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: Methods and systems for venue-oriented commerce via a mobile communication device are presented. An example system may include an access device and a communication node. The access device may be located at a commercial venue and communicatively coupled via a local area network with a mobile communication device located at the venue. The communication node may be communicatively coupled to the access device via a wide area network to provide a commercial service related to the commercial venue to a user of the mobile communication device. The access device may exchange information relating to the commercial service between the communication node and the mobile communication device.

Abstract: An advertising system is disclosed for connecting consumers with merchant websites and interfaces that are associated with products displayed in an image. For each product in an image, a selectable region may be defined using a set of coordinates that identify the displayed product. In response to receiving an input from a user in the selectable region of the image that is associated with the product, the user may be forwarded to a web page associated with the product. The web page associated with the product may permit the user to purchase the product or disclose details relating to the product.

Abstract: A method and a digital locker system for providing digital locker services are described. Content offers come from external sources and locally hosted sources. Content offers from external sources are received and processed in a content offer processor along with catalog information. Content offers from locally hosted sources are retrieved and catalog information is generated accordingly. Both types of content offers are aggregated and prepared for storage in a content offer cache, which are then used for providing services, such as content query, to users. Content acquisition and playback requests from users are handled according to the provider of the requested content.

Abstract: A method of interactive consumer marketing includes an initial step of: defining a competition enterable by a plurality of persons wherein the competition includes a plurality of rules. A first rule is each person of the plurality entered must perform a specified activity related to goods or services of a sponsor. A second rule is the specified activity must be performed within a specified time period. A third rule is photographic evidence of the performance of the specified activity must be created. The method further includes the step of administering the competition at a particular site on a global interface network, wherein participation in the competition necessitates access to the site by each the person entered in the competition.

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

Abstract: An advertisement (ad) proxy server acts as a proxy for serving content of third-party ads to users of an online system, reducing data leakage from users to advertisers. The ad proxy server acts as an intermediate storage and access point for content included in advertisement, such as images and videos. When an advertisement from an advertiser is selected for presentation by the online system, an ad tag identifying the location of the content for the selected ad is retrieved and used to retrieve a copy of the advertisement content. The ad proxy server stores the copy of the advertisement content and generates a modified ad tag identifying the ad proxy server. The modified ad tag is sent to a client device, which retrieves the copy of the advertisement content from the ad proxy server rather than directly from the advertiser.

Abstract: A system for selectively displaying content may include one or more processors and a memory. The one or more processors may display a graphical object at a first location on a map, determine a user interaction with the graphical object, and display, in response to the determining, a first content item on the map at a second location that is proximal to the first location, the first content item being associated with the graphical object. The one or more processors may identify a selection of the graphical object and display, in response to the identifying, a second content item on the map at a third location that is disparate from the first and second locations, the second content item being associated with the first content item and the graphical object. The one or more processors may transmit an indication of the selection of the graphical object.

Abstract: An embodiment is directed to a non-expanding advertisement that displays a video loop or a portion of a video within the advertisement. If the user interacts with the advertisement, the entire video is played within the advertisement without expanding. The user is not given the option to stop or pause the video. In addition, since the advertisement does not expand, the user is not given the option to close the video, ensuring that a complete view of the video is delivered to the user.

Abstract: A method for generating Bursting-messages on the window of a user's Web-terminal while browsing a Web-site. Indication related to the connection of the user to the Web-site is provided. Data that is required for generating a Burst-message on the Web-terminal is sent to the Web-terminal of the identified user and a Burst-message is generated on the Web-terminal using the data. Interaction means are provided to the user in the Burst-message, for the interaction of the user with the Burst-message and/or with the Web-site. The Burst-message may be generated by dynamically writing an HTML layer and/or JavaScript and/or VBScript.

Abstract: An advertisement inserted in contents of, for example, a game does not serve its purpose after a while. An advertisement-information reception unit (112) receives an advertisement-space definition file (32). The advertisement-space definition file (32) is a file that defines an advertisement space for an advertisement to be inserted when contents are displayed and an advertising agency is assigned to the advertisement space. An assignment changing unit (116) cancels the assignment of an advertising agency, whose license has expired, to the advertisement space even when the advertising agency is assigned to the advertising space in the advertisement-space definition file (32). An advertisement downloading unit (118) downloads advertisement data to be inserted in the advertisement space from the server of the advertising agency validly assigned to the advertisement space.

