Abstract: An advertiser submitting a sponsored ad to a provider can determine aspects of the ad, such as creative elements and bid price, based on a dynamic categorization of an item and/or landing page associated with the ad. An algorithm can be used that utilizes a browse tree for each item to be displayed to a user following a sponsored link, for example, and attempts to find a node in the browse tree that appears at the lowest level in the tree and with a sufficient appearance frequency. When consensus is reached for a node in the browse tree that meets these criteria, a corresponding categorization is determined, which can be used to determine appropriate aspects to be used for the sponsored ad, at least until enough information is obtained such that aspects can be determined independent of the categorization.

Abstract: Internet users are becoming more aware of data transfer through third-party cookies to multiple publisher sites without their consent. Subsequently, they are taking action to block or delete third-party cookies through browser controls or automated anti-spyware programs. This blocking and deleting process reduces the ability of third-party networks to accurately target users for relevant advertising. First-party cookies are less susceptible to cookie deletion and are therefore able to provide better targeting for more relevant ad delivery. There is an extended opportunity for “Trusted” First-Party networks to share non-Personally Identifiable Information (non-PII) across the network to prevent data leakage outside the trusted partners. For example, a large corporation with multiple companies that have either their own domains (domain1.com, domain2.com) or multiple subdomains (product1.domain.com, product2.domain.

Abstract: Method and device for: receiving a playlist identifying a media item comprising a song or an advertisement, or a combination thereof, storing the playlist in a database, associating the identified media item with a first supplemental data and a second supplemental playlist data, sending the first supplemental data to a radio station server to be broadcast substantially simultaneously with the associated media item, and displaying the second supplemental data on a website, wherein the display is configured for accessing by a computer and mobile device.

Abstract: An application program interface (API) is operably associated with application programs executing on an electronic device and enables the application programs to retrieve, store, and display content. The API enables application programs to communicate with other application programs and to send/retrieve content to/from other application programs. In addition, the API is configured to perform various event accounting functions. A gateway communicates with an electronic device application program via the API and is configured to retrieve content from a content server in response to receiving requests from the application programs. The gateway is configured to serve content retrieved from the content server to the electronic device, as well as to other servers and/or devices. Methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for dynamically selecting advertisements for use within user-requested content wherein the advertisements are stored locally within a user client device.

Abstract: A computing environment containing a mesh network that is adapted to provide a reliable transport mechanism over which services may be delivered. Nodes of the mesh can automatically select routable addresses without conflicts, which allows nodes of the mesh to be accessed, even as the mesh changes through the addition or deletion of nodes. Also, nodes communicate with a protocol that supports service advertisements. These advertisements can identify mesh nodes that supply services, such as file or print servers, for which devices that have not yet connected to the network may be searching. Advertisements can also identify services to be used by nodes in the network, allowing, for example, a node to select a gateway providing a reliable connection to an external network. The mesh network can be used as a transport for communication using protocols, such as TCP/IP, that generally exhibit poor performance when using unreliable transports.

Abstract: An online system selects advertisements for inclusion in a scrollable advertisement unit that includes a display area and multiple advertisements, each associated with a position in the scrollable advertisement unit. Positions in the scrollable advertisement unit are ranked based on a measure of predicted performance of an advertisement in each position. Advertisements are ranked based on a probability of being viewed by a user if associated with a particular position in the scrollable advertisement unit and, optionally, on a probability of presenting an advertisement based on characteristics of the advertisement. The position ranking and the advertisement ranking are used to associate advertisements with positions. For example, an advertisement is associated with a position having a location in the position ranking corresponding to the advertisement's position in the advertisement ranking.

Abstract: An online content server includes a memory device for storing data and a processor in communication with the memory device. The processor is programmed to store dynamic online content and to receive a content request for displaying dynamic online content on a mobile computing device. The content request is initiated at least in part by a publication request. The processor is programmed to determine that the content request is associated with one of the dynamic online content and to deliver the dynamic online content with an overlay layer to the mobile computing device for display to a user. The overlay layer is positioned at least partially over the dynamic online content. The overlay layer allows the user to activate the dynamic online content or to navigate to a navigated publication item representing one of the first publication item or a second publication item.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for advertising that performs the steps of delivering an electronic advertisement comprising one or more menu options and a reference to a network location for retrieving specified content associated with each menu option for inclusion in a first electronic document, receiving a selection of one or more menu options from the electronic advertisement and delivering a subsequent accessible document including content from the referenced network location associated with the menu option selected, the subsequent accessible document including the electronic advertisement.

