Abstract: Electronic buying and selling systems and methods are provided. In particular, relations among distinct price curves and buyers or potential buyers are disclosed. For instance, a price offered to a system user can vary based on total volume of all people aggregating in private environments, cumulative total order by user, ship date, optimal time, as well as terms and conditions associated with the offer (e.g., no cancellation of order, cancellation possible, payment method . . . ).

Abstract: A method and system for sending information in the form of a wireless message to a wireless device subscriber requesting advertising, product, or service information is described. The method includes assigning an information request code by a service provider to the information provided by an advertiser, presenting or displaying the information request code along with an advertisement to potential consumers, receiving the information request code from the wireless device, and sending a wireless message to the potential consumer's wireless communication device. The system includes an advertisement comprising an information request code, a wireless communication device operable for sending the information request code and receiving a wireless data message, a wireless communication center in communication with a wireless network and operable for relaying, storing, and forwarding the wireless data message to the wireless communication device.

Abstract: Techniques for providing information to a user of a mobile device based on an online or web-identity of the user and a geolocation of the mobile device are described herein. The user may be notified when a nearby merchant has a good or service for sale that matches a good or service in a list, such as a wish list, associated with the web-identity of the user. The users may also be provided access to a coupon within an electronic document when a mobile device storing the electronic document is located at a particular merchant. This convergence of geographical location of the user, as determined by the geolocation of his or her mobile device, with his or her web-identity can bring the online and off-line worlds closer together to provide relevant information for the user and improved marketing opportunities for merchants.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a customized on-line shopping interface and/or manufacturing is disclosed. The system uses customer's computer, location, URL, IP address, email domain, embedded promotion code, or other predetermined criteria to provide special product offerings and pricing for a particular class or subclass of customers. If an unauthorized user attempts to access the system, a series of screens containing non-customized pricing is presented to the intruder so as not to alert the intruder that he or she has reached the restricted content. Based on the authentication information, automated manufacturing processes and equipment may be utilized to produce the customized products.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and a method for providing at least one electronic coupon (EC) to a user of a mobile device for goods or services, wherein said electronic coupon (EC) is transmitted by an electronic coupon server to said mobile device depending on a current position of said mobile device and locations of point of sale (POS) of registered suppliers offering said goods and services, wherein the current position of the mobile device is detected by an application executed by a computation unit of the mobile device. Moreover the measurement of the coupon redemptions based on a heuristic comprising the redemption of the user at the point of sale (POS) and transmitted context factors such as but not limited to distance from the mobile device to the POS, opening hours, etc.

Abstract: An online offer distribution system may convey offer information relating to an offer selected from an offer supply database. The offer information may be conveyed in an electronic form, such as a web page, that may be accessed by a consumer on a client device. Upon receiving a request to print an offer document corresponding to the offer, the system may generate the offer document including at least a portion of the offer information and time indicating indicia associated with the request to print. The time indicating indicia may be a quasi-unique identifier corresponding to a time the request to print is received or the offer document is transmitted to the client device for printing. The time indicating indicia may be encrypted and incorporated into the offer document as an alphanumeric code, barcode, or both.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a plurality of interactive advertisements are provided. The system includes an advertisement generator operable to generate online advertisements displaying coupon offers. An ad server is provided for rendering the advertisements to users. Each advertisement includes an interactive button operable to display a printable copy of the advertised coupon to the user. The coupon includes a unique identifier visibly embedded therein, wherein the unique identifier enables the user to redeem the coupon.

Abstract: A computer platform provides a method and system for establishing scenarios for interactions between users (both individually and as a group) and a web site or other software application over a network. The interactions are described in terms of events, actions, and conditions, where a single mechanism may be used to describe events, actions, and conditions for both individuals and a group. One portion of a scenario may apply to the group, while another portion applies to individuals. Time elements and branches also can be employed to describe the scenario. The scenario may describe a non-deterministic process, but be modeled as a deterministic state machine for execution.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide for systems, devices, apparatus, methods and computer program products for payment card-issuing entities to guarantee merchant payment in card-not-present-transactions and, more specifically, automatically guaranteeing merchant payment in card-not-present transactions based on the payment card-issuing entity authenticating the customer prior to the transactions. By guaranteeing merchant payment in card-not-present transactions, the merchant's risk associated with such transaction is greatly reduced.

