Product and processing for point exchange

Abstract

To provide a product and processing for point exchange.SOLUTION: Processing 300 of tracking points among participants in various wagers comprises the steps of; receiving an indication of a wager, including point distribution, participants, an event, and the like; receiving an indication of a result of the wager; allocating points among the participants in accordance with desired point distribution on the basis of the result of the wager; receiving an indication of point adjustment; and adjusting points according to the received indication of point adjustment. The point adjustment can be associated with external exchange among participants in the wager.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each of the same or similar components shown in various figures is represented by a like reference numeral. For clarity, not every component is necessarily labeled or operationally identified in every figure. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0002] A method and apparatus process for points redemption is provided. [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] According to one aspect, a method includes receiving a plurality of indicators, each of the plurality of indicators indicating a respective bet of a plurality of bets, each of the bets including a respective event, a respective point amount wagered, and a respective at least one participant; determining an allocation of points among participants of the plurality of bets based, at least in part, on outcomes of the respective events; receiving at least one indication of a point adjustment; and adjusting points allocated to at least one participant of the plurality of bets based, at least in part, on the point adjustment. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0004] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a computer system architecture that can be used to perform one or more operations according to some embodiments. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an example collection of database tables that can be maintained in some embodiments. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a process that may be performed by some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0005] (term) "Product" means any machine, manufacture and / or assembly of matter, unless otherwise specified. "Process" means any process, algorithm, method, etc., unless otherwise specified. Each process (whether referred to as a method, algorithm, or otherwise) inherently comprises one or more steps, and thus, any reference to a "step" of a process has its own basis in the mere recitation of the "process" or similar term. Thus, any reference in a claim to a "step" of a process has sufficient basis.

[0006] "The invention" and the like means "one or more of the inventions disclosed in this application" unless otherwise specified. A "variant" of an invention means an embodiment of the invention, unless otherwise specified.

[0007] Reference to "other embodiments" in a description of an embodiment does not imply that the referenced embodiment is mutually exclusive with the other embodiments (e.g., embodiments described before the referenced embodiment), unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0008] "Including," "comprises," "having," "including," and variations thereof mean "including, but not limited to," unless otherwise noted. "A" and "an" mean "one or more," unless otherwise noted. "Plurality" means "two or more," unless otherwise noted. "Herein" means "in this application, including any which may be incorporated by reference," unless otherwise noted.

[0009] "At least one" means, unless otherwise specified, any combination of one or more of such items when such phrases modify a plurality of items (such as an enumerated list of items). For example, "one or more of a gadget, a vehicle, and a wheel" means any of (i) a gadget, (ii) a vehicle, (iii) a wheel, (iv) a gadget and a vehicle, (v) a gadget and a wheel, (vi) a vehicle and a wheel, or (vii) a gadget, a vehicle, and a wheel.

[0010] "Based on" does not mean "based only on," unless otherwise specified. In other words, "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on." Similarly, "based on" does not mean "based in whole of," "based on all of," or variations thereof, unless otherwise specified.

[0011] "For example" and similar words mean "for example," and therefore do not limit the phrase they describe. For example, in the sentence "a computer transmits data (e.g., instructions, data structures) over the Internet," "for example" explains that "instructions" are an example of "data" that a computer can transmit over the Internet, and that "data structures" are also an example of "data" that a computer can transmit over the Internet. However, both "instructions" and "data structures" are merely examples of "data," and things other than "instructions" and "data structures" can also be "data."

[0012] "Determine" and its grammatical variants (e.g., determining a price, identifying a value, determining objects that meet certain criteria) are used very broadly. "Determine" encompasses a variety of actions, and thus "determine" can include calculate, operate, process, derive, investigate, look up (e.g., looking up in a table, database or other data structure), ascertain, and the like. "Determine" can also include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), and the like. "Determine" can also include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like.

[0013] "Determining" does not imply certainty or absolute precision, and thus "determining" can include estimating, predicting, inferring, etc. "Determining" does not imply that a mathematical operation must be performed, that a numerical method must be used, and that an algorithm or process must be used. "Determining" does not imply that any particular apparatus must be used; for example, a computer does not necessarily need to perform the determination.

[0014] The terms "an embodiment," "an embodiment," "the embodiment," "one or more embodiments," "some embodiments," "particular embodiments," "one embodiment," "other embodiments," and the like mean "one or more (but not all) embodiments of the invention" unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0015] As used herein, "electronic message" and variations thereof should be understood to mean any electronic representation of information. For example, an HTTP message, an XMLHTTP request, an SMS message, an MMS message, a database message (e.g., an SQL message), or any other series of electrical signals representing information may be considered an electronic message. An electronic message may not include information identifying a source and / or destination, such as information typically included in a TCP / IP packet header. Rather, an electronic message may be considered to include only the body / content of such a packet.

[0016] As used herein, "representation" and "display" of an object and variations thereof referring to an object should be understood to refer to any display of at least a portion and / or feature of the object. For example, a display of information can include any display of at least a portion of the information. In some embodiments, the information can be determined by a person or a computing device from a display of the information. In some implementations, the display can include copying, compressing, and / or encrypting the information in any of a variety of formats. In other implementations, the display can include an index or other identifier, such as a position in a list, an ID number, or a database key. The display of the object can be in the same medium as the original object or in a different medium. For example, the number "1" can indicate a sound, a color, a menu item, or other object, depending on the configuration of a computing system configured to interpret the number, for example. In some implementations, the display can be divided into multiple parts, such as multiple electronic messages sent from one location to another. In some implementations, multiple displays can be combined into a single message.

[0017] When a claim includes a limitation that includes performing any action on any information and / or object, such limitation should be understood to include not only any action on the information and / or object, but also the action of performing an action on a portion of the information and / or object, the action of performing another action on another portion of the information and / or object, or no action at all, unless otherwise specified. For example, a claim including a limitation that the dripped nutritional composition is frozen into beads should be understood to include both a process in which all of the dripped nutritional composition is frozen into beads, and a process in which some portions of the dripped nutritional composition are frozen into beads and some portions of the dripped nutritional composition are not frozen into beads (e.g., they may be frozen into other non-beaded shapes).