Abstract: Methods for optimizing social media are disclosed. Such methods may include identifying at least one keyword utilized for at least one webpage, identifying social media correspondence referencing the at least one keyword, analyzing content collected from the social media to determine a frequency of references to the at least one keyword and generating at least one report including information based on the analysis. The report may include recommendations for optimizing social media by, for example, increasing visibility by using high-performing keywords. Systems for performing the methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for tracking brand interactions is provided. The system includes a memory and at least one processor coupled to the memory. The at least one processor is configured to receive information defining a plurality of brand interactions, receive a first indication of a first interaction defined within the plurality of brand interactions from a first source system, receive a second indication of a second interaction defined within the plurality of brand interactions from a second source system different from the first source system, and record an association between the brand, the first interaction, the second interaction and the brand enthusiast.

Abstract: A process is described for assessing the suitability of particular keyword phrases for use in serving contextually relevant content for display on pages of network-accessible sites. In one embodiment, the process involves scoring the key phrases based in part on collected user behavioral data, such as view counts of associated social media content items. A process is also disclosed in which selected keyword phrases on a page are transformed into links that can be selected by a user to view bundled content that is related to such keyword phrases.

Abstract: Contextually relevant pieces of alternative content, including advertisements, are selected for display with requested content based on documents or other second content sources that are referenced by or in the requested content.

Abstract: A method for generating revenue by growing sales of third-party applications, including: receiving, at a server communicatively coupled with a second application and from the second application located at a first device, an indication of a first application launching request, wherein the server includes a set of messaging functionalities that are available for implementation by the second application and are available for implementation by the first application upon delivery of an authentication token from the first application to the server; based on the receiving the indication of the first application launching request, generating an authentication token, wherein the authentication token is configured for providing an authentication pass to the server when delivered thereto by the first application, thereby allowing the first application access to the set of messaging functionalities; and sending the authentication token to the second application for delivery to the first application.

Abstract: This specification describes technologies relating to content presentation. In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods that include the actions of deploying a first arrangement of supplemental content items across one or more ad slots of a webpage, determining one or more interactions in relation to the webpage, processing, with a processor executing code, the one or more interactions to identify a collective distribution of attention across the webpage, generating, based on the collective distribution, one or more additional arrangements of supplemental content items, and deploying at least one of the one or more additional arrangements across the one or more ad slots of the webpage. Other embodiments of the various aspects include corresponding systems, apparatus, and computer program products.

Abstract: A system and method for providing free or low cost remote virtual desktop to a user display device from a remote display control device such as a computer server coupled to the global computer network and operating appropriate computer software. The virtual remote desktop occupies less than an entire display area on the user display device. The system and method also provides commercial sponsored content to the user display device. The commercial sponsored content is displayed adjacent the displayed virtual remote desktop. The commercial sponsored content may be content advertising goods or services and arbitrary or based on the user's remote virtual desktop or the users activity on the remote virtual desktop. The payment by third parties for the commercial sponsored content allows the provision of the free or low cost remote virtual desktop to the user.

Abstract: A method includes accessing, by a server computer, a plurality of electronic mail messages; identifying, based on information contained in each electronic mail message, one or more actions that can be taken with respect to each electronic mail message; and outputting, for display at a client computing device, an electronic mail interface. The electronic mail interface includes a message preview element for each electronic mail message. Each message preview element includes an interface element for causing performance of the action for each electronic mail message.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media processor having a controller to receive from a media communication system metadata describing one or more marketable items depicted in a media program supplied by the media communication system, present images of the media program at a media presentation device without highlighting the one or more marketable items, present an icon at least at one of a remote controller managing operations of the media processor or the media presentation device to indicate a presence of the one or more marketable items in one or more of the images presented at the media presentation device, detect a selection of the icon, and highlight the one or more marketable items. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for creating a page including content includes the steps of inserting, with a computing device, one or more placeholders in the page, requesting, with a computing device, parameters, receiving, with a computing device, meta data in response to the step of requesting parameters, creating, with a computing device, frames in the page based on the meta data at positions corresponding to the placeholders, requesting, with a computing device, content, receiving, with a computing device, content in response to the request for content, and placing the content in the frames for display on a display device.

Abstract: An audience selection system for the selection of an entity, based on an entity's consumption history without requiring the storage of a content descriptor for identifying content previously accessed by the entity. By directly and/or indirectly observing the usage of words used to locate content through a search engine over time for a population, a list of depersonalized keywords can be discovered, creating the ability to characterize content based on depersonalized keywords. A protected consumption history can be recorded for an entity using depersonalized keywords instead of recording a content descriptor for identifying the content. Depersonalized keywords do not uniquely identify content. Associating depersonalized keywords with an entity does not mean that the entity has used those depersonalized keywords; it only means that the entity has accessed content which has been accessed in the past by other entities in a population using the depersonalized keywords.