Abstract: A system and method for inserting an advertisement for a document to be faxed. In this embodiment, a processor may be configured to determine a category associated with content in a document being faxed. The processor may select at least one advertisement that is related to the associated category. A determination may be made for a location within the document being communicated for one or more advertisements to be positioned. The processor may be further configured to place one or more selected advertisement into the determined location in the document being communicated.

Abstract: When a processing unit generates a display screen based on display data generated from a plurality of respective content data, and causes a display unit to display a predetermined area of the display screen, the processing unit reads stored previous arrangements of the content data in the display screen, and changes the arrangements of the plurality of respective content data in the display screen at predetermined timing, in accordance with a preset rule. Then, the processing unit stores the arrangements.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a computer-implemented interactive virtual banking system and method for connecting a user environment with a banking environment for facilitating banking transactions. The system may include a computer memory storing a plurality of banking application programs and an interactive virtual environment generator for generating an interactive virtual banking environment, the environment including visual and audio components. The system may additionally include a user input sensing mechanism for accepting and interpreting user voice input received in the interactive virtual banking environment and computer processing components for accessing the stored banking application programs and executing the stored banking programs within the generated interactive virtual banking environment enabling the user to perform banking tasks through voice input to the interactive virtual banking environment.

Abstract: An ad proxy generates a playback manifest for delivery to a destination platform via a content distribution network (CDN). The playback manifest provided to the destination device includes hosted locations, such as network addresses, of both primary media files and advertising content. The playback manifest can also include tracking-calls. The destination platform receives normalized media files associated with the network addresses included in the playback manifest, and plays out those normalized media files during execution of the playback manifest. Tracking-calls can be fired, in accordance with the playback manifest, when part or all of a normalized media file has been played out. The tracking-calls can be used to facilitate calculation of impressions. The destination device need not be capable of differentiating between primary media content and advertising content, thus allowing even limited capability platforms, e.g. integrated automotive platforms, to provide targeted advertising.

Abstract: Presented are embodiments of methods and systems that provide for Internet advertisement pricing and placement to be variably based on the advertisement's performance within a given category of Internet media, while at the same time achieving predictable delivery and pricing for both advertisers and publishers. Techniques are presented where an advertiser's online campaign will be pre-empted only for underperformance on its own merits, and not for its relative performance or price versus other advertisers. Further, techniques are presented for allowing publishers of advertisements to realize increased revenue from their high value media while using tag passbacks to secure a minimum reserve pricing of their choice.

Abstract: Problems: To reduce a burden of publication of an application to advertising utilizing a media application. Solution means: A media application in a user's terminal U is programmed with SDK (managing software on the user side). A link destination information is set to an advertising display to be displayed on the user's terminal U. By selecting an advertising display by the user's terminal U, access is made to an application store AS via a managing server MS. The managing server MS acquires an application information corresponding to the advertising display selected by the user's terminal U, a media application information in the user's terminal U, and information on the user's terminal U and stores them as first information. The user's terminal U delivers a newly installed application information and the user's terminal information to the managing server MS as second information on the basis of SDK, when the newly installed application was detected.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided that may be used to determine a probability of whether a visitor to a web document is likely to click on a web advertisement. An exemplary method may include detecting one or more features in a web document. One or more expert statistical models to which the web document belongs may be determined and associated weightings may be determined based, at least in part, on the one or more features detected. A click-through-rate probability for a web advertisement to be placed on the web document may be estimated based on the one or more expert statistical models.

Abstract: Methods and systems for risk rating and pro-actively detecting malicious online ads are described. In one example embodiment, a system for risk rating and pro-actively detecting malicious online ads includes an extraction module, an analysis engine, and a filter module. The extraction module is configured to extract a SWF file from a web page downloaded by the system. The analysis engine is communicatively coupled to the extraction module. The analysis engine is configured to determine a risk rating for the SWF file and send the risk rating to a web application for display. In an example, determining the risk rating includes locating an embedded redirection URL and determining a risk rating for the embedded redirection URL. The filter module is configured to determine, based on the risk rating, whether to block the SWF file and send a warning to the web application for display.

Abstract: Determination of whether ad-blocking software is executing on a client device may be provided. Advertising content from an advertising server may be received at a client device. The advertising content may be provided in a client application executing on the client device and may have information embedded therein. The client device may attempt to detect the information embedded within the advertising content. Based on the attempted detection, it may be determined whether ad-blocking software is executing on the client device. When it is determined that ad-blocking software is executing on the client device, a remedial action may be performed.

