Abstract: A computer implemented method for producing a promotion list for a promotion management campaign is described. The method includes assigning one or more promotion instances to the promotions list, and storing the promotion list in an electronic medium.

Abstract: A method for training a ranking application. The method includes ranking the help postings to create an initial ranking using initial parameter values, and storing user interactions with the help postings to obtain stored interactions. Simulations are performed using the stored interactions to generate revised parameter values for the ranking application. Performing the simulations includes calculating relevance values from the stored interactions, creating a test posting, assigning, to the test posting, an initial score and a relevance value randomly selected from the relevance values to generate a test ranking, and simulating user interactions with the test ranking to generate simulated rankings. The simulated rankings are analyzed to obtain revised parameter values. The method further includes ranking, using the revised parameter values, the help postings to generate a revised ranking, and displaying the help postings in the forum according to the revised ranking.

Abstract: An advertisement impression distribution system includes a data processing system operable to generate an allocation plan for serving advertisement impressions. The allocation plan allocates a first portion of advertisement impressions to satisfy guaranteed demand and a second portion of advertisement impressions to satisfy nonguaranteed demand. The data processing system includes an optimizer configured to establish a relationship between the first portion of advertisement impressions and the second portion of advertisement impressions. The relationship defines a range of proportions of allocation of the first portion and the second portion. The optimizer generates a solution maximizing guaranteed demand fairness, non-guaranteed demand revenue, and click value. The solution identifies a determined proportion of the first portion of advertisement impressions to serve and a determined proportion of the second portion of advertisement impressions to serve.

Abstract: An advertisement impression distribution system includes a data processing system operable to generate an allocation plan for serving advertisement impressions. The allocation plan allocates a first portion of advertisement impressions to satisfy guaranteed demand and a second portion of advertisement impressions to satisfy non-guaranteed demand. The data processing system includes an optimizer to establish a relationship between the first portion and the second portion. The relationship defines a range of possible proportions of allocation of the first portion and the second portion. The optimizer generates indicia in accordance with maximizing guaranteed demand fairness or representativeness, maximizing non-guaranteed revenue, and minimizing under-delivery penalties, where the indicia indentifies a determined proportion of the first portion to serve and a determined proportion of the second portion to serve.

Abstract: An advertisement impression distribution system includes a data processing system operable to generate an allocation plan for serving advertisement impressions. The allocation plan allocates a first portion of advertisement impressions to satisfy guaranteed demand and a second portion of advertisement impressions to satisfy non-guaranteed demand. The data processing system includes an optimizer, the optimizer to establish a relationship between the first portion of advertisement impressions and the second portion of advertisement impressions. The relationship defines a range of possible proportions of allocation of the first portion of advertisement impressions and the second portion of advertisement impressions. The optimizer generates a solution in accordance with an uncertain supply of advertisement impressions, in which a projected supply of advertisement impressions is determined with a model from the uncertain supply of advertisement impressions.

Abstract: Example methods, systems and tangible machine readable instructions for social network and location based advocacy with neurological feedback are disclosed. An example the method includes detecting a location of a consumer and identifying an advocate in a social network of the consumer. The advocate being a person connected with the consumer in the social network. The example method also includes selecting advocacy material based on the location and the advocate. In addition, the example method includes obtaining neuro-response data from the consumer while or after the consumer is exposed to the advocacy material and determining an effectiveness of the advocacy material based on the neuro-response data.

Abstract: A graphical user interface for displaying internet advertising metrics and comparisons of internet advertising metrics is provided. The graphical user interface comprises a trending display area that displays a plurality of trending graphs in the same viewable area. Each trending graph displays a different internet advertising metric and is configured to display a plurality of internet advertising trending comparisons. As well, a detail display area displays a detail view of at least one of the trending graphs. The detail view is in the same viewable area as the plurality of trending graphs.

