Abstract: A method for transmitting an order from a mobile device to a physical location of a merchant involves receiving, by the mobile device, the order while the mobile device is outside a predetermined distance from the physical location, storing the order to a storage device, and determining, by the mobile device and after storing the order, that the mobile device is within the predetermined distance from the physical location. The method further involves receiving, by the mobile device, a request from the user to submit the order after determining the mobile device is within the predetermined distance from the physical location, retrieving the order from the storage device in response to the request, and transmitting the order to the merchant after retrieving the order when the mobile device is within the predetermined distance of the physical location.

Abstract: A system and a method for delivering information related to the evaluation values of products. The system includes an evaluation database (DB) for storing evaluation information; a user terminal for reading the product codes of products; and an inventory information DB for storing inventory information. The evaluation information is read, based on a product barcode obtained by the user terminal, from the evaluation DB, and a retail store within a predetermined distance from the user is searched based of the positional information (GPS) of the user terminal. Then, the inventory information DB, which is connected to the POS server of the retail store, is searched to acquire and display the inventory status of the product on the user terminal. Additionally, when the product is purchased, the evaluator who provided the evaluation information of the product is given points and paid a reward.

Abstract: A device may receive information that identifies a design item associated with a promotion, where the design item relates to an appearance of the promotion, may receive information that identifies a promotion characteristic associated with the promotion, where the promotion characteristic identifies at least one of a product or a service associated with the promotion, may receive distribution information associated with the promotion, where the distribution information identifies a customer device to which the promotion is to be sent, and may receive scheduling information associated with the promotion, where the scheduling information identifies a time period during which the promotion is active. The device may also provide the promotion to the customer device based on the design item, the promotion characteristic, the distribution information, and the scheduling information.

Abstract: A mobile communication network includes a media controller (MC) for tracking popularity statistics of cells of the network, a location database (LDB) connected to the MC for storing the statistics, a position monitor (PM) connected to the MC for detecting a position of subscribers within the network and at least one local cache (LC) connected to the MC and for pre-storing content to be delivered to the subscribers wherein the MC further includes a communication means for receiving content and subscriber information and for communicating portions of the received information to the PM, to the LDB and to the LC.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to arranging for free or discounted transportation to an advertiser's business location. More specifically, the invention involves automatically comparing the cost of transportation and the potential profit from a completed transaction using a number of real-time calculations. For example, the calculation may consider various factors including a consumer's current location, the consumer's most likely route and form of transportation (such as train, personal car, taxi, rental car, or shared vehicle), the consumer's daily agenda, the price competing advertisers are willing to pay for the customer to be delivered to alternate locations, and other costs. In this regard, the customer's obstacles to entering a business location are reduced while routing and cost calculations are automatically handled based on the demand for the advertiser's goods and potential profit margins.

Abstract: A method of providing targeted online advertisement includes receiving a request for an ad impression to be provided to a user in a network environment. The request includes a first content and a second content. The method also includes, using a processor, determining a context of the first content and a context of the second content, determining a correlation between the context of the first content and the context of the second content, and identifying a plurality of ads as candidates for consideration. The method further includes, using the processor, ranking the plurality of identified ads, selecting an ad among the plurality of identified ads based at least in part on a result of the ranking, and providing the selected ad as the ad impression to be displayed to the user in response to receiving the request.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for providing an altered shopping experience in a retail store. For example, various devices can be used to provide a stimulus (e.g. a smell or sound) to encourage the customer to purchase a product, to entertain the customer, or to provide information to the customer. Devices can also be provided for creating a forced perspective to give the appearance that an aisle is shorter than it is. Devices can also be provided to automatically identify ingredients in a recipe and identify retail stores that offer the ingredients at the best price, or to accept reservations for particular products in the case of an emergency.

