Abstract: An energy efficient cloud-based environment includes multiple users requesting delivery of cloud-based services from a cloud service provider. Each user provides inputs for the delivery of one or more specific cloud based services. The inputs include the type of service, time frame for using the service, and either an energy efficiency level or a performance level pertaining to the service's delivery. The service provider allocates different resources to the users for delivering the requested services, and calculates an actual price and an operating energy cost for delivering the requested services to each of the users. The profit of the service provider due to users is calculated. An overall profit of the service provider associated with delivering the cloud-based services is calculated, and a fraction of the overall profit is distributed as an incentive among the users. The incentive of each user is proportional to the profit contribution of that user.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for facilitating the purchase of excess items. In one embodiment, customer information and inventory data are retrieved from a merchant client. A determination is made on whether excess items exist. A list of target purchasers is generated based on data associated with a user account, and offers are generated and sent by electronic communication to the list of target purchasers.

Abstract: A method is provided for offering and distributing digital coupons from promoters to users via a network. The method includes the steps of receiving the digital coupons, storing them on a central computer, and associating them with a product identifier. The user selects a selected product identifier, and the digital coupons associated with the selected product identifier are then transmitted to the user, who can then select a selected digital coupon, for use. The promoter pays a fee for the placement of and/or use of each of the digital coupons.

Abstract: Example apparatus and methods concern rewarding a user for making a contribution to a crowd-sourced database. An example apparatus may include logic for acquiring the contribution, where the contribution is data produced by a mobile device concerning a point of interest. The example apparatus also includes logic for producing an evaluation of the contribution and logic for providing a reward based on the contribution, the evaluation, and the user. The contribution may be data about a point of interest. The evaluation may be based on the completeness, timeliness, or contents of the contribution. The reward may be selected based on the evaluation of the contribution and a profile of the user. The reward or user profile may be manipulated based on confirmation or repudiation of the contribution by a different user contribution or by curation of the contribution. Providing the contribution may be free to the user.

Abstract: The presented invention is a method for an advertising sponsor user, using a client computer, or mobile device to be able to register, login and create zip code related local sponsor advertisements, with small advertisements for creating interest in the offers, that link to bigger advertisements with an embedded shopping cart. When a user creates the advertisements, they can upload their images, and create their type for the offers in the same interface form and the advertisements are instantly created and able to be published immediately throughout a network. Utilizing zip codes allows the system to use an intelligent smart decision engine, to make decisions of where advertisements and campaigns should be displayed as related to registered users locations. Also past performance and past advertisement information is utilized by the present invention to make appraisal value judgments as to the value of advertisements for sale, and campaign values for sale.

Abstract: An online sales/automatic rebate and coupon redemption system provides online customers automatic retrieval and redemption of all applicable rebates and coupons during purchase. Purchase orders from customers are selectively fulfilled and products are shipped to the customers either by the system for online sales with automatic rebate and coupon redemption or by other merchant or manufacturer environments. The system purchases from merchants using applicable coupons and rebates and then sells the products to the customers, passing the savings to them. The system makes it possible to automatically retrieve coupons and rebates for items in a shopping cart during the activity of an online purchase at an electronic mall or an online merchant site. The system provides coupons to potential customers via email, based on customer profile, geographical information, etc. Manufacturers and merchants can update coupon value and content based on ongoing sales and volume of customer activity.

Abstract: An online sales/automatic rebate and coupon redemption system provides online customers automatic retrieval and redemption of all applicable rebates and coupons during purchase. Purchase orders from customers are selectively fulfilled and products are shipped to the customers either by the system for online sales with automatic rebate and coupon redemption or by other merchant or manufacturer environments. The system purchases from merchants using applicable coupons and rebates and then sells the products to the customers, passing the savings to them. The system makes it possible to automatically retrieve coupons and rebates for items in a shopping cart during the activity of an online purchase at an electronic mall or an online merchant site. The system provides coupons to potential customers via email, based on customer profile, geographical information, etc. Manufacturers and merchants can update coupon value and content based on ongoing sales and volume of customer activity.

Abstract: A system for online sales with automatic rebate and coupon redemption provides customers making online purchases to automatically retrieve and redeem all applicable rebates and coupons during an online purchase. Purchase orders from customers are selectively fulfilled and products are shipped to the customers either by the system for online sales with automatic rebate and coupon redemption or by other merchant or manufacturer environments. The system makes purchases from merchants or manufacturers using all applicable coupons and rebates and then sells the products to the customers, passing the savings to them. The system automatically retrieves coupons and rebates for items in a shopping cart during the activity of an online purchase at an electronic mall or an online merchant site and to retrieve manufacturer's and merchant's coupons prior to an online purchasing activity for subsequent submission to an online merchant during a subsequent purchasing activity.

