Abstract: A method, system and program product for managing and responding to receiving of mail items including the capture of a digital image by a mail item recipient taken of the outside of the mail item that includes the recipient and sender address blocks using, for example, a personal mobile intelligent communication device, and decoding a postal service barcode such as an Intelligent Mail Barcode.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems from encouraging complete playback of media files, such as music albums. Media files can be provided to a user for playback using a specific media player that can determine if the media files are played through in the entirety by the user, or if the user only listens to certain portions and/or fast-forwards through parts of the media file. User are encouraged to listed the entire media file, including advertisements included therein, by offering the users rewards for doing so. Whether or not a user gets a reward can also be contingent on what media file is played, what time the media file is play, who the user is, and/or other factors.

Abstract: An electronic book club system prompts a user ordering a book to join a club that corresponds to various characteristics of the user, such as the user's reading pace, geography and other interests. A social networking facility manages various aspects of the operation of the book club. Roles for book club members are selected to enhance user interest in the book club. Financial incentives are also provided to incentivize users to become book club members.

Abstract: The present invention is an in flight entertainment system (IFE system) for generating additional revenue that a) communicates advertising content along with some requested act for that advertisement to an airline passenger; b) records information about the performance of the requested act by the passenger and c) rewards the passenger with some type incentive for performing the requested act while allowing for an additional revenue to be generated from the advertiser who pays an additional fee for the effectiveness of the advertisement in generating the passenger's requested act performance.

Abstract: A social network server computer forms a social network including a primary member linked to a plurality of secondary members, each of whom provides a member profile. A network profile is generated based on an analysis of the member profiles. A social network server computer then determines a relative value of the social network with respect to a merchant by analyzing the associated network profile, and offers a merchant incentive to the primary member of the network as a function of the determined relative value. In a second embodiment, a merchant computer associated with a merchant determines a relative value of the social network with respect to a merchant by analyzing the network profile, and offers a merchant incentive to the primary member of the network as a function of the determined relative value. The merchant incentives may be also offered to the secondary members of the associated social network.

Abstract: The invention is a novel, effective, and affordable way of advertising (the “System”, or the “Invention”) through the use, at least in part, of periodic giveaways offered by Businesses to Consumers. The Invention provides a system and means for enabling a business entity (“Business”) to promote its name, products, special offers, and other information relative to the business to the consumers who utilize the invention (“Consumer”). Both the Businesses and the Consumers who utilize the invention must provide certain information about themselves (“Register”). The information provided by the Businesses and Consumers who Register is stored in a Business Information Data Base (BIDB) and Consumer Information Data Base (CIDB) respectively. The information stored in the databases of the System is then usable to perform data mining and analysis to determine specific metrics advantageous to the Business, the Consumer, the Service Provider, or other entities or persons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to consumer coupons, and more specifically to an electronic coupon card and system for managing coupon distribution and redemption. The instant invention provides a system and method of securely managing an electronic coupon database which implements and manages discounts for customers without requiring the customer to actively seek out, download and/or print the coupon. Additionally, the instant invention provides a system and method for managing electronic coupon discounts and payments to retailers for redeeming electronic coupons.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a method and system for collaborative affinity marketing including a processor, an aggregator, a participant, and a merchant. The method and system include enrolling with the collaborative affinity marketing by the aggregator, participant, and merchant; assigning a participant identification code to the participant; storing enrollment information of the aggregator, participant, and merchant; providing the participant identification code to the merchant, when the participant initiates a purchase transaction with the merchant; storing the participant identification code and amount of purchase transaction by the merchant; sending the stored participant identification code, the amount of purchase transaction, and funds corresponding to a portion of the amount of purchase transaction to the processor; and sending a portion of the funds received by the processor from the merchant to the aggregator.

Abstract: Technology is disclosed for an online exchange for personal data. In various embodiments, the technology receives data (e.g., geographic location data and/or personal data); determines whether the first user is to be compensated based at least on the received data; and if the first user is to be compensated, provides a compensation to the first user.