Abstract: A system and method for providing online commerce that includes at an online commerce platform, configuring a product profile for selling; providing a URI link of the online commerce platform that is unique to the product profile; at the online commerce platform, receiving an request to the link; identifying a referral channel of the request; conditionally selecting a product purchase interface mode from a set of interface modes at least in part based on the referral channel; transmitting a response of the selected product purchase interface mode in reply to the request; and at the purchase interface, completing a purchase from the product purchase interface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for efficient execution of modules are disclosed.

Abstract: An ad test tool allows rich media developers to test ads in both a stand-alone environment and within live web pages. The ad test tool includes a stand-alone ad test tool, a live site ad test tool, and a rules and compliancy engine. The stand-alone ad test tool tests ads in a stand-alone environment by providing the ad rendering framework necessary to render ads on the user's local device. The live site ad test tool tests ads on live web pages. The live site ad test tool includes a proxy that intercepts ad requests from web pages and replaces the ads on the web pages with test ads. The rules and compliancy engine checks test ads for compliancy for security and privacy purposes and also verifies that click tracking and/or impression tracking operate properly.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media that may be used to provide content based on third-party ratings are provided. One method includes receiving data identifying a plurality of affiliated entities that a content provider wishes to promote within published content. The method further includes receiving rating data from one or more third party entities. The rating data relates to one or more of the plurality of affiliated entities. The method further includes selecting two or more affiliated entities from among the plurality of affiliated entities for inclusion within a published content item based on the ranking data from the one or more third party entities. The method further includes generating the published content item including content relating to the two or more selected affiliated entities.

Abstract: Systems and methods presented herein provide for the directed insertion of assets in Content On Demand content across a plurality of computing devices. One system includes a database operable to maintain campaign data of the assets and an asset insertion decision system operable to instantiate on a plurality of computing devices and to periodically access the database to provide the campaign data to the instantiations of the asset insertion decision system on the computing devices. For example, the asset insertion decision system may establish a recording period in which each instantiation of the asset insertion decision system is operable to direct insertion of a portion of the assets in Content On Demand content selections upon request and to record the asset insertions between accesses to the database. The asset insertion decision system is also operable to process the asset insertions recorded by the instantiations to synchronize the campaign database.

Abstract: System, method, computer program and computer program improve performance of messaging campaigns particularly of Internet web splash pages. Executing, improving, and desirably optimizing performance of marketing campaigns in which splash pages or other splash pages are shown to visitors on a web site. System and method provide an automated splash page targeting and allocation scheme that is dynamic and adaptive.

Abstract: An advertisement content posting system and method are disclosed. The advertisement content posting system may include a resource collecting unit to collect resources included in a particular domain and configured to post an advertisement content, a service providing unit to provide an advertiser with resource object information of the collected resources and resource relationship information between resources in a web service form, and a post unit to post the advertisement content through resources selected by the advertiser when a post request with respect to the advertisement content is received from the advertiser.

Abstract: A method for representing and managing an inventory of overlapping multi-dimensional items such as advertising or ad impressions. The method uses an inventory management module to generate unique segment identifiers for sets of inventory items by processing descriptions of the sets of impressions including defining criteria. The method includes processing the unique segment identifiers to create a representation of the inventory as a plurality of inventory regions, which may include non-overlapping regions that correspond to inventory items in a single set of the inventory and also include overlapping regions that correspond to inventory items in two or more of the sets (e.g., items that match two or more sets of defining criteria or attributes). Availability and selection of inventory is determined using the information on inventory regions to control effects of cannibalization, such as by implementing logically necessary allocation to only cannibalize a region on a limited or forced basis.

Abstract: A method and system of internet connected computers for organizing globally presented original data in the World Wide Web locally. This data mainly consists of human generated data (websites, text files etc.) and also automatically produced technical data (from sensors, machines, chip cards etc.). The present invention describes how humans can assign metadata to the original data to describe specific aspects of the original data content. The system for creating and organizing web content through metadata is called Web Operating System (WOS). The software that controls the WOS is contained in the Web Operation Kernel (WOK). A WOK is standardized software that can be loaded on local servers or on individual computers (PCs) locally. The local WOK is controlled by users through tools on a graphic user interface (GUI) via a web-browser. This metadata, generated by human intelligence, is stored on local servers which host the WOK.