[0018] (Sentence format) If a limitation in a first claim covers one feature as well as more than one feature (e.g., a limitation such as "at least one small device" covers one small device as well as more than one small device), and in a second claim that depends from the first claim, the second claim uses "the" to refer to this limitation (e.g., "the small device"), this does not imply that the first claim covers only one feature, nor does it imply that the second claim covers only one feature (e.g., "the small device" may cover both one small device and more than one small device).

[0019] When an ordinal number (such as "first," "second," "third," etc.) is used as an adjective before a term, the ordinal number (unless otherwise specified) is used merely to indicate that particular feature, such as to distinguish that feature from other features described by the same or similar terms. For example, a "first widget" is so named merely to distinguish it from, say, a "second widget." Thus, the use of the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" merely before a "dweeb" does not indicate any other relationship between the two widgets, nor does it indicate any other feature of either or both widgets. For example, the use of the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before a "dweeb" does not (1) indicate that either widget comes before or after the other widget in sequence or position; (2) indicate that either widget occurs or operates before or after the other widget in time; and (3) indicate that either widget is superior or inferior in importance or quality to the other widget. In addition, the mere use of an ordinal number does not impose a numerical limit on the feature identified by that ordinal number (e.g., "a plurality of first widgets" indicates two or more widgets that are distinct from other widgets). For example, the mere use of the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before a "widget" does not indicate that there must be no more than two widgets.

[0020] When a single device or item is described herein, two or more devices / items (whether or not operating together) may be substituted for the single device or item described. Thus, functionality described as possessed by a device may instead be possessed by two or more devices / items (whether or not operating together).

[0021] Similarly, where two or more devices or items are described herein (whether or not operating in concert), a single device / article may be substituted for the two or more devices or items described. For example, multiple computer-based devices may be replaced with a single computer-based device. Thus, functionality that is described as being possessed by two or more devices or items may instead be possessed by a single device / article.

[0022] The functionality and / or features of a single device that is described may alternatively be embodied by one or more devices that are described but are not explicitly described as having such functionality / features. Thus, other embodiments need not include the described device itself, but may include one or more other devices that have such functionality / features.

[0023] (The examples and terms disclosed are not limiting) Neither the title (which appears at the top of page 1 of this application) nor the Abstract (which appears at the end of this application) should be construed as limiting in any way the scope of the present invention. The Abstract has been included herein merely because 37 C.FR § 1.72(b) requires that abstracts be no more than 150 words.

[0024] The title of this application and the section headings provided herein are for convenience only and are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure in any way.

[0025] Many of the embodiments are presented for illustrative purposes only. The described embodiments are not and are not intended to be limiting in any sense. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the present invention can be implemented in various modifications and alternatives, such as structural, logical, software, and electrical changes. Although certain features of the present invention may be described with reference to one or more specific embodiments and / or figures, it will be apparent that, unless otherwise specified, such features are not limited to use in the one or more specific embodiments or figures referenced to describe those features.

[0026] Devices described as communicating with each other need not communicate with each other continuously, unless otherwise specified. On the contrary, such devices need only communicate with each other as necessary or desired, and may in fact cease exchanging data most of the time. For example, a machine in communication with other machines over the Internet may not transmit data to the other machines for long periods of time (e.g., weeks at a time). In addition, devices in communication with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries.

[0027] A description of an embodiment having several components or features does not imply that all, or even any, of such components / features are required. On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate various possible embodiments of the invention. Unless specifically stated, no component / feature is essential or required.

[0028] Although process operations, algorithms, and the like may be specifically described sequentially, such processes may be organized and operated in different orders. In other words, any order or sequence of operations that may be explicitly described does not necessarily indicate a requirement that the operations be performed in that order. Operations of processes described herein may be performed in any order. Moreover, some operations may be performed simultaneously even though they are described or implied as occurring non-concurrently (e.g., because one operation is described after another operation). Furthermore, in some embodiments, operations that are described as separate may be performed as a single operation. Moreover, the illustration of a process by drawing in a drawing does not imply that the illustrated process is exclusive of other variations and modifications to the process, nor does it imply that the illustrated process or any of its operations are required for the invention, and does not imply that the illustrated process is preferred.

[0029] Although a process may be described as including a number of operations, this does not imply that all or any of these operations are preferred, essential, or required. Various other embodiments within the scope of the present invention may include other processes that omit some or all of the described operations. Unless specifically stated, no operation is essential or required.

[0030] Although a process or product may be described in isolation or without reference to other processes or products, in some embodiments, the process or product may interact with other processes or products. For example, such interactions may include linking one business model to other business models. Such interactions may be provided to enhance the flexibility or desirability of the process.

[0031] An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless otherwise specified. Similarly, an enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that any or all of the items are inclusive of any category, unless otherwise specified. For example, a list of "computer, laptop (computer), PDA" does not imply that any or all of the items in the list are mutually exclusive, nor does it imply that any or all of the items in the list are inclusive of any category. Also, an enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that any or all of the items are equivalent to or immediately substituted for each other.

[0032] The preambles of the claims merely recite objects, advantages, and possible uses of the claimed invention, and are not intended to limit the claimed invention. This disclosure is not a literal description of all embodiments of the invention, nor is this disclosure a recitation of features of the invention that must be present in all embodiments.

[0033] (calculation) Various processes described herein may be implemented, for example, by a suitably programmed computer system, such as a general purpose computer 101 and / or computing device 103, such as that shown in FIG. 1. The computing device 103 may include special purpose or general purpose computing devices, such as a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant, and / or other portable or non-portable computing system that is not a general purpose computer. Some embodiments may include performing one or more operations including a proprietary handheld scorekeeping device. Such a device may include a display screen that may provide a user interface with the device, and one or more input devices, such as a keyboard and / or a wireless or wired network interface, that may transmit and / or receive information with the device.