Abstract: A method and a system are disclosed including an audition website configured to allow a user to register and upload an artistic performance piece associated with the user, such as a music or a video clip, via a computer network to an online performance venue for audition, viewing, ranking, competition, and other actions by other participants and commercial entities. In various embodiments, the user registers at the audition website, creates a user profile within a first predetermined time period, and uploads an artistic multimedia performance file to the audition website within a second predetermined time period, to gain recognition, to have the performance reviewed and rated by peers and others, to view statistical data about audition candidates, and to otherwise interact with others associated with the audition website.

Abstract: The disposition of funds in a certificate of deposit (CD) may be specified at or near the time the CD is applied for. The depositor may specify disposition of funds such as transferring the funds to an account, paying a bill, donating the funds to charity, rolling over the funds into a new CD. The depositor may specify that a particular portion of the funds are to be rolled over, and that the remainder of funds are to be disposed of in a specified manner. If the depositor elects to roll over some or all of the funds in the CD, the depositor may specify how many times the CD is to be rolled over. Instructions for disposition of funds may be received through a web site, through e-mail, on paper, etc.

Abstract: A global customer satisfaction system includes point-of-sale customer feedback terminals for receiving in-store customer feedback including satisfaction ratings and other customer feedback regarding participating vendors as the customer pays for purchases. The system also includes post-sale customer feedback terminals for receiving more detailed customer feedback regarding the vendors from members after the sales have been completed. The system also includes an aggregation and dissemination system for combining the ratings received form customers into global customer satisfaction ratings for participating vendors, and disseminating the customer satisfaction information through customer satisfaction qualified directories, which are organized or searchable by geographical, type of product or service offered by the participating vendors, and other factors.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to consumer product lifecycle maintenance and systems and methods therefor. The invention generally involves receiving and storing a consumer registration of a tangible asset, matching a provider to the consumer based on a later-arising maintenance need associated with the asset, and relaying a communication from the provider to the consumer.

Abstract: An automated social promotion platform that accepts member registration, social network authentication and social promotion via electronic network systems enabling members to redeem benefits of purchase offers. The platform accepts merchant registration and social network authentication via electronic network systems authorizing merchants to consolidate production, distribution, redemption and tracking of purchase offers. When member socially promotes purchase offer, the system and method examines social promotion activity to determine if the member fulfilled the requirements for purchase offer participation and/or redemption. If the system determines that the member fulfilled the requirements for purchase offer participation and/or redemption, then the member is qualified to participate in and/or redeem purchase offers.

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

Abstract: A method for the simultaneous redemption and crediting of a product or service discount coupon, wherein a coupon's digital bar code is provided at the point of redemption, the digital bar code information bundled with purchase/redemption information generated at the point-of-sale, and the bundled information electronically transmitted to the coupon sponsor for instant validation and merchant compensation.

Abstract: Described are methods and systems for registering consumers with merchant loyalty or other merchant programs by using a credit card or other form of payment to register the consumer, and thereafter automatically recognizing the consumer as a member in the program based on subsequent purchases made using the form of payment. Consumer rewards can then be automatically applied during the purchase transactions with the merchant. Thus, the present disclosure allows for consumers to seamlessly and transparently gain the benefits of consumer programs merely by purchasing goods and services using forms of payment, without consumers needing to carry additional cards or coupons or login information.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and methods are provided whereby Users can dynamically configure and control the use of their preferences for both types and modality of interactions with multiple Provisioners. These inventive systems and methods also enable Provisioners to gain access to User preferences to establish or affect interactions and transactions with Users. Advantageously, these inventive systems and methods provide User control of the receipt of content, matter/substance, experiences and interactions, to enable consolidating management of the User's “interaction profile” into a unified system, while increasing the quality and depth of the relationship between the User and the Provisioner, including but not limited to the creation of emotional/affinity ties to the Provisioner. Furthermore, multiple instances of User profile data can be shared amongst multiple Provisioners in a way that creates affinity between Users and Provisioners and improves User experience, while maintaining User anonymity.

