Abstract: Some described embodiments provide for selecting (e.g., by a server computer from a plurality of transaction records), a transaction record associated with a financial account of an account holder. In one example, the transaction record includes an indication of an amount due, by the account holder, for a previous purchase completed by the account holder with a first merchant. Some embodiments provide further for generating a billing statement for the account holder, the billing statement including an indication of the amount due by the account holder for the previous completed purchase and an indication of an acquisition offer, in which the acquisition offer comprises a promise from a second merchant to pay at least a portion of the amount due by the account holder, and transmitting the billing statement to the account holder.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for mobile device users to generate and populate a rolling profile for consumers.

Abstract: An affiliate website may encourage a high level of customer participation and ensure that the affiliate and affiliate network receive a commission from sales using an online coupon without requiring a customer to register for and purchase the coupon. A customer may provide identifying information to an affiliate before the customer receives a coupon, and the affiliate may control the number of available coupons while ensuring commission credit for any resulting sale.

Abstract: A data processing system issuing electronic certificates through “online” networks of personal computers, televisions, or other devices with video monitors or telephones. Each electronic certificate includes transaction data and identification data, and can be printed out on a printing device linked to a consumer's personal input device, or electronically stored in a designated data base until a specified expiration date. The certificate can be used for various purposes, including use as a coupon for a discounted price on a product or service, proof of a gift or award, proof of reservation, or proof of payment. Consumers access the data processing system online, browse among their choices, and make their selections. The data processing system provides reports on the selected certificates and their use following selection.

Abstract: A system for multipath contactless transaction processing, comprising a point-of-sale system comprising a processing unit and a video screen, the video screen at least sometimes viewable by a purchaser interacting with the point-of-sale processing system, wherein, during a transaction, a graphical indicia is displayed on the video screen in a form suitable for photographing or scanning by a device held by the purchaser, and wherein, upon receipt by the point-of-sale processing unit of at least one non-graphical indicia the content of which is determined at least in part by the contents of the graphical indicia that was displayed to the purchaser, the point-of-sale completes the transaction.

Abstract: Disclosure includes selecting a merchant from a plurality of merchants, enabling a trial mode for the merchant, during the trial mode, receiving an indication of a first order for the merchant, forwarding the indication of the first order to the merchant, allocating a first payment for the first order to the merchant, requesting an acceptance of a membership status from the merchant, and receiving an indication of the payment for the first order.

Abstract: A method of operating a data collection and analysis system. An exchange computer receives customer identification data associated with a customer. A quantitative analysis algorithm determines whether the exchange computer has received an amount of customer identification data sufficient for the customer to be uniquely identified, and if so, then a linking service computer or a plurality of remote database computers perform a qualitative analysis algorithm with the customer identification data to determine if the customer identification data is sufficient for the customer to be uniquely identified. If the qualitative analysis algorithm passes, then customer information may be retrieved from the remote databases and collated and analyzed at the exchange computer. The customer may automatically register with reward programs using already-entered user information. A data analysis embodiment enables offers to be generated that are tailored towards specific users.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system, method, and article of manufacture for augmented-reality marketing with a virtual coupon. A virtual representation of an object is provided. A real representation of the object is provided. An association of the virtual representation and the real representation is rendered with a user interface. A virtual coupon is made available to a user when the virtual representation and the real representation are rendered. A graphical metaphor may be integrated into the virtual representation according to an environmental characteristic of the object. The environmental characteristic may include a physical environmental characteristic, a data environmental characteristic, a computer environmental characteristic or a user environmental characteristic.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to send a promotional offer from a business entity. The method steps include obtaining a profile of the business entity from a financial management application (FMA) executing on a central processing unit (CPU) and configured to manage operations of the business entity, analyzing a plurality of messages from a message source based on a pre-determined criterion to identify a keyword, qualifying the keyword to generate a qualified keyword with a keyword rating, wherein the keyword rating represents how relevant the keyword is to the business entity based on the profile of the business entity, searching for the qualified keyword in the promotional offer among a plurality of promotional offers in a library to generate a match between the qualified keyword and the promotional offer, adjusting a score of the promotional offer, in response to generating the match, based on the keyword rating, and sending the promotional offer to a consumer based on the score.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a method, comprising offering incentive based context to service providers by capturing context information of a user and integrating an approval service to verify authorization for access to the user context and distributing the context information to the service provider, wherein the service provider provides an incentive to the user for the context information.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a digital profile system for a user and a method for capturing, storing, and updating information about a user's attributes in a personal genome database. The system interacts with a third-party application which provides an assessment tool for execution by the user. The system includes the personal genome database, a server processor which executes computer-readable instructions of an advanced competency model, a unique pass code system, and at least one privacy filter, and a user processor which executes computer-readable instructions of a client manager.

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

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering customized electronic coupons are provided. Consumer users register with the customized electronic coupon provider website and create a consumer user profile. Retailer users also register with the customized electronic coupon provider site and create a retailer user profile and electronic coupons. A software program compares the consumer user profiles with the retailer user profiles and detects matches. A customized electronic coupon is generated for each instance of a profile match. The customized electronic coupon is then delivered electronically to the consumer user.

Abstract: A device receives, from a user device, a request for qualified offers for a particular customer, and retrieves, based on the request, profile information associated with the particular customer. The device generates a call to a backend database based on the profile information, and receives, from the backend database, offer qualification indicators based on the call. The device determines qualified offers based on the offer qualification indicators, and provides the qualified offers to the user device for display.

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: The present invention provides a method and system for receiving a user privacy preference that indicates an amount of activity information that the user is willing to share in response to a reward, a value of the reward related to a degree of the user privacy preference. The method and system includes setting a privacy setting for the user based on the received user privacy preference. The method and system further includes tracking web browsing activity of the user during one or more web-browsing sessions based on the privacy setting to generate user activity information. The method and system further includes sending the user activity information and providing a reward to the user based on the user activity information sent.

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: A computer system provides a virtual world. The computer system includes a server subsystem serving virtual world data, via a communication network, and receives data and/or commands. A registration subsystem, coupled to the server subsystem, verifies information from a toy, registers the toy, and determines a quantity of toys registered by a user who is registering the toy. The verifying includes determining the validity of the information. A virtual world providing subsystem, coupled to the server subsystem, provides the virtual world data, which produces data that presents the virtual world. The virtual world data includes a virtual toy representing the toy and a reward provided to the user for registering the toy. The reward is based on the quantity of toys previously registered by the user, such that the reward received for registering the toy is different than another reward previously received by the user for registering another toy.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sharing advertisement payment revenues with users of a search engine, as well as other user content recipients are disclosed. A user's general profile is established by tracking usage of the system by the user. The user general profiles are used to better target advertisements and enhance suitability of search results. User participation in establishing a comprehensive profile is encouraged by providing monetary or other types of incentives based upon a user's search engine usage and responses to served advertisements.

Abstract: A system and method for maximizing airline award program participant's use of the accumulated award miles even in light of mileage shortfalls for the redemption of mileage awards is described. The system and method not only a benefit to the award program participant, but also provides financial benefits to the airline offering the award program, and these financial benefits are ones that the airline would not ordinarily obtain.

Abstract: A method for providing discount information and the system thereof are provided. The method includes acquiring an identifier of a selected item and coordinates of the client device, searching for items relevant to the selected item in a storage system, and refining the search results according to the coordinates of the client device. The method further includes sending corresponding discount information of the search results to the client device if at least one item in the storage system is determined to be relevant to the selected item.

Abstract: In one embodiment a device, method, and system for managing reward credits may have a central reward database configured to record a predetermined set of product codes, a reward credit associated with each product code in the predetermined set of product codes, and a server configured to: (a) receive a redemption request from at least one registered participant, the redemption request including a product code, wherein the product code is provided on a product or product container; (b) access the central reward database to determine whether the product code of the redemption request is authorized and available; (c) determine the appropriate reward credit for the product code if it is determined that the product code of the redemption request is authorized and available; and (d) provide the appropriate reward credit to the at least one registered participant.

Abstract: A registration and opting out system and method for the receipt of barcodes for coupons, loyalty cards, services discounts and other uses via a wireless apparatus by using text messaging or Near-Field Communications. The system can incorporate methods and processes to convey the offerings to multiple wireless apparatuses simultaneously. The system can register wireless apparatuses for offerings for multiple entities from a single system. The system may be centralized or its components distributed across various network locations. A wireless apparatus can be registered with more than one offering entity on the system. The system may provide a directory of services discount offerings accessible by a single text message containing individual codes, each code representing specific discount offerings, such offerings transmitted to the wireless apparatus after being parsed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of offering advertisements on the Internet, and systems for implementing these methods. These methods offer users an accrued financial incentive to purchase products and services from advertisers. In some embodiments, a method of offering advertisements on the Internet comprises: providing one or more advertisements at an Internet site; allowing for a user to click or view the advertisements; increasing the user's account balance after an advertisement is viewed; and offering cash or a non-cash equivalent to a winning user having the highest relative value of an account balance within a selected pool of account balances. Certain embodiments of this invention relate to an Internet business known as Mascot Race.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for integrating a user's purchase experience at an online merchant with a user's social media account and, separately, with a user group. When a user makes a purchase representation through a social media service about a merchant or a purchase choice to be made with the merchant, upon verification, the user is offered a merchant benefit. When a user can enlist a purchase group of users to each make a purchase from a merchant, upon meeting a group requirement, the purchase group is provided a group benefit.

Abstract: A search based call back request system enables a user to request a follow up contact from a seller. The system provides search functionality and stores seller information such that when search results appear for sellers that have requested to offer call back service to a buyer, the system formats the search results screen to include a call back request indicator for the seller. The system includes functionality for the user to enter custom call back data.

Abstract: Methods and systems for coordinating delivery of coupons issued by a network-based system are disclosed. For example, a system can include a coupon generation engine, a coupon widget, and a communications module. The coupon generation engine can issue a unique coupon redeemable exclusively by a registered user of the network-based system. The coupon widget can present the unique coupon via a first communication channel internal to the network-based system. The communications module can deliver the unique coupon to the registered user via a second communication channel external to the network-based system.

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

Abstract: Distributing and tracking electronic coupons based on proximity. Upon detecting recipients proximate to a computing device, one or more electronic coupons are selected and transmitted to the detected recipients. The transmittal occurs via a wireless connection in some embodiments. Coupon properties associated with the transmitted coupons are adjusted (e.g., values decreased, expiration conditions modified, location of transmittal, etc.). Distribution data for the transmitted coupons is stored to maintain a distribution history.

Abstract: A system and methods for the creation and/or distribution of promotional materials, such as coupons, to consumers is provided. A promotional material item is created electronically and a copy of the item is distributed to mobile devices, or other electronic devices, of consumers. Each copy of the promotional material item includes a unique identifier for redemption and tracking purposes.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the method includes; receiving on one or more computers the content of one or more books, one or more advertisements; information regarding the target audience criteria for each of the one or more advertisements, information and a request from the subscriber for the content of the one or more books; determining if the information from the subscriber satisfies the target audience criteria for each of the one or more advertisements; providing to the subscriber the content of the one or more books requested and one or more advertisements having associated target audience criteria that is satisfied by the information from the subscriber requesting the content of the one or more books electronically; and replacing at least the one or more advertisements having associated target audience criteria that is satisfied by the information from the subscriber with one or more new advertisements.

Abstract: A system for avoiding fraud in the distribution and redemption of coupons is presented. A coupon is targeted to a particular customer and has a customer identifier which maps the coupon to the customer in some way. The coupon provides for two redemptions, an initial redemption for a nominal amount, including zero, and a deferred redemption which provides an incentive for redeeming the coupon. Upon purchasing an item or engaging in an activity urged by the coupon, the coupon is initially redeemed. After the redeemed coupon is validated and cleared, the customer identified through the customer identifier, is rewarded by the deferred redemption amount. Fraud is not rewarded since the initial redemption amount provides for little or no compensation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing of electronic coupons are disclosed. A plurality of touch screen devices are deployed in aisles of a store. The touch screen devices display coupons for products located in the corresponding aisles after administration devices detect the presence of a registered user in an aisle. The touch screen device accepts selection of coupons and the selections are uploaded to a main server. A point-of-sale administration device detects the presence of a registered user and downloads the pre-selected coupons from main servicer for redemption.