[0034] "Processor" 105 refers to one or more microprocessors, central processing units (CPUs), computing devices, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, application specific integrated circuits, or similar devices, or any combination thereof. Processors may include Intel Pentium®, Centrino®, and / or Core® processors. Generally, processor 105 receives and executes instructions (e.g., from a memory or similar device) to perform one or more processes defined by those instructions.

[0035] Thus, a description of a process is also a description of an apparatus for performing the process, which may include, for example, a processor 105 and input and / or output devices (e.g., keyboard 107, mouse, trackball, microphone, touch screen, printing device, display screen 109, speaker, network interface 111) suitable for performing the process.

[0036] Additionally, programs implementing these methods (as well as other types of data) may be stored and transmitted in numerous ways using a variety of media (e.g., machine-readable media). In some embodiments, hard-wired circuitry or custom hardware may be used in place of or in combination with some or all of the software instructions that can implement the processes of various embodiments. Thus, various combinations of hardware and software may be used in place of software alone.

[0037] In some embodiments, the processor 105 may execute an operating system that may include, for example, a Windows-based operating system available from Microsoft Corporation (e.g., Windows NT, Windows 2000 (Windows ME), Windows XP, Windows Vista), the MAC OS System X operating system available from Apple Computer, Inc., one or more Linux-based operating system distributions (e.g., the Enterprise Linux operating system available from Red Hat, Inc.), the Solaris operating system available from Sun Microsystems, Inc., or a UNIX operating system available from a variety of sources. Many other operating systems may be used, and the invention is not limited to any particular operating system.

[0038] The processor and operating system together may define a computer platform for which programs stored on the machine-readable medium may be written in a variety of programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as SmallTalk®, Java®, C++®, Ada®, Python®, or C# (C-Sharp)®, functional programming languages, scripting programming languages ​​such as JavaScript®, and / or logic programming languages. Various aspects may be implemented in non-programming environments (e.g., documents created in HTML, XML, or other formats that render a graphical user interface (GUI) display or perform other functions when viewed in a browser program window). Some implementations may provide users with a web-based interactive user interface using multiple programming languages ​​and a technology collectively known as AJAX.

[0039] Various embodiments may include a network environment including one or more computing systems (e.g., general purpose computer 101, other computing devices 103) communicating through one or more communications networks (e.g., LAN 119, Internet 121). The computing systems may communicate directly or indirectly via any wired or wireless medium (e.g., Internet 121, LAN 119, WAN or Ethernet, token ring, telephone lines, cable lines, radio channels, optical communications lines, commercial online service providers, bulletin board systems, satellite communications links, cellular networks, Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth communications links, or any combination of the above).

[0040] Various aspects (e.g., program elements stored on machine-readable media and executable by one or more processors) may be distributed among one or more computer systems configured to provide services to one or more client computer systems. For example, in some embodiments, multiple computing systems may be organized as a central authority connected to a LAN or other communications network. These computing systems may receive requests and other information from remote computing systems over the Internet 121.

[0041] In some embodiments, one or more computer systems may function as one or more database servers that may respond to database requests, such as structured query language (SQL) queries, by accessing (e.g., searching the database, writing to the database) a database. The database servers may maintain one or more database tables that store information to facilitate operation of some embodiments.

[0042] FIG. 2 illustrates an example set of database tables that may be used to track and / or adjust points in some embodiments, as described in more detail below. As shown, some embodiments may include a points table 201. The points table may store information regarding the distribution of points among multiple individuals. For example, as shown in table 201, person 1 is allocated 50 points, person 2 is allocated 55 points, and person 3 is allocated 30 points. Persons may be added and / or removed by adding and / or deleting respective table rows. Points allocated to one or more persons may be adjusted by modifying (e.g., adding or subtracting) one or more point values ​​in the appropriate entries of the points column. A table such as table 201 may be useful, for example, for tracking points within a group of individuals (e.g., people in a co-participant group) that share a common points pool. For example, person 1, person 2, and person 3 may agree that points may be distributed and adjusted among all three of them. Person 1, person 2, and person 3 may be, for example, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, or other related parties. Person 1, Person 2, and Person 3 may be participants in a single bet or a common group of bets. Person 1, Person 2, and Person 3 may agree to be in a group prior to being grouped in this way. Some embodiments may include a table, such as table 201, for each of these groupings of people.

[0043] Some embodiments may include one or more database tables, such as a points table 203 and a group table 205. The points table 203 may maintain point distributions among multiple persons, similar to the points table 201. However, the points table 203 may track points among multiple groups, with tuples indicating one or more persons or one or more groups in the points column. For example, person 1 is allocated 25 points from person 2, which is allocated 25 points from a group of persons defined by identifier "group 1". The group table 205 may define one or more person groups. The group identifiers may be indicated in the group column, and a list of persons in the identified group may be indicated in the person column. For example, group 1 includes person 1, person 2, and person 3 in the group table 205 shown in the figure. The points associated with a particular tuple of a particular group or person may be considered a set of points.

[0044] It should be apparent that the collection of database tables in Figure 2 is provided by way of example only, and other embodiments may include any desired collection of database tables or no database tables at all. For example, in some implementations, one or more database tables may store personal information, such as identification information, login information, and / or other desired information.

[0045] Apart from the database servers, in some embodiments, one or more computer systems may function as web servers. The web servers may be configured to respond to network requests (e.g., HTTP messages, XMLHTTP requests) from web browsers executing on remote computer systems. For example, a web browser 123 executed by a computing system may direct an HTTP message through the Internet 121 to an edge routing device 125 connected to the LAN 119. The edge routing device 125 may be configured to direct the HTTP message through the LAN 119 to a web server. The web server may provide responses (e.g., HTML documents) to the web browser 123 through the edge routing device 125 and the Internet 121. The web server may be configured to communicate with other computer systems (e.g., database servers) to generate responses to requests thus received.