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

Abstract: 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: A method for providing recommendations to a user based on user activity. A plurality of activity data tracking a plurality of activities of a user is obtained. The activity data may be obtained over a wide area network such as the internet or downloaded from a data card which stores activity data whenever the user participates in an activity. The activity data is either stored on the data card or transmitted over the network whenever the user uses a card when participating in any activity such as when making a purchase of goods, paying for services, watching television, etc. The activity data is processed to identify a plurality of user patterns. The user patterns are used to form a user profile and may include user habit data. Recommendations specific to the user based on the user patterns are then created for and provided to the user. The recommendations are provided to a user when the user logs onto a computer network such as the internet.

Abstract: Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for providing, storing, redeeming, and managing promotions. A promotion service can be called to save, manage, or redeem promotions. The promotion service can be called to generate or provide promotions based upon contextual information. The promotion service also can be accessed to save promotions as well as to view or redeem saved promotions. In some implementations, the promotions can be stored in a promotion locker or other data storage device that is accessible to the promotion service. Promotions can be redeemed at a point of sale such as a web site or a physical retailer. In one contemplated embodiment, a user accesses the promotion service via a smart phone, and a bar code or other information associated with the promotion is displayed on the smart phone in response to a user request.

Abstract: A sales offer organizing system comprising a content provider, a user terminal, and a server.

Abstract: An improved system and method of providing offer groups to curate an offer list of promotional offers from multiple offer sources in an online service is provided. Components for offer groups support operations accessible through a graphical use interface for creating, editing, joining, and searching for offer groups, as well as curating and viewing offers of offer groups. Such operations may be governed according to rules of membership of an offer group, roles of members of an offer group, rules of visibility of an offer group, and rules of curating promotional offers for the list of promotional offers of the offer group. A user may create an offer group which others may join to participate in curating offers of interest to the group. Or users may identify and join offer groups of interest to browse curated lists of promotional offers pertaining to those interests.

Abstract: An improved system and method of providing offer groups to curate an offer list of promotional offers from multiple offer sources in an online service is provided. Components for offer groups support operations accessible through a graphical use interface for creating, editing, joining, and searching for offer groups, as well as curating and viewing offers of offer groups. Such operations may be governed according to rules of membership of an offer group, roles of members of an offer group, rules of visibility of an offer group, and rules of curating promotional offers for the list of promotional offers of the offer group. A user may create an offer group which others may join to participate in curating offers of interest to the group. Or users may identify and join offer groups of interest to browse curated lists of promotional offers pertaining to those interests.

Abstract: A method of and system for providing consumers with control of the use of the consumer's data and providing associated rewards. A data control server computer (DCSC) receives from a consumer computing device consumer data and an associated data control parameter that specifies a level of control granted over the usage of the associated consumer data. The DCSC utilizes the received consumer data in accordance with the specified level of control over the usage of the consumer data. The DCSC will provide rewards to the consumer as a function of the consumer data entered by the consumer and the level of control of the usage of the consumer data specified by the consumer, and/or based on the quantity of the consumer data entered by the consumer, and/or based on the level of control of the usage of the consumer data specified by the consumer.

Abstract: A system is described for serving targeted advertisements over mobile messaging services. The system may include a processor, a memory and an interface. The memory may store a request for an advertisement and an advertisement. The interface may be operatively connected to the memory and the processor and may communicate with mobile network operators. The mobile network operators may be capable of providing mobile services users. The processor may be operatively connected to the interface and the memory and may receive a request for an advertisement from a mobile network operator via the interface. The request for an advertisement may be related to a mobile message sent from a first user to a second user via the mobile network operator. The processor may retrieve an advertisement based on the request for an advertisement. The processor may communicate the advertisement to the mobile network operator via the interface.

