Abstract: A system is disclosed for messaging over a data network, such as the Internet and interactive TV, which allows every registered user to generate and update one or more user portfolio(s) containing information relative to Providers and/or individuals of which the user is willing to view their messages. The messages are displayed inside the space of the webpage where usually banners are shown. The system may provided benefits to the user upon displaying messages with commercial value to him. The disclosed messaging system allows an easy and effective communication path between providers and users any time publicly or privately in the banner area of a web site, which does not occupy additional space on the user's browser, and does not require the user to load another application besides his browser.

Abstract: A communications-enabled packaged product allows a consumer to partake of communications within a product-centric network. The packaged product performs the functions of a communications node in the network. The packaged product may include two portions, one portion being a reactive label which may be affixed to the packaging and a second part being a “smart communications card” that is separate from the packaging and portable. Each part includes a communications element and an information storage and retrieval element and may include various means for downloading and uploading information into the storage and retrieval elements. In one aspect of its use, the invention allows the consumer to transmit and receive information about the product. In another aspect of its use, the invention allows the consumer to carry information about other similarly enabled products in their possession for use in shopping trips.

Abstract: A method for promoting an electronic database-driven gift registry includes issuing one or more database access keys to an organization having one or more members, and providing an incentive for the one or more members to register with the gift registry by initializing respective of the database access keys with a database associated with the gift registry. The method further includes awarding a first award to the one or more members who register with a gift registry, and awarding a second award to the organization for each of the one or more members who register with the gift registry.

Abstract: A system and method for performing single-action returns of remotely purchased merchandise is provided. The system preferably includes at least one server and at least one client coupled via a network. The server is preferably operable to identify the user of the client system and retrieve a transaction listing for the identified user. The client system preferably displays the transaction listing to the user and allows the user to perform a single action to select transactions and/or merchandise for returns processing. In response to the single action performed, the server system preferably initiates and completes a returns process based upon stored user preferences for such returns. The returns process can include returning merchandise to the retailer from which it was purchased, auctioning the unwanted merchandise, notifying a shipping agent of the return as well as other return procedures.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system, method and server to assist account issuers in managing risk, fraud and unauthorized use. A system, method and server for use in pushing advanced warning alerts to issuers based on consumer data element level triggering events and fraud and unauthorized use reports is disclosed. The ability to the push the alerts to issuers with a permissible purpose for receiving the information in the alerts provides a real-time, online and cost effective way of providing issuers with valuable risk management tools.

Abstract: A system and method for providing return labels for remotely purchased merchandise. The system and method include the use of a web access tool (such as a web browser) and a web server to receive, from a customer associated with the web access tool, a request to initiate returns processing. The request is then correlated with return rules of a merchant, and the return is processed according to one or more of the return rules. The return rules can determine various return processes, such as validation of the return, notification to the merchant, crediting of the customer's account, and/or disposition of the returned item.

Abstract: There are provided a system and a method for intermediating an on-line advertisement.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and apparatuses for generating toxicology reports. Using the methods and apparatus disclosed herein, physicians can more easily understand toxicological lab test results. Physicians receive a toxicology report that explains, in plain language, the toxicological lab test results. A rules engine provides rules for interpreting the toxicological lab test results. Detailed explanations are associated with the rules, and the explanations appear on the toxicology report. The toxicology report greatly reduces the need for the physician to call the toxicology scientist.

