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: The systems, methods, and computer program products (collectively “systems”) described herein are generally configured to monitor actions in digital channels. More specifically, the systems may be employed in digital channels to initiate purchases or facilitate rewards. The systems are capable of syncing transaction accounts with various digital channels. Moreover, the systems are capable of initiating or completing transaction based on user information. The systems may also be capable of providing rewards based on activities or accomplishments in the digital channels. Moreover, the systems may be capable of verifying activities based on transaction information.

Abstract: Techniques are described herein that are capable of facilitating development of data-rich applications. A data-rich application is an application (e.g., a software application) that is configured to perform an analysis of data (e.g., structured data, unstructured data, or a combination thereof) and to provide information based on the analysis. In accordance with the aforementioned techniques, a public online environment may be provided in which application developers are allowed to access representative samples of data owned by data owners at a substantially reduced cost (e.g., free) to facilitate development of the data-rich applications.

Abstract: The present invention includes a social networking system wherein the users may be broadly categorized as payor users or payee users. Payor users are generally individuals or students, while payee users generally businesses or charities. Each user in the social networking system of the present invention is associated with financial data. The financial data is thereafter used to facilitate commercial transactions and transfer donations within the social networking system between users, generally from a payee user to a payor user. The payor user is not required to enter financial data or log in to an additional system to facilitate the transaction. The transaction is facilitated entirely within the constructs of the social networking system. Pursuant to this, payee users may add products and services to their associated profiles to vend their products and services from within the social networking system.

Abstract: An improved system and method for personally curating an offer list of promotional offers from multiple offer sources in an online service is provided. Components for personally curated offer lists support operations accessible through a graphical use interface for creating, editing, sharing, and updating personally curated offer lists, as well as curating and viewing offers of the offer lists. A user may author and manage a personal list of promotional offers curated from multiple offer sources, such as brands, product types, places, deal clubs, shopping pals, and offer lists. The personally curated offer list may be shared with others such as shopping pals who may have similar interests. New offers may be added to the personally curated offer list, and the present invention may further notify others with whom the list is shared of such updates to the offer list.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed which facilitate identification and validation of coupon codes. An example system includes a processor to receive a trigger to initiate a coupon code query based at least in part on a website being viewed. The example system includes a validation engine to search and retrieve coupon codes. The example validation engine is to apply one or more identified coupon codes to a target website to determine validity of each identified coupon code. The example processor is to dynamically provide one or more validated coupon codes to a user in conjunction with the website being viewed.

Abstract: Computer-based platforms, systems, software, and methods for dynamic recapture of retail sales in showrooming situations.

Abstract: Techniques for facilitating transactions for electronic content items are described. Some embodiments provide a media marketplace system that provides a marketplace for electronic content items, such as songs, videos, electronic books, and the like. In some embodiments, the media marketplace system facilitates group purchase discount transactions. A group discount transaction provides for the sale of an electronic content item at a discounted price if a sufficient number of buyers indicate a willingness to purchase the electronic content item at the discounted price within a limited time period.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of methods and systems of incentivized advertising are presented. A content identifier identifying a digital content item, such as a song, is displayed on a user computing device. The digital content item is typically of the type available for a purchase price by the general public. A selection icon is provided in visual association with the content identifier. If the icon is selected by the user, an advertisement media item, such as a video advertisement, is presented on the user computing device. If the advertisement media item is presented for at least a requisite ad impression period, the digital content item is imparted to the user for free. Follow-up ad engagement views are typically presented to the user with a button to redeem the earned digital content item. Administrator and server elements are configured to facilitate performance of the method, and to optimize efficient use of advertiser's budget.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and techniques for providing a benefit in response to being allowed to display content include, for example, displaying, on a portion of the display, a desktop; displaying the content on another portion of the display unoccupied by the desktop; and providing a benefit in exchange for displaying the content. In one example, the content may be advertisements and the benefit may be access to a network such as the Internet.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method, a system, and a computer readable medium encoded with instructions for providing a user terminal with supplemental information to a search result. Illustrative embodiments of the present invention include receiving a search request from the user terminal. Once the search request is received, a set of search results is communicated to the user terminal. The set of search results includes search results that include information associated with at least a first business and a second business. These businesses are then notified of the search request using an electronic notification. Illustrative embodiments of the present invention also include receiving, from the first business, supplemental information associated with the first business that is responsive to the notification. The supplemental information is then communicated to the user terminal and at least the second business.