Abstract: Various example embodiments relate to incentivized media delivery. In example embodiments, a media delivery device has access to a plurality of media. The device may receive an external factor from each of a plurality of remote devices. In response, the device may select media from the media storage based on the received external factors, notify each remote device of the availability of the media, and provide an incentive for acquisition of the selected media.

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for the electronic distribution of coupons to user devices. A repository, such as an online service provider, stores packages of coupon data for downloading on demand. The user may view, select, and sort desired coupons. The user's demographic as well as coupon selection data is provided back to the online service and coupon distributor and issuers for subsequent marketing analysis. The online service can perform subsequent coupon processing on previously downloaded coupon packages such as variation of discount amounts and can also determine how many times a particular coupon was viewed. When coupons are presented at a retail store, the discount is provided to the user. Upon redemption by the store, transaction data is also supplied to the coupon issuers and distributor for integration into marketing analysis.

Abstract: A social networking system requests a customizable product from a retailer. The retailer accesses social information associated with one or more additional users connected to the social networking system users and generates recommendations for options to customize the customizable product based on the social information associated with the additional users. When the social networking system orders a customizable product using one of the recommended options, the social networking system is notified and generates a story describing the purchase that is communicated to the additional users of the social networking system.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method comprises receiving an indication that a user selected social network data that is displayed, on a client device, concurrently with offer data that indicates a coupon offer; wherein prior to receiving the indication, the user of the client device is incapable of accessing the coupon offer; in response to receiving the indication that the user selected the social network data, allowing the user to access the coupon offer, and causing a message to be sent to each user of a plurality of users that are identified, in a social network, as connected to the user, wherein the message includes data about the coupon offer or a coupon provider that initiated the coupon offer; wherein the method is performed by one or more computing devices.

Abstract: A system and method for the presentation of advertisements is present. According to one embodiment, a number of impressions of an advertisement message are presented over a computer network such as the Internet to a variety of viewer computers. Depending on the actions taken by the viewers (e.g., whether the Viewer selects the advertising message and accesses a web-link to the advertiser's web-site), bonus exposure (e.g., an additional number of impressions provided to the viewers) of the advertising message is given.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a method and system for providing an online event that can be customizable are provided. In some examples, a method can be provided including the steps of configuring a server to allow one or more users access to an online event having a specific date and time, configuring the server to allow a third party to provide event information to the one or more users related to the online event, and providing the event information from the third party to the one or more users regarding the online event at the specific date and time.

Abstract: Techniques for online price matching are provided. A consumer submits a price offer to a network-based servicer for a product or service. The price offer is directed to or resolved to a specific brick-and-mortar store. The brick-and-mortar store determines whether the price offer can be matched and when it can be matched; a coupon redeemable by the consumer at the brick-and-mortar store is communicated to the consumer. The coupon permits the consumer to acquire the product or service at the price offer provided by an online retailer to the consumer.

Abstract: The disclosure is related to providing an online bartering service. The online bartering service may include registering a trading coupon of first user equipment in response to a registration request from the first user equipment, providing information on a list of candidate coupons to the first user equipment based on information on the trading coupon of the first user equipment, receiving a trading offer message with information on a selected candidate coupon from the first user equipment and transmitting the trading offer message to second user equipment having the selected candidate coupon, and automatically processing a difference between the trading coupon and the selected candidate coupon in connection with associated virtual accounts upon receiving a trading acceptance message from the second user equipment.

Abstract: A facility for distributing and redeeming electronic manufacturer coupons is described. The facility receives user input selecting a merchant location and displays information about offers redeemable at the selected merchant location that include at least one electronic manufacturer coupon. The facility receives user input requesting redemption of an electronic manufacturer coupon at the selected merchant location, and in response displays information about the distinguished electronic manufacturer coupon including a code for redemption of the offer, records data about the redemption, and transmits recorded redemption data.

Abstract: Creation and placement of rewards associated with preferred payment types enables a merchant to incentivize a customer for selecting the preferred payment types. A number of payment types may be presented to a customer, where at least one payment type is a preferred payment type with an associated reward. The reward may be transmitted to the customer if the customer satisfies conditions for obtaining the reward. The conditions may include using the preferred payment type, applying for the preferred payment type, or making the preferred payment type the default payment type, among other possibilities.