Abstract: Information pertaining to products made by manufacturers and sold to consumers through retailers, is distributed to consumers through a communication network that connects consumer communication nodes to a cooperative network site having an accumulation of information about manufacturer product offers and retailer special deals. A consumer can obtain selected items of this information without knowledge of how to reach the cooperative network site, by simply logging in to a manufacturer network site or to a retailer network site. At a manufacturer site, the consumer can obtain a list of local retailers carrying the manufacturer offers and can then select from among the offers and receive complete details of the selected offers. At a retailer site, the consumer can obtain a list of manufacturer offers available at the retailer stores in the consumer's area, and can then select from among the available offers and receive their complete details.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for visualizing and analyzing spectrum assets. License, channel, and lease data from a communications authority is collected and formatted into individual polygon maps. The maps could be drawn according to county or state boundaries, or by some other mapping standard. The maps are then divided and redrawn into several market service areas and several basic trading areas. The maps are also divided and redrawn according to the bandwidth spectrum of one or more channels. Since the maps are drawn with several different boundary conditions, the layout of all of the maps result in some maps being partially overlaid onto other maps for the same region. These regions containing partially overlaid maps are redefined as superblocks. Each superblock contains all of the data from each overlaid map portion for that particular region.

Abstract: A method and system to schedule delivery of items of content selectively to online users are described. Expected values relating to each user being online is determined during a given time period. An ordered list of the items of content to be selectively delivered to the users is generated based on the expected values. The ordered list may be prioritized to meet delivery requirements associated with the items of content.

Abstract: A system and method for providing return labels for remotely purchased merchandise, via the Internet. The method begins with receiving, from a customer, a request to initiate return processing, via a web access tool (such as a web browser) associated with the customer. Return information (such as identification of a transaction relating the item to be returned and identification of the customer) is displayed at the web access tool. Return-related data, such as a selection of a return item, is received from the customer via the web access tool. This information is used to generate a return label, which may be downloaded to the customer for printing.

Abstract: The specification describes a method for realizing revenue streams for computer manufacturers apart from hardware sales. More particularly, the specification discloses a method where personal computers are configured such that each user has an individual login capability, and each user may experience a different desktop theme and related overall customization. The end-user may select a particular theme, and each theme is based on the goods and/or services of a sponsor of that theme. The computer manufacturer realizes revenue initially for enabling the end -user to select particular themes, but also realizes a revenue for end-users selecting themes. Further, the specification discloses a method where computer manufacturers realize revenue by generation of internet traffic to, and electronic-commerce on, a sponsor's internet sites.

Abstract: A management system for managing a short message service (SMS) aggregation platform and providing advertising content to mobile communication device customers.

Abstract: A method for information delivery is disclosed. The method includes directing the display of a multimedia presentation in a first screen segment. The multimedia presentation is associated with a reference tag descriptive of an aspect thereof. An information link corresponding to the reference tag in a second screen segment is generated. The information link is contextually related to the multimedia presentation in accordance with the reference tag. Thereafter, a selection input of the information link is received from one of the viewers while mitigating obstruction of the displaying of the multimedia presentation. The selected information link and the identity of the viewer are associated as a marker.

Abstract: A method of implementing a product and/or service promotion membership program, comprising the steps of: enrolling at least one business to participate in the membership program; obtaining personal information from a consumer; contacting the consumer to: obtain confirmation that the consumer desires to participate in the membership program; and obtain information about the consumer's interest in products or services provided by the participating business; and periodically providing information to the consumer concerning a promotion available to the consumer at the participating business.

Abstract: Customized item that is usable on both a website as an item in a virtual world, and outside the website as a tangible item in the real world is provided and described. One single customization is used to create both items. The item can be the same in the virtual world as it is in the virtual world, or can be different in the virtual world.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for creating a program for delivery to a client in a video time shifting architecture. The system of the present comprises an advertisement selection system (ADS) operative to select one or more advertisements and transmit one or more identifiers that uniquely identify the selected advertisements and an advertisement management system (AMS) operative to generate a playlist that identifies content. The playlist includes a user requested time shifted program and the one or more selected advertisements. A video server is operative to interpret the playlist and deliver the content to the user.

Abstract: Disclosed is an internet traffic monitoring method. In the method, a first packet, sent from a user client, having a web content request meeting certain monitoring selection criteria is detected. Upon detection of the first packet, a second packet is forwarded to the user client. The second packet has a redirection with a fabricated web content request to a monitoring web page including at least one monitoring implement.