Abstract: A distance-based collective discount apparatus and method of a portable terminal. The method includes receiving, from a server, a range of a first specific region and information of a purchase item purchasable if a user terminal is located within the first specific region or a second specific region included in the first specific region. The method also includes receiving an input of an interested item among the information on the purchase item, and transmitting information of the interested item to the server. The method further includes receiving update information on the interested item from the server, and transmitting a confirmation intention about the interested item to the server.

Abstract: A method and means by which a mobile phone can participate in a promotional offer that is sponsored by an interested party is disclosed. The sponsor creates a promotional campaign and defines its parameters using promotional offer code (POC) data. The POC data is then pre-provisioned into the mobile phone. If a mobile phone user becomes aware of the promotional campaign and wishes to participate, he navigates his mobile phone menu structure to a “promotions” menu and inputs a POC that was included in the sponsor's advertisements. The mobile phone then links the input POC to the pre-provisioned POC data. Another function in the mobile phone then constructs a promotional offer entry (POE) that conforms to the parameters set out in the pre-provisioned POC data. The POE is then transmitted to the sponsor. The sponsor reviews all valid entries and chooses one or more winners. The sponsor can then broadcast a status message to all entrants to inform them whether they won anything from the promotion.

Abstract: A networked electronic coupon management system is disclosed for managing electronic coupons. The system includes tightly integrated database, application server, and client components facilitating performing electronic coupon definition, issuance, and redemption operations. The operations include creating electronic coupons, wherein each electronic coupon includes a unique coupon ID, creating customer accounts, wherein each customer account comprises a unique customer ID; creating manufacturer accounts, wherein each manufacturer account comprises a Unique ID; and creating retailer accounts, wherein each retailer account comprises a unique retailer ID; and assigning a unique electronic coupon ID to a unique customer ID. Thereafter the system validates the electronic coupon with a product purchase transaction by a customer associated with the unique customer ID.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for collecting data and presenting media to a user are provided. The systems generally includes a data gathering module associated with an electronic device. The data gathering module communicates gathered data to a management module, which manages at least one user profile based on the gathered data. The management module may select media for presentation to a user based on the user profile, and the selected media may be displayed to the user via a media output device co-located with the user, such as a display of the user's mobile electronic device or a television, computer, billboard or other display co-located with the user. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A authentication system to avoid the consumption of counterfeit products comprising a method using the World Wide Web to verify each individual merchandise using a unique identification number and verifying the unique number against a database online. Further the authentication system comprises a loyalty program in order to encourage customers to use and to denounce counterfeit product sellers.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, computer program products, devices and systems are described that carry out accepting at least one persona from a party to a transaction; evaluating the transaction; and negotiating receipt of at least one different persona from the party to the transaction at least partly based on an evaluation of the transaction.

Abstract: A location-based service is provided that may be integrated with venue systems, credit card processing systems, and/or loyalty systems for purposes of increasing the likelihood that offers will be accepted and sales of products and services will be made. Such a system according to various embodiments may leverage a social network of the user, and extend particular brand loyalties throughout the social network. That is, certain offers may be passed among users of the social network, permitting others to take advantage of offers thereby increasing the brand awareness and loyalty of particular venues. Further, according to certain embodiments, because an offer management and redemption system may be integrated with a to location-based service, offers may be extended at or near the venue location. To this end, users may be provided one or more tools for accepting, purchasing and/or redeeming offers.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, computer program products, devices and systems are described that carry out accepting at least one persona from a party to a transaction; evaluating the transaction; and negotiating receipt of at least one different persona from the party to the transaction at least partly based on an evaluation of the transaction.

Abstract: A method for promoting an electronic database-driven gift registry includes issuing one or more database access keys to an organization having one or more members, and providing an incentive for the one or more members to register with the gift registry by initializing respective of the database access keys with a database associated with the gift registry. The method further includes awarding a first award to the one or more members who register with a gift registry, and awarding a second award to the organization for each of the one or more members who register with the gift registry.