Abstract: The loyalty system allows a consumer to accumulate general loyalty points from one or more merchants, and convert any desired subset of general points to loyalty dollars associated with a specific merchant. The system stores, for each consumer, the merchant loyalty dollars (or monetary equivalent) by merchant within a remotely-accessible host database or within a smart card database. Upon conducting a purchase at a particular merchant, the consumer may utilize a code key to facilitate access to the consumer's own loyalty dollars for the particular merchant. The loyalty dollars are then applied to the purchase transaction as a discount or rebate. The consumer may also re-load the merchant loyalty dollar accounts.

Abstract: A system for providing virtual coupons to a customer illustratively includes a database having a plurality of virtual coupons stored therein, a virtual coupon repository associated with the customer, and a virtual coupon module to transfer a sequence of selected ones of the plurality of virtual coupons stored in the database to the virtual coupon repository, and to sequentially activate for redemption by the customer each successive virtual coupon in the sequence after a preceding virtual coupon in the sequence has been redeemed by the customer.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a commercial game that poses questions to a user related to advertisements that the user views or listens to using a multimedia device such as a computer connected to the Internet. Points may be awarded to the user based on the number of questions answered correctly, the number of advertisements viewed, the length of time advertisements are viewed, the number of attempts at answering each question before providing the correct answer, or other advertiser-selected criteria. Points earned by the user are immediately redeemable for services such as subscription services, movies downloads, Pay-Per-View credits, or for any other tangible or intangible good, service, or reward representing a monetary value. If the user provides an incorrect answer to a question, the user is permitted to watch the advertisement multiple times until a correct answer is provided and points are awarded.

Abstract: A system and method for converting a rebate sponsor's offer into an instant credit or price reduction against a follow-on purchase. Rebate requests are obtained at a site on the Internet. The rebate request is tested to confirm that the at least one predetermined criterion has been satisfied. The person making the rebate request is enabled to make the follow-on purchase, with the rebate being converted into the instant credit or price reduction against the total price of the follow-on purchase. The follow-on purchase transaction is completed by charging that person for the purchase. The credit or price reduction can be conditioned on at least one predetermined criterion such as amount being spent on the follow-on purchase, the vendor from which the follow-on purchase is being made, and other criteria. The credit or price reduction can be redeemed in parts across a series of follow-on purchase transactions. In another aspect of the invention, consumers are advised of rebate offers.

Abstract: In a method for producing a transmission of a live performance of a selected behavior, a potential participant in a live performance is identified. An image of the potential applicant is posted on a website and associated with at least one behavior. One or more on-line viewers of the website then provide a contribution to a pool from which a reward is to be provided upon performance of at least one specified behavior specified. The potential participant is prompted to perform at least one specified behavior specified, and a reward is associated with each suggested behavior. A live view of a performance by the potential participant of at least one specified behavior is transmitted to the website, at which point the potential participant becomes an actual participant in the live performance. The actual participant is then provided with a reward associated with the performed specified behavior.

Abstract: Methods, computer program products, and systems are described for online content management. Online content in the form of answer sets are exposed to a user posing a question to a question and answer service. The question and answer service causes an award amount to be debited from an account associated with the user. The question and answer service receives a user input that (i) selects one or more answers from the answer set, and (ii) specifies a distribution of a portion of the award amount among the selected answers.

Abstract: A social networking action by a user within a social networking website that positively references a marketplace offering of an entity is detected by a processor. In response to detecting the social networking interaction by the user, a social networking influence of the user is determined based upon entity interactions by social network connections of the user with the entity by a number of entity access channels of the entity. A determination is made as to whether the determined social networking influence of the user satisfies a reward threshold defined within a social networking influence incentive rule. In response to determining that the determined social networking influence of the user satisfies the incentive threshold defined within the social networking influence incentive rule, an incentive defined within the social networking influence incentive rule is generated for the user.

Abstract: Technologies related to social network limited offer distribution are generally described. In some examples, a limited number of root participants may be allowed to claim an offer, and the offer may be limited to branch participants connected in a social network to the root participants and/or other branch participants in the limited offer. Participants in the limited offer and connections there between may be stored as a limited offer social network graph for use in subsequent marketing efforts. In the absence of social network graph information, participant contact information may be gathered and used to build a social network graph.