Abstract: An observation program residing within a processor receives and detects content which includes at least one term. The detected term(s) is then removed from the content, and is replaced by inserting a hyperlink relating to the term(s) while applying replacement rules to the content. The processor replaces the term(s) using an automatically generated designator string which includes a user identification associated with a recipient of the content. The observed content including the hyperlink is provided to a client device for presentation to a recipient.

Abstract: A user can visit a website hosted by a web server, sign up with the website, and during signup the user can provide demographic information. That demographic information or a portion thereof can be provided to a promoter server which determines whether that demographic information matches criteria established by third party entities seeking to obtain acceptance of offers from users matching the established criteria. If matching, the promoter server provides an opportunity for the user to accept the matching offer(s). Responsive to receiving an indication of acceptance, the promoter server provides a form to collect information from the user. The information provided by the user in the form can be verified by the promoter server and ultimately provided to the third-party entity responsible for that offer. The promoter server can determine whether the user has already accepted a matching offer and exclude an already accepted offer from being presented again.

Abstract: One embodiment of the disclosures made herein is a method for facilitating mediated communication. In such an embodiment of the disclosures made herein, a voice-based communication request transmitted from a first communication device is received by a mediation system. The voice based communication request is requesting voice-based communication between the first communication device and a second communication device. In response to receiving the request for voice-based communication, a capability of the first communication device for communicating via a prescribed text messaging protocol is determined. Facilitating presentation of a text messaging follow-through action at the second communication device is performed in response to determining that the first communication device is capable of communicating via the prescribed text messaging protocol.

Abstract: An apparatus of playing casino game has presentation means for presenting an affiliate advertisement, control means for transmitting personal information of users to a sever of the affiliate advertisement and obtaining a point which is compensation, execution means for getting a user to execute a casino game with the point as stakes, means for searching and extracting an advertisement to which a user can respond out of the affiliate advertisements when the point becomes a predetermined value or lower during execution of the game, and means for instructing to collectively transmit personal information of a user regarding all extracted affiliate advertisements.

Abstract: Methods for distributing content, which may include requesting a download of particular content; wherein the particular content is combined with additional content not specifically requested; storing the particular content and the additional content in a user's content play device; receiving a user request to play the particular content; determining whether the additional content has expired; if it is not determined that the additional content has expired, in response to user request to play the particular content, playing the particular content on the content play device and the additional content; and if it is determined that the additional content has expired, in response to user request to play the particular content, playing the particular content on the content play device without playing the additional content. Also described are systems for providing content and devices for playing content and various other embodiments.

Abstract: A system and method for updating digital content are provided. The system and method of the present disclosure enable updating of content on digital media by dynamically presenting specialized selected content from a global computer network, e.g., the Internet, or other stored digital medium. The system and method provide for reading at least one identifier of at least one media content; transmitting the at least one identifier to a remote server; receiving at least one indication of updated supplemental content related to the at least one media content from the remote server; and presenting the received at least one indication to a user. In one embodiment, the at least one indication is a menu of at least one selectable item. The at least one item may be a movie preview, a movie segment, a web page, an ecommerce website, a product preview, a document or an audio file.

Abstract: A wireless communication device declares one of a plurality of extended instant messaging states and transmits the declared states to a presence information server. Declared extended instant messaging states for destination devices are received, and an enhanced instant message based on declared extended instant messaging states is generated.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to improve the relevancy of rendered advertising material to one or more consumers based on user-defined preferences, geolocation, and user-granted permission. The present invention achieves this through the presentation of exemplary methods for: i) the consolidation of advertisement information to include description, inventory, price, quantity and geolocation information of one or more merchants in a commerce network; ii) the delivery of relevant advertising material to one or more consumers using preference filters that can specify one or more merchants, merchant locations, products and services, and/or regions of interest at any time; and, iii) the presentation of location-based advertisements that are based on consumer-based permission and preference filters. These methods improve the user-targeting, geographic and time relevancy of advertisements by connecting merchants with relevant consumers who are looking to purchase items at that point in time.