Abstract: The present invention is a system of real-time tracking one or more transactions that includes a server system that generates one or more offers and allows the one or more offers entered into the server system to track performance of the entered one or more offers, a memory system, one or more customers that enter the one or more specific offer numbers into the server system and one or more customers. The system also includes one or more merchants, an administrator, a token generator that generates a plurality of tokens and a plurality of websites that include a customer website and a merchant website. The present invention also includes a method for real-time tracking one or more transactions.

Abstract: The present invention provides techniques which can be viewed as natural experiments in online advertising. Techniques are provided in which online advertising information is used in obtaining experimental information for measuring or estimating an impact of a variable such as a user-advertisement relationship, such as advertisement targeting, on performance of an advertisement, such as may be measured using conversation rates, click through rates, or other metrics. Techniques are provided that include use of a difference-in-differences technique, including use of performance information relating to performance of two different advertisements relative to a treatment group and a control group.

Abstract: A process identifies multiple campaign activation points associated with a voice-based menu hierarchy such that the voice-based menu hierarchy is accessed by multiple callers. The process continues by identifying a campaign associated with the voice-based menu hierarchy and determining a campaign value associated with the campaign. Additionally, the process determines an opt-in rate associated with the campaign and determines a likelihood that callers will reach each campaign activation point. A score associated with the campaign is then calculated for each campaign activation point.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for verifying content distribution authority. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a request for broadcast content for a broadcast feed from a requestor. In response to the request, specifying verification content for inclusion in the broadcast feed, the verification content being scheduled for presentation at a specified time. The broadcast feed is monitored for presentation of the verification content at the specified time. In turn, a determination is made whether the verification content was presented by the broadcast feed at the specified time. In response to determining that the verification content was presented by the broadcast feed at the specified time, the requestor is verified as an entity having content distribution authority over the broadcast feed.

Abstract: A system includes an interface to receive a request associated with a third party at a financial service provider from a network-based device associated with a user. The request includes an identifier that identifies an offer. The system further includes a revenue share application configured to determine whether the transaction involves a plurality of third parties and to determine a payment share for each party of the plurality of third parties based on the transaction involving the plurality of third parties. A payment transfer module transfers the payment share from an account of the user to each account associated with each party of the plurality of third parties.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining consumer information from an advertising display computer (ADC) located at a plurality of advertising locations is disclosed. In one example, the method comprises the acts of displaying a plurality of advertisements on the ADC, capturing at least one image at the plurality of advertising locations, the at least one image including an image of at least one person, determining at least one impression from the image of at least one person, detecting facial recognition information from the image associated with the at least one impression, storing impression information and the facial recognition information associated with the at least one impression, and associating the impression information and the facial recognition information with one of the plurality of advertisements displayed on the ADC.

Abstract: Techniques are provided in which an advertisement basket application is provided to a user, such as a mobile user, through which the user can store advertisements, including promotions or coupons, as the user enters or encounters them online. Stored advertisements may include advertisements that are or are incorporated into applications with which the user may interact over time. Upon detection of a triggering condition or conditions indicating a potential use of a stored advertisement, an electronic alert is provided to the user. User interaction with stored advertisements is tracked and used in measuring advertisement performance, which may include brand engagement value.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium, including providing a method for receiving a request for content from a user device; transmitting a content item for display on the user device responsive to the request; wherein the content item includes contact information associated with a sponsor and instructions to obscure at least a portion of the contact information when the content item is first displayed on the user device; receiving an indication that a user has displayed complete contact information; and logging the indication.

Abstract: In response to a query for information in a geographic region or at a location, ranked ads may be plotted on, or in association with, a map (e.g., as a list beside the map), satellite photo, or any other form of visual representation of geographic information (referred to generally as “maps”). Sponsored ads might be shown in a dedicated place and/or might be elevated above other non-sponsored search results (e.g., Yellow Page listings). The number of ads shown in the list and/or plotted on the map could vary as a function of the resolution of the map or geographic image. The ads could be ranked or scored, and attributes or features of various ads may be a function of such a score or ranking. The plots on the map might be selectable to provide a pop-up with further information and possibly sponsored information (such as images, further ads, etc).