Abstract: Used industrial equipment sales systems and related apparatus and methods. Servers of embodiments store files of information regarding conditions of pieces of used industrial equipment. That information further comprises an inspection report configured to reflect the type of industrial equipment to which the piece of used industrial equipment belongs and to reflect predetermined components associated with the equipment type. Note that client devices are configured to access the file, ascertain the equipment type, and display the report. Inspection reports can include voice notes and multimedia files. Moreover, the reports can be location and/or time stamped. If desired, the client devices can indicate a service status of a piece of equipment wherein the inspection reports remain private while the service status is incomplete. In addition, or in the alternative, the inspection reports can have associated therewith indications of their trustworthiness.

Abstract: An method for broadcasting advertisements, includes: obtaining a media file to be shared in response to user operation. Inserting an advertisement into the media file to be shared in response to user operation. Determining at least one recipient selected by the user, and transmitting the media file comprising the advertisement to the at least one selected recipient in response to user operation.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided for facilitating electronic commerce via a web banner. Entire purchase transactions may be provided via the web banner, where an end user purchases products sold from third parties via the web banner. Entire sale listing transactions may also be provided via the web banner, where an end user lists products for sale via the web banner. Further, users may be identified when they access third party web sites, and customized offers may be generated and communicated to the identified users.

Abstract: An method for inserting advertisement into media files, includes: inserting an advertisement into a media file in response to an inserting operation of a user. Controlling to display an integrated picture comprising a media file frame and an advertisement frame on a display unit of the electronic device after inserting the advertisement to the media file. Finally, adjusting a display proportion of the media file frame and the advertisement frame according to an adjustment operation of the user.

Abstract: An approach is provided for providing an application marketplace where applications are marketed, purchased, and operationally linked, that has a framework for developers to contribute product, share revenue and communicate with one another. The approach involves determining one or more unique identifiers for one or more applications sold by way of one or more application stores. The approach further involves causing, at least in part, an application of the one or more applications to publish, by way of the application store, one or more of configuration information, input parameters, output parameters and a unique identifier for the application. The approach also involves causing, at least in part, one or more other applications to communicate with the application based on the unique identifier, configuration information and the input parameters for the application. The approach additionally involves causing, at least in part, a transmission of the output parameters to the one or more other applications.

Abstract: A video advertisement is presented to a user in a teaser video window overlaying a content page. When the user interacts with the video advertisement in the teaser video window, the teaser video window is expanded to a full-size video window over a predetermined amount of time. The video expansion is substantially smooth and the video continues to play in the window during the expansion. The full-size video window may be accompanied by a mini-site overlaying the content page, and providing additional information to the user. If the user interacts with the content page, the full size video window is reduced in size to the teaser video window and the user may interact with the content page.

Abstract: A system and method for predicting a performance of a target advertisement placement via a simulation for optimum tuning is disclosed. A simulator receives a set of queries from a production engine, selects a subset of simulation queries from the queries by filtering, modifies query parameters as needed, transmits the simulation queries to the target engine for simulation, collects search results from the target engine, and computes a summary metric, which includes data fields retrieved from the search results and quantities calculated by using a prediction model derived from a production data warehouse. The simulator may further produce a simulation report, an indicator of performance prediction for the target engine, which comprises multiple metrics for the target engine, calculated with varying engine parameters.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for providing and operating a federated e-commerce network. In some embodiments, a standard database is provided for local providers, stores, or retailers to automatically reflect their supply levels and price in order to facilitate providing a national-level or international-level type e-commerce experience for the local providers, stores, or retailers. A website might be established or maintained that provides local retailers with control over sale of items, while allowing customers to search and purchase items listed in a consolidated inventory list compiling inventory information from databases associated with two or more local retailers in the federated e-commerce network. Customers may also be provided with options to create, modify, or delete wish lists, hate lists, and/or gift lists. Ads may automatically be generated based on one or more of viewing or buying patterns, the wish lists, the hate lists, or gift lists associated with each customer.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for a mobile computing device to provide environmental information may comprise detecting a location of the mobile computing device within or adjacent to a building or structure; accessing a remote database over a computer network; querying the accessed database based on the detected location; receiving environmental information associated with the building or structure from the database over the computer network; and selectively displaying the received environmental information based upon received user selections. The database may comprise, for example, building information model (BIM) information.