[0046] In some embodiments, a server computer / central authority may not be necessary or desirable. For example, an embodiment may be implemented on one or more computing devices without a central authority. In such an embodiment, any functions described herein as being performed by a server, or data described as being stored on a general purpose computer, may instead be performed by or stored on one or more such computing devices.

[0047] The term "machine-readable medium" refers to any medium that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions, data structures) that can be read by a computer, processor, or similar device. Such media can take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks 113 and other persistent memory. Volatile media include dynamic random access memory 115 (DRAM), which typically constitutes the main memory of a computer system. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire, and fiber optics, including the wiring that constitutes the system bus 117 coupled to the processor. Transmission media can include or carry acoustic waves, light waves, and electromagnetic radiation, such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of machine-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, a DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with a pattern of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a Flash EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer system can read.

[0048] Various forms of machine-readable media may be involved in carrying data (e.g., sequences of instructions) to a processor. For example, data may (i) be sent from RAM to the processor; (ii) be carried over a wireless transmission medium; (iii) be formatted and / or transmitted in accordance with a number of formats, standards, or protocols, such as Ethernet (or IEEE 802.3), SAP, ATP, Bluetooth, TCP / IP, TDMA, CDMA, and 3G; and / or (iv) be encrypted in any of a variety of ways known in the art to ensure privacy or prevent fraud.

[0049] Thus, a description of a process is also a description of a machine-readable medium that stores a program for performing the process. The machine-readable medium can store (in any suitable format) program elements suitable for performing the process.

[0050] When describing a process, in some embodiments the process may operate without user intervention, while in other embodiments the process may involve some human intervention (e.g., the actions are performed by or with the assistance of a human).

[0051] Just as the illustration of various acts in a process is not intended to indicate that all acts described are required, an apparatus embodiment may include one or more computer systems operable to perform some, but not necessarily all, of the described processes.

[0052] Similarly, just as the illustration of various acts in a process is not intended to indicate that all acts described are required, examples of machine-readable media storing programs or data structures include machine-readable media storing programs that, when executed, can cause one or more processors to perform some, but not necessarily all, of the acts described.

[0053] In describing databases, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that (i) alternative database structures to those described may be readily employed, and (ii) other memory structures other than databases may be readily employed. Any description of any sample databases provided herein is an exemplary arrangement for the storage representation of information. Any number of other arrangements may be employed beyond those suggested herein. Furthermore, any database format may be used to store and manipulate the data types described herein, including relational databases, object-based models, and / or distributed databases. Similarly, object methods or behaviors of the databases may be used to implement the processing described herein. Additionally, the databases may be stored locally or remotely from devices that access data in such databases in known or other manners.

[0054] (Continuing Application) The disclosure of this application provides one of ordinary skill in the art with an enabling description of several embodiments and / or inventions. Some of these embodiments and / or inventions may not be recited in the claims of this application, but may nevertheless be recited in the claims of one or more continuing applications claiming priority from this application. Applicant intends to file additional applications to pursue patents on subject matter disclosed and enabled but not claimed in this application.

[0055] (35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6) Any claim limitation that contains a "means for" or a "step for" means that 35 U.S.C. 112, paragraph 6 applies to that limitation. Any claim limitation that does not contain a "means for" or a "step for" means that 35 U.S.C. 112, paragraph 6 does not apply to that limitation, regardless of whether the limitation recites a function without reciting structure, materials, or acts for performing that function. For example, the mere use of a "step for" in a claim to refer to one or more steps in that or any other claim does not mean that 35 U.S.C. 112, paragraph 6 applies to those steps.

[0056] With respect to a means or step for performing a specified function pursuant to 35 US § 112, paragraph 6, the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification, and equivalents thereof, can perform that specified function as well as additional functions.

[0057] Computers, processors, computing devices, and similar products are structures capable of performing a wide range of functions. Such products are operable to perform specific functions by executing one or more programs, such as programs stored in a memory device of the product or in a memory device accessed by the product. Unless otherwise specified, such programs need not be based on a specific algorithm, such as any specific algorithm that may be disclosed in this application. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a specific function may be realized by different algorithms, and any of a number of different algorithms is merely a design choice for performing that specific function.

[0058] Thus, with respect to means or steps for performing a particular function under 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, a structure corresponding to a particular function includes any product programmed to perform that particular function. Such structure includes products programmed to perform this function, whether such products are programmed with (i) a disclosed algorithm for performing this function, (ii) an algorithm similar to the disclosed algorithm, or (iii) a different algorithm for performing this function. When a method recites a means for performing a function, one structure for performing this method includes a computing device (e.g., a general-purpose computer) that is programmed and / or configured to perform this function with appropriate hardware.

[0059] It will also be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that this includes a computing device (eg, a general purpose computer) that is programmed and / or configured to perform the functions via other algorithms in conjunction with appropriate hardware.

[0060] (abandonment) Multiple references to a particular embodiment do not imply a disclaimer or negation of additional, different embodiments, and similarly, references to descriptions of embodiments that generally include a particular feature do not imply a disclaimer or negation of embodiments that do not include that particular feature. Any explicit disclaimer or negation in this application will be prefaced by "does not include" or "cannot perform."

[0061] (Please include as reference) Any patents, patent applications, or other documents referred to in this specification are incorporated by reference into and as part of this patent application, but are intended solely for the purposes of written description under 35 U.S.C. 112, first paragraph, and availability under 35 U.S.C. 112, first paragraph, and should in no way be used to limit, define, or otherwise interpret any terms in this application where the application would not be able to provide an ascertainable meaning without such inclusion by reference, but rather to provide an ascertainable meaning for such terms. Thus, one of ordinary skill in the art need not be limited in any way by any specific examples provided in the references.

[0062] Preferred embodiment Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to tracking points allocated among one or more persons. In some embodiments, for example, a group of persons may enter into a bet. One or more winners of the bet may be allocated a number of points associated with the bet. The points may be later adjusted for future bets as well as non-bet events. Such embodiments may provide a convenient and efficient way of tracking both bet-related and non-bet-related information.