Abstract: An application programming Interface (API) is downloaded to wireless user equipment (UE). The API enables the UE to automatically detect the presence of one or more access points (AP) in a venue and to transmit identification information to the access point to authenticate the UE. The identification/authentication may occur whenever the UE comes within range of any of the APs in the venue. A plurality of venues may be coupled to a Cloud network with the authentication information stored on the Cloud network. In this manner, whenever the UE enters any of the venues, the UE is automatically authenticated when it comes within range of any AP within any of the venues. The venue may use the API to provide advertising to the UE. The Cloud network may aggregate data from a plurality of data sources to provide targeted advertising via the API to the UE.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for location-based advertisements. In accordance with one exemplary implementation, a method is provided for providing advertisements to a user of a navigation system. The method may include identifying high-value intersections in a map. The method may also include identifying, based on the high-value intersections, a set of landmark locations and associating the landmark locations with the high-value intersections in a database. The method may also include detecting at least one of the high-value intersections in a route requested by the user. The method may also include presenting, on a device of the user, an advertisement associated with at least one landmark location while presenting maneuver information for the at least one high-value intersection.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings described herein, systems and methods are provided for optimizing distribution of advertisement information. In one example, call tracking data may be generated from a plurality of telephone calls made to a business entity, where the call tracking data includes geographical information to identify locations from which the plurality of telephone calls originated. A call distribution may be determined from the call tracking data, where the call distribution groups the call tracking data based at least in part on distances between the business entity and the locations from which the plurality of telephone calls originated. A probability density function may be generated from the call distribution and used in the generation of the advertisement distribution plan.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating retail inventory management, marketing, shopping, research, and data gathering operations via a unified application framework are described. These systems may provide an integrated shopping experience such that users are exposed to relevant product information, promotion information, and merchant information through a single application and via a unified framework. A customer device as described may be configured to interface over a network with one or more network devices to access information on retailers, product offerings, coupons, rebates, loyalty rewards, other purchase incentives, and/or the like. Some examples further include a back office interface accessible by suppliers, retailers, manufacturers and/or the like.

Abstract: An approach is provided for advertising up-to-date information for dynamic points of interest. A point-of-interest platform causes, at least in part, an activation or a deactivation of at least one point-of-interest record. The point-of-interest platform then determines whether to cause, at least in part, a generation of the at least one point-of-interest record based, at least in part, on the activation or the deactivation.

Abstract: A method of integrating a retailer's E-Commerce and Point of Sale presences is described. A database of shopper profiles is populated by a first server. The shopper profiles correspond to a plurality of shoppers. Each shopper profile corresponds to one or more shoppers accessing the retailer's E-Commerce presence over a first network. A geolocation of a first mobile device having an application that is associated with the retailer is identified. The mobile device is associated with a first shopper from the plurality of shoppers. A second server determines that the first shopper is geographically proximate to a brick and mortar presence associated with the retailer based on the identified geolocation. A promotion for the first customer redeemable while the first customer is at the retailer's brick and mortar presence is selected. A third server transmits the selected promotion to the mobile device of the first customer over a second network.

Abstract: A mobile wallet system providing contextual services to a consumer is described, comprising a mobile wallet on a mobile device associated with the consumer, a payment platform for processing payment transactions by the mobile wallet, a digital content service platform for providing digital content services to the mobile wallet, and an analytics platform for controlling the digital content services provided to the mobile wallet based on collected consumer data.

Abstract: A promotion distribution system that distributes promotions based on where a user has parked provides the benefit of allowing providers or merchants to target promotions to particular areas where users park. The target areas may be remote from a merchant's location. In addition, since there are a vast number of vehicle drivers and passengers that park, the system provides a large audience for merchant promotions. The system may comprise one or more parking locators that detect the presence of a vehicle within a vicinity. A repository server and parking kiosk may retrieve promotions for presentation to a user based on where the user has parked and the area in which a promotion is targeted.

Abstract: A system for storing information about searches and inquiries by a customer is provided. The system includes a customer service server that receives information from two or more sources, such as from a retail location sales agent, a website, a call center agent, etc. The information is associated and correlated to interrelate inquiries from the different sources. Further, when the user enters a retail location, a node or server at the retail location can push test application to a user's mobile device based on the past inquiries. These test applications are provided only when the customer is present in the retail location. As such, hacking the application is prevented. Further, with the customer using the application in the retail location, a sales agent is present to assist the customer.

Abstract: A method and system for generating customized incentives involving electronic distribution of coupons to remote personal computers based on proximity of the computer to a retail center are disclosed. A repository, such as an online service provider or a web site on the Internet, stores packages of incentive data for downloading automatically or on demand to a user's computer. A plurality of data fields is used to associate a user's location with a specific incentive.

Abstract: A method is provided for displaying dynamic advertisement based on the distance of a client to the physical business location. The method uses geo-location and user identifier to determine the appropriate ad content of an advertisement to present to the user.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a system for dynamic content distribution and grouping includes a server for providing a plurality of content channels, at least one tuning/decoding means for receiving/decoding at least one of the plurality of content channels, and at least one respective display means for displaying the at least one received/decoded content channel. In such embodiments of the present invention, the server is configured to dynamically configure the at least one tuning/decoding means to receive/decode at least one of the plurality of content channels. More specifically, in embodiments of the present invention, the server dynamically configures the at least one tuning/decoding means by communicating a channel change command to the at least one tuning/decoding means over a dedicated radio-frequency channel or, in an alternate embodiment, using an internet protocol.