Abstract: A system, method and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium are disclosed for processing coupons. A system configured to practice the method transmits an advertisement to a mobile device of a user after the user registers to receive advertisements, wherein the advertisement is associated with an identification card of the user and a coupon, activates the coupon based on an acceptance via a user interaction with the mobile device, other than a telephone call, to yield an activated coupon, receives an indication at a point of sale device of a purchase using the identification card, wherein the mobile device is different from the point of sale device, and applies a discount to the purchase according to the activated coupon. Thus, a user can redeem the coupon by simply purchasing using the identification card without presenting a separate physical coupon. The coupon can be applied in substantially real time or after the transaction.

Abstract: A method of host development is based on paying the writer of free content through advertising revenue sharing. Steps include receiving an advertisement, which is paid content, from an advertiser; receiving non-paid content subject to a condition that the provider may receive no compensation for the non-paid content; combining the paid content and the non-paid content on a content page; registering a user to interact with the content page; sending the content page for display on a computer operated by the user; calculating a number equaling all interactions of the user with the paid content; receiving payment from the advertiser for said number; and paying the provider based on a fraction of the payment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system or web site for advertising on the internet. The web site comprises a web based server in communication with the internet. The web-site further comprises an advertiser module adapted to receive advertising campaign entered by an advertiser, including a DISPLAY AD and a MESSAGE AD. The advertiser module further comprises a location module having a set of code configured so the advertiser can select a publisher's website to place the DISPLAY AD. The advertiser module further comprises a message module having a first set of code configured to serve an advertiser host web page to the internet surfer upon activation of the DISPLAY AD by the internet surfer. The advertiser host page comprises a first portion having a message box and a second portion displaying the web page of the advertiser corresponding to the URL address entered by the advertiser. The message box comprises first and second a message fields and cell phone number field.

Abstract: The demand aggregation system includes deal room sponsored by a third party host. The third party host facilitates commercial transactions between a plurality of buyers and at least one seller. In exchange for sponsorship of such a deal room, the third party host can receive an incentive such as a percentage of sales, seller discount or the like. Furthermore, mechanisms are provided to aid discovery of sellers and/or offers that can be included in a group buying event for a buying group. The buying group receives a greater discount as the total purchase amount in the group buying event increases.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method of developing a financial transaction data profile. Financial instruments are received as images, where the financial instruments include transactional data. The transactional data is extracted from the financial instruments and uploaded to a computer. The transactional data is organized so that the transactional data is grouped into categories. The categories are stored for presentation to the user in a financial transaction profile.

Abstract: A consumer-oriented commerce facilitation (COCF) server provides a service that enables a provider to establish a provider profile and enables a consumer to establish a consumer profile. The service accesses a provider profile database and a consumer profile and provides a COCF client application that enables the consumer to maintain: preferred provider information, consumer list information indicating products associated with the consumer, payment account information indicating sources of payment for a purchase transaction, and community information identifying members of a consumer community members. The application enables a consumer to access a preferred provider user interface (UI) that provides links to storefront UIs. The UI enables the consumer to browse and purchase products offered by the provider.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for specifying and obtaining services through audio commands, resulting in a live conversation between a user and a selected service provider using an audio-transmission medium (the telephone). A service seeker locates a service provider by entering a keypad code corresponding to a field of service or by speaking the name of a profession, which is recognized by the system. The seeker can then specify, via voice or keypad entry, a price range, quality rating, language, and keyword descriptors of the service provider, such as a service provider code number. In response, the system offers currently available service providers. Once an available service provider is selected, the system connects the service seeker with the service provider for a live conversation. The system bills the seeker for the time spent conversing with the service provider and compensates the service provider accordingly.

Abstract: Graphical visual representations of electronic business cards may be generated from associated contact file information. Electronic business cards may be sent and received over digital media. Contacts information associated with received electronic business cards may be used for adding to or updating information contained in a recipient's electronic contact files.