[0063] 3 illustrates an example process 300 that may be performed by some embodiments. Process 300 may be used to adjust at least one first point amount associated with multiple participants in a bet based on an outcome of the bet, and to adjust at least one second point amount associated with the multiple participants based, at least in part, on some external exchange or other event between at least two of the multiple participants. In some embodiments, one or more computer systems may perform one or more operations of process 300. Process 300 may begin at block 301.

[0064] Although not shown in FIG. 3, some embodiments may include receiving information about one or more individuals and / or one or more groups. Such information may include names, grouping information, and / or other desired information. Such information may be used, for example, to create one or more database entries that enable tracking of users and / or groups of users. In some implementations, a user interface, such as a web page interface or a mobile device interface, may be provided through which users may enter such information. In some embodiments, for example, through such an interface, one or more users may identify themselves and / or identify themselves as part of a group. In some embodiments, one or more other users, such as other members of the group, may be required to approve the new member before the new member may join a particular group.

[0065] In some implementations, multiple users may identify each other when participating in a bet together. For example, when playing an online card game, each user may be identified by name through the user interface, allowing users to know who they are playing against even if they are not in the same location. In some implementations, users may not identify each other. Rather, users may participate in a bet (e.g., play a card game) anonymously. In some implementations, users may choose whether they are identified or not. In some implementations, users may be restricted from participating in a bet with people in their group, allowing one or more participants to remain anonymous during a bet (e.g., during a card game), and users may be assured that all participants know or are otherwise related to each other in some way.

[0066] As shown at block 303, process 300 may include receiving at least one indication of at least one bet. The bet may be associated with a point amount wagered and an event. The event may include, for example, the outcome of a competition (e.g., a sports game, a virtual reality competition, a contest, an election, etc.), the outcome of a game (e.g., a card game, a slot machine shot, a dice roll, fantasy sports, etc.), the occurrence of a possible event or fact (e.g., a random number generation, a phone call, a stock market fluctuation, the achievement of an athletic goal, an amount wagered on a game or competition, a number won in a single player game, an individual's weight, a correct answer to a question, etc.), a decision by one or more trusted sources or adjudicators (e.g., the outcome of a court case, a determined look on the face of a significant other, etc.), and / or any other desired event. The bet may include a fixed odds bet, a range bet, and / or other bet.

[0067] In some embodiments, bets can be "internal" to an embodiment. For example, internal bets can include bets that have outcomes that are largely facilitated by the embodiment. For example, a web page can facilitate an interactive card game in which participants can bet points based on the outcome of the game, as well as track points according to some embodiments. In various embodiments, a card game can include any game that may or may not require a house. In some implementations, if a card game requires a house, one or more participants can be determined to represent the house, the role of the house can be passed around among the participants so that each person takes a turn to represent the house, and / or some other method of establishing a house can be used.

[0068] In some embodiments, bets may be "external" to an embodiment. For example, an external bet may include a bet that has an outcome that is not largely facilitated by the embodiment. For example, two participants may bet a certain amount of points on the outcome of a golf game played between the two participants and / or on other physical events.

[0069] In some embodiments, a bet can be limited to members of a group. By limiting participants in a bet to members of a group, the participants in the bet can be assured that they know or are related in some way to each participant in the bet. In some implementations, one or more members of a group can sponsor a third party to participate in a bet, which allows the sponsoring members to receive the profits of the winnings or losses of the losing parties if the third party wins or loses.

[0070] Some embodiments may include providing a user interface, such as a web page interface or a mobile device interface, through which information about a bet may be entered. Such information may include information identifying an amount of points wagered, information identifying participants in the bet, information identifying point allocations to one or more winners of the bet, information identifying the event, and / or other desired information. Such an interface may provide a representation of ongoing and / or available bets (e.g., games) and / or allow users to enter / create their own bets between users in a group. In some implementations, when creating a bet, similar bets may be made available to other users in other groups and / or to other users in the same group. Such implementations allow users from different groups to define bets for other groups. In some implementations, the ranking or position in the user interface of bets defined by one group may be determined by the number of other groups participating in the bet. Thus, for example, when the interface presents a list of current bets, popular bets defined by one group may be placed in a more prominent position than less popular bets defined by other groups.

[0071] In some embodiments, a user interface may be provided that includes a game interface (e.g., an online card game, etc.) through which games may be played and bets (i.e., wagers) associated with the games may be made. In some implementations, such games may include games of skill and / or games of chance. In some implementations, some or all of the points wagered may be limited to one or more default values ​​(e.g., antes). In some implementations, some or all of the points wagered may be adjustable (e.g., raises).

[0072] Although not shown in Figure 2, some implementations may include receiving an acceptance of the bet. For example, a first participant in a bet may send an indication that the bet has been placed and / or an indication of an offer for the bet (e.g., a raise in a poker game) to an embodiment. A second participant may later send an acceptance of the placed bet or the offered bet.

[0073] As shown at block 305, process 300 may include determining an outcome of at least one bet. Determining an outcome of a bet may include determining an outcome of an event associated with the bet. In some implementations, such a determination may include determining an outcome of an internal bet, such as determining a winner of an online card game. In some implementations, such a determination may include determining an outcome of an external bet, such as determining a winner of a golf tournament. Determining an outcome of an external bet may include, for example, receiving an indication of an outcome of the external bet, such as from a participant of the external bet, an official of the external bet, a trusted source (e.g., a sportscaster reporting sports results), etc. In some implementations, a user interface may be provided that allows for input of such information.

[0074] As shown in block 307, process 300 may include allocating points among participants in at least one bet in response to a determined outcome of the at least one bet. Allocating points may include, for example, adjusting point values ​​stored on a machine-readable medium, for example, in one or more database tables, and associated with one or more participants. Allocating points may include awarding points to one or more participants in the bet who are determined to be winners of the bet, for example, in block 303 of process 300. The number of points to award may be determined, for example, in block 303 of process 300, based on information identifying a point allocation associated with the bet and / or a default point allocation, for example, awarding all points to a winner and no points to others.

