Abstract: A method is disclosed for aggregating multiple quantities of services and/or multiple customers such that offers of value-added services and/or products can be requested. The method includes requesting quantities of services and/or products based upon an individual's predetermined buyer identifier. The predetermined buyer identifier comprises: a buyer profile associated with one or more third-party accounts; a buyer profile having one or more contract dates; and a buyer profile associated with one or more services and/or products. Next the method determines the availability of services and/or products from third-party suppliers based on the individual's predetermined buyer identifier. The method then determines which value-added services and/or products third-party suppliers may offer based on the individual's predetermined buyer identifier. The third-party supplier offers are matched with the individual's predetermined buyer identifier to create one or more third-party sales packages.

Abstract: A system and method for the aesthetic design of a modular assemblage, comprising means for providing a client graphic user interface for receiving an input for defining parameters of the modular assemblage, and for presenting an image of the defined modular assemblage; communicating a code to a server representing the defined parameters; at the server, in dependence on the communicated code, defining a set of graphic elements corresponding to the defined modular assemblage; communicating the graphic elements from the server to the client; and displaying, at the client, the graphic elements received from the server to represent the defined modular assemblage.

Abstract: A hospitality establishment includes guest rooms having media devices installed therein. Each guest room has one or more in-room media devices for providing a pay-per-use media function. A media system controller dynamically associates a credit corresponding to a monetary value with a particular guest room in response to an occurrence of a first event, configures an in-room media device of the particular guest room to indicate the credit associated with the particular guest room and allow a guest of the particular guest room to utilize at least an amount of the credit toward an order of the pay-per-use media function, activates the pay-per-use media function on at least one of the in-room media devices of the particular guest room in response to a received order, and decreases the credit associated with the particular guest room according to the amount of the credit utilized toward the received order.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to electronic commerce (e-commerce) systems and media platforms, for use with both mobile and non-mobile systems, to deploy virtual advertising and promotion via the use of electronic coupons, and more particularly a method and system for 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 system and method for configuring media services is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a portal having a controller element to detect an installation of an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) media receiver in an IPTV media system and adapt at least a portion of the portal according to the installation. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An instant messaging system may be used to allow an auxiliary account to log in and manage an online shop of a primary account user. The primary account user creates an online shop in an online shop server, and associates itself with one or more auxiliary accounts in an instant messaging system. Upon authorization by primary account user to allow an auxiliary account to manage the online shop, the system records an authorization relation between the auxiliary account and the primary account. The authorization relation may be recorded in the instant messaging system. Based on the recorded authorization relation, the system allows a user of the authorized auxiliary account to manage the online shop system through the instant messaging system. An instant messaging server serving for this purpose is also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a selection process executing in an optimizing engine is invoked as users are presented with web pages that include ad content. The selection process provides an initial population of sets of characteristics that specify an initial generation of layouts of ads for the pages. The characteristics can include anything that affects an ads appearance on the display. For example, ad type, position within a web page, color, size, text font, animation, etc. can be specified. Statistics are obtained as to each ad or page layout's performance or impact on the user, such as revenue obtained from ads in the layout, how many user's click an ad, how long users view an ad, etc. Once a large enough sample of user impacts is obtained a second population of sets of characteristics is created to improve the overall performance of the initial population.

Abstract: A system and method for determining data usage based on provenance information, in a stream-processing system, includes progressively setting usage information for output stream data objects (SDOs), determining input SDOs that an output SDO depends on, based on a provenance dependency function; recursively feeding back the usage information for a subset of SDOs that can be discarded; and discarding the subset of SDOs. A system and method for data retention based on usage information, in a stream-processing system, includes managing retention of SDOs by deleting SDOs that are determined to be of null usage; and enhancing retention characteristics of SDOs that are deemed to have usage.

Abstract: This disclosure describes, generally, methods and systems for dynamically generating coupons. The method may include associating a coupon value with a manufacturer's offer onto a presentation instrument. The presentation instrument may include a barcode to store terms of the manufacturer's offer and a storage device to store coupon value information. The method may further include distributing the presentation instrument to a customer, scanning the barcode to verify the terms of the offer have been fulfilled, and presenting the presentation instrument to a merchant to access the coupon value information stored on the storage device. Furthermore, the method includes receiving funds in the amount of the coupon value from the manufacturer, and transferring the received funds to the merchant.