Abstract: A method and system for providing consumer defined coupons includes a process for providing consumer defined coupons whereby a consumer proposes/defines the parameters or “terms” of a proposed coupon and/or marketing offer that the consumer feels would compel the consumer to purchase a product and/or service, shop at a defined store, or perform some other defined action. The consumer defined coupon terms are then provided to a potential coupon provider. The potential coupon provider is then provided the opportunity to review the consumer defined coupon terms. The potential coupon provider is then provided the opportunity to accept the consumer defined coupon terms, reject the consumer defined coupon terms, and/or propose alternative coupon terms. If the potential coupon provider accepts the consumer defined coupon terms, a coupon is then created and provided to the consumer.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention enable users to manage codes which may be redeemed for value. For example, some embodiments provide systems and methods for automatically identifying a code communicated to a user which is redeemable for value, and adding the code to an inventory maintained for the user. When the user later shops at a site which allows a code to be redeemed for value, some embodiments of the invention may automatically detect when the user has navigated to a page on the site which allows redemption of the code, and may make the user aware that the code may be redeemed on the page. If the user opts to redeem the code, the field on the page into which the code is to be input may be automatically identified, and the code may be automatically input into that field.

Abstract: Events generated by customer interaction during an internet-based session are made available for use by a system for tracking the effectiveness of web advertising campaigns. Event occurrences are collected for evaluation to determine whether campaign goals are being met. Campaigns are defined by rules indicating which ad content is to be displayed to which customers. Event types to be reported are selected depending on the needs of the particular campaign.

Abstract: A system and method for providing discount coupons to a customer in a business establishment such as a restaurant. A control server associated with the business establishment is configured to communicate over a wireless communication link with a mobile telecomputing device, such as a smart phone, of the customer. The control server enables the customer to request services utilizing the customer's smart phone. The control server sends the discount coupons to the customer's mobile telecomputing device proactively or in response to customer or waiter requests.

Abstract: A method of pricing a shopping list includes receiving input effective to generate a shopping list identifying multiple different items. The method also includes identifying pricing data of the different items, the pricing data including: a unit cost of each of the different items at multiple different locations, each of the different locations being associated with a different one of multiple merchants; and discounts applicable to one or more of the different items. The method also includes generating a comparison table based on the pricing data. The comparison table includes a price comparison of the shopping list between the merchants.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the product pricing system in e-commerce using the internet, comprises a sale condition management module receiving a sale condition information entered from a seller that includes a lowest set price, a customer price and a prepared number of a product, wherein the lowest set price for a product is determined according to whole sale of the prepared number of a product; a purchase condition management module generating purchase group information by counting a purchased number for each bid price through a product bid price and a purchased number of a product entered from a customer; a status management module generating discount information according to a purchased number of a product based on the sale condition information, and generating varying price information by adding the discount information and the purchase group information; and a pricing module generating a pricing information by setting a price of the product, wherein the price of the product set at the value where the purchase gr

Abstract: According to a preferred aspect of the instant invention, there is provided a system for an evaluation system based on content recognition in a mobile environment. Content, preferably audio content is recorded by the instant invention. This content is identified and the identification information is transmitted to a remote server. This remote server transfer specific gratifications based on the received identification information to the mobile device, with a particular leveling system providing additional gratifications when a predetermined number or type of content has been recorded and identified.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is described that includes an incentive application for providing incentives to a visitor of a site. The incentive application is both portable onto other sites and is customizable on each site to the information provided on the site.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for providing a custom bumper within a media station. A custom bumper can be created using gathered bumper creation data and a bumper template. Bumper creation data can be any data regarding the media station and can be used to populate an appropriate bumper template. The populated template is a completed custom bumper customized based on the bumper creation data. Further, rewards can be awarded to encourage desired user interactions. Upon a determination that a desired user interaction has occurred a predetermined number of times, a reward can be awarded. The reward can be making available a previously unavailable media item. Bumper creation data indicating the remaining number of times the user interaction has to be performed to achieve the reward to be awarded can be used to create a custom bumper.

Abstract: A system and method to find, manage, access and share promotions, such as daily deals and gift cards, electronically is disclosed. The promotions may be in hardcopy (physical) or digital media. The system and method include generating data from promotions, storing that data on a cloud server, and having that data accessible to users with an electronic device, such as a mobile phone, tablet, or computer. The promotion data is indexed and organized based on any one of a user's preferences so that the user can easily retrieve and redeem his promotions. Also disclosed is a system and method for targeted promotion marketing, including a targeting algorithm to provide advertisers information such as offer usage and user demographics. Personalized offers or promotions may be made to users based on a plurality of factors including consumer behavior, preferences, promotion usage, stores and websites shopped at, and geographic location of a user or merchant.