Abstract: An information distribution device includes: a distribution information management table in which area information at the time of distribution indicating areas in which mobile terminals are located when advertising information is distributed from an information distributing part to the mobile terminals is recorded for each of the mobile terminals to which the advertising information is distributed from the information distribution part; a distribution area evaluation part that calculates, for each of a plurality of areas forming the distribution area and based on the area information at the time of distribution, an area visit probability indicating, of users of the mobile terminals who have been in any of the plurality of area forming the distribution area when the advertising information is distributed from the information distribution part, a percentage of those who have visited a location indicated by the advertising information; and a distribution area updating part that updates distribution area informat

Abstract: A method of facilitating a transaction between an individual and a small advertiser through a target-oriented marketing campaign comprises: causing a display of a target-oriented marketing message on a client device to a viewer at the client device, the message including one or more keywords characterizing a product or service offered by a small advertiser located within a predefined distance from the client device; receiving a response from the viewer to purchase the product or service, wherein the response is generated in response to the viewer's selection of a unique campaign attribute in the target-oriented marketing message; and in response to the viewer's response: generating a unique transaction identifier in accordance with a predefined protocol specified by the small advertiser; providing the unique transaction identifier to the viewer; and applying a predefined service charge to an account associated with the small advertiser.

Abstract: A media targeting system and method uses visual pattern recognition techniques in association with consumer transactions as the basis for building a targeting database, which is then later used for automated consumer identification and targeted advertising purposes. The invention solves the problem of generating a large scale, robust media targeting database without relying on active or passive participation by consumers. Also disclosed are other demographics estimation systems and methods which facilitate less expensive media targeting capabilities which can be used in conjunction with the more robust transaction associated method disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products for targeted and customized marketing to customers and, specifically in some embodiments, customers having a previous relationship with the entity implementing the marketing tool. The embodiments of the invention herein disclosed provide for efficient identification of previous customers based on their current product, service or property and/or their previous, and in some instances, ongoing financial obligation related to the current product, service or property. A replacement product, service or property is identified and a financial transaction proposal, such as a sales or lease proposal, is generated for one or more of the identified previous customers based on customers meeting criteria associated with variable parameters of the proposed transaction.

Abstract: A customer purchase encouragement system including a transaction media reader located in a first retail store, a message database, which stores messages suitable for customers, and a Purchase Triggered Message Selection Module (PTMSM), which receives Purchase Triggered Location Data (PTLD), including the location of the first retail store at which a customer is making a purchase using the transaction media reader, and is operative to select at least one message from the message database and to provide a Proximity-based Selected Message Output (PSMO) enabling presentation of a second-store-purchase encouragement-message to the customer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to connect telephone calls and track information about the telephone calls resulting from advertisements for groups of advertisers. In one embodiment, a method includes: determining a geographic area after receiving a telephone call to a first telephone number publicized in an advertisement; determining a telephone number of a first advertiser; and connecting the telephone call to the telephone number of the first advertiser, the first advertiser billed for the advertisement based on telephonic connections made to connect the first advertiser and telephone calls to the first telephone number.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting, accessing, and/or managing promotions transmitted to mobile electronic devices. The system and method can analyze data affiliated with a user, a mobile electronic device, the changing of the mobile electronic device's alert, and the usage of the changed mobile electronic device's alert. Analyzing data such as, for example, affiliated with the changing of the mobile electronic device's alert and/or the usage of the changed mobile electronic device's alert the system and method can determine which promotions are transmitted to and/or received by the mobile electronic device.

Abstract: A global customer satisfaction system includes point-of-sale customer feedback terminals for receiving in-store customer feedback including satisfaction ratings and other customer feedback regarding participating vendors as the customer pays for purchases. The system also includes post-sale customer feedback terminals for receiving more detailed customer feedback regarding the vendors from members after the sales have been completed. The system also includes an aggregation and dissemination system for combining the ratings received form customers into global customer satisfaction ratings for participating vendors, and disseminating the customer satisfaction information through customer satisfaction qualified directories, which are organized or searchable by geographical, type of product or service offered by the participating vendors, and other factors.

Abstract: A method for creating and managing a restaurant menu can be disclosed. The method can include establishing a restaurant menu; adding one or more menu items to the menu; associating menu item description information with the one or more menu items; and associating menu item location information with the one or more menu items. The menu can be searchable and at least one of the item description information or item location information can be used to display the results of menu searches on a map-based interface.