Abstract: A purchaser user enrolled with a service provider for promotional sales is provided with a smart cell phone and possibly a bank card issued by a banking partner of the service provider, said bank card being associated with a debit/credit account for a means of payment for promotional sales of the service provider. After having been grouped together the purchasers make their purchases within the framework of a grouped promotional sale using purchase coupons issued by the service provider to the cell phone of each purchaser user. Said user pays for his or her purchase while benefiting from a first discount. The service provider reconciles the cash register receipts and the purchase coupons, calculates a second reduction as a function of the validated purchases of the members of each purchase group and credits, if appropriate, the members of each group with said second reduction.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing primary and secondary content, and providing rewards are disclosed. In one embodiment, a content server provides primary and second screen content to a user on one or more computing devices. A content server may process the primary and second screen content to identify whether a user is eligible for a reward based on the user's previous experiences, such as interactive experiences, with the content.

Abstract: Techniques delivering hotel-based services are provided. Hotel and services providers use portal interfaces to register and define content and services to consumers. Instances of apps are dynamically made available to consumers; the apps provide on demand automated and controlled access to the content and services from mobile devices of the consumers.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to electronic commerce (e-commerce) systems and media platforms, for use with both mobile and non-mobile systems, to deploy virtual advertising and promotion via the use of electronic coupons, and more particularly a method and system for creating, deploying, transferring, clearing, managing, redeeming and reporting on the use of electronic coupons or virtual electronic rebates (VeeBates) and permitting individuals and groups within one or more social communications networks to participate in and transmit information to others about their activities related to the virtual advertising, incentives, redemption and promotion.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to electronic commerce (e-commerce) methods for the use of systems and media platforms, for use with both mobile and non-mobile systems, to deploy virtual advertising and promotion via the use of electronic coupons, and more particularly a method and system for creating, deploying, transferring, clearing, managing, redeeming and reporting on the use of electronic coupons or virtual electronic rebates (VeeBates) and permitting individuals and groups within one or more social communications networks to participate in and transmit information to others about their activities related to the virtual advertising, incentives, redemption and promotion.

Abstract: A method of providing rewards to a user by storing, in a portable computing device, user profile data which may be accessed by a merchant terminal. A merchant terminal interacts with the portable computing device by accessing the user profile data from the portable computing device, and providing the user with a reward in accordance with the user profile data accessed by the merchant terminal, wherein the merchant terminal provides a relatively greater reward to the user when relatively more user profile data is accessed by the merchant terminal and a relatively lesser reward to the user when relatively less data is accessed by the merchant terminal.

Abstract: Methods and systems that record the location of a user and transmit targeted content to a user based upon their current and past location. A network is configured to include a server programmed with a database of targeted content, a database of location information, a database of user information, a database searching algorithm, and a wireless communication system capable of communicating with the user's mobile device. The location of the mobile device is ascertained and recorded. Targeted content may be sent to the mobile device of the user and whether the user visits the physical locations associated with the targeted content is monitored. Once it is verified that the user has visited the physical location, then any associated promotional offers may be authorized. Payment systems, phone exchange systems, and other features may also be integrated to provide detailed conversion tracking to producers of targeted content and business owners.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to electronic commerce (e-commerce) systems and media platforms, for use with both mobile and non-mobile systems, to deploy virtual advertising and promotion via the use of electronic coupons, and more particularly a method and system for creating, deploying, transferring, clearing, managing, redeeming and reporting on the use of electronic coupons or virtual electronic rebates (VeeBates) and permitting individuals and groups within one or more social communications networks to participate in and transmit information to others about their activities related to the virtual advertising, incentives, redemption and promotion.

Abstract: 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 hospitality establishment includes guest rooms having media devices installed therein. Each guest room has one or more in-room media devices for providing a pay-per-use media function. A media system controller dynamically associates a credit corresponding to a monetary value with a particular guest room in response to an occurrence of a first event, configures an in-room media device of the particular guest room to indicate the credit associated with the particular guest room and allow a guest of the particular guest room to utilize at least an amount of the credit toward an order of the pay-per-use media function, activates the pay-per-use media function on at least one of the in-room media devices of the particular guest room in response to a received order, and decreases the credit associated with the particular guest room according to the amount of the credit utilized toward the received order.

Abstract: Techniques for distributing messages to consumers on behalf of promoters. In some embodiments, once a message is provided to a message distribution system to be distributed to consumers on behalf of promoters, the message distribution system may determine the consumers to which to distribute the message based on the personal interest identifiers for the consumers that identify personal interests of the consumers. In particular, in some embodiments, a message distribution system may determine a topic for a message and personal interest identifiers for the message that correspond to personal interest identifiers input by consumers. Once the set of personal interest identifiers for the message has been identified, a set of consumers who have input one or more of those personal interest identifiers is identified. The message may then be made available to the identified set of consumers.