Abstract: Mobile advertising on personal cellular telecommunications devices includes an initial Level 0 Interactive Display Message (IDM) having a content precursor for requesting additional content with or without a visual advertising component. Level 0 IDMs may be displayed as part of a user initiated client application or automatically replacing an idle screen. Mobile advertising can optionally include one or more Level 1 Advertisement Display Messages (ADMs) including text, graphics, video, and the like. Level 1 ADMs may be interactive or not.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for analyzing actions performed by users referred to a target site from particular referring sites or groups thereof, and for using the results of such analyses to select particular items to recommend to users. The referring sites may, for example, be affiliate sites that refer users to a merchant site in accordance with an affiliate marketing program.

Abstract: Systems and methods to identify a viewer's reactions to an advertisement. A viewer's personal computing platforms (e.g., personal computer, cell phone, etc.), for example, may be utilized to identify user actions. Actions identified through such devices may validate that an advertisement was viewed and acted upon. After an advertisement is presented, the viewer may take any of several actions. A viewer may browse for the advertised product, either online or in a physical store. The viewer may ultimately purchase the advertised product. The user may share information about the product with friends. The reaction of the viewer may be monitored, by capturing context data associated with activity performed using the viewer's personal computing platforms for example. This data may then be correlated with metadata regarding the advertisement.

Abstract: In a method for delivering targeted television advertisements based on online behavior, IP addresses indicating online access devices and IP addresses indicating television set-top boxes are electronically associated for a multitude of users. Using user profile information derived from online activity from one of the online access IP addresses, a television advertisement is selected, such as by using behavioral targeting or demographic information, and automatically directed to the set-top box indicated by the set-top IP address associated with that online access IP address. Preferably neither the user profile information nor the electronic association of online access and set-top box IP addresses includes personally identifiable information.

Abstract: Direct mail campaigns for a plurality of vendors are included in a rewards program. The corresponding mailers have a distinctive identifier visible from the outside of the mailer and a unique code inside the mailer that is not visible from the outside of the mailer. Recipients of the mailers submit the corresponding unique codes to a rewards program implementer that tracks recipients' responses to the mailers and rewards the recipients for promoted activities.

Abstract: A system for offering mobile location based advertisements based on a pay for performance method is presented. The system serves and tracks advertisements and business locations searched and viewed by a user, and can determine if the user visited the business location and performed a transaction at the location in a specified timeframe of the advertisement. The advertising costs are determined based on cost per action models such as a cost per visit (CPV) or a cost per transaction (CPT). Additionally, a system to verify user visits, advertisement codes and transactions in a local business environment is presented, which can also be used for sending an electronic receipt of the transaction to the user's mobile device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for dynamically incorporating advertising content into multimedia environments, such as games, are provided. Example embodiments include a dynamic inserter, which selects content, based upon a set of criteria, to deliver to a receiving client system, such as a game client. The receiving client system typically dynamically determines locations within the game where advertisements are desirably inserted. Associated with these locations are ad tags that specify criteria for the ads including, for example ad type, ad genre, and scheduling information, which are sent by the client system to the dynamic inserter to select appropriate ads. The dynamic inserter selects ads based upon the criteria and sends them to the client system, which selects them for ad tags with conforming criteria. The client system then renders the selected ad in the appropriate location.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for providing television advertisements while a viewing device is tuning to a channel. In one aspect, a viewing device, in response to receiving a signal to tune to a channel, selects advertisement data for an advertisement from a data storage device storing advertisement data for one or more advertisements, and generates a video signal when tuning to the channel, the video signal generated only for the duration that the viewing device is tuning to the channel and for displaying on the television device, and the video signal causing the advertisement to be displayed on the television device.