Abstract: Targeted advertising is disclosed. Advertiser-set targeted consumer advertising is saved with interest, location, and time as selection parameters for the targeted consumer. Immediate consumer-triggered interest information is received from a client apparatus of a consumer, and location information determining the present location of the client apparatus is also received. The immediate consumer-triggered interest information indicates immediate interest of the consumer in some good and/or service and/or brand and resulting from consumer interaction with a user interface of the client apparatus. It is searched, in response to receiving the immediate consumer triggered interest information, for such advertiser-set targeted consumer advertising whose interest selection parameter matches the interest information, whose location selection parameter matches the location information, and whose time selection parameter matches the present time.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for providing location based promotions and feedback services on communications networks are disclosed. Location information corresponding to an entity's location can be stored. Location data relating to a device can be received and compared to the location information to determine if the device is at or near the entity's location. If the device is determined to be at or near the entity's location, a feedback request can be sent to the device. In some embodiments, the device can be given a choice to “opt-in” or “opt-out.” If a device “opts-in,” then feedback associated with the entity can be received. Promotions can be sent to the device based upon the submission of feedback, or based upon the content of the feedback. Feedback can be sorted, filtered, and/or prioritized. Methods and computer-readable media embodying methods for providing location based promotions and feedback services also are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for receiving vendor-sponsored access to media content are described. In these systems and methods, a consumer's access to media content is sponsored by vendors with whom the consumer has engaged in a transaction. This sponsorship may take the form of payments provided to a media provider for a media content item or service provided to the consumer. Consumers may access goods and services provided by vendors when they are interested in engaging in a transaction, and may be presented with transaction opportunities according to their preferences. Vendors may selectively target transaction opportunities to consumers and may only sponsor media access for consumers with whom they have completed a transaction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing consumers with vendor-sponsored access to media content are described. In these systems and methods, a consumer's access to media content is sponsored by vendors with whom the consumer has engaged in a transaction. This sponsorship may take the form of payments provided to a media provider for a media content item or service provided to the consumer. Consumers may access goods and services provided by vendors when they are interested in engaging in a transaction, and may be presented with transaction opportunities according to their preferences. Vendors may selectively target transaction opportunities to consumers and may only sponsor media access for consumers with whom they have completed a transaction.

Abstract: An automatic clothes dryer comprises a cabinet defining an interior space in which is rotatably mounted a drum that defines a drying chamber, a heater assembly having a heating element for heating air, and a motor for rotating the drum. A blower is mounted within the interior space and is fluidly coupled to the drying chamber for moving heated air through the drying chamber. A first temperature sensor is mounted upstream of the heating element. A second temperature sensor is mounted downstream of the blower. Outputs from the temperature sensors are utilized with one or more methods to determine the air flow characteristics through the dryer.

Abstract: A system of target advertising delivery by communications operators or Internet providers is provided. The system contains subscriber terminals connected to ISP switching equipment, a first input/output of which connects to a first input/output of an Internet resources access server and a second input/output of which connects to Internet resources. The second ISP input/output connects to a first input/output of an advertising management module for detecting an information package from the subscriber. A first monitoring input of the advertising management module connects to the first ISP input/output. Second and third input/outputs of the advertising management module connect to a statistics server and advertising content server.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamic privacy management are disclosed. In some embodiments, a customer may accept or reject using the text-messaging feature of his mobile phone offers of discounted goods or services from a partner in exchange for the customer's consent allowing the vendor to release the customer's personal information to the vendor. By controlling dissemination of his personal information in this way, a customer may tailor his own dynamic privacy agreement with the provider in an informal manner and with very little effort. The customer may also control the amount of spam he receives from vendors by specifying the types of offers he is or is not receptive to.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for messaging over a data network, such as the Internet and interactive TV, which allows every registered user to generate and update one or more user portfolio(s) containing information relative to Providers and/or individuals of which the user is willing to view their messages. The messages are displayed inside the space of the webpage where usually banners are shown. The system may provided benefits to the user upon displaying messages with commercial value to him. The disclosed messaging system allows an easy and effective communication path between providers and users any time publicly or privately in the banner area of a web site, which does not occupy additional space on the user's browser, and does not require the user to load another application besides his browser.