Abstract: A method of receiving discounts in exchange for social media advertising for items in a store, including, finding an item of interest at a store by a customer with a mobile device that is configured to execute a discount application; wherein an item code is displayed on or near the item; entering the item code into the mobile device; communicating the item code to a remote server computer to retrieve information about the item; retrieving the information about the item from the server, wherein the information includes one or more discount options that are provided responsive to publication of the item in a social network in which the customer participates; storing the information about the item and the discount options in a list that is accessible by the mobile device.

Abstract: “Self-Service Digital Coupon, Discount Deal and Weekly Ad Publishing and Management Method” is a method or process that in practice is to be used as a software design logic or algorithm, to develop a custom publishing computer software, integrated with a web server and database server for an end to end solution. All solution components for the applied method use an industry standard web server, database server and web development technologies. A user accesses the custom publishing software via a standard web browser, through the web site, to create or manage their digital coupon, discount deal or weekly ad as a self-service solution. This creation and management method uses a pre-built template gallery, eliminating the need for any third party tools, software or human interaction. The integrated web server, database server and custom publishing software process the user requests and instantly publish them to the web site for immediate availability to any internet users.

Abstract: A clearinghouse for electronic coupons is provided to enable retailers to submit electronic coupons for redemption. A clearinghouse for electronic coupons can provide an application programming interface that retailers can use to interface their computer systems, such as a point of sale system, with the clearinghouse. The application programming interface allows retailers to submit electronic coupons for redemption automatically from the retailers' own computer systems thereby minimizing the overhead of accepting and redeeming electronic coupons. The clearinghouse can provide immediate notifications of the validity of a coupon or of the manufacturer's agreement to reimburse the value of the coupon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distributing, generating, and redeeming discount Virtual Coupons™, rebate or gift certificates or the like which may be used on conjunction with a frequency card program or the like. Virtual Coupons™ may be distributed electronically, for example, in the form of a diskette or CD-ROM software. Software on the diskette or CD-ROM may prompt a consumer to call a 1-800 number for a validation number or code. During the phone call, telemarketing personnel may request consumer demographic and or identification information which may be entered into a centralized database. Once the software is validated, a consumer may print out a list selected Virtual Coupons™ displayed on a Graphical User Interface (GUI). When a product is purchased, the UPC code of the product may be compared electronically with a list of Virtual Coupons™ authorized for a particular consumer. An appropriate coupon discount may then be applied and the Virtual Coupon™ may be considered “redeemed”.

Abstract: The present invention relates to generating time relevant content for electronic communications, such as electronic mail (e-mail). The time relevant content is delivered when the electronic communications are acknowledged by the recipient based upon receipt of an electronic indicator, such as a returned request(s), at a home server. In the case of electronic mail, the time relevant content is dynamic, as it is assembled at the time the e-mail is opened, as opposed to the time when the e-mail is sent, as is the case with conventional or static e-mail and other similar electronic communications.

Abstract: A method for a retailer having an Internet shopping website to sell merchandise over the Internet. The method includes using a retailer server computer to manage access to the Internet shopping website of the retailer including providing members access to the Internet shopping website of the retailer via a co-branded Internet site primarily relating to non-retail activities of a first entity, wherein the members are subscribers of the co-branded Internet site. Using the retailer server computer further includes providing members with a discount on any purchases made using the Internet shopping website only when the members access the Internet shopping website via the co-branded Internet site. Providing members with the discount includes taking the discount off a price charged for any purchases made using the Internet shopping website only when the members access the Internet shopping website via the co-branded Internet site.

Abstract: A method includes providing, through an agent executing on a computing platform at a data processing device, a capability to a user of the data processing device to form a group of members. Each of the members is associated with a data processing device coupled to the data processing device forming the group through Internet. The method also includes generating, through the data processing device forming the group, a currency to be distributed across the members as a value exchange token for goods and/or services within the group, and providing a capability to each member to participate in management of the currency within the group. Further, the method includes recording currency transactions within the group through a currency server, and implementing demurrage on the currency to incentivize quick spending on part of the members. The demurrage is associated with a decrease in value of the currency over time.

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: A method of facilitating access to a promotional offer, the method comprising: receiving at a server system a page request from a client device; and sending program code executable in a browser application to the client device in response to the page request, the program code being executable to display at least one promotional offer and a promotional code, to provide a flash object at a display position of the promotional code and, in response to selection of the flash object, to cause the promotional code to be copied to a user-accessible memory of the client device and to open a new browser display of the browser application.