Abstract: Effective virtual reality environments including in-store virtual reality environments such as supermarket aisles, store shelves, cooler displays, etc. are generated using frameworks and customer layout information. Marketing materials are integrated with the virtual reality environment while introducing imperfections and/or other cues of realism to create a virtual reality environment representation. Imperfections may include misaligned marketing materials, product label blemishes, packages placed slightly askew, etc. Sensory experiences output to the user via the virtual reality environment representation elicit interactivity with a user and user movements, motions, and responses are used to evaluate the effectiveness of the marketing materials and/or the virtual reality environment representations.

Abstract: Campaign creation systems and methods for building taxonomy based targeted search advertising campaigns in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. One embodiment of the invention includes obtaining source data describing a plurality of landing pages, obtaining a list of keywords using the campaign creation server system, where the list of keywords comprises keyword component, building a taxonomy using the source data and the initial list of keywords, where the taxonomy uniquely maps the plurality of landing pages to categories and attributes and maps the keyword components to the categories and attributes, mapping keywords to relevant offers based on the taxonomy, automatically generating adgroups based on the offers and relevant keywords, where each adgroup includes a landing page, at least one creative and at least one keyword, and deploying the adgroups to a search engine provider.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the present invention relate to method, system and apparatus for presenting advertising on a mobile device within mobile device applications running thereon, collecting a user's response to the advertising, and distributing the responses to advertisers.

Abstract: Targeted advertisements to social contacts is described. In embodiment(s), social contacts can be correlated based on messaging interactions between mobile communication devices that are associated with the social contacts. Feedback about an advertisement can be received from mobile communication devices that are associated with the social contacts, and the advertisement can then be targeted to one or more of the social contacts based on the feedback about the advertisement.

Abstract: A method and system for initiating an incident-specific request for assistance from a citizen call station by touching a sequence of positions on a display screen. The citizen call station comprises a display having a touch-responsive mechanism for entering a call sequence of statements including initiating an alert, reporting a concern, and selecting help needed. A transmission mechanism for transmitting the call sequence to a control location is provided. A confirmation of the request, sent from the control location, may be received at the call station. The call station may also deliver information from a central location. The call station may include cameras, various sensors, two-way communications, and may be used to provide information on demand, outside of the normal security concerns.

Abstract: A system and method for providing targeted content to a surfer is disclosed. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention seek to provide novel solutions for determining which content object, taken from a group of content objects, will be best suited for presentation in association with a link on a web page that has been requested by a certain surfer. Exemplary types of content objects may comprise the text, topic, font, color or other attribute of an external advertisement or internal advertisement. Still other content objects may comprise the specific design of the object, an image, the design of the page in which the object is presented, etc. The decision process for selecting a content object can be based on predictive information that is associated with the request, such as a common HTTP request, or historical information about the surfer.

Abstract: The invention relates to traffic flow monitoring devices. The system includes stationary traffic monitoring points that includes reading devices to receive data from electronic tag located on a vehicle, and is connected to a remote server that includes a database of vehicles and associated electronic tags, and their owners. The stationary traffic monitoring points are in the form of autonomous small-sized computer devices with a cellular communication module, and includes automatic devices for photo-video-radar recording and for processing information about vehicles and traffic situation, and with automatic software tools for determining the parameters of the vehicles, traffic laws and for comparing them with the permissible parameters for the particular road section.

Abstract: A method and system for storing ad campaign information and allowing ad buyers and ad sellers access to that information the method performed in a computer system having one or more processors executing a unique set of instructions stored in system memory, the method including providing an ad buyer interface to allow an ad buyer to enter ad campaign information and providing an ad seller interface to allow an ad seller to view ad campaign information and to submit a proposal to participate in an ad campaign.