Abstract: A system for ordering electronic advertisements includes a first interactive interface executable to run on a computing appliance connected to a network for configuring constraints relative to an advertisement service, and a second interactive interface executable to run on the computing appliance for displaying electronic advertisements from one or more advertisement stores connected to the network and associated with the advertisement service. A user operating the computing appliance inputs into the first interactive interface the types of goods and services desired and what pricing associated with those goods and services is acceptable and wherein the second interactive interface displays advertisements served to the computing appliance over the network that fit the user's input criteria.

Abstract: A system for ordering electronic advertisements includes a first interactive interface executable to run on a computing appliance connected to a network for configuring constraints relative to an advertisement service, and a second interactive interface executable to run on the computing appliance for displaying electronic advertisements from one or more advertisement stores connected to the network and associated with the advertisement service. A user operating the computing appliance inputs into the first interactive interface the types of goods and services desired and what pricing associated with those goods and services is acceptable and wherein the second interactive interface displays advertisements served to the computing appliance over the network that fit the user's input criteria.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system for collecting and disseminating customer and agent data, distributing real estate marketing literature, issuing literature vouchers, issuing commission receipts, and sending follow-up emails to solicit feedback data. The system includes a customer terminal, which is in communication with a data center, which, in turn, is in communication with a business terminal. The customer terminal includes a device for inputting customer and agent data and a device for distributing relevant marketing literature and issuing literature vouchers and commission receipts. The customer and agent data is sent to the data center, where it is stored for subsequent retrieval by a salesperson using the business terminal. The data center automatically generates and sends follow-up emails to the customer and agent to solicit feedback data. When the feedback data is received, the data center updates the relevant customer and agent data with the feedback data.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a client application for enabling access to an online service and displaying advertisements while the user is accessing the online service. The client application receives play lists from the online service provider. The play lists include information about advertisements to be played and the order of play. The client application also receives match lists from the online service provider. The match lists include information about advertisements to be played when the user performs certain actions. The client application also displays a wide variety of sponsorship information in connection with the online service. The sponsorship information is displayed in hypertext format. The client application provides the user with information related to a sponsor when the user clicks on hypertext associated with the sponsor.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing reminder information in an electronic network includes an information service that is configured to provide information distribution services through said information distribution network. User devices are provided for device users to communicate with the information service for receiving the information distribution services. A transport structure communicates with network entities in the information distribution network for collecting appropriate types of metadata. A transport server then performs a metadata analysis procedure upon the various types of metadata to responsively generate the reminder information.

Abstract: A system for providing medical providers with medical records accessible from a mobile terminal in one embodiment comprises reformatting the information in a medical record database to be used with large, ergonomic icons allowing easy transitions between pages of information in the medical record. Docking stations or wireless networks may enable the mobile terminal to access the medical records. Thus, the medical provider may have bedside access to the information in the medical records to make informed decisions about treatment regimens.

Abstract: A clearinghouse apparatus, system and method for content, including an ad generator, an ad generator interface by which a user can interact with the ad generator, wherein, in an interaction with the ad generator using the ad generator interface, at least one content item other than content owned by the user is requested for inclusion in a creative, a content provision rules engine having a plurality of rules asserted by the owner of the content to govern the inclusion of the content in the creative, including at least one upsell rule, and a content provision interface by which the owner of the content can interact with the content rules engine to assert the plurality of rules. The invention may additionally include an approval engine, wherein ones of the plurality of rules necessitate that the creative be reviewed and approved by the owner prior to the inclusion of the content, and an approval engine interface by which the owner can interact with the approval engine.