Reward Program Currency Interface for Real-Time Redemption

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reward program systems are one-way, preventing the return or reuse of transferred points and requiring pre-selection of redemption amounts, with point values dependent on the trading server, limiting flexibility in redemption transactions.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that allows real-time currency consolidation between multiple reward programs, enabling participants to use currencies from multiple programs for redemption transactions via an interface, with reconciliation to manage exchange rates and values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If points are transferred to the trading server from a reward program, then points can be accumulated and redeemed, but the points cannot be returned or used in the particular program

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveredemption flexibilityVSAvoidpoint transfer irreversibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional one-way transfer model by implementing a two-way interface that allows points to be both transferred from reward programs to the trading server and returned back. This inversion enables participants to move points bidirectionally, allowing them to transfer points when wanting to redeem and return points when wanting to use them in the original program, thus resolving the contradiction between redemption flexibility and operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Productivity

If the participant pre-selects the amount of points to be transferred in advance of a redemption transaction, then the trading server can process the redemption, but the participant cannot adjust the amount at the time of redemption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveredemption processing efficiencyVSAvoidredemption amount flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic point selection mechanism where the participant can adjust the amount of points to be transferred at the time of redemption rather than pre-selecting in advance. The system dynamically queries the reward server for available points, presents options to the participant, and processes the transfer based on their real-time decision. This dynamic approach maintains processing efficiency while providing flexibility in redemption amount selection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Extent of automation

If the value of transferred points depends on the trading server, then the trading server can control the redemption value, but the participant has limited control over point valuation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated point valuationVSAvoidpoint value control

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the trading server queries the reward server to obtain the current value and availability of points before processing redemption. This feedback loop ensures that the participant sees the actual point value and can make informed decisions about how many points to transfer. The system provides real-time feedback on point valuation, allowing participants to adjust their redemption strategy based on current conditions rather than relying solely on predetermined values

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8452645B2Interface between two reward programs for concurrently redeeming currencies

Publication Date: 2013.05.28 MARITZ LLC

AI summary

A system and method, such as an interface, for real time redemption of currency of two or more reward programs. The interface allows a participant to redeem in real time currency of one program in which a participant has an account with currency of one or more other programs in which the participant also has an account. Thus, the participant can selectively use in real time the currencies from two or more programs for redemption via one of the programs.