Abstract: A method of delivering content and advertisers ems to a viewer, wherein the advertisement are determined by user preferences. The content and advertisements are associated such that a content provider or advertiser can determine statics regarding their content or advertisements. Such statistics can include how many time the contest or ads were viewed, who viewed It, what was the revenue or cost associated with the view, which content was viewed with which ads, and how did the content or advertisement rate.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and media for executing and optimizing the performance of online marketing initiatives are provided herein. Methods may include the steps of receiving input corresponding to one or more marketing initiatives, each of the one or more online marketing initiatives including at least one entry asset, generating one or more online marketing initiatives from the received input, providing the one or more online marketing initiatives to one or more presentation servers for publishing the one or more marketing initiative to one or more platforms, receiving tracking data for at least one of the one or more marketing initiatives, comparing the tracking data to one or more performance metrics to determine the performance of the at least one marketing initiative, and storing at least one of the tracking data and the performance metric in a database coupled to at least one of the web server and the one or more presentation servers.

Abstract: Tracking data communications are received for single properties that include ambiguous event statistics. The event statistics are disambiguated by an analytics processing system by identifying account and visitor identifier pairs from account identifiers and visitor identifiers in the tracking data communications. For each account and visitor identifier pair, ambiguous event statistics are ordered by the corresponding event times and disambiguated.

Abstract: Example methods involve based on a first request to log a first media impression, generating a first identifier associated with a first client device that generated the first request, and sending a communication to the first client device. The communication includes the first identifier, and the communication is to cause the first client device to send the first identifier associated with the first client device to a database proprietor in association with a cookie identifier of the first client device. Second media impressions are logged in association with the first identifier of the first client device and second identifiers associated with second client devices based on second requests received from the first and second client devices. A batch including the second media impressions and the first and second identifiers is sent to the database proprietor. Demographic information associated with the second media impressions is received from the database proprietor.

Abstract: Advertisements are selected from a plurality of advertisements and associated with an advertisement environment in a document. Document advertisement request code that is configured to issue an advertisement request for one of the selected advertisements for presentation in the advertisement environment is stored in the document.

Abstract: According to various aspects, a method and system provides a collaborative platform comprising performing a collaborative interactive session for a plurality of members, wherein some or all of the plurality of members interact from different human interaction platforms.

Abstract: A technique for determining the effectiveness of an offer includes analyzing views, clicks, acceptances and satisfactions of the offer. Transaction data is retrieved to determine whether criteria of the offer has been satisfied. As a result, a total cost per transaction may be determined for an advertisement campaign that incorporates the offer. Further, detailed queries may be issued to identify areas in which the offer needs improvement.

Abstract: How can one be sure that marketing ads displayed on a PC are seen by the end user and not blocked by any internet pop-up blocker? How can one distribute prompt messages across an enterprise network without using email or internet explorer pop-ups? The desktop ads and messages display process concerns displaying ads of messages on the end user's desktop, detecting end user activity, and responding the various local events on the PC. The process will allow marketing ads to run on a computer without using internet pop-up windows. It will also allow display ads based on contextual information, like specific time of day or a specific PC end user action.

Abstract: A data processing system includes a distributing device that distributes edited advertisement data and display terminal devices that display the edited advertisement data distributed to a first place in a predetermined territory. The display terminal devices are each provided with a first reader/writer configured to read out from and/or write in an IC card having stored memory identification data. The data processing system also includes a second reader/writer configured to read out from and/or write in an IC card. The data processing system also includes a hysteresis management device that manages hysteresis data HD1, HD2 from the first reader/writer, correlated with the memory identification data, and hysteresis data HD1 from the second reader/writer, correlated with the memory identification data. The data processing system further includes a hysteresis analysis device that correlates the hysteresis data HD1, HD2 for each of the memory identification data to generate analysis data.

Abstract: A plurality of pay-per-click listings is retrieved based on a search query. For each pay-per-click listing, a rank value is calculated that is based at least in part on a performance score and a maximum bid, thereby generating a calculated rank value. The plurality of pay-per-click listings is ordered based at least in part on the calculated rank value. A cost is determined associated with each of the plurality of pay-per-click listings.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a software facility performs a method of automated specification of models, estimation of elasticities, and discovery of drivers using the framework(s) discussed elsewhere herein is provided. The facility first obtains the client, business, and/or brand goals in terms of profit optimization, volume or revenue goals, acquisition of new customers, retention of customers, share of wallet and upsell. In conjunction with these goals, the facility obtains cross-section meta-data related to the planning time horizon, markets, geographies, channels of trade and customer segments. In combination, the goals and meta-data define the structure of the data stack and the number of demand generation equations that are needed.