[0075] In some implementations, process 300 may loop back to block 303 after completion of block 307. By looping back in this manner, multiple bets affecting multiple different or similar participants may be completed and points may be adjusted accordingly.

[0076] As shown at block 309, process 300 may include receiving an indication of a points adjustment. The indication of a points adjustment may include, for example, an indication that an external event has occurred, such as an exchange of goods, services, money, etc. The indication may also be an indication of a correction to a previous points allocation error. The indication may identify a participant in the bet and an amount of points to be changed. In some implementations, the indication of the adjustment may be received from one or more participants in the bet, or from a user associated with a group. In some implementations, a user interface, such as a web page interface or a mobile device interface, may be provided through which one or more users may enter the points adjustment.

[0077] The points adjustments can include negative points adjustments, which can be particularly useful to account for external exchanges of goods, services, and / or money, and can include positive points adjustments, which can be particularly useful, for example, when a participant wishes to drop out of a bet, transfer points to another member of a group, correct an error in points tracking, and / or otherwise increase a user's points.

[0078] As shown in block 311, process 300 may include adjusting points allocated to at least one participant in the bet in response to the point adjustment. An embodiment may adjust points associated with the identified participant in response to receiving an indication of a point adjustment, e.g., by modifying a point value stored on one or more machine-readable media, e.g., in one or more database tables. In some implementations, the adjustment may be performed after all or some of the participants or members of the group of participants in the bet confirm the adjustment. Some implementations may send a confirmation request to some of the participants, e.g., via email, other user interface, etc. In some implementations, historical point values ​​may be maintained. Such historical point values ​​may represent a history of wins and losses among a group of participants, but do not take into account adjustments from external exchanges or other events. In some implementations, when issuing a request for a point adjustment, the user may indicate whether the point adjustment should affect the historical point values. This may be useful to adjust the historical point values ​​to reflect points added, e.g., due to transfers, or points subtracted due to previous errors, but not points subtracted, e.g., due to exchanges of goods or services.

[0079] In some implementations, a mechanism for validating point adjustments may be used. For example, a message may be sent to a group of users requesting that they approve the point adjustment before the point adjustment is made. In some implementations, a code may be used to authenticate that the point adjustment is valid. For example, a user may provide a verification code when submitting a request to change points. Such a verification code may be provided by another user (e.g., another group member) to indicate that the user is authorized to make point adjustments. Any mechanism for generating and providing such codes to users may be used. For example, the code may be a disposable (one-time use) code that is generated each time a user wants to authorize another user to make point adjustments, the code may be a reusable code (such as a PGP (pretty good privacy) public key) associated with a particular user, or any other desired type of code may be used.

[0080] Process 300 may end at block 313. Process 300 may loop back to block 309 for further point adjustments or may loop back to block 303 for further betting.

[0081] Although not shown in Figure 3, process 300 may include providing a representation of the points allocated to one or more users. The representation may include, for example, a user interface, such as a web page interface or a mobile device interface, that displays the points allocated to a particular participant or group of participants. Such a representation may be provided at any time during process 300, such as before / after receiving an indication of a bet, before / after receiving an indication of a points adjustment, and / or at any other time.

[0082] Also, although not shown in FIG. 3, process 300 may include providing messaging functionality through one or more computer systems. Participants in a bet or group may interact with one another through private messages, forums, community chat, and / or any other manner. For example, in one implementation, a first participant may send a message to a second participant saying, "I'm beating you." Such messaging may be facilitated using known methods, such as, for example, email, SMS or MMS messaging, instant messaging technology, and / or other new or known technologies.

[0083] The process 300 and other operations described above are by way of example only, and other embodiments may include additional and / or alternative operations in any order.

[0084] An example of an iteration through process 300 may include, for example, a group of friends or other acquaintances. The group of individuals may identify themselves to the embodiment, for example, through a separate web page interface accessed by each individual using their respective web browser. The group may access the interface to participate in betting, for example, accessing an online poker room through a separate web browser. Through the interface, the individuals may play one or more games, for example, one or more poker hands. Each game may include one or more bets of a number of points, for example, antes and raises on each poker game. A winner of each game may be determined and a bet of a number of points per game may be allocated, for example, a number of points for antes and raises appropriate to the hand may be allocated to the winner of each poker hand.

[0085] After playing a number of games, the group may end play. Outside the interface, one or more exchanges may occur. For example, one member of the group may buy food for another member of the group, exchange money with another member of the group, perform a desired service for another member of the group, etc. In response to the exchange, a member of the group may access the user interface and submit information indicating that points should be adjusted to reflect any agreement on the change in points. One embodiment may confirm the change with each member of the group before making the adjustment.

[0086] Additional Examples receiving a plurality of indices, each indicative of a respective bet of a plurality of bets, each bet including a respective event, a respective point amount wagered, and at least one respective participant; determining an allocation of points among participants in the plurality of bets based, at least in part, on the outcome of each event; receiving at least one indication of a point adjustment; adjusting points allocated to at least one participant of the plurality of bets based, at least in part, on the point adjustment; The method includes:

[0087] The method of paragraph

[0086] further comprising the step of allocating points according to the above point allocation.

[0088] The method of paragraph

[0087] , wherein the step of allocating the points includes storing information about the points on at least one machine-readable medium.

[0089] The method of paragraph

[0086] , wherein the step of adjusting the points includes at least one of adding and subtracting points associated with at least one participant.

[0090] The method of paragraph

[0086] , wherein at least one of the plurality of bets includes an allocation plan indicating how points should be allocated among at least one winner of the at least one bet.

[0091] The method of paragraph

[0090] , wherein the step of determining an allocation of points among the participants in the plurality of bets includes determining an allocation of points among the participants in the plurality of bets based, at least in part, on the allocation plan.