Abstract: A user creates an advertising campaign by selecting categories and building communications associated with the requisite categories selected. Each user places a bid amount on each category and when the requisite category is selected, the communications associated with the highest bid amounts are sent to recipients, typically over e-mail and/or web channels. The communications typically include text and a link, that includes the uniform resource locator (URL) of a targeted web sire associated with the user, such that when the recipient user activates the link, the browser of the recipient is directed to the targeted web site of the user.

Abstract: There is disclosed a website that allows patent licenses to be easily purchased. Through the website, customers can purchase paid-up, lump-sum licenses from the vendors. The website employs standard forms that avoid risks of litigation and the burdens of negotiation.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides an architecture and associated schema for facilitating advantageous solutions the generalized online matching problem. The architecture can employ a blended schema that includes distinct aspects of both primal-dual schema and dual-fitting schema. In accordance therewith, the blended schema can provide algorithms that yield solutions in accordance with a competitive ratio of 1?1/e. In addition, the blended schema can be extended to provide for rich risk management features. Further, an addition of stochastic information can be employed in connection with the blended schema to improve the results beyond the competitive ratio.

Abstract: A method and system for selection of a task in proportion to a desired distribution. Specifically, in one embodiment, the present invention discloses a method and system for selecting a task associated with a visiting customer to a web site over a communication network. The customer is assigned to a segment of a target customer base that most closely resembles the customer's characteristics. A plurality of tasks is associated with the segment and can be expressed as a distribution of tasks performed. A current distribution of tasks is determined. The task which provides a new distribution that is closest to a desired distribution of the plurality of tasks is selected to be performed. In one embodiment, the task to be performed is the offering of an advertising promotion to the customer over the communication network.

Abstract: A method is described that includes accessing bids for ranked goods and minimum rank indicators that each specifies a lowest rank for a good that is acceptable to a bidder, assigning a ranked good to a first bidder based on a first bid and a first minimum rank indicator each associated with the first bidder, and outputting a signal indicative of a cost of the assigned rank good based on a second bid associated with a next highest bidder having a second minimum rank indicator that specifies a rank that is inclusive of a rank of the ranked good assigned to the first bidder.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, that generate a display including one or more user-adjustable advertising mechanisms and receive a user selection of at least one of the one or more user-adjustable advertising mechanisms. Optionally, a user-adjustable tool can be displayed. The user-adjustable tool is configurable by the user to adjust the at least one user-adjustable advertising mechanism. A graphic is generated that represents at least one other user-adjustable advertising mechanism, where the graphic is generated based at least in part on the adjustment of the at least one user-adjustable advertising mechanism using the user-adjustable tool.

Abstract: Techniques for injecting synthetic electronic advertisements into a production electronic advertisement system to test the effectiveness of new categories of electronic advertisement are provided. Synthetic advertisement content may be provided to real users of the production system in order to determine the effectiveness of new electronic advertisements and/or new categories of electronic advertisements. The synthetic advertisements content appears to users to be regular production advertisement that may include navigational element such as a hypertext link and associated text and/or graphics to be displayed in the electronic interface. Statistics regarding the effectiveness of the new electronic advertisements and/or new categories are gathered and may be used to determine which new electronic advertisements and/or new categories of electronic advertisements are effective enough to include in the production system.

Abstract: As components of an advertisement are received by an online system, the online system determines whether the received components satisfy one or more policies of the online system. If a component does not satisfy a policy of the online system, the user providing the components is notified when the component is provided, allowing the user to modify the component. Additionally, stored data describing previously analyzed components are compared to received components, and the stored data is used if the received component matches a previously analyzed component This process expedites approval of advertisements by the online system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivery of directory services are provided. One method includes receiving an image of an identification code associated with a directory-providing organization, the identification code issued by the directory-providing organization, and transmitting a request to a directory server for a directory. The method includes receiving data defining a user interface including directory, local advertisement, and contact options, and upon receiving an indication from a user selecting the local advertisements, displaying a plurality of advertisements on the display of the user device, the advertisements including one or more redeemable incentive offers from a business local to the directory-providing organization.

Abstract: A method and system may in response to a request for advertisement components stored at a server, select a subset of advertisement components, and transmit the advertisement components to a client. The client may, for example insert the components into an advertisement in order to, for example, display an advertisement that is custom made for the particular client, or includes a random selection of components, or is an advertisement with components assembled for a different reason.