Abstract: Systems, computer-implemented methods, and computer-readable media for a customizable redemption header for merchant offers, such as online coupons, across browser instances are provided. In some embodiments, a user may open a merchant website in a first browser instance executing on a user device. An offers website may provide offers, such as online coupons, in a second browser instance executing on a user device. When a user selects an offer, an offer identifier may be stored in a browser-accessible storage device. The modification to the browser-accessible storage may be detected and a customizable redemption header having an offer redemption identifier, e.g., a coupon code, and instructions may be provided on the merchant webpage in response to the detection. Additionally, the customizable redemption header may provide user feedback requests upon submission of the coupon code.

Abstract: A user of a personal computing device may identify multiple travel items of interest displayed for purchase by a network-based travel service. However, the user may not desire to purchase the travel items in a single purchase. Upon making a travel purchase that includes a first travel item that does not include a second travel item corresponding to the first travel item, the user may employ the network travel package service to search for second travel items corresponding to the first travel item, select from discounted travel packages including the first travel item and second travel items returned from the search, and purchase a discounted travel package. Beneficially, multiple travel items may be purchased separately while obtaining a package discount as compared to the stand-alone price of the travel items.

Abstract: Consumers provide marketers with genuine interest in a particular product, content type or service thereby establishing opportunities to market. Thus, the invention provides a system and a method to produce consumer-defined alerts and notifications about Internet information including a method for modeling consumer interest by tagging such information and aggregating consumer demand for a specific item thereby allowing private one-to-one marketing and aggregated reverse auctions. A method for monitoring and tracking changes to web resources and for managing and tracking the performance of associated marketing programs up to the point of sale. A processes for selection, dynamically storing and aggregating associated alerts data in response to consumer demand, as well as a method of selecting a resource and creating dynamic data to be combined and/or shared with other users.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically generating targeted promotional offers for specific subscribers to an Internet based service. A database that stores details regarding subscriber purchases is accessed for purchased items data relating to a specific subscriber's purchases. This purchased items data is then analyzed to determine the specific subscriber's buying patterns. From this analysis of what the specific subscriber has previously purchased, a suitable item or service is determined to be offered to the specific subscriber to the Internet based service. The promotional offer may be made in conjunction with the gathering of customer or survey feedback data by way of questionnaires.

Abstract: A host system and methods are provided for engaging consumers to interact with at least a sub-set of digital content provided by a third-party client. The client also provides associated user engagement criteria and reward criteria. A user community platform may be defined for engagement, and a user interface and delivery network are established accordingly. The host system engages a user to interact with the user interface, either by proactively inviting user interaction or by receiving a request for interaction with the user interface. The host displays digital content to the user which is selected based on user criteria and the user engagement criteria. Completion of user engagement is confirmed based on the reward criteria, after which access is provided to a predetermined reward. User engagement data is collected by the host in accordance with the engagement criteria and the client is provided access to the user engagement data.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for associating Emotional Motivators with a Product. The Emotional Motivators associated with the Products are correlated with Emotional Motivators associated with a Purchaser. Advice regarding a Purchase may be provided based upon the correlated Emotional Motivators.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to computer-implemented methods, software, and systems for generating and using discount keys associated with a particular sales person in association with sales within an enterprise online store. One example process includes operations for (i) identifying a discount key at a sales system associated with a prospective sale negotiated between a sales person and a prospective customer, (ii) determining at least one item associated with the identified discount key, (iii) determining at least one discount associated with the determined items associated with the identified discount key, (iii) facilitating completion of the prospective sale at the sales system for the prospective customer based on the at least one determined discount associated with the at least one determined item, and (iv) associating the completion of the prospective sale at the sales system with a sales account for the sales person.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for offering a deal to a group of users, and for determining differential discounts for the users of the group that participate in the deal. A deal is offered to users of a group of users formed in association with a corresponding topic. Each user of the group is enabled to selectively accept the deal. The deal is confirmed with a plurality of users of the group that accepted the deal. Discounts for the deal are differentially assigned to the plurality of users based on at least one parameter such that at least two users that accepted the deal have discounts that are different from each other.