Abstract: Among other things, publishers of digital content are enabled each to define, for each of one or more digital content items, a style in which the digital content item is to be presented to a user and a condition under which the user may have the digital content item presented. The digital content items are stored in a content library, the styles and conditions associated with the digital content items are stored in a server. Each of the digital content items is enabled to be presented to users within presentation contexts that are accessible to the users and controlled by presentation context providers. The presentation of the digital content items includes obtaining the digital content items from the server and controlling the presentation to occur under the conditions and in the styles defined by the publishers.

Abstract: A marketing method for goods or services includes assigning at least one telephone number and a web page to at least one user for offering goods and/or services for sale to at least one prospective buyer; contacting the telephone number; and sending a message to the at least one prospective buyer's mobile phone, personal digital assistant, or smart phone, the message providing a web address for the web page for obtaining information about the goods and/or services.

Abstract: Social network reward techniques are described. In an implementation, a method implemented by at least one computing device includes obtaining data that describes users' interaction with a social network service and determining influence of one or more said users on other said users via the social network service from the obtained data. A reward is computed based on the determined influence for at least one said user.

Abstract: A system and method for providing in real-time an immediately accessible customized transaction account via the internet is disclosed. In particular, the system and method recognizes distinct access codes which are correlated to the credit profile of a person accessing an on-line application system via a computer network. During operation of the invention, a party may be driven to the on-line application system via the internet to conduct a transaction in response to an invitation to enroll in a special program. Upon entering the on-line application system, the accessing party may be unilaterally given the opportunity to apply for a special offer, which has been tailored to the accessing party's credit profile.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a rewards program are provided. The method includes receiving information about a consumer, registering the consumer information and creating unique tracking information associated with the consumer. The method further includes receiving a listing of one or more merchants offering an incentive to the consumer, providing the listing to the consumer, receiving input indicative of selection of a merchant, and directing the consumer to a merchant website associated with the selected merchant. Thereafter, the method includes receiving details about an item purchased by the consumer, receiving a total value of an reward for the item purchased by the consumer, calculating a first share of the incentive to be offered to the consumer, and communicating the first share to an issuer of the payment device used by the consumer to be included in a statement provided to the consumer.

Abstract: A collaborative shopping group can be established within a social networking web site. This initially established group can consist of individuals with whom the establishing user has a social networking affiliation. After an initial establishment of the collaborative shopping group, each individual within the group is able to add additional individuals to the collaborative shopping group. A shared shopping cart can be established for the collaborative shopping group. A set of different members of the collaborative shopping group can individually and independently add items from a set of different e-commerce sites to the shared shopping cart. An e-commerce purchase of items in the shared shopping cart can be completed. The completed e-commerce purchase can receive a transaction discount greater than or equal to a sum of discounts that would have resulted from discrete purchases of the items of the shared shopping cart by the individuals of the collaborative shopping group.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable storage medium having processor-executable instructions recorded thereon is provided for distributing transactional advertisements from a distribution site over a network to online publishers. Transactional data items are rendered by the online publishers, with control elements provided from the distribution site, to control use of the transactional data items on the user terminal.

Abstract: An item may be purchased using a combination of rewards and monetary consideration, wherein a maximum allowable reward payment portion (or correspondingly a minimum monetary consideration amount) is established by the merchant, the reward issuer, or an online reward exchange operator. The user may select, using for example a user interface slider control, the desired number of rewards to redeem (up to the maximum allowable amount) and the corresponding monetary consideration portion is displayed. The transaction may then be executed wherein the selected rewards are redeemed and the balance is paid for with the corresponding monetary consideration.