Abstract: A system provides a unified way for a user to manage a number of separate online advertising accounts. A simple and secure web page accessible through an ordinary web browser is used to both control and receive data from the separate accounts. The user can alter aspects of the various accounts (bid amount per click, etc.) and these changes will be relayed to the individual accounts. The system also includes a “ticker” application that operates constantly on the user's personal computer and displays selected online data in a separate window that can quickly be brought to the front and checked as needed. The system also provides visual or audible alarms when the data from the online accounts indicate that certain preset threshold have been passed. The system also provides the user with a variety of custom reports enabling the user to better control and exploit online advertising.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for ranking vendors by combining quantitative and qualitative characteristics of a third-party ad. The claimed method commences by storing a third-party internet ad, the third-party internet ad for hosting within a server in a third-party network, then measuring a latency score of the third-party network. Then monitoring the user's behavior to measure or calculate a click-through rate (CTR) score of the third-party internet ad, and additionally processing a quality score of the third-party internet ad for use in combining the latency score, the CTR score, and the quality score to form a reputation score. The reputation score is calculated using a coefficient of correlation for the quality score, and a coefficient of correlation for the latency score and a coefficient of correlation of the CTR score. The highest possible weight is given to the quality score while retaining maximum sensitivity to changes in latency and/or CTR scores.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for direct marketing comprising establishing a first communications link between a prospective customer using a device having a unique identification number and a communications device, automatically transmitting the unique identification number associated with the prospective customer's device to the communications device, establishing a second communications link between the communication device and a computer operably connected to a tangible memory apparatus having a prospective customer database comprising prospective customer information associated with the unique identification number of the prospective customer's device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spawning and management of online surveys is provided. An administration and redirector subsystem (ARS) is used manage ongoing surveys for a plurality of sites. Surveys can be added to or removed from individual sites using the ARS. The ARS also tracks statistics for individual surveys. Redirector tags invite users to participate in surveys and track user survey participation through cookies. The system can be used to conduct advertisement effectiveness studies. Tracker tags and corresponding cookies are used to track users who have viewed content containing the tag. Each study is issued a unique content tag, but uses the same redirector tag.

Abstract: Systems, methods and articles of manufacture for a computerized advertising analysis tool for identifying and/or predicting the effect of future external events on the viewership and effectiveness of an advertising campaign. The system access and analyzes data regarding past events and viewership data to determine the past effect on viewership. The system then accesses analyzes future events to predict and estimate the effect of the future events on the advertising campaign based on the analysis of past events and viewership data. An advertiser may then use this information to evaluate the advertising campaign, allowing the advertiser to modify or negotiate the proper pricing for the advertising campaign.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided, in an online advertising marketplace including publishers, advertisers and data providers, for allocating or partitioning, or automatically allocating or partitioning, advertiser payment, in connection with a purchase of advertising inventory, between a publisher and one or more data providers. Techniques are provided that seek to efficiently and fairly allocate the payment between the parties, taking into account value provided, such as by utilizing Shapley values. Provided techniques may also include efficiently or optimally integrating, facilitating, selecting or automating connections or arrangements between parties within the marketplace.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, computer program products, systems, and devices, including a method, performed by execution of computer readable program code on one or more processing-based devices, that includes receiving data relating to past customer activities by at least one customer, receiving data relating to future events available to a plurality of customers, and determining data relating to promotion of opportunities corresponding to the future events to be presented to the at least one customer based on the data relating to the past customer activities by the at least one customer and on the data relating to the future events available to the plurality of customers.