Abstract: As components of an advertisement are received by an online system, the online system determines whether the received components satisfy one or more policies of the online system. If a component does not satisfy a policy of the online system, the user providing the components is notified when the component is provided, allowing the user to modify the component. Additionally, stored data describing previously analyzed components are compared to received components, and the stored data is used if the received component matches a previously analyzed component. This process expedites approval of advertisements by the online system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present application relate to a method for publishing merchandise information, a device for pushing information, and a computer program product for publishing merchandise information. A method for publishing merchandise information is provided. The method includes receiving a merchandise information publishing request from a user terminal, the merchandise information publishing request including page information of the merchandise information, determining an image and a first link for a merchandise corresponding to the page information based on the page information, relating the image and the first link for the merchandise, relating a second link of the merchandise to the first link of the merchandise, and publishing the determined image and the first link for the merchandise.

Abstract: An information providing device can provide an arrangement, in addition to conventional affiliate programs, through which affiliators or the like can get rewards. In the information providing device, when a user of a terminal device specifies an advertisement display area, a partial area including a position specified in the advertisement display area is specified such that a reward is paid to the user allocated to the partial area.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods and systems are provided for scanning web sites and/or parsing web content, including for testing online opt-out systems and/or cookies used by online systems. In accordance with one implementation, a computer-implemented method is provided for testing an opt-out system associated with at least one advertising system that uses cookies. The method includes transmitting a first request to an opt-out system, wherein the first request corresponds to a first test for testing at least one of the opt-out system and an advertising system; receiving a first stream sent in response to the first request; determining a first outcome of the first test based on the first stream; and generating a report based on the first outcome.

Abstract: A telecommunications advertising means is disclosed. The telecommunication advertising means includes an advertisement database coupled to a processing means. The advertisement database stores subscriber specific or third party advertisements that are selectively associated with communications in a telecommunications network. The selective association is carried out by the processing means. In one embodiment, a router is coupled to the advertisement database. The router routes communications from source to destination within the telecommunications network. The router also routes advertisements that have been associated with the communications to the sources and destinations of the communications. A telecommunications system is also disclosed. The telecommunications system comprises a network subsystem, which includes a telecommunications advertising means. The telecommunications advertising means comprises an advertisement database and a processing means.

Abstract: To provide an electronic book provision system that can make advertisements easily recognized by a user. The electronic book acquisition unit (104) acquires an electronic book in which tag is set in the text. The tag indicates a replacement target phrase in the text of the electronic book to be replaced with an advertising phrase on an advertisement. An advertising phrase acquisition unit (106) acquires the stored content of an advertising phrase storage unit (102) storing an advertising phrase such that the advertising phrase is associated with the replacement target phrase or the tags. An advertising phrase insertion unit (108) inserts the advertising phrases into the text of the electronic book based on the tags included in the text of the electronic book and the stored content of the advertising phrase storage unit (102).

Abstract: A method including: dynamically allocating a telephone number to an advertisement on a just-in-time basis; and if the telephone number is not called for a predefined period of time, unallocating the telephone number.

Abstract: An advertisement interface presents a single input field for creating advertisements using a social networking system. When input is received via the single input field, the social networking system determines whether the destination identified by the input is internal to or external to the social networking system. Based on the determination of identified destination, a set of options unique to the type of destination is presented. Based on the user's selection of options, an advertisement is created and presented to other users of the social networking system.

Abstract: A displaying method for third-party information allows a first server to transmit at least one piece of third-party information to a first device according to at least one preference model, at least one piece of page information, a piece of location information, or a piece of time information. The third-party information can be also randomly transmitted to the first device. Thereby, the third-party information and a webpage accessed by the first device are concurrently displayed on the first device. The transmission of the third-party information from the first server needs no authorization from the website owner. Moreover, the third-party information can cover or overlap the webpage to be concurrently displayed on the first device so that the third-party information is not limited by the typesetting of the webpage. Accordingly, a simpler and more flexible displaying method for the third-party information is provided.

Abstract: Methods, articles, and systems for determining a bidding strategy for on-line query answer set or contextual advertisement positions for marketing options is described herein.

Abstract: Advertisements displayed in a web page are enabled to be changed as a context of the web page changes without reloading the web page. A first set of one or more advertisements may be displayed on a web page. One or more of the displayed advertisements may be replaced with one or more alternative advertisements. Selection of the alternative advertisements is triggered based on the occurrence of one or more events that cause a change in a context of the web page. The display of the alternative advertisements is performed dynamically, without the web page needing to be reloaded. In this manner, the advertisements displayed on a web page may be changed based on the change in web page context, to provide advertisements to users that correspond to the changing context.