Abstract: A general media content advertising vehicle usable by a large number of advertisers and with exposure to a large and diverse consumer base whether such users have Internet access or are operating off-line, defined by a portable memory device (PMD) adapted to support advertising and content data of different media types.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present disclosure contemplates a computer system, which, upon being programmed, is configured to perform a method comprising identifying an entity associated with a user of a user computer connected to the computer system; and providing an Internet Portal to the user computer on behalf of the entity such that the entity appears to the user as the provider or primary benefactor of the Internet Portal. In another embodiment, the present disclosure contemplates a method which comprises contacting supporters and potential supporters of an entity, marketing the entity to the supporters and potential supporters as a provider or primary benefactor of an Internet Portal, and providing the Internet Portal on behalf of the entity to each user of the Internet Portal such that the entity appears to each user as the provider or primary benefactor of the Internet Portal.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering purchasing incentives and a variety of other retail shopping aids through a computer network, such as by E-mail over the Interne or the World Wide Web. Customers (10) of retail stores can establish a bi-directional communication link with the system, log in (16) to the system, and then elect to browse among available purchasing incentive offers (18, 22), or elect to explore other shopping aids, such as a shopping list generator (26), a recipe center (30), or simply elect to claim a product rebate or to receive product information. If the customer elects to have product information or rebate information delivered, only minimal customer identification is required. For purchase incentives redeemable at retail stores, the customer must provide identification information and must also designate a retailer (12) at which the purchasing incentive can be exercised.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method and an apparatus are provided to display a webpage comprising a fundraising interface and a selection of interactive games and educational programs, receive an indication of an interaction of a user with at least one of the interactive games and educational programs, and provide rewards associated with the user's interaction with the at least one of the interactive games and educational programs.

Abstract: A system and method for determination and presentation of package offers. A package offer is an offer for sale by a retailer of a package of products at a package price. A retailer may offer products for sale in an on-line retail environment or in a physical retail environment. A determination is made that a primary product is of interest to a customer. This determination may involve detecting and interpreting input signals transmitted from a customer device. In response to detecting that the primary product is of interest to the customer, a package is determined that may comprise the primary product and at least one secondary product. A package may be determined by accessing a database to locate a pre-determined package or to select the secondary products ad hoc. A package price is determined that is less than the sum of the corresponding retail prices of the primary product and secondary products in the package.

Abstract: A system and method for providing print advertisements is presented. A target audience is assembled from characteristics about readers. Advertising content is targeted to the target audience. The characteristics of the target audience are analyzed against the advertising content to identify potential advertisers. At least one of the potential advertisers is selected. At least one print advertisement for the selected advertiser is included on the document.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, and other embodiments are described relating to the selection of digital coupons for display in network pages. In one embodiment, a plurality of coupon campaigns are maintained in a computing device for a plurality of entities in association with an operation of an electronic commerce system employed to sell a plurality of items over a network. Each of the coupon campaigns comprises at least one digital coupon to be applied to a purchase of at least one of the items. A network page is generated in the electronic commerce system to be rendered on a client. The network page is generated in association with the operation of the electronic commerce system. A subset of the digital coupons is determined to be included in the network page to present to a user.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments relating to a self-service portal for coupon implementation in association with an electronic commerce system. Coupon campaigns are implemented in a computing device for a plurality of vendors in association with the electronic commerce system. Each of the coupon campaigns comprises one or more digital coupons. An automated submission of each of the campaigns is facilitated in the computing device from respective ones of the vendors through a self-service portal. Vendor control is facilitated through the self-service portal as to whether the digital coupons associated with a respective one of the campaigns are activated to be applied to a purchase of an item through the electronic commerce system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing and commercially exploiting online persona validation are presented. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an online persona validation framework suitable for mass adoption is presented. In addition, systems and methods to leverage such framework to create and exploit transactional opportunities, such as, for example, targeted marketing, trend spotting and tracking, and granular data mining, are also presented. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, tiered (i.e., comprising various levels of financial, demographic, lifestyle and other information), opt-in identity validation systems and various methods that authenticate an individual in e-commerce, social networks, job searches and the like, can be implemented. In addition, such exemplary systems and methods can identify precise, granular, and hence, valuable, demographics for advertisers.

Abstract: Techniques for temporary access to enterprise networks are provided. Devices of customers are detected and authenticated for temporary enterprise network access to a facility of an enterprise when the customers are in a configurable geographic distance to that facility. Temporary access credentials for accessing select resources of the facility or enterprise network are pushed to the processing device upon successful authentication. When one or more terminating actions are detected, the temporary access credentials are revoked and access to the enterprise network ceases.

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: A system and method whereby a card is usable to direct a consumer to content on a global communications network, such as an Internet web page. The card is provided with a 2D barcode having encoded data that is representative of a location on the global communications network, the location having the content. When a device is used to read the 2D barcode from the card, the device is caused to access the content at the location on the global communications network that is associated with the data encoded in the 2D barcode.