Abstract: Inspection of over the top (OTT) content to facilitate offering non-OTT content or other content and/or services as an alternative to the OTT content is contemplated. The OTT content may be inspected at an access point configured to provide a broadband or other connection between a device consuming the OTT content and a device sourcing the content. Data packets or other signaling may be added to the OTT content at the access point in order to announce the offer.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for recommending digital content to a user of a digital content application based on continually learned patterns of behavior. Based on metrics collected from a current session of the digital content application, properties associated with one or more users interacting with the application are inferred. The inferred properties are matched against previously defined patterns of behavior to identify digital content that could be presented to the one or more users for optional selection.

Abstract: An application displaying primary content, such as a webpage, may include unused space. The unused space may exist within the application displaying the primary content (e.g., within the browser window) or on other portions of the display (e.g., outside of the browser window). The unused space is identified and leveraged to display secondary content on the client display along with the primary content. The secondary content may be adaptable to conform to different sizes and/or configurations of the unused space. The secondary content may be updated as the user interacts with elements on the client display.

Abstract: An information processing device that acquires data constituting a Web page that is to be provided to a terminal device via a network and is designed for displaying predetermined content information. The information processing device then acquires a script that is programmed to allow reference to correspondence information associating candidate content information that is set beforehand as a candidate for content information to be displayed on the Web page, with variation information specifying variations of at least the display form of an object to be displayed on the Web page. The information processing device incorporates the script into the page data in an executable manner. In response to a request from the terminal device, the information processing device transmits the page data having the script incorporated thereinto, to the terminal device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for inserting a digital advertisement into a window by a computer processor for display on a screen. First, an initial portion of the window containing only text is identified that is of sufficient size to accommodate the advertisement. Next the advertisement is inserted into the identified initial window portion behind the text so that the text is readable. Then, the color of the advertisement or of a portion of the text is subsequently adjusted so that the advertisement becomes more prominent. The text may contain text-related graphics and the advertisement may be placed as not to obstruct any such graphs. As a user scrolls the underlying content, the advertisement is then moved.

Abstract: A product sample distribution system provides a method and system for consumers and social media follower to initiate, accept and approve delivery of product samples using the Internet and provides free product samples using a social media platform connected to the product sample distribution system. The product sample distribution system also provides a system for brands to distribute product samples and collect targeted data and analysis regarding the product sample and the consumer.

Abstract: The present invention is and includes an apparatus, system and method of providing a software platform that allows the publisher of content, such as a private or commercial publisher, to set access restrictions to the content, such as to de-obfuscate or obfuscate the content based upon achieving various criteria.

Abstract: A method and a client for displaying advertisements are provided. First, an advertisement configuration file is downloaded. If the advertisement configuration file is a new version of advertisement configuration file, a name of an advertisement picture resource package is extracted from the advertisement configuration file, and the corresponding advertisement picture resource package is downloaded according to the name. An advertisement display location and advertisement configuration information are parsed out from the advertisement configuration file. The advertisement configuration information includes an advertisement validity period. Advertisement configuration information within the advertisement validity period is added into an advertisement alternate playing list. An advertisement is displayed at the advertisement display location on a screen of a client according to the advertisement alternate playing list and the advertisement picture resource package.

Abstract: A system and method for interfacing interactive systems with social networks and media playback devices is described. For example, a system for generating and interacting with media content is described. In one embodiment, the system includes an interactive system that displays media content, wherein the interactive system includes a first computer and sensors for recording a user's interaction with the displayed media content, and a kiosk that allows a user to share the interactive media content with social networks and media playback devices, wherein the interactive media content includes the media content and metadata representing the user's recorded interaction with the media content.

Abstract: A system for displaying advertising content includes a client computer having a display device, a processor, a network interface, and a graphical user interface including a cursor. The client computer is arranged to receive advertising content data from a remote computer via the network interface. The advertising content data includes cursor display data for displaying a promotional image. The processor is coupled to the display device and modifies the cursor in accordance with the promotional image in response to a predetermined event. The promotional image may include elements such as animation, a satellite image, a sprite image, promotional text, and a combination thereof.

Abstract: Techniques for providing property information are described herein. According to one embodiment, a cloud-based platform at a server is provided to allow property owners to engage with property service providers regarding property improvement projects to be performed on the properties. Information describing tasks of the property improvement projects performed by the property service providers is recorded in a property history database. In response to a request received from a user for information concerning one of the properties, property improvement history data of the property is retrieved from the property history database. A property report is generated for the property, where the property report includes general multi-listing service (MLS) information and the property improvement history of the property.