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 system and method for mitigating the delay associated with using GPS technologies to determine the location of a mobile device. The system utilizes a two-stage location determination process. During the first stage, an estimated position of the mobile device is immediately provided based on the most accurate stored location information that is available to the system. If greater accuracy is still required, during the second stage a more accurate position of the mobile device is provided using GPS-based technologies.

Abstract: A system for implementing a performance-based customer referral program includes a referral tracking system capable of tracking referrals of users from participant sites to a retail site, and capable of determining whether such referrals result in purchases on the retail site. The tracked referral activity may, for example, be used to determine performance-based commissions to pay to the participants. The system may also include an enrollment system that partially or fully automates the task of enrolling new participants and their sites in the referral program. In addition, the system may include a report generation system that provides the participants with activity reports regarding the referral and purchase activity attributable to their sites.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses in which a multi-faceted network connects game developers, businesses (both product and service oriented), at times referred to as “retailer” or “retailers” and casual gamers, at times referred to as users/consumers through a series of interfaces for the mutual benefit of all involved is disclosed. Through the use of the interfaces described, a casual gamer has the incentive to keep playing developers' games in order to attain rewards based on their own preferences, therefore ramping up advertising revenues for the developer and issuing targeted coupons and promotions from a retailer to an engaged audience.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a controller receives an indication of acceptance by a customer of an offer for a subsidy from a second vendor (e.g., a subsidizing vendor). The offer may define, for example, a reduction in the price charged for an item purchased from a first vendor and an obligation for the customer to fulfill in exchange for the subsidy. The customer is charged a second price for the items, which is less than the total price, and may even be zero.

Abstract: A vehicular part transaction system and method. A transaction coordinator can receive a part request from a purchaser via a computer network; send a respective bid invitation to sellers via the network; store associated sent-timestamps based on when bids are sent; receive a part offer from one of the sellers via the computer network; forward the offer to purchaser via the network; receive an acceptance from purchaser via the network; determine a transaction for part offer; charge the seller the transaction fee; and forward an acceptance notice, via the network, to the purchaser and seller. The transaction fee can be reduced for a fast response time. Optionally, a seller and/or a purchaser can be subscribed, which can independently provide a respective benefit thereto and/or can conditionally provide a respective benefit thereto.

Abstract: A filtering method and system. The method includes receiving by a computer processor an audio/video data file and filtering data. The computer processor analyzes the filtering data with respect to the audio/video data file and retrieves specified audio/video data portions comprising data objects within frames of the audio/video data file. The computer processor removes gaps existing in the audio/video data file and receives tags comprising instructions for presenting video data of the audio/video data file, audio data of the audio/video data file, and the specified audio/video data portions. The computer processor stores the video data in a first layer of a multimedia file, the audio data in a second layer of the multimedia file, and the specified audio/video data portions in additional layers of the multimedia file. Each of the first layer, the second layer, and the additional layers comprises a tag layer comprising the tags.

Abstract: A dimensional translator may automatically translate a dimension from an entity to a different dimension of another entity. The dimensional translator may do so by comparing attributes of the input dimension (the dimension to be translated) to attributes of a target data structure. An attribute may include, for example, hierarchy of a data structure, relationships of a data structure, a keyword associated with a data structure, and a data value associated with the data structure. The dimensional translator may automatically determine how a target entity would categorize the item. In particular, a Universal Product Code dimension of an item provided by an entity may be translated into a data structure of a target entity such as a retailer in order to determine how an item identified by the UPC will be categorized by the retailer.

Abstract: A system for managing coupon redemption and prioritization is provided. According to one aspect of the system, the system allows an electronic coupon or reward to be redeemed a specific number of times. The specific number of times may range from one to infinity. According to another aspect of the system, the system automatically resolves any redemption conflict associated with the concurrent redemption of electronic coupon(s) and paper-based coupon(s) by using certain predefined rules and logic.

Abstract: A method for processing a real-time discount at a point of sale includes: storing, in a database, a plurality of deals, each deal including a consumer identification and a transaction modifier; receiving an authorization request for a financial transaction, the authorization request including a consumer identifier and a transaction amount; verifying enrollment in a discount service of a consumer associated with the consumer identifier; identifying, in the database, at least one deal of the plurality of deals where the included consumer identification corresponds to the consumer identifier; calculating a new transaction amount based on the transaction amount and the transaction modifier included in the at least one deal; and transmitting, by a transmitting device, an authorization response for the financial transaction, wherein the authorization response is for the new transaction amount and is indicated as being a final authorization rather than a partial authorization.

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: A system and method for merchant conversions are described using a facsimile or email or phone. The system may utilize machine learning to implement the merchant conversion.

