the offer. The signal may be associated with a timestamp and with the user account. The timestamp may indicate a time that is at least as early as the expiration time. The apparatus may communicate a second signal indicating that the user can receive the product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for targeted distribution and merchandising, wherein airlines can target travelers with group coupons or vouchers redeemable at a plurality of restaurants in or near the destination city of the traveler.

Abstract: A purchase objective is received from a customer. A merchant is notified of the purchase objective. One or more queries for personal information associated with the customer are received from the merchant. Ones of the received queries that are associated with the purchase objective are validated. For each of the validated queries, information matching the query is retrieved from personal data relating to the customer subject to data access restrictions specified by a privacy policy established by the customer, and the retrieved information is transmitted to the merchant. An offer that satisfies the purchase objective is received from the merchant. The offer is presented to the customer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for transmitting offers based on pre-purchase intent. An exemplary apparatus is configured to: receive a declaration of intent from a user, the declaration of intent being associated with an intended purchase; transmit the declaration of intent to at least one merchant; receive an offer from the at least one merchant, the offer being based on the declaration of intent, and the offer enabling the user to receive a discount or rebate on the intended purchase; and transmit the offer to the user.

Abstract: A shopping system can employ a computer-implemented method to determine whether an offer is a deal. The method comprises associating offers received for a product with the product in a database; associating a time for each of the offers noting when each particular offer was effective; receiving a current offer for the product; identifying the offers for the product in the database that are within a configured time period of the current offer; comparing the offers for the product in the database with the current offer for the product based on a set of parameters; identifying the current offer as a deal in response to a determination that the current offer satisfies all parameters compared to the offers for the product in the database. Various sets of parameters may be used to determine if the current offer is a deal with respect to previous offers.

Abstract: Various systems, computer program products, and methods for resolving financial issues using conditional debt resolution offers are described. A method may include determining a debtor that is to receive a conditional debt resolution offer. In some implementations, the conditional debt resolution offer is subject to a condition for the conditional debt resolution offer to be valid. When valid and accepted by the debtor, the conditional debt resolution offer at least partially resolves the debt. In some implementations, the method may include causing the conditional debt resolution offer to be communicated to the debtor. In some implementations, the method may include determining whether the condition has been satisfied. In some implementations, the method may include validating the conditional debt resolution offer when the condition has been satisfied or invalidating the conditional debt resolution offer when the condition has not been satisfied.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for using payment cards. The method includes issuing promotion offers pertaining to the payment cards in real time. The method further includes redeeming the promotion offers in real time at a point of sale.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a server that hosts webpages facilitating user interaction between multiple endpoints. The system monitors for a user input requesting initiation of a happy hour, and when the input is detected, modifies the webpages to alert users of the happy hour. The users are notified of which user initiated the happy hour, and are also notified that interaction incentives accumulate at an increased rate during the happy hour. The system also tracks user scorings that accumulate based on the user interaction, and enables certain website features based on these user scorings. The system also tracks ratings for user-uploaded objects and identifies top rated objects for displaying on webpages viewable by other users.

Abstract: A system and method for managing event control schedules is disclosed. The system includes a retrieval module, an estimation module, a plan module and a scheduling module. The retrieval module retrieves mobile system data associated with a mobile computer system and user profile data associated with a user of the mobile computer system. The estimation module estimates a synchronized start time of a future trip for the user based at least in part on one or more of the mobile system data and the user profile data. The plan module generates one or more provisioning plans for the mobile computer system based at least in part on the synchronized start time of the future trip and determines a preferred provisioning plan from the one or more provisioning plans. The scheduling module schedules to provision the mobile computer system based at least in part on the preferred provisioning plan.