[0092] The method of paragraph

[0086] , wherein each of the plurality of indicators is received from at least one of the respective participants.

[0093] The method of paragraph

[0092] further comprising the step of receiving at least one acceptance of each of the plurality of bets from at least one second participant of each bet.

[0094] The method of paragraph

[0086] further includes the step of providing at least one user interface.

[0095] The method of paragraph

[0094] , wherein the at least one user interface includes at least one of an interface through which information regarding at least one of the plurality of bets can be input, an interface through which at least one game associated with the at least one bet can be played, an interface through which information regarding at least one of the points adjustments can be input, and an interface through which a representation of a current points allocation can be viewed.

[0096] The method of paragraph

[0086] further includes the step of presenting at least one representation of the current point distribution.

[0097] The method of paragraph

[0086] , wherein at least one of each of the above events includes at least one of an outcome of a game, an outcome of a competition, the occurrence of a possible event, and a decision.

[0098] The method of paragraph

[0097] , wherein the game includes at least one of a game of chance and a game of skill.

[0099] The method of paragraph

[0086] further includes a step of receiving information regarding at least one participant of at least one of the plurality of bets.

[0100] The method of paragraph

[0099] , wherein the information includes at least one of identification information and information identifying a group of related participants.

[0101] The method of paragraph

[0086] further comprises a step of determining the outcome of each of the above events.

[0102] The method of paragraph

[0101] , wherein the step of determining the result includes receiving an indication of the result.

[0103] The method of paragraph

[0086] , wherein at least one indication of the point adjustment includes an indication that an event has occurred.

[0104] The method of paragraph

[0086] , wherein at least one indication of the point adjustment includes an indication of an exchange between each of at least two participants.

[0105] The method of paragraph

[0104] , wherein the exchange includes at least one of an exchange of goods, an exchange of services, and an exchange of money.

[0106] The method of paragraph

[0104] , wherein the point adjustment includes a reduction in points allocated to a first participant among the at least two participants.

[0107] The method of paragraph

[0086] further includes a step of confirming the point adjustment with at least one of the participants.

[0108] An apparatus having at least one machine-readable medium, the at least one readable medium storing a plurality of machine instructions, the plurality of machine instructions being capable of together controlling at least one computer system to perform the method described in paragraph

[0086] .

[0109] The apparatus of paragraph

[0108] further comprises at least one processor configured to execute at least one of the plurality of machine instructions.

[0110] receiving an indication of a bet, the bet including an event, an amount of points wagered, and at least two participants; allocating at least a portion of the wagered point amount between the at least two participants based at least in part on the outcome of the event; receiving at least one indication of a point adjustment; adjusting points allocated to at least one of the at least two participants based at least in part on the point adjustment; The method includes:

[0111] The method of paragraph

[0110] , wherein the allocating step includes storing information about the points on at least one machine-readable medium.

[0112] The method of paragraph

[0110] , wherein the adjusting step includes at least one of adding and subtracting points associated with the at least one participant.

[0113] The method of paragraph

[0110] , wherein the bet includes an allocation plan indicating how points should be allocated among at least one winner of the bet.

[0114] The method of paragraph

[0113] , wherein the allocating step includes determining a point allocation between the at least two participants based at least in part on the allocation plan.

[0115] The method of paragraph

[0110] , further comprising receiving an indication of the bet from each of at least one of the at least two participants.

[0116] The method of paragraph

[0115] further comprising the step of receiving at least one acceptance of the bet from at least one second participant of the at least two participants.

[0117] The method of paragraph

[0110] further comprising the step of providing at least one user interface.

[0118] The method of paragraph

[0117] , wherein the at least one user interface includes at least one of an interface through which information related to the bet can be input, an interface through which at least one game associated with the bet can be played, an interface through which information related to the point adjustment can be input, and an interface through which a representation of a current point allocation can be viewed.

[0119] The method of paragraph

[0110] further comprising the step of presenting at least one representation of the current point distribution.

[0120] The method of paragraph

[0110] , wherein the event includes at least one of the outcome of a game, the outcome of a competition, the occurrence of a possible event, and a decision.

[0121] The method of paragraph

[0120] , wherein the game includes at least one of a game of chance and a game of skill.

[0122] The method of paragraph

[0110] further comprising a step of receiving information regarding at least one of the at least two participants.

[0123] The method of paragraph

[0122] , wherein the information includes at least one identification information and information identifying a group of related participants.

[0124] The method of paragraph

[0110] further comprising a step of determining an outcome of the event.

[0125] The method of paragraph

[0124] , wherein the step of determining the result includes receiving an indication of the result.

[0126] The method of paragraph

[0110] , wherein at least one indication of the point adjustment includes an indication that an event has occurred.

[0127] The method of paragraph

[0110] , wherein at least one indication of the points adjustment includes an indication of an exchange between each of at least two of the at least two participants.

[0128] The method of paragraph

[0127] , wherein the exchange includes at least one of an exchange of goods, an exchange of services, and an exchange of money.

[0129] The method of paragraph

[0127] , wherein the point adjustment includes a reduction in points allocated to a first participant among the at least two participants.

[0130] The method of paragraph

[0110] further includes a step of confirming the point adjustment with at least one of the participants.

[0131] An apparatus having at least one machine-readable medium, the at least one readable medium storing a plurality of machine instructions, the plurality of machine instructions being capable of together controlling at least one computer system to perform the method described in paragraph

[0110] .

[0132] The apparatus of paragraph

[0131] further comprises at least one processor configured to execute at least one of the plurality of machine instructions.

[0133] adjusting at least one first point amount of the set of point amounts associated with a plurality of participants based, at least in part, on at least one outcome of at least one bet involving at least a portion of the plurality of participants; adjusting at least one second point amount of the set of point amounts based, at least in part, on at least one exchange between at least two participants of the plurality of participants; The method includes:

[0134] The method of paragraph

[0133] , wherein the step of adjusting the at least one first point amount includes storing information about the set of point amounts on at least one machine-readable medium.