Abstract: A method for managing at least one coupon for a user equipped with a mobile terminal including a collector, a communicator, and a memory which store a set of data relating to the coupon, including collecting by the collection means of the mobile terminal, data contained in a terminal and/or a station and/or a tag; transmitting the data by the mobile terminal to an interactive station; sending an enquiry based on the data by the interactive station to a local server associated with a database; and publishing, by the interactive station, information items corresponding to processing of a received response to the enquiry transmitted by the local server.

Abstract: Embodiments of task-based, decreasing-price markets enable dynamic discounting of items for sale. In one example, users shop for products (e.g., clothing, electronics, or cars) or services (e.g., hotel rooms, plane tickets, or car rentals) using a computing device or mobile device. As the users shop, they view advertisements or perform other tasks, like answering questions, and the system discounts an item's price based on the number or complexity of the performed tasks. Each user who performs a task gets a chance to buy the item at its discounted price. The other users also get a chance to buy the item at the discounted price. If someone buys the item, the item's price returns to its starting value. If nobody buys the item, the system discounts the item's price further as the users perform more tasks until someone buys the item or the item's price reaches a minimum value.

Abstract: A method and system for the electronic distribution of product redemption coupons to remote personal computers located at users' homes are disclosed. A centrally located repository, such as an online service provider or web site on the Internet, stores packages of coupon data for downloading on demand to the user's computer. A coupon generated by the system and method of the present invention comprises an encoded area that consists essentially of a unique Coupon Id. The unique Coupon Id is also recorded in a database comprising a plurality of data tables. At least one of the data tables associates each Coupon Id with one or more of a Promotion Id and a Consumer Id. Preferably, the Print Id is also associated in a data table with a Session Id and information regarding the date/time of printing. The Ids other than the Coupon Id may not be printed on the coupon.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for serving targeted advertisements over a communications network and motivating users to view the advertisements by compensating the users after they view an advertisement and verify that they are human and have viewed the advertisement. The targeting is based on target information provided by an advertiser being compared with user information provided by a user who is registered and logged into the system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for intermediating between client nodes and pools of server nodes in an NGN network where the server nodes provide network services to client nodes, wherein the client nodes use various communication protocols and at least part of said communication protocols are different from the communication protocol used by the server nodes. The system comprising: a cluster of associated gateway nodes providing an integrated service for the clients nodes, where each gateway provides services of at least one of: translations of request and answers between the client node and a provider server node, load balancing and managing scenario rules. Each gateway comprise: a database of scripts including, scenario rules, routing scripts and associated transformation scripts, an execution processing module for handling events of at least client requests and server answers according to scenario rules.

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: This disclosure describes systems and methods related to location-based content delivery. Data from one or more indoor position system (IPS) beacons may be received. A location for a user device may be determined based at least in part on the received data. Content, such as advertisements, may be retrieved based at least in part on the location of the user device. A notification generated based at least in part on the content may be transmitted to the user device.

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 method for providing rewards includes receiving a media content item from a first user and providing the media content item to a second user. The method further includes receiving input from the second user in accordance with a first set of predetermined rules associated with the second user. The method also includes providing a reward to the first user in accordance with a second set of predetermined rules associated with the media content item.

Abstract: Techniques for generating leads for a company's products and/or services are presented. A message publishing module provides a means for specifying different member-interest buttons to be presented in connection with messages published to the activity or content streams of members of a social network service, where such messages relate to specific products and/or services of a company. The social network service detects which members interact or select the various member-interest buttons, and in connection with which specific products and services. This information is then provided to authorized administrators or representatives of the company, and made available as member-targeting criteria for targeting members with subsequent messages.

Abstract: The handling of accounts and account transactions are implemented using a variety of different systems and methods. According to one embodiment a computer-facilitated system is implemented for handling accounts held by a user at a financial institution and an educational institution. A first database stores account balance information associated with a first account held at one of the institutions. A second database stores account balance information associated with a second account held at the other institution. Logic, located at one institution, encrypts an identifier of the first account, associates a resulting encrypted identifier with the second account and decrypts the encrypted identifier. A database interface transmits the encrypted identifier to the second database for storage. A user interface provides the user with the account balance information associated with the accounts in response to the logic decrypting the encrypted identifier.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for bundling digital services for users. In accordance with one implementation, a method comprises storing, in a memory device, information related to a set of digital services, the set digital services being implemented by a plurality of different service providers. The method also includes aggregating, based on the stored information, the set of digital services into a bundle and providing, to a user, access to the bundle of digital services through a graphical user interface. The method may also include generating, with at least one processor, a set of tokens, each token associating the user with at least one digital service in the bundle. Additionally, the method may include providing at least one token, from the set of tokens, to one of the plurality of different service providers in order to activate one of the digital services for the user.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for increasing the sales of a retailer. A unit, referred to herein as the “retailer promotions device,” generates a group offer for a set of users/customers to purchase a product based on intelligent analytics (e.g., real-time attributes/dynamics such as the strategy in selling the remaining inventory). A group offer refers to an offer to sell a product at a promotional price if a number of users (e.g., users of mobile devices and/or customers online and/or customers in a physical store) agree to purchase the product at the promotional price within a time period. The group offer is sent to targeted users/customers via online and mobile devices as well as via electronic displays and kiosks in the physical store. By using real-time attributes/dynamics to generate group offers that can be sent to targeted users/customers, the sales of the retailer are likely to be increased.

Abstract: A company's coupons or advertisements can be posted on a social business network. A company needs to be registered first with the social business network before it can post its coupons and advertisements; while a consumer can view the coupons and advertisements freely with no requirement of registration. The company can either fill a coupon request form to make the network to generate a coupon for it, or create a coupon themselves and then upload it to the network. The registered company can also post its advertisement. Before anything is posted on the website, it will be reviewed to make sure its content is appropriate. The method also allows a company to purchase a time slot to use a live video screen for marketing.

Abstract: An online sales/automatic rebate and coupon redemption system provides online customers automatic retrieval and redemption of all applicable rebates and coupons during purchase. Purchase orders from customers are selectively fulfilled and products are shipped to the customers either by the system for online sales with automatic rebate and coupon redemption or by other merchant or manufacturer environments. The system purchases from merchants using applicable coupons and rebates and then sells the products to the customers, passing the savings to them. The system makes it possible to automatically retrieve coupons and rebates for items in a shopping cart during the activity of an online purchase at an electronic mall or an online merchant site. The system provides coupons to potential customers via email, based on customer profile, geographical information, etc. Manufacturers and merchants can update coupon value and content based on ongoing sales and volume of customer activity.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to techniques that seek to reduce the likelihood of a customer actually returning a product. Information about a product presented in connection a return transaction (and optionally the reason why the product is being presented) is received. A determination whether an award should be generated for the customer in exchange for the customer not returning the product under an applicable return policy is made. The award, with a calculated award amount, is presented for the customer, in exchange for the customer giving up the right to actually return the product under the applicable return policy. The determination that the award should be generated for the customer and the calculation of the award amount each are based on a set of one or more rules that are electronically applicable to at least some of the received information.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic quantity purchasing system which is a host computer that a user may access to purchase quantities of goods or services at a locked-in price for later redemption. The preferred communication means employed is via secure, high-speed Internet access. Data storage is electronic. Users employ the system to make an instant purchase of a small or large quantity of a commodity, such as gasoline at the current purchase price. Users can redeem all or part of their balance for real product at a physical location in the future when desired. The redemption will draw down the user's account balance at the locked-in purchase price, so the user is able to circumvent the market price in effect at the time of redemption.

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

Abstract: Virtual mobile rewards, gift cards, and/or physical world retailers' loyalty and reward programs are aggregated into a common account accessible and transactional from an Internet capable mobile radio device. Subscribers gain access to discounted codes, coupons, rebates, gift cards, and/or limited time offers, on their mobile device for food, travel, lifestyle, electronics, and entertainment products that fit their lifestyle spending habits, enabling users to edit participating retailers, manage separate account balances, and present preferred discounted offers at retailers and apply discount towards purchase of goods.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving an indication of a reward-generating event associated with an advertisement. The reward-generating event includes an action by a user in response to the advertisement being presented to the user. The method also includes determining based at least in part on the action by the user a reward to allocate to the user for the reward-generating event.

Abstract: A media distribution system (100) includes one or more databases (210) coupled via a communication network (200) to users (260). The system (100) provides for a subset of the users (260) to upload video content (250) for distribution via the system (100) to other users (260), wherein: (a) the system (100) includes a reviewing arrangement (270) for receiving the uploaded video content (250) provided to the system (100) and for generating corresponding recommendations (280) which determine an extent to which the video content (250) is disseminated through the system (100) to other users (260): and (b) the system (100) includes a reward arrangement for rewarding users who have uploaded the video content (250) to the system (100) as a function of the recommendations (280) and an extent of distribution of the video content (250).

Abstract: A method for customer promotion includes sequentially processing each of a plurality of items in a customer order. The price of each item is accumulated after processing. A marginal discount associated with each item processed is generated. This marginal discount is generated in response to a signal that indicates the accumulated price exceeds a predetermined threshold. Unapplied marginal discounts are accumulated for application to the customer order. A discount is applied to the customer order in response to a signal that is generated that indicates the accumulated discounts exceeds a predetermined minimum.