Abstract: In embodiments, the present invention provides a method and system for presenting an affinity program enrollment opportunity to a mobile communication facility based at least in part on a navigation request made on the mobile communication facility and a location of the mobile communication facility, providing a sponsored affinity program content to an affinity program enrollee, and providing an incentive to the enrollee for an interaction with the sponsored affinity program content.

Abstract: In some embodiments of the invention, a method providing a private marketplace among early stage companies and investors in which dividend credits on investments are applicable to products or services offered for sale may register a plurality of companies with an equity crowd funding system. The method may also register an investor with the equity crowd funding system. The method further receives, from an investor, payment for investing in a given company in the plurality of companies. Then, the method receives, from the company, a dividend credit on the payment for the investor. The method applies the dividend credit to an account of the investor and displays to the investor offers to purchase goods or services from companies within the plurality of companies. The dividend credit is applicable to purchase prices of the goods or services.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a method of offering anonymous incentive based context to service providers, comprising delivering context information of a user to the service provider, wherein prior to delivery of the context information to the service provider, the context is anonymized by removing identifying information and aggregating it with context from additional users.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing a prescription rewards program include receiving, at a switch, an adjudicated prescription claim transaction, where the adjudicated prescription claim transaction includes an indication that the prescription claim transaction has been approved by a claim processor. The systems and methods further include identifying, from the adjudicated prescription claim transaction, a patient associated with the adjudicated prescription claim transaction, retrieving, from a database associated with the switch, a reward accumulator value associated with the patient, and updating the reward accumulator value associated with the patient based at least in part on the adjudicated prescription claim transaction. The systems and methods may further include determining that a threshold value has been satisfied by the reward accumulator value, and issuing a reward message based at least in part on the reward accumulator satisfying the threshold value.

Abstract: A buyer-seller matching system that uses incentives to verify commissions from matching a buyer with a seller. The system can include a repository of information about items for purchase. Items may be located by a user over a network. Each item may be paired with incentive that is awarded if that item is purchased from a designated third party. If the user purchases the item, the seller pays the system an agreed upon fee and also issues the buyer a certification of purchase. The user may then receive the incentive from the system. The system can check to verify that it has received a fee or commission from the seller for bringing the seller a buyer of the item.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a self healing andon system. One embodiment of the present disclosure includes a system comprising at least one server. The system further includes logic executed on the at least one server that retrieves a defect history associated with a vendor and at least one product from an inbound shipment from a memory. The at least one product is stocked in a materials handling facility, and the defect history is associated with a specified time period. The at least one server extracts at least one inventory defect from the defect history in a computer system and calculates an inventory defect rate. The at least one server imposes remedial measures if the inventory defect rate exceeds a specified threshold of the inventory defect rate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for accessing a voluntary pool of devices for remote content rendering is disclosed herein. A brokering device receives a request from a content provider device to render content on a device, the request including the content to be rendered and specifying a type of the device on which the content is to be rendered. The brokering device also receives availability conditions from a test device. The brokering device selects the test device in accordance with the request and the availability conditions. The test device is instructed to fulfill the content rendering request.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for facilitating gift registry. A variety of systems are provided which make registering for gifts more efficient for consumers and retailers. These systems include an express registration card system and a reverse registry system. The methods associate the various systems with a common registry number. The express registration card system enables a registrant to register for gifts without requiring identification information first be given. The reverse registry enables registration of items already owned in order to inform potential gift givers of preferences.

Abstract: An electronic book (ebook) lending system for requiring at-library book activation. The lending system includes a central system for managing and hosting ebooks, the central system including a storage device and a processor to control a user interface that enables a user to interact with the central system. The central system also includes an access device for activating ebooks at the library. A user may reserve an ebook through the user interface accessed by a remote user device or a library device. The content of the ebook is inaccessible to the user until the ebook is activated, wherein a user may activate the ebook by providing user identification information to the access device, and after the ebook is activated, the user may access the content of the ebook remotely. The present disclosure further includes an ebook lending system for incentivizing library visits by patrons and a digital content lending system for requiring at-library digital content activation.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically generating targeted promotional offers for specific subscribers to an Internet based service. A database that stores details regarding subscriber purchases is accessed for purchased items data relating to a specific subscriber's purchases. This purchased items data is then analyzed to determine the specific subscriber's buying patterns. From this analysis of what the specific subscriber has previously purchased, a suitable item or service is determined to be offered to the specific subscriber to the Internet based service. The promotional offer may be made in conjunction with the gathering of customer or survey feedback data by way of questionnaires.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for providing reward management for an apparatus is provided. The method includes linking a reward manager to an application residing on the apparatus; providing the reward manager with a reward account which accumulates reward opportunities and reward credits; and crediting the reward account only after a reward opportunity is satisfied, wherein the user is uses reward opportunities or reward credits to gain access to the application. The credits in the reward account may be used for commercial transaction. The credits in the reward account may be used to obtain the rights to a predetermined number of one or more of the following: text messages, telephone talking time, music time, video time, camera access, or video game time. The set of reward opportunities may comprise one or more questions, and wherein the reward opportunities are satisfied when the questions are answered correctly.

