EP3788481A1

EP3788481A1 - Method and system for allocating resources

Info

Publication number: EP3788481A1
Application number: EP19720623.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Nicolaas Maria SCHILDER
Original assignee: Beheermij Nick Schilder
Current assignee: Beheermij Nick Schilder
Priority date: 2018-04-30
Filing date: 2019-04-30
Publication date: 2021-03-10
Also published as: NL2020844B1

Abstract

A computer-implemented method for allocating resources, comprising: receiving (300) inputs from multiple client computers, wherein each input is indicative of a use of a system by a client computer. The method further comprises, upon receiving an input: calculating (900) a relative impact to the system caused by the use of the system by the client computer as indicated by the input, wherein the relative impact depends on the received input and previous inputs received from the multