Abstract: A QR management system redirects based on user-definable criteria, user set triggers or change events. A security indicium (printed, adhered label, tag or near field communication device) uses the code to direct to a standard URL or generated personalized URL to a website. The QR codes are assigned individually or allocated to a product range. Each code within the range can direct to a different location. The web page creation system allows the brand owner to populate and customize landing content to which the QR code directs. All scans are tracked and reports data such as product, location, date and time of code use. Real time on demand changes to such consumer's accessible content may be made based on owner defined criteria, which may include number of scans or dates of a scans, time and date or date ranges of each scan.

Abstract: A wireless device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may receive a mirroring request for a screen sharing service from an external device, may determine whether a transmission condition of a content image is satisfied according to the received mirroring request, and, when the transmission condition is satisfied, to transmit content image data corresponding to the content image and OSD image data corresponding to an OSD image to the external device through a wireless communication interface.

Abstract: Systems and methods provided herein may include a card replacement system. The system may include an automated teller machine in data communication with a server. The automated teller machine may include an input device; a processor; a replacement card storage containing at least one replacement card, wherein the at least one replacement cards may include a magnetic stripe and a chip; a magnetic stripe writer; a chip writer; and an embossing device. The processor may be configured to: receive a replacement card request via the input device; request replacement card information from the server; encode replacement card information onto the replacement card using the magnetic stripe writer and the chip writer; and emboss user information onto the replacement card using the embossing device.

Abstract: Systems and methods provided herein may include a card replacement system. The system may include an automated teller machine in data communication with a server. The automated teller machine may include an input device; a processor; a replacement card storage containing at least one replacement card, wherein the at least one replacement cards may include a magnetic stripe and a chip; a magnetic stripe writer; a chip writer; and an embossing device. The processor may be configured to: receive a replacement card request via the input device; request replacement card information from the server; encode replacement card information onto the replacement card using the magnetic stripe writer and the chip writer; and emboss user information onto the replacement card using the embossing device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving information about a payment from a user to a merchant using a payment account issued to the user by a payment service, the payment account being linked to one or more reward offers. Each reward offer is redeemable upon satisfaction of one or more criteria. The method also includes determining that each criterion associated with a reward offer linked to the payment account has been satisfied, redeeming the reward offer to reduce a value associated with the payment, and sending, to an application installed on a client device associated with the user, a user interface indicating that the reward offer has been redeemed in association with the payment.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method and system for storing, retrieving, and managing data for tags that are associated in some manner to any type of object. More particularly, the present invention writes data to these tags, reads data from these tags, and manages data that is written to and/or read from these tags. In addition, the invention accesses and/or stores data associated with tags from or into repositories, constructs and maintains data structures from these repositories and responds to queries using the data structures.

Abstract: Distributed muster includes distributing to different mobile devices an identity of an assigned muster location of an ocean-going vessel, and associating each mobile device both with a corresponding passenger of the ocean-going vessel, and also with the assigned muster location. Thereafter, a timer initiates that defines a period during which a muster drill must be completed by all of the passengers and, in response, a message is transmitted to each mobile device that the muster drill has commenced. During the period, as each mobile device is sensed within a geographically defined area of a correspondingly assigned muster location, a record of the completion of the muster drill by the passenger associated with the sensed mobile device is recorded in the memory. As well, subsequent to a lapsing of the timer, a listing is displayed of any passenger not recorded as having completed the muster drill.

Abstract: A kiosk for accepting a portable electronic device from a client in exchange for payment includes a display, one or more cameras, a portable device receiving arrangement, a payment dispensing arrangement, and a communication connection to a remote server and/or operator. The kiosk is configured to, in conjunction with the remote server and/or operator, control an application program executing on the portable electronic device and one or more the cameras to detect characteristics of the portable electronic device. The kiosk is also configured to determine a value for the portable electronic device based upon aspects including the detected characteristics, and to display the determined value on said at least one display for approval by the client. Subsequently, based upon the determined value, the kiosk provides a payment to the client via the payment dispensing arrangement, and deposits the portable electronic device in the kiosk for subsequent collection.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for family management during muster on a vessel. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for family management during muster includes associating a mobile device of a child on the vessel with a mobile device of a parent of the child also on the vessel and assigning a muster station on the vessel to the parent and a muster station to the child. For instance, the muster station assigned to the child may be different than that of the parent. Thereafter, during a muster event, a location of the mobile device of the child on the vessel is determined relative to the muster station assigned to the child and a message may be transmitted to the mobile device of the parent indicating the determined location.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatus for the automated provision of goods through the use of scanning systems. More specifically, the present invention provides a method for automatically conveying which goods are being ordered, where the goods will be picked up, an associated method of payment, kitchen fulfillment, item tracking, and automatic delivery by a dispenser apparatus. In preferred embodiments, the present invention is applied to the automated ordering and pick-up of food items at a fast food restaurant and delivery to a food dispenser at a customer location.

Abstract: Hardware and software application systems and associated methods for obtaining information from, evaluating, and pricing mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, and/or other electronic devices for recycling and/or other processing are described herein. In various embodiments, the present technology includes systems and methods associated with an electronic evaluator device that facilitates processing (e.g., purchasing at a consumer-operated kiosk) a target device. In some embodiments, the present technology includes using an app on the evaluator device to obtain information from the target device, identify the target device, evaluate the target device, price the target device, etc. Various other aspects of the present technology are described herein.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for natural language understanding (NLU) processing based on user-specified interests. Information specifying a weight for each of a plurality of domains is received via a user interface. The plurality of domains each relates to a potential area of interest for the user, and the weight for a domain from among the plurality of domains indicates a level of interest for the user in the domain. A ranking classifier used to rank NLU hypotheses generated by an NLU engine is trained using training data from which features are, at least in part, based on the information specifying a weight for each of the plurality of domains.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns the providing of media, and more particularly to the streaming of media. In one example embodiment of a method for streaming an audio content item to an electronic device, the method comprises: receiving a first data message comprising instructions from an electronic device to return a preview segment associated with a selected audio content item, the preview segment being a portion of the selected audio content item; retrieving said selected audio content item from a first storage; analyzing audio content of the retrieved audio content item to locate a portion of the selected audio content item to be used as the preview segment; extracting the located portion of the selected audio content item from the retrieved audio content item; and transmitting the extracted portion of the selected audio content item unencrypted to the electronic device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically recognizing a user equipment (UE) associated with a person who enters a storefront are disclosed. A modified small cell (such as a femtocell or picocell) extracts, from a request to register or initiate a handover procedure, information identifying the user equipment (e.g., IMEI) and information indicating the identity of a user profile associated with the user equipment (e.g., IMSI). The IMEI and IMSI may be used to query a mobile carrier Home Subscriber Service (HSS) database to obtain customer information associated with the IMEI and IMSI data. The customer information may be used to query a database of the storefront to generate inventory information, such as promotional information or other marketing or sales information, which may be transmitted to the user equipment for display.

Abstract: Software application systems and associated methods for recycling, purchasing, and/or performing other processes with mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, and/or other electronic devices at a kiosk are described herein. In various embodiments, the present technology includes systems and methods associated with an electronic device to facilitate a consumer-operated kiosk processing (e.g., purchasing) the electronic device. In some embodiments, the present technology includes using a mobile app to identify an electronic device, evaluate the electronic device, resolve device issues to enable purchase of the electronic device, etc. Various other aspects of the present technology are described herein.

Abstract: A kiosk for accepting a portable electronic device from a client in exchange for payment includes a display, one or more cameras, a portable device receiving arrangement, a payment dispensing arrangement, and a communication connection to a remote server and/or operator. The kiosk is configured to, in conjunction with the remote server and/or operator, control an application program executing on the portable electronic device and one or more the cameras to detect characteristics of the portable electronic device. The kiosk is also configured to determine a value for the portable electronic device based upon aspects including the detected characteristics, and to display the determined value on said at least one display for approval by the client. Subsequently, based upon the determined value, the kiosk provides a payment to the client via the payment dispensing arrangement, and deposits the portable electronic device in the kiosk for subsequent collection.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for controlling one or more beacon devices. In one implementation, the method comprises receiving a list of users connected to an access point and a list of beacon devices located within predefined distance from the access point and identifying a total number of users from the list of users utilizing a predefined service. Further, the method comprises generating a command based on comparison of the total number of users and a predefined threshold. The method furthermore comprises, transmitting the command to the one or more beacon devices, from the list of beacon devices, for one of a) activating the beacon devices, b) modifying a time interval between two consecutive beacons transmitted by the one or more beacon devices, or c) deactivating the beacon devices, thereby controlling the one or more beacon devices.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatus for the automated provision of goods through the use of scanning systems. More specifically, the present invention provides a method for automatically conveying which goods are being ordered, where the goods will be picked up, an associated method of payment, kitchen fulfillment, item tracking, and automatic delivery by a dispenser apparatus. In preferred embodiments, the present invention is applied to the automated ordering and pick-up of food items at a fast food restaurant.

Abstract: A method includes determining a recommended aspect for future content, action, or behavior. The recommended aspect is determined at least in part based on activity data that indicates aspects of other content authored by or interacted with by a plurality of authors in a social network prior to receipt of the selection. The method also includes providing the recommended aspect for the future content, action, or behavior for a unique author in the social network. The method also includes determining whether the unique author posted the future content, action, or behavior with the recommended aspect in the at least one social network. The method also includes determining, based at least in part on the determination of whether the unique author posted the future content, action, or behavior with the recommended aspect, an agility rating that indicates a responsiveness of the unique author to the recommended aspect.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus where information relating to products and services offered by various vendors may be offered for sale to customers via computing devices owned by those customers. Products and services offered to a particular customer may be related to a product previously purchased by that customer or be related to a product that a customer has access to. In certain instances, a product that a customer has access to may include a tag, such as a circuit, a chip, or printed matter that may provide information to an electronic device of a customer. After the customer's device received the information provided by the product tag, other products or services related to the tagged product may be received by the customer device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for modifying a user profile for a recommendation algorithm are provided. A user is provided with electronic access to an item. The item may comprise one of a document, an article, a chart, a graphic, a report, a web page, or the like. User interaction with the item is enabled. The user interaction with the item is then electronically tracked and stored. The user's user profile used by a recommendation engine is then modified based on the tracked user interactions. The user interaction may comprise at least one of annotating, highlighting, modifying, customizing, adding comments to the item, and the like. The user modified item can be saved and details of the user interaction with the item may be used to modify the user profile. At least one of items or peer recommendations can then be provided to the user based on the modified user profile.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed which facilitate identifying extra substantive material within a content item not included within corresponding companion content items. For example, extra substantive material may include commentary, interviews, or improvisation included within an audio book and not included within a corresponding electronic book. Specifically, an electronic marketplace is disclosed that may analyze two companion content items to determine similarities and differences between the content items. Thereafter, portions that differ between the content items may be further analyzed to determine whether these portions include extra substantive material. Also disclosed is an electronic marketplace for providing information regarding content items, including the existence of extra substantive material within a content item. In some instances, the electronic marketplace may be configured to provide samples of extra content within a content item to a user.

Abstract: Techniques and apparatus for controlling access to a personal communication structure (PCS) are described. The PCS may include independently accessible compartments at least partially enclosing respective subsystems of the PCS. The independently accessible compartments include an electronics compartment, a communications compartment, and a display compartment. The electronics, communications, and display compartments at least partially enclose a power distribution subsystem, a communications subsystem, and a display subsystem, respectively. The PCS also includes an access controller operable to provide access independently to respective interiors of at least a subset of the compartments to authorized users.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a user-friendly and a user-interactive cellular mobile phone console, allowing a user to interactively replace a malfunctioning cellular mobile phone with a functioning mobile phone.

Abstract: A system is described which allows a user to define a relational tag. The relational tag describes how a first item is related to a second item within an identified qualifying context. For instance, the relational tag may state that the first item is ranked higher than or lower than the second item. When utilized by many users, the system forms a graph of interconnected items. The system can perform comparative analysis within this graph. For instance, based on the relational tags, the system can determine which item is the top-ranking item or bottom-ranking item within the graph.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed which facilitate collecting information about users, including responses to poll prompts, and analyzing such information in order to determine correlations and inter-relationships of information and information areas. In an aspect, information from many users is collected across a variety of user interaction channels and computing device platforms. Such information is analyzed in order to generate profiles of like-minded individuals. Such profiles may be useful for recommending peer-to-peer connection between individuals, marketing products and services to individuals with similar attributes and traits, and examining changes in individual preferences over time or in response to external factors.

Abstract: A customer uses an in store kiosk to establish a communication session, such as a video communication session between the kiosk and an agent in a contact center. The customer can transfer the communication session to the customer's personal mobile communication device by selecting to transfer the communication session at the kiosk. A presence of the customer's personal mobile communication device is detected. The presence of the customer's personal mobile communication device can be detected by the use of various technologies, such as Near Field Communications or scanning a code on the kiosk from the mobile communication device. In response to detecting the presence of the mobile communication device the communication session is transferred from the kiosk to the mobile communication device using a communication application in the mobile communication device.

Abstract: A system and method for in-store printing of coupons selected from a remote computing device, such as a smart phone, or a home computer. Users register their mobile phone numbers into the system's web site; once coupons are selected, an access code is sent by SMS (“text message”) to the user's registered mobile phone. The user then goes to a selected store to print the coupons in a dispensing kiosk, using his/her mobile phone number and the access code that was sent to it. Printed coupons expire the same date they are printed, and should be redeemed the same day in the store they are printed. Each coupon will have printed a GS1 databar code containing information that can be used for market analysis purposes.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer readable medium storing computer executable programs for tracking customer response to a coupon are disclosed. A coupon is issued. A first determination is made regarding whether the coupon has been selected for viewing by a customer. A first state is assigned to the coupon based on the first determination. A second determination is made regarding whether the coupon has been redeemed by the customer. A second state is assigned to the coupon based on the second determination.

Abstract: A method of selling products includes displaying web-store information related to a web-store on a consumer-operated kiosk at a location. The method may further include displaying product information with the web-store, in which the product information corresponds to products related to the location of the consumer-operated kiosk and available for purchase by a consumer from the web-store.

Abstract: A screen is provided on a housing in such a manner that the screen protrudes toward its nearer side, and is inclined so that the nearer side becomes lower. This screen displays thereon a first hierarchy menu for indicating an arrangement of genre pictures, a second hierarchy menu for indicating an arrangement of commodity pictures, and a map image for indicating a map of the sales counters. A user brings his or her hand tip nearer to this screen. This operation allows a double-ring pointer to be displayed at a position which corresponds to the spatial position or direction of the user's hand tip relative to the screen. On this screen, the user is permitted to change the position of this double-ring pointer by performing a gesture of changing the spatial position or direction of the user's hand tip.

Abstract: An advertisement providing system includes a storage unit storing advertisements; a pull-type display managing unit that displays an advertisement designated by a viewer, a counting unit that counts the frequency an advertisement is displayed, a generating unit that generates a display schedule for the advertisements based on the frequency the advertisements are displayed, and a push-type display managing unit that displays the advertisements according to the display schedule.

Abstract: Systems and methods for converting consumer coins, cash, and/or other forms of value for use with mobile commerce platforms implemented on, for example, smart phones, PDAs, and other mobile devices. In one embodiment, a method for implementing a mobile commerce account on a mobile device includes receiving coins and/or other funds from a user at a consumer-operated kiosk. The method can further include counting the coins and/or other funds to determine a value, and then communicating at least a portion of the value from the kiosk to the hand-held mobile device for deposit in the mobile commerce account.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to the administration of rebates in different geographic locations and optimization of rebate processing. In an embodiment, a rebate processing device can detect a location of a consumer, and based on the location generate a rebate form in a language which corresponds to the location or preference of the consumer. The generated rebate form can include a mailing address to mail the form for processing, which may based on the location of the consumer and a rebate identifier to identify the rebate to transact. A rebate center device can receive completed rebate forms, extract rebate identifiers from the completed rebate forms, and send the extracted rebate identifiers to the rebate processing device to expedite processing. Rebate processing device can verify the rebate identifiers are not fraudulent and generate a payment for the validated rebate identifiers based on the location of the consumer.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for managing transactions in which an order is specified online and payment is received at a point of sale (POS). Methods are disclosed for managing payment for such transactions at a POS, including transactions involving payment for both in-store purchases and online orders. Methods are also disclosed for managing inventory and price changes for such transactions where payment can occur at any time in a pay period following order creation. Also disclosed are methods for processing refunds for online orders for which payment was made at a POS. Finally, methods for preventing fraud and abuse as well as restricting the availability of this payment method for certain items are disclosed.

Abstract: More specifically, the invention describes a public standalone information access tool, such as bidirectional video terminal/kiosk for receiving a variety of services and for information exchange. The kiosk is connected to a plurality of remotely located representatives/operators specializing in different services. The customer receives help and share documents with at least one operator. The kiosk provides people from small remote villages an opportunity to receive all services available in a large city.

Abstract: A parking locator system providing variably priced parking includes one or more parking sensors and one or more parking kiosks. The parking sensors may generate parking information identifying one or more occupied parking spaces and one or more unoccupied parking spaces within a vicinity. Promotion information including one or more discounts to parking fees may be received at the parking kiosks. The parking kiosks may display the discounted parking fees and receive payment of the same. The discounts to parking fees may expire at particular times. The size of the discounts may be set based on traffic congestion, which may be determined based on the number of occupied parking spaces within the vicinity.

Abstract: Techniques for voucher or rebate redemption are provided. An enterprise system electronically distributes an encoded voucher or rebate to a device of a consumer. In an embodiment, the consumer electronically presents the encoded rebate or voucher at a kiosk, via the device, and receives a card preloaded with a value for the voucher or the rebate. In another case, the consumer electronically presents the encoded rebate or voucher at a retailer, via the device, during a transaction and a value for the voucher or the rebate is debited based on the transaction.

Abstract: Implementations of the present disclosure include methods, systems, and computer-readable storage mediums for executing a user interface on a computing device, generating one or more event handlers executed on the computing device, each event handler corresponding to a local device service file, receiving first data at a first event handler of a first local device service associated with a first device that is in electronic communication with the computing device, generating, using the first event handler, a first event that includes the first data, receiving, at an external device service, the first event, generating, using the external device service, a first external device event based on the first event, and performing a first action based on the external device event.

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

Abstract: Methods for determining a predictive rating are disclosed. In an embodiment, an active user is compared to a set of clusters. One or more of the clusters are determined to be most similar to the active user. From the one or more clusters, K users are determined to be most similar to the active user. Prior ratings for an item by the K users may be used to predict a rating for the item for the active user.

Abstract: A search engine, system and method for locating and rating a plurality of electronic mentions of respective ones of a plurality of brands.

Abstract: A computerized health behavior reward system and method is disclosed. Engagement of rewards program members is based on rewards for participation in a variety of health activities. Health activities are recommended to members based on demographic and health profile information and include general health activities such as participation in fitness programs as well as disease management and clinical programs, educational campaigns, online, interactive, and social networking activities, and community based activities. Each activity may relate to a particular participation event so that members are rewarded for enrolling in a program as well as for ongoing participation. Members earn points for each health activity in which they participate. The points are accumulated in a rewards account accessible from a web site portal and can be redeemed.

Abstract: A method of distributing samples to consumers, comprising a kiosk system, a kiosk application and a kiosk. The kiosk system is used to set up the manufacturer and vendor information, to set up a reporting and analytical framework, and to establish communication with the kiosk application and the kiosk. Among other things, the kiosk application is used to locate the kiosk and provide a code to the consumer. The kiosk application may also be used to issue a coupon to the consumer, wherein the consumer redeems the coupon to purchase a variety of the product sample. The kiosk is used to distribute samples. The consumer inputs the code into the kiosk to obtain a sample.

Abstract: A parking locator system providing variably priced parking includes one or more parking sensors and one or more parking kiosks. The parking sensors may generate parking information identifying one or more occupied parking spaces and one or more unoccupied parking spaces within a vicinity. Promotion information including one or more discounts to parking fees may be received at the parking kiosks. The parking kiosks may display the discounted parking fees and receive payment of the same. The discounts to parking fees may expire at particular times. The size of the discounts may be set based on traffic congestion, which may be determined based on the number of occupied parking spaces within the vicinity.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to consumer operated kiosks for purchasing fresh foods and associated systems and methods. In one embodiment, for example, a consumer operated kiosk can include a temperature controlled compartment for storing an inventory of fresh foods items, a user interface configured to receive user instructions corresponding to selected fresh food items, and a product retrieval system configured to move selected fresh food items from the temperature controlled compartment to a dispensing area. In various embodiments, the consumer operated kiosk can further include a communications facility configured to send transaction information associated with fresh food items purchased at the consumer operated kiosk to a remote computer, and the remote computer can update associated inventory information and store it in a remote database. The remote computer can monitor ages of the fresh food items in the inventory.

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: The dual screen coupon kiosk is an apparatus that attracts potential customers with a prominent display and provides the potential customers with an easy-to-use interface. The dual screen coupon kiosk comprises a touch screen, a card reader, a gift certificate scanner, a printer, a keypad, and a user login receiver. The card reader and the gift certificate scanner retrieve financial information from a user. The printer allows the apparatus to physically print a specific coupon for a user. The keypad or the user login receiver allows access to a specific user account. The software running on the apparatus attracts potential customers by displaying either an advertisement or a map of the shopping area on the top portion of the touch screen. The software provides the interface to browse the coupons through the bottom portion of the touch screen. The software primarily organizes the coupons either by categories or by merchant.

Abstract: A consumer-interaction kiosk features one or more displays (which can comprise touchscreen displays if desired) and a control circuit that operably couples to that display (or displays). Such a kiosk can be located, for example, proximal to or within a retail venue (such as, but not limited to, a grocery store or grocery department of a department or discount store). The content displayed by the kiosk can vary with the needs of the application setting but can include, for example, consumer-attraction content, information-gathering facilitation content, delivered-information content, entertainment content, and so forth. Such a kiosk can also be configured, if desired, to vend for-sale or free consumables (such as free product samples).

Abstract: A method and system for rewarding anonymous patrons of an anonymous loyalty program is disclosed herein. The anonymous loyalty program only uses an identification generated on a mobile communication device for all transactions by the member. The member does not need to disclose his or her phone number to participate in the anonymous loyalty program although the member's mobile communication device is used for all of the transactions.