Abstract: Techniques, for automatically determining frequent traveler award redemptions by rule are disclosed. The frequent travel award redemption program is encoded in rules using predefined data structures based on fare by rule data structures. The techniques automatically determine a travel itinerary based on a query and the rules. Also included is a graphical user interface that displays a plurality of possible travel options for redemption using a frequent travel award. The rules include fields to determine co-pay options and for calculating mileage purchase options.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and storage mediums for providing multi-media content storage and management services are provided. A method includes, from a single user interface: creating a library of content items, creating at least one other content item that includes an electronic greeting, and associating at least one component of the library with the electronic greeting to form an arrangement. The electronic greeting includes an electronic greeting card and a personalized message. The electronic greeting also includes a gift associated with a unique code. The gift includes one or more of a: music selection, movie, computer game, and video game. The gift is retrievable via electronic download upon entry of the unique code.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods, systems, and technologies leveraging the capabilities of digital device, e-commerce, and social media technologies to expand the product choices and price options available to each purchaser of a product or service, while also increasing the marketing capabilities and general product awareness of creative content in both physical and digital environments.

Abstract: System and method for trackable applications including an application providing unit, a controller, and an incentive tracker. The application providing unit is adapted to send a trackable application upon request. The controller is adapted to receive interactions from the trackable application. The incentive tracker is adapted to select an incentive based on the interaction data. The controller is further adapted to send the selected incentive to the trackable application.

Abstract: There is provided a communication device which has a first communication system that communicates with an external telephone device and a second communication system that communicates with an external computer. The communication device comprises a call unit and a data acquisition unit. The call unit makes a call to a telephone device designated by a user using the first communication system. If a destination of the call unit is decided by the user's designation, a data acquisition unit obtains data corresponding to the destination telephone device using the second communication system. By only making a call operation, the user can obtain the data corresponding to the destination telephone device from the communication device through the computer network which is a different kind of network from the telephone line network. That is, the communication device can reduce user's operations to access related devices over various kinds of networks.

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: The present invention relates to a system and method for providing a coupon by using SNS information or providing a notification message related to the coupon. More specifically, the present invention rotates to a system and method for providing a coupon or providing a notification message to a receiver by inputting an SNS account or a relation of the receiver, or by inputting location information for using the coupon.

Abstract: A retailer computer system receives from a first computing device a shopping recap having data indicative of one or more products that were shown to a customer by the sales associate while the customer was within a retail establishment. The received shopping recap is stored within a data repository where it is linked to a customer identifier that is associated with the customer and an associate identifier that is associated with the sale associate. If the customer later purchases a product, data indicative of the product being purchased is compared against data within any shopping recap that is linked to that customer to determine if a sales associate that is also linked to any shopping recap linked to that customer is to be awarded a commission for the product being purchased. The purchase of the product by the customer may further generate a digital receipt where the digital receipt includes a notice that the customer is being awarded an incentive, such as a coupon.

Abstract: Systems and methods for distributing and activating gift cards and advertising so as to provide a gift card mall in the home of a gift giver are described. The system can include a unitary single-sheet form, a package envelope, an activation system, a delivery system, and a redemption system. The system can also include a publication. A plurality of the forms can be inserted into the package envelope for delivery to the gift giver. The gift giver can select one or more of the gift cards for activation and delivery to a gift recipient. The gift recipient can then redeem the activated gift received from the gift giver for a redemption item sold or provided by a retailer, service provider, or manufacturer. The redemption item can be a good, service, or money. The redemption item can be purchased at an online shopping mall, by telephone, or in a retail store.

Abstract: A method for selling a replacement supply item according to one embodiment includes in response to a scan of an encoded uniform resource identifier provided on a supply item, identifying a product type and a source type of the scanned supply item. A web page specific to the identified product type of the scanned supply item is then displayed that facilitates ordering the replacement supply item. The displayed web page varies depending on the identified source type of the scanned supply item.

Abstract: A host computing device conducts scheduled repetitive searches for a resource to be purchased and delivery according to a specified delivery schedule. A customer provides the host with a description of the resource and provides a specified delivery schedule. The host computing device conducts automated scheduled repetitive searches for the resource, selects a vendor offering the resource based on a criterion (e.g., lowest price), and conducts the respective purchases such that the resources are delivered in accordance with the specified delivery schedule. Here, the resource may be purchased from a first vendor in a first purchase and a second, different vendor in a subsequent second purchase for the resource.

Abstract: A method of providing a service to a customer comprises receiving a request by a customer for an item of content, providing to the customer an option to subscribe to a service for a limited time, if the customer opts to subscribe, then providing the service for the limited time, and if the customer does not opt to subscribe, then not providing the service for the limited time.

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.