Abstract: A system and method to allow a buyer to substitute one email address for another to redirect a reward payment tied to the substituted email. A buyer's email address is captured in an online transaction record. A system reward email message announcing a pending reward based on the transaction is then sent to the buyer's original transaction email address. The reward email message contains a link to allow the email recipient to open a web page form and self-substitute another email address associated with a financial account to subsequently receive the pending reward payment to that financial account. Upon entering the substitute email address, the system marks the buyer's account so any reward is paid to the substitute email address associated with the a financial account.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system includes a transaction handler to process transactions, a data warehouse to store transaction data recording the transactions processed at the transaction handler and to store mapping data between first user identifiers and first account identifiers, a profile generator to generate a profile of a user based on the transaction data, and a portal coupled to the transaction handler to receive a query identifying a second user identifier used by the first tracker to track online activities of a user. The system is to identify a second account identifier of the user from the second user identifier based on the mapping data between the first user identifiers and the first account identifiers to facilitate targeted advertising using the profile of the user and/or to provide information about certain transactions of the user related to a previously presented advertisement.

Abstract: A method of secure electronic couponing is disclosed which includes a main server system, and a client system interconnected by a distributed computer network, such as the Internet. Coupon data and advertising data are encrypted to thereby reduce the likelihood that such data may be misused, such as by unauthorized duplication. In addition, the client system is identified by a user identification that is allocated and associated with user information collected from the user of the client system. The user information is indicative of one or more demographic characteristics of the user without being sufficiently personal to specifically identify the user, thus preserving privacy. An icon is provided which, when flashing, alerts the user to the fact that new coupons are available. A hidden URL is utilized, to further prevent unauthorized duplication of coupons.

Abstract: Pay Per Stay is a web site that directs traffic to other websites, for a designated period of time. Users are rewarded for spending time at a directed site, with either a coupon, a prize, monetary or other reward.

Abstract: A method of enabling a buyer to transition from renting a home to owning a home is provided.

Abstract: An online advertisement output control system and method are provided, which can increase attention on advertisement information outputted on the screen of the user browser. According to the online advertisement output control system and method of the invention, it is possible to increase attention on advertisements from users by increasing accumulated integrated rewards through cross-marketing, activate the sale of a corresponding product by offering an additional discount benefit to individual users through brand icons, allow users to use online accumulated integrated points in offline as well, increase attention on advertisements by embedding star information, and get more attention on advertisements by allowing users to take part in determination and modification regarding the matching of an article and an embedded advertisement.

Abstract: The new system and method for performing personalized interactive automated electronic marketing of the marketing service provider being utilized by product vendors and end users. A business-to-business subscription system between the marketing service provider and a plurality of product vendors is established. This system integrates the conventional media, e.g. TV, radio and newspapers, the modern information society tools, e.g. mobile phone technology, personal computers and Internet. Product vendors are now provided with a powerful and effective marketing tool, while end users are provided with personalized desired data acquisition and the tool for purchasing on the safe and timely manner. The new system improves the commercial request response rate by simultaneously avoiding the sales leads' losses and transforming the cold sales leads into the hot sales leads. It ultimately results in that AIDA cycle of the end user with regard to the product will become substantially shortened.

Abstract: The invention discloses an on line incentive-based method for implementing a process innovation, to rapidly source resumes from job-seekers in a cost-effective manner for an employment website and in particular, to reach out to job seekers easily for allowing them to upload their resumes and maintain them online.

Abstract: A network adapted to target an individual operating a microcomputer that is linked to an Internet to offer this individual goods or services appropriate to his needs that are available at a place within reach of the individual's present location. The microcomputer is provided with a GPS receiver that indicates the present location of the individual, this location and the identity of the individual being transmitted from the microcomputer to a web site on the highway. At the web site, a computer associated with a data bank storing the profiles of a multitude of consumers is programmed to find out whether the identified individual is included in the data bank, and to determine from his profile whether there are available at a place reachable from his present location appropriate goods or services. If a match is found, an offer to supply such goods or services is conveyed from the web site to the microcomputer.

Abstract: An entertainment system, method, and computer program for social mapping in combination with a commercially purchased token, wherein the system allows a user to register the token online using a registration code, allowing the user access to various entertainment activities and scenarios in a “social network” via a computer connected to the Internet. A member registers the token online using a registration code; the data of which is then sent to an online database. The member of the network may then access various entertainment activities and scenarios associated with the token's registration code and connect with other members online.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system, method, and article of manufacture for allocation of popularity credit in a private communications network. An entity member of the private communications network provides a media content to a website member of the private communications network. Another entity member of the private communications network provides an advertisement content. A server hosts the website. The website includes the advertisement content, the media content and a hyperlink to a vendor website outside the private communications network. An administration server includes a verification module that determines whether a user purchased a good or a service from the vendor website. The administration server includes a popularity credit manager that generates a list of entities that provided the media content or hosted the media content. The popularity credit manager allocates a popularity credit to the each listed entity member if the user purchased the good or the service from the vendor website.