Abstract: A system for selectively communicating promotional information to a person, includes a sensing system, a storage device, a controller, and a projection device. The sensing system measures a detectable feature associated with the person sensed by the sensing system and the storage device stores a plurality of promotional segments. The controller uses the measured detectable feature associated with the person for selecting one of the stored promotional segments and causing the projection device to project to the person at the predetermined location the selected promotional segment.

Abstract: An advertisement delivery system of the present invention includes a store terminal, a management device connected to the store terminal via a communication network, and a mobile terminal connected to the management device via the communication network. The store terminal transmits a delivery instruction to the management device in response to an operation giving an instruction to deliver advertisement data. When the delivery instruction transmitted from the store terminal is received, the management device push-delivers the advertisement data of the store that has given the delivery instruction to the mobile terminal. Then, when the advertisement data of the store push-delivered from the management device is received, the mobile terminal judges whether or not the distance from the store to its current position is within a predetermined range, and outputs the advertisement data on a condition that the distance is within the predetermined range.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a system for advertising and communicating at a vehicle charging station and method of using the same as disclosed herein. Other embodiments of related systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An online experience of a user is dynamically configured at the micro-regional level based to achieve an objective associated with sales of a product. A catchment zone is determined, which identifies the geographic region associated with the objective and the product. The online user experience for users in the catchment zone is modified to achieve the objective.

Abstract: A method includes determining, through one or more central server(s), that a bidding platform provided by a gastronomic bidding service provider has a number of requests for gastronomical offers within a residential location zip code and/or a daytime location zip code associated with a user thereof. The method also includes permitting the user to access the number of requests for gastronomical offers within the residential location zip code and/or the daytime location zip code, and denying the user access to a request within a zip code outside a geospatially constrained region around the residential location zip code and/or the daytime location zip code thereof. Further, the method includes permitting the user to create a series of standing bid amounts spread across a spectrum of time and crediting an account associated with the gastronomic bidding service provider on the one or more central server(s) with an appropriate amount.

Abstract: An Internet-based marketing service. Embodiments link local businesses with local consumers while at the same time supporting local causes by promoting patronage of local businesses and/or purchase of manufacturer's products. Searchable landing pages containing detailed listing data and geographically-based social networking links can be included. Search results can be returned in several different, searchable forms. Other features may include an interactive map with participating cities and businesses, multiple mailing group signups in a single page, and a secure access code feature enabling purchase tracking. Cause marketing services provides hyperlocal coupons linked to charitable giving, as well as the related data from such coupon use. The cause marketing service enables manufacturers to donate once specific purchase targets are reached, with the proof of purchase electronically encoded on the coupon and recorded by the marketing service.

Abstract: Online behavior of users related to a product is captured. Also, offline sales for the product is also captured. Geo-location parameters are also determined for the captured online and offline data. Using the geo-location parameters and captured data for the product, a smallest geo-location parameter of statistical significance for estimating an impact of the online behavior on offline sales is determined.

Abstract: Systems and methods of using a mobile communication device to present information related to a point of interest. A method comprises receiving, at a mobile device, an input relating to a point of interest; receiving, at the mobile device, transmission of data regarding volume of business at the point of interest; and causing the mobile device to present information based on the volume of business at the point of interest.

Abstract: Techniques are provided, for use in electronic or online advertising, that can be viewed as going beyond geographic proximity, including determination and use of convenience-based metrics in advertisement targeting, pricing, selection and packaging. For example, based on information including an actual or anticipated consumer location and a store location, one or more possible or likely consumer travel routes may be determined. Based at least in part on this, metrics, such as convenience-based metrics, can be determined and used in aspects of electronic or online advertising, such as consumer travel distance, travel time, or number or travel proximity of alternative stores.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for providing an error-specific advertisement at a client computer. According to one embodiment, a method, implemented in a computer system, of providing an error-specific advertisement at a client computer is provided. The method may include determining that an error has occurred, identifying an advertisement for a product or a service relating to resolution of the error and/or generating an error message. The error message may include the advertisement and information regarding the error.

Abstract: A solar canopy is provided where the solar canopy includes at least one photovoltaic cell to provide power. The power is used as a renewable power source for a station that comprises at least one wireless enabled processor. The wireless enabled processor detects and establishes a communication link with a mobile, wireless enabled, processor in a transmission range. Data is transmitted from the processor to the mobile wireless enabled device over the communication link where the data relates to information associated with local establishments, such as, for example, stores, restaurants, governmental agencies, or the like. The solar canopy also may be provided with the ability to couple to a battery, which may be a vehicle battery such as an electric car or electric scooter. The solar canopy would provide electrical energy either directly to the battery or through a power conditioner and, optionally, a storage facility.