[0135] The method of paragraph

[0133] , wherein the step of adjusting the at least one second point amount includes storing information about the set of point amounts on at least one machine-readable medium.

[0136] The method of paragraph

[0133] , wherein the step of adjusting at least one second point amount includes at least one of addition and subtraction.

[0137] The method of paragraph

[0133] , wherein the at least one bet includes an allocation plan indicating how points should be allocated among at least one winner of the at least one bet.

[0138] The method of paragraph

[0137] , wherein the step of adjusting the at least one first point amount includes adjusting the at least one first point amount based, at least in part, on the distribution plan.

[0139] The method of paragraph

[0133] further comprising the step of receiving at least one indication of the at least one bet.

[0140] The method of paragraph

[0133] , further comprising receiving an indication of the bet from at least one of the plurality of participants.

[0141] The method of paragraph

[0133] further includes the step of providing at least one user interface.

[0142] The method of paragraph

[0141] , wherein the at least one user interface includes at least one of an interface through which information relating to the at least one bet can be input, an interface through which at least one game associated with the at least one bet can be played, an interface through which information relating to the at least one exchange can be input, and an interface through which a representation of a current point allocation can be viewed.

[0143] The method of paragraph

[0133] further includes the step of presenting at least one representation of the current point distribution.

[0144] The method of paragraph

[0133] , wherein the event includes at least one of the outcome of a game, the outcome of a competition, the occurrence of a possible event, and a decision.

[0145] The method of paragraph

[0144] , wherein the game includes at least one of a game of chance and a game of skill.

[0146] The method of paragraph

[0133] further comprises a step of receiving information regarding at least one participant among the plurality of participants.

[0147] The method of paragraph

[0146] , wherein the information includes at least one of identification information and information identifying a group consisting of multiple participants.

[0148] The method of paragraph

[0133] further comprising the step of determining an outcome of at least one bet.

[0149] The method of paragraph

[0148] , wherein the step of determining the result includes receiving an indication of the result.

[0150] The method of paragraph

[0133] , wherein the exchange includes at least one of an exchange of goods, an exchange of services, and an exchange of money.

[0151] The method of paragraph

[0133] further includes a step of confirming the occurrence of said exchange with at least one of said participants.

[0152] The method of paragraph

[0133] , wherein the at least one first point amount includes the at least one second point amount.

[0153] An apparatus having at least one machine-readable medium, the at least one readable medium storing a plurality of machine instructions, the plurality of machine instructions being capable of together controlling at least one computer system to perform the method described in paragraph

[0110] .

[0154] The apparatus of paragraph

[0153] further comprises at least one processor configured to execute at least one of the plurality of machine instructions.

Claims

1. A method, comprising: receiving, by at least one computer processor in electronic communication with at least one memory, indicators over a network from a remote device, the indicators including data indicative of an amount wagered on an event, an amount of points wagered, and a number of participants in the bet; generating, by the at least one computer processor in response to receiving the indication, a table in the memory including a column of points; associating, by the at least one computer processor, the table with the plurality of participants; receiving, by the at least one computer processor, a first message indicating a first point adjustment among the plurality of participants, the first message originating from a group of participants; receiving, by the at least one computer processor, a second message indicating a second point adjustment among the plurality of participants, the second message originating from a single participant; updating, by the at least one computer processor, the points column of the table in the memory based on a first point adjustment in a first message and a second point adjustment in a second message. method.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein adjusting includes at least one of adding and subtracting points in the sequence of points by the at least one computer processor.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the indicator further includes data indicating an allocation plan indicating how points should be allocated among at least one winner of the bet.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of receiving, by the at least one computer processor, at least one acceptance of the bet via the network from at least one other remote device.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, by the at least one computer processor, data indicative of an outcome of the event; The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of: transmitting, by the at least one computer processor, at least one representation of a current point distribution.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the first point adjustment and / or the second point adjustment includes an indication that an event has occurred.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first points adjustment and / or the second points adjustment includes an indication of an exchange between at least two respective participants.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the exchange includes at least one of an exchange of goods, an exchange of services, and an exchange of money.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the first points adjustment and / or the second points adjustment includes a reduction in points allocated to a first participant among the at least two respective participants.

10. An apparatus, comprising: Memory, At least one processor; The at least one processor comprises: receiving indicators from a remote device over a network, the indicators including data indicative of an amount wagered on an event, an amount of points wagered, and a number of participants in the bet; generating a table in the memory in response to receiving the indication, the table including a column of points; Associating the table with the plurality of participants; receiving a first message indicating a first point adjustment among the plurality of participants, the first message originating from a group of participants; receiving a second message indicating a second point adjustment among the plurality of participants, the second message originating from a single participant; and updating the points column of the table in the memory based on a first point adjustment in a first message and a second point adjustment in a second message. Device.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein to update the sequence of points, the at least one processor is further configured to add and subtract points in the sequence of points.

12. The device of claim 10, wherein the indicator further includes data indicating an allocation plan indicating how points should be allocated among at least one winner of the bet.

13. The device of claim 10, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to receive at least one acceptance of the bet via the network from at least one other remote device.

14. The device of claim 10, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to receive information regarding at least one participant participating in at least one bet.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the information includes at least one of identification information and information identifying a group of associated participants.

16. The at least one processor, receiving data indicative of an outcome of the event; The apparatus of claim 10 , further configured to: transmit at least one representation of a current point allocation.

17. The device of claim 10, wherein the first point adjustment and the second point adjustment include an indication that an event has occurred, and further comprising verifying the first point adjustment or the second point adjustment for at least one of the participants.

18. The device described in claim 10, wherein the first point adjustment or the second point adjustment includes an indication of an exchange between at least two respective participants.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the exchange includes at least one of an exchange of goods, an exchange of services, and an exchange of money.

20. The device described in claim 19, wherein the first points adjustment or the second points adjustment includes a reduction in points allocated to a first participant among the at least two respective participants.

Images