Abstract: A loyalty gateway (130) obtains, from a point of sale device (120), transaction information including purchase information and a transaction account identifier corresponding to a transaction instrument (115) of the customer. The loyalty gateway (130) searches a database (135) for the transaction account identifier and, if not located therein, stores the transaction account identifier in the database (135) in association with the purchase information. In a subsequent transaction, the loyalty gateway (130) obtains the transaction account identifier and a mobile device identifier corresponding to a mobile device (110) of the customer and stores the mobile device identifier in the database (135) in association with the transaction account identifier. The loyalty gateway (130) provides to the customer, based on the purchase information already stored in association with the transaction account identifier, a loyalty benefit such as a free item, a discount on a purchase, or loyalty points applicable to a purchase.

Abstract: A loyalty gateway (130) enrolls a customer into a loyalty campaign during a purchase transaction at a point of sale. The loyalty gateway obtains from a point of sale device (120) transaction information including a transaction account identifier corresponding to a transaction instrument (115) of the customer. The loyalty gateway (130) searches a database (135) for the transaction account identifier and obtains, upon determining the transaction instrument identifier is not located therein, a mobile device identifier corresponding to a mobile device (110) of the customer. The loyalty gateway (130) stores the transaction account identifier in the database (135) in association with the mobile device identifier. In a subsequent transaction, upon obtaining the transaction account identifier or the mobile device identifier, the loyalty gateway (130) provides to the customer a loyalty benefit such as a free item, a discount on a purchase, or loyalty points applicable to a purchase.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for facilitating retail promotions. The systems and methods disclosed generally include: (a) defining terms of a retail promotion; (b) identifying whether a consumer has acted in accordance with the terms of the retail promotion; and (c) authorizing a tender presented by the consumer, based on whether the consumer has acted in accordance with the terms of the retail promotion. The disclosed systems and methods have wide ranging applicability, including (non-exclusively): (1) allowing a brand company to initiate localized promotions at a point-of-sale retailer; (2) allowing a point-of-sale retailer to initiate localized promotions; and/or (3) allowing a point-of-sale retailer to build a customer database and build customer loyalty, without having to make significant changes to their point-of-sale terminal infrastructure.

Abstract: A loyalty gateway (130) determines a mobile device identifier of a customer based on transaction information obtained from a point of sale device (120) and searches a database (135) to determine whether the mobile device identifier is associated in the database (135) with multiple transaction instrument identifiers. If so, the loyalty gateway (130) selects one of the multiple transaction account identifiers by applying a predefined rule and applies a transaction instrument (115) corresponding to the selected transaction account identifier in payment for the transaction and provides to the customer associated with the mobile device identifier a loyalty benefit such as a free item, a discount on a purchase, or loyalty points applicable to a purchase. The predefined rule may be based on, for example, a purchase amount, purchase date, product identifier or merchant identifier.

Abstract: A control method for obtaining a coupon by a coupon terminal is disclosed. The method includes: step a. receiving request information for obtaining a coupon; step b. providing a coupon according to the request information; step c. deducting points corresponding to provided coupon from an account corresponding to the request information; step d. adaptively recording the provided coupon in a database; and step e. performing a statistics analysis on the provided coupon stored in the database. A control apparatus for obtaining a coupon by a coupon terminal is also disclosed. According to the present technical solution, by using the existing internet technology and RFID technology, a user may conveniently obtain required coupons by the coupon terminal, and download and print the coupons.