Abstract: A retailer computer system receives from a first computing device a shopping recap having data indicative of one or more products that were shown to a customer by the sales associate while the customer was within a retail establishment. The received shopping recap is stored within a data repository where it is linked to a customer identifier that is associated with the customer and an associate identifier that is associated with the sale associate. If the customer later purchases a product, data indicative of the product being purchased is compared against data within any shopping recap that is linked to that customer to determine if a sales associate that is also linked to any shopping recap linked to that customer is to be awarded a commission for the product being purchased. The purchase of the product by the customer may further generate a digital receipt where the digital receipt includes a notice that the customer is being awarded an incentive, such as a coupon.

Abstract: A hospitality establishment includes guest rooms having media devices installed therein. Each guest room has one or more in-room media devices for providing a pay-per-use media function. A media system controller dynamically associates a credit corresponding to a monetary value with a particular guest room in response to an occurrence of a first event, configures an in-room media device of the particular guest room to indicate the credit associated with the particular guest room and allow a guest of the particular guest room to utilize at least an amount of the credit toward an order of the pay-per-use media function, activates the pay-per-use media function on at least one of the in-room media devices of the particular guest room in response to a received order, and decreases the credit associated with the particular guest room according to the amount of the credit utilized toward the received order.

Abstract: Methods for a buyer to receive a discount from a merchant or another member in a multi-merchant, multi-payer internet commerce platform in a social network. The methods relate to deals which include loyalty-based discounts, prepaid discounts and/or coupon discounts. A buyer may wish a deal form a selected merchant at a selected discount. Upon acceptance by the merchant, the deal is published and available to all members. Existing members may sponsor friends or businesses to become members of the internet commerce platform. New businesses listed on the internet commerce platform are subject to verification by current members entering business telephone numbers and determining if the entered numbers match. Further verification may include an interactive voice response test performed on the business manager's mobile telephone number.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, data processing system, and computer program product for distributing, and redeeming manufacturer coupons for a product purchase in a retail environment. With the mechanism of the illustrative embodiments, the data processing system of a retailer (hereinafter the loyalty coupon system) receives an electronic coupon from a manufacturer. The loyalty coupon system links the product to the inventory control system of the retail environment. The loyalty coupon system then targets the electronic coupon to customers that have subscribed to the loyalty coupon system. The coupon system provides for the communication of the product coupon directly to each subscribed customer on the list. Upon a customer selecting the coupon, the loyalty coupon system configures a customer reward. Upon the customer purchasing the product using their loyalty card, the loyalty coupon system disburses the customer reward at the point of sale. The manufacturer is billed for the redeemed coupon.

Abstract: System and method for cloud service or storage use promotion via partnership driven automatic account upgrades are disclosed. In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure include a method, which may be implemented on a system, for receiving a device identifier of a device used to access the cloud service or storage, at a host of the cloud service or storage, and using the device identifier, by the host, to determine whether a promotion currently exists for the device and for identifying details of the promotion. One embodiment further includes, upgrading an account used to access the cloud service or storage in response to determining that the promotion exists.

Abstract: The present relates to a method and system for managing a purchase incentive program using social networks. For doing so, the present method and system receives a purchase incentive program management request, the purchase incentive program management request being generated by at least one interaction of a customer with a social network. The method and system processes the purchase incentive program management request, in relation with a profile of the customer. The purchase incentive program may consist of a gift card program, or a loyalty program. The management of the purchase incentive program using the social network includes: registration to the purchase incentive program, interrogation of the balance of the purchase incentive program, transmission of a social network profile, and generation of a targeted promotion.

Abstract: A performance-efficient activity-modeling system generates a group-activity model for a population group using information from an optimal subset of users of the population group. During operation, the system computes utility scores for a set of users based on a utility-scoring function, such that a respective utility score indicates a usefulness or penalty of collecting a corresponding user's contextual information. The system then selects, from the set of users, a subset of users with highest utility scores, and receives user information from each of the selected users. The system generates the group-activity model based on the user information received from the selected users.