Abstract: A method is provided for a method of purchasing goods online, which allows end users to receive money in return for browsing the internet and making purchases. According to the features of the invention, the end user enters a profile into YOUniverse, which is uploaded to the database. The user then logs in to search for items and the advertisement search results are specific to the end user's profile. The user controls the amount of information in their profile; however, more information yields better advertisement results and more money.

Abstract: A communication device comprises a transmitter, a receiver and a bar code reader. In one embodiment the communication device comprises a combined or integrated mobile telephone and bar code reader. Further, a method is provided for promoting the sale of a selected good or service. The method comprises the steps of receiving a bar code for a selected good or service from the communication device of the consumer and sending a coupon for the selected good or service to the communication device of the consumer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for transmitting hotel deal alerts. In one embodiment, a deal alert service receives a request to periodically receive hotel related deals satisfying a specific criteria, such as being from one or more geographic locations. Based on a frequency of the periodic basis, the deal alert service generates a list of hotel deals and sends it to the user during each frequency cycle. The deal alert service transmits the list of hotel deals using a specific transmission mechanism indicated by the user. Additionally, each list item of the list of hotel-deals includes a hyperlink to a primary source offering the hotel and the saving-deal. Upon selecting a list item of the list of hotel-deals, the user is transported to an entity associated with the primary source, through which the user is able to complete a transaction to book a hotel room and receive the posted saving-deal.

Abstract: A method of promoting sales at specific store locations includes the step of providing a promotional website on the internet. The method also includes allowing a consumer to designate on that website a specific store location and a specific good or service for purchase at the designated store location. Further, the method includes sending a coupon for purchase of the designated good or service at the designated store location.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a processor configured to initiate an on-line transaction during a transaction session. The apparatus can identify an attempt to terminate the transaction session prior to completion of the on-line transaction. The apparatus can provide a notification in response to the identified attempt. The notification can include an indication of at least one selection made during the transaction session prior to the completion of the on-line transaction.

Abstract: A discount may be earned in exchange for experiencing an advertisement. In an example embodiment, a method includes causing information corresponding to a product to be presented. An option to experience an advertisement is also presented. Further, a discount indicator is caused to be presented. The discount indicator indicates that selecting the option enables a discount on the product to be acquired. In another example embodiment, a method includes providing an option to experience an advertisement in exchange for a discount on a product. In response to a user selecting the option to experience the advertisement, the advertisement is presented to the user. After the advertisement has been presented, the discount on the product is awarded to the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods of marketing to mobile devices are provided. Other methods, apparatus, and computer readable media are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a voucher system and method for generating and redeeming vouchers. The voucher system includes a generation module adapted to generate a voucher code upon a request of a purchaser and a redemption module adapted to utilize the voucher code such that a recipient, upon validation of the voucher code, accesses the associated items. The voucher code is associated with at least two items selected by the purchaser. The generation module allows the purchaser to select an item to be associated with the voucher code from a wish-list of the purchaser or the recipient. Upon redeeming the voucher, the recipient receives the associated items at a designated user account.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for redeeming virtual coupons by associating the coupons with consumers' credit cards for redemption. In disclosed methods, coupon databases are associated with consumers and associated with the consumers' credit cards. Coupon offers are stored in the coupon databases and are redeemed by consumers by the use of the credit cards that are associated with the consumers' coupon databases.

Abstract: An electronic commerce center is provided that includes at least one processor operatively coupled to one or more processor readable media and a communication port. A database that is accessible by the at least one processor and stored on the at least one or more processor readable media is provided. The database comprises electronic vendor information that represents vendors of one or more of goods and services. The database further comprises electronic goods and services information that represents at least one of goods and services offered for sale by the vendors. The database further comprises electronic consumer information that represents consumers of goods and services. An Internet web site provided by the at least one processor includes electronic tools for the vendors to build custom web pages to be included in the Internet web site. The web site further includes interactive options for the consumers to communicate with each other.