Abstract: The inventive concept of the web based system and method for conducting business (the system) an Internet platform that allows a seller to upload his/her materials, such as, for example, outlines and class notes. The seller may identify the outlines and noted by categorizing the same by college name and professor name and by a topic, such as math, history, algebra, etc. A buyer can locate the outlines and notes by a school or college, by the name of the professor and by the topics. The system allows the seller either scan the notes in a format that will allow the buyer to scan the entire document in search for specific words or use an option wherein the seller will index at least five words, i.e. search tags wherein the buyer will be able to search through in order to decide whether to purchase the outline or to continue searching for other products.

Abstract: A computer system is located at a retail premises for executing a point of sale transaction comprising: a point of sale terminal having an interface for receiving product data from at least one product purchased by a customer, the product data including a first price for the product; a processor arranged to execute a computer program which receives from the point of sale terminal first price data including at least said first price and second price data pertaining to the product, the second price data being from a remote source, compares the first price data with the second price data and issues a voucher request based on the comparison of the first and second price data; and a voucher issuing unit arranged to receive the voucher request and to automatically provide a voucher to the customer responsive to the voucher request.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and apparatus of the present invention relates to the creation of a tangible result in the form of a priority access ticket with identifiable information for providing priority access to artistic performances, concerts, sporting or other cultural events at stadiums or other venues. The method may comprise receiving a request for priority access to a venue for a customer, collecting customer information required to provide priority access to the venue responsive to receipt of the request, verifying availability of priority access for the customer based on the collected customer information, receiving payment for the requested priority access, and providing a visually perceptible priority access ticket responsive to the verification of availability of priority access.

Abstract: A non-profit agency may be provided with support from volunteers who may participate in a system that includes a web site reporting dates and places of volunteering events sponsored by the non-profit agency. Prospective volunteers may register to provide work-effort at a selected one of the events. Determination may be made as to whether or not the prospective volunteer actually provided work effort at the selected event. A reward may be provided to the volunteer if the volunteer actually provided work effort at the selected event.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture for interacting with a multiple criteria buying and/or selling system to conduct business electronically. In particular, the architecture can include a dynamic discount card that includes an information access component for receiving information. In addition, the dynamic discount card can include a presentation component for displaying information to a user via the dynamic discount card.

Abstract: A system that controls what information can reach a user via an electronic or electrical communications device and under what circumstances is disclosed. The controls can be set by the user, e.g., an individual or an authorised person acting in a supervisory role. This provides a configurable communication inclusion and exclusion zone. Only communications that meet predefined or dynamically configured rules are presented to the user. These rules determine who can contact a user, when they can be contacted, where they can be contacted, with what message content and by which route. Users can thereby fully control how they receive communications or advertising messages. The platform also integrates payment capabilities to allow users to be paid for delivery of marketing messages with cash, cash equivalents, vouchers or premium media content such as news stories, music or films.

Abstract: A method for voice ordering utilizing catalog taxonomies and hierarchical categorization relationships in product information management (PIM) systems includes: prompting a user with a query to input speech into a speech recognition engine; translating the inputted speech into a series of words; querying a product information management component (PIM) based on the series of words; wherein the querying is performed as a matching algorithm against PIM category and attribute keywords; returning coded results to a voice synthesizer to produce at least one of: a voice response, and a text response to the user; and wherein in the coded results indicate one or more of: a not found message for zero matches, a confirmation of a suitable single match, a request for additional information in the event one or more of the following occurs: more than one matching item, category, and item attribute was found in the PIM.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention receive an expression of interest for a benefactor from a user, propose creation of an affinity program associated with the benefactor to the user, and create an affinity program associated with the benefactor. Creating includes determining at least one triggering action for triggering a donation to the benefactor, determining at least one potential participant for the affinity program, and inviting the at least one potential participant to join the affinity program. Creating the affinity may also include proposing the affinity program to the benefactor and negotiating contractual terms on behalf of a program administrator, such as, by using an artificial intelligence engine. In some embodiments, creating the affinity also includes, in response to determining the number of expressions of interest from unique users surpasses a predetermined threshold, initiating the affinity program by inviting at least one of the unique users to join the program.