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

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

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein may operate to create, distribute and redeem offers on a mobile platform. In various embodiments, a first set of information describing terms of an offer for a product or service, and a second set of information identifying a first zone and a second zone, may be received from a computing device corresponding to a merchant. The offer may be generated based, at least in part, on the first set of information. An exclusion zone and an inclusion zone may be generated based, at least in part, on the information identifying the first zone and the second zone, respectively. The offer may be selectively distributed across a network to a first plurality of mobile devices located outside the exclusion zone and within the inclusion zone such that the offer is invisible to a second plurality of mobile devices located within both the exclusion and inclusion zones.

Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer-readable media are provided for high-volume production of personalized print pages to be included with fixed print content associated with a print publication. The personalized print page content is personalized for a specific reader, and includes a reader-specific visual element, such as a machine-readable code, that allows the reader to access electronic content pertaining to the personalized print content. The electronic content presented may include content that is personalized or customized for the reader such as content based upon the location of a computing device employed to access the content. Information associated with the readers' access of the electronic content may be tracked to allow further customization or personalization of print and/or electronic content for the reader.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to enabling a shopper to utilize a mobile electronic device to enhance the shopping experience. A shopper may utilize the mobile electronic device to check-in at a retail location. A pecuniary reward or offer may be provided to the shopper and the shopper may be notified of such reward or offer via the mobile electronic device. A mobile electronic device may be utilized to compile an electronic shopping list and/or send an electronic shopping list.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimization of facility locations are disclosed, for example, wireless telecommunications facility locations. Among a plurality of cluster points, corresponding to wireless customers, optimal locations are determined for a predetermined number of cluster centers, each cluster center having a predetermined cluster radius that defines a cluster area. Among a plurality of cluster points, optimal facility locations are determined for a variable number of cluster centers, each cluster center having a minimum acceptable economic value.

Abstract: A method of providing advertising to a user over a network includes receiving from the user a query identifying a contemplated route, accessing a computer database of self-reported business information from vendors, each vendor having an identified geographic location, wherein the self-reported business information has been previously supplied by the vendors through a vendor interface and stored in the database, providing to the user, over the network, information from the database concerning the business information of a set of vendors extracted from the database on the basis of geographic proximity to the route identified by the user, providing to the user, over the network in response to the query, advertising from the set of vendors based, at least in part, on data retrieved from the database, and pricing the advertising based, at least in part, on distance of each vendor's geographic location from the contemplated route.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products for generating customer-specific vehicle proposals based on ongoing vehicle finance pay-off information received from a third party entity. The embodiments of the invention herein disclosed provide for efficient identification of potential customers based on their current vehicle and the ongoing financial obligation related to the current vehicle. A replacement vehicle is identified and a vehicle proposal, such as a sales or lease proposal, is generated for one or more of the identified potential customers.

Abstract: An automated bidding system accepts offers for an advertising opportunity within a computer-implemented game. The advertising opportunity may indicate an opportunity to place a branded virtual object in a virtual environment of the computer-implemented game. This bidding system may receive advertising offers for the advertising opportunity from multiple entities, where an advertising offer may include offer attributes that indicate at least a virtual object for the advertising opportunity. The bidding system may also determine opportunity constraints of the advertising opportunity, which are used to select an advertising offer that is appropriate for the advertising opportunity. The bidding system may then selectively accept an advertising offer from an advertising entity based on the offer attributes and the opportunity constraints.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inferring a geographic locus for a publisher document in order to obtain advertisements that are relevant to the inferred geographic locus. Landing pages are analyzed by determining whether the page encodes a street address and extract the street address or for information that is indicative of a geographic locus and thereby determine the geographic locus of the page. The ad server can infer a geographic locus for the publisher document based on information indicating a geographic location encoded in the publisher document, and select ads based on corresponding landing pages having inferred geographic locus that match the inferred geographic locus for the publisher document.

Abstract: The various exemplary embodiments provide a method for projecting survey information into a geographic region. The geographic region is divided into a plurality of geographic subregions, each of which are profiled using a plurality of profiling variables to form a selected geographic subregion profile. The profiling variables include both demographic and behavioral variables. A plurality of survey respondents are then randomly assigned into the selected geographic subregion to form a modeled population, with the random assignment weighted based on a representation probability of each of the corresponding plurality of survey respondents for the selected geographic subregion profile, with the representation probabilities having been determined using a sample balancing algorithm. Following such profiling and assignment for all subregions, survey information corresponding to the modeled population is projected into the geographic region.