Contingency-based options and futures for contingent travel accommodations

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a system for allowing a remote user to purchase, over a distributed computer network (e.g., the Internet), an option for a ticket and / or accommodations for a ‘contingent event”, e.g., an event which is certain to occur but for which the participants, content and / or location(s) are not predetermined. For instance, the subject system can be used to sell options for the purchase of tickets to such contingent events such as playoff games on the basis of what teams qualify, or all-star game.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The advent of computer networks offers geographically distributed users unprecedented opportunities to interact with each other and to work together on content. One of the most widely accepted and heavily used networks is the Internet. The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks formed into a single world wide network. A user, through the Internet, can interactively transmit messages with users in different locations. Similarly, a user in one location can connect to files and libraries in other locations. Thus, the Internet provides versatile communications functions and acts like a universal library, providing electronic access to resources and information available from Internet sites throughout the world. Access to the Internet can be had from a wide range of locations and through a wide range of devices. For example, a user with a laptop computer and a modem may connect to the Internet through a telephone jack. Wireless ...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0043] Disclosed herein is a system for allowing a remote user to purchase, over a distributed computer network (e.g., the Internet), an option to purchase a ticket, goods or services, or other item that is based on a contingent event, e.g., an event which is certain to occur but for which the participants, content and / or location(s) are not predetermined. For instance, the subject system can be used to sell options for the purchase of tickets or accommodations for such contingent sports events such as playoff games on the basis of what teams qualify, or who may appear in an all-star game. In general, the system comprises a host server operative with a program including: (i) an event database connected in communication with said host server, said database including contingent event identifiers, such as team-round-game identifiers, each identifier being representative of an ticket or other good or service for a contingent sporting event within a range of possible sporting events, (ii...

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The advent of computer networks offers geographically distributed users unprecedented opportunities to interact with each other and to work together on content. One of the most widely accepted and heavily used networks is the Internet. The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks formed into a single world wide network. A user, through the Internet, can interactively transmit messages with users in different locations. Similarly, a user in one location can connect to files and libraries in other locations. Thus, the Internet provides versatile communications functions and acts like a universal library, providing electronic access to resources and information available from Internet sites throughout the world. Access to the Internet can be had from a wide range of locations and through a wide range of devices. For example, a user with a laptop computer and a modem may connect to the Internet through a telephone jack. Wireless ...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0043] Disclosed herein is a system for allowing a remote user to purchase, over a distributed computer network (e.g., the Internet), an option to purchase a ticket, goods or services, or other item that is based on a contingent event, e.g., an event which is certain to occur but for which the participants, content and / or location(s) are not predetermined. For instance, the subject system can be used to sell options for the purchase of tickets or accommodations for such contingent sports events such as playoff games on the basis of what teams qualify, or who may appear in an all-star game. In general, the system comprises a host server operative with a program including: (i) an event database connected in communication with said host server, said database including contingent event identifiers, such as team-round-game identifiers, each identifier being representative of an ticket or other good or service for a contingent sporting event within a range of possible sporting events, (ii...

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