Abstract: A news and/or search engine system predicts events and stories based on existing events, stories, etc., extracted from a knowledge domain. These predictions can be used for a number of different purposes, including locating new content and actual event outcomes.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a computer-implemented online game provides an in-game advertising publication service to publish interactive advertising content within a computer-implemented game in accordance with a pricing structure that defines different prices for different types of player engagement, for example having a cost per acquisition (CPA) pricing mechanism and a cost per engagement (CPE) pricing mechanism. A linked sequence of prompts is presented on a user device, to prompt a series of player engagements including at least two different engagement types. In some instances, a CPA prompt is presented earlier in the sequence, with an associated CPE prompt being presented subsequent to player engagement pursuant to the CPA prompt.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying talent that eliminate or minimize the costs and/or risks of identifying such talent, involve public feedback, and generate significant charitable donations. In one aspect of the present invention, talent's or bands' songs are made available to critics such as members of the public via mediums such as the Internet, radio, and television. Such individuals provide feedback during successive phases of the talent identification process, and talents and/or bands with the greatest public appeal advance to the final stages of the process. Ultimately, the talent or band receiving the most favorable feedback is promoted or awarded with, for example, a record deal. Throughout the process, revenue is generated via a variety of methods including voting/critiquing fees, advertising, sale of promotional items, and the like. In some aspects of the present invention, at least a portion of such revenue is donated to charity.

Abstract: Establishing a telephone call includes enabling display of a visual indicator of a call destination entity and detecting selection by a user of the visual indicator. The availability of the user to receive a first telephone call is determined. Voice communications between the call destination entity and the user are established in response to detection of the selection by the user of the visual indicator and conditioned on the user being determined to be available to receive the first telephone call. Establishing voice communications includes enabling placement of the first telephone call to the user to establish a first PSTN link with the user and enabling a voice communications link to be setup with the call destination entity.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing combined communications having a plurality of client communication sections is presented. Initial interest in a product or service offer is received from a client at a computer system. The computer system generates a communications that combine host information and one or more client communication sections, wherein the client communication sections contain a second offer for the product or service.

Abstract: Methods and systems directed to a web browser on a computing device comprising a user graphic interface having at least two layers: at least one layer presenting web browser content; and at least one layer, having at least two visual modes: a semi-hidden mode in which an at least one toolbar is visible; and a visible mode wherein said at least one toolbar and a content tab are visible, wherein the content tab presents content from an at least one pre-defined source and the content tab does not completely hide the at least one layer presenting web browser content.

Abstract: A system aggregates data collected from independently owned and controlled networked sensors and controls into content channels. The system allows for anonymous subscription to content channels and sensor data by channel client, other sensor owners, and service providers who bid for the right to advertise services to content channel clients based on sensor data patterns for which the service providers can provide particular insight.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for identifying an advertisement in a web page. The method includes the steps of: receiving a sample page; analyzing a source code of the sample page to obtain a node feature of the sample page; analyzing the node feature using a preset rule to find a sample advertisement in the sample page; analyzing a first link of the sample advertisement to obtain a link mode of the sample advertisement; and utilizing the link mode to identify a second advertisement, where at least one of the steps is carried out using a computer device so that the advertisement in a web page is identified.

Abstract: A system for displaying advertising content includes a client computer having a display device, a processor, a network interface, and a graphical user interface including a cursor. The client computer is arranged to receive advertising content data from a remote computer via the network interface. The advertising content data includes cursor display data for displaying a promotional image. The processor is coupled to the display device and modifies the cursor in accordance with the promotional image in response to a predetermined event. The promotional image may include elements such as animation, a satellite image, a sprite image, promotional text, and a combination thereof.

Abstract: A system for displaying advertising content includes a client computer having a display device, a processor, a network interface, and a graphical user interface including a cursor. The client computer is arranged to receive advertising content data from a remote computer via the network interface. The advertising content data includes cursor display data for displaying a promotional image. The processor is coupled to the display device and modifies the cursor in accordance with the promotional image in response to a predetermined event. The promotional image may include elements such as animation, a satellite image, a sprite image, promotional text, and a combination thereof.

Abstract: Information about a product, including a wished for price, is received from a user over the Internet. The wished for price is lower than a currently available price for the product. Manufacturers and sellers are investigated to obtain the wished for price. The user is notified when it is discovered that the product at the wished for price has become available for purchase.