Abstract: There is a system and method of promotional marketing, over a computerized network. The system and method include the step of providing a website module over a computerized network. The system and method also include the step of registering a user with the website module. The system and method include the step of providing a network game to the registered user. The system and method include the step of selecting a selected retail location according to information regarding the registered user. Additionally, the system and method include providing a prize for the registered user at the selected retail location.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing customer benefit offers at kiosks and self-service devices are provided. A method for providing customer benefit offer information according to the invention may include using a processor module to receive from an interactive display a customer instruction to dispense cash and dispensing the cash. The method may further include receiving purchasing instrument information from a purchasing instrument interface. The purchasing instrument information may correspond to the purchasing instrument of a customer. The method may further include using an electronic transmitter module to query customer benefit offer information from an offer processor via an electronic communication network. The method may also include using an output device to provide the customer benefit offer information to the customer.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses enable a card issuer to provide messages to a customer's transaction instrument. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing messages to customer. The method includes receiving a request for messages corresponding to a transaction instrument of a user at a server. The method further includes obtaining information associated with the transaction instrument using the request. The method further includes selecting at least one message, based at least in part, on the information associated with the transaction instrument. The at least one message is selected from a messages database. The method further includes providing the at least one message to the transaction instrument.

Abstract: An offer management system may provide an open platform capable of aggregating offers from multiple offer providers. All offers may be uploaded to the offer management system and presented to consumers via a single portal so they can easily browse, select and review all available digital offers at one time, in one place. Upon visiting a hosted website, the offer management system may interact with the consumer by displaying references to digital offers on the home page or in the navigation bar. The offer management system can display personalized content that may feature any available offers targeted specifically to the consumer based upon personal information contained in a profile for the consumer that is associated with the consumer's online account, such as a loyalty card account. Moreover, the offer management system may receive requests from the consumer to print selected offers or download selected offers to the consumer's account.

Abstract: An offer management system may provide an open platform capable of aggregating offers from multiple offer providers. All offers may be uploaded to the offer management system and presented to consumers via a single portal so they can easily browse, select and review all available digital offers at one time, in one place. Upon visiting a hosted website, the offer management system may interact with the consumer by displaying references to digital offers on the home page or in the navigation bar. The offer management system can display personalized content that may feature any available offers targeted specifically to the consumer based upon personal information contained in a profile for the consumer that is associated with the consumer's online account, such as a loyalty card account. Moreover, the offer management system may receive requests from the consumer to print selected offers or download selected offers to the consumer's account.

Abstract: A system which allows identification of a consumer as belonging to a designated category and makes special offers available to consumers who are members of the designated category is described. The system comprises a database of offers accessible through connection by consumer operated computers upon authentication of consumer registration, an offer presentation module for controlling access to the database of offers and a consumer registration module allowing registration of a consumer for access to the database of offers. The consumer registration module allows registration of a consumer upon submission of identifying information provided to the consumer by a party who has identified the consumer as belonging to a designated category and used to identify the consumer as belonging to the designated category.

Abstract: A computer system receives customer reviews for a subject, for example, a product, service, or market participant. Each review includes a rating of the subject and a comment about the subject. The rating may be favorable, unfavorable, or intermediate. The system sorts the reviews in a default order, for example, chronologically, and displays the reviews in the default order on a first webpage. The first webpage includes an input for requesting a non-default order of the reviews, for example, in accordance with the ratings of the reviews. The system sorts the reviews in the non-default order, and, when a user activates the input to request the reviews in the non-default order, displays a second webpage with the reviews in the non-default order. The non-default order may require all reviews with less than favorable ratings to be placed ahead of all reviews with favorable ratings. The system may be Internet-based.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for aggregating advertising pricing data and providing that data to one or more clients. This data may be provided to the client in the form of various reports that allow a client to gauge the advertisement market more accurately and make a better informed decision when deciding to purchase advertisements. In one embodiment, a client is also able to access forecasting reports that predict the future of the advertisement market so that the client can more accurately make a decision about purchasing advertisement slots in advance.

Abstract: Systems and methods for redeeming coupons are provided. The method includes receiving a coupon at a mobile payment device, determining whether a mobile payment application is active. If the mobile payment application is not active, the mobile payment device may automatically initiate the mobile payment application and conduct the transaction using the received coupon. The method further includes enrolling the mobile payment device in a coupon redemption program prior to using the coupon. The method also includes tracking a consumer's transaction information and sending one or more coupons based on the transaction information. The mobile payment device used for conducting the transaction includes a contactless element that can use the near field communications technology to conduct payment transactions.

Abstract: The system and methods include delivering a prize to a mobile device based upon the geographic location of the mobile device. The system can include a registration interface for registering a plurality of mobile devices with the system and a registration interface for registering a plurality of clients with the system. A prize designation interface can associated one or more prizes with a specific geographic location. The prizes can be delivered to registered mobile devices when it is determined that the mobile devices are in the specific geographic locations associated with the prizes.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for targeting specific users with specific requested actions to be performed by the user and verified by any methods on behalf of an advertiser within an Internet display advertising campaign. The system discloses techniques for receiving an advertiser's requested actions and corresponding definitions of what constitutes a satisfaction of the action. The disclosure also details techniques for determining if and when and to what degree a requested action has been completed or satisfied by the targeted user, and details corresponding techniques for compensating the user and any other real or virtual entity who had contributed to the satisfaction of the requested action. The system implements a network of sensors that can aid in the determination of if and when and to what degree a requested action has been completed or satisfied. The network of sensors registers sensor recordings within a specialized sensor recording marketplace.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a client application for enabling access to an online service and displaying advertisements while the user is accessing the online service. The client application receives play lists from the online service provider. The play lists include information about advertisements to be played and the order of play. The client application also receives match lists from the online service provider. The match lists include information about advertisements to be played when the user performs certain actions. The client application also displays a wide variety of sponsorship information in connection with the online service. The sponsorship information is displayed in hypertext format. The client application provides the user with information related to a sponsor when the user clicks on hypertext associated with the sponsor.

Abstract: A system and method for issuance, redemption, and reimbursement of digital incentives. A central database connected to the internet: enables customers to register unique customer registration information; is able to store this information and assign unique identifiers to it; and is accessible to incentives providers to make available digital incentives. Existing point-of-sale terminals: are authenticated to have access to the central database; have payment devices; are connected to the internet; and are provided with a message broker that facilitates communication with the central database. The customer redeems digital incentives at one of the existing point-of-sale terminals at the time of purchase by first presenting their unique identifier. The message broker routes the unique identifier to the central database which authenticates and validates the existing point-of-sale terminal, the customer's unique identifier, and the payment device.

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

Abstract: A merchant server of a first merchant receives an indication of items that a customer is to purchase via a web site. The indication may be, for example, a signal indicating that the customer is ready to “check out” his shopping cart of items on the web site. In response, the merchant server provides an offer for a subsidy from a second merchant. The offer is provided before the items are purchased, and thus the offer is not provided unless and until the customer has manifested an intent to make a purchase from the first merchant. A response is received from the customer. If the response indicates acceptance of the offer, then the subsidy is applied to the items purchased. For example, the total price paid for the items may be reduced, or the items may even be provided to the customer without charge. In exchange, the customer agrees to participate in a transaction with the second merchant. For example, the customer may be required to switch service providers (e.g.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a controller receives information relating to customer activity with a first vendor (e.g., via a Web page that a customer accesses). The controller further receives an indication of items the customer desires to purchase, the items having an associated total price. The controller determines, based on any of various criteria, whether to provide an offer for a subsidy based on the information relating to customer activity. The offer for a subsidy is from a second vendor (a subsidizing vendor), and may define, for example, a reduction in the price charged for the item and an obligation for the customer to fulfill in exchange for the subsidy. If the customer accepts the offer, he is charged a second price for the items. The second price is less than the total price, and may even be zero.

Abstract: A merchant server of a first merchant receives an indication of items that a customer is to purchase via a web site. The indication may be, for example, a signal indicating that the customer is ready to “check out” his shopping cart of items on the web site. In response, the merchant server provides an offer for a subsidy from a second merchant. The offer is provided before the items are purchased, and thus the offer is not provided unless and until the customer has manifested an intent to make a purchase from the first merchant. A response is received from the customer. If the response indicates acceptance of the offer, then the subsidy is applied to the items purchased. For example, the total price paid for the items may be reduced, or the items may even be provided to the customer without charge. In exchange, the customer agrees to participate in a transaction with the second merchant. For example, the customer may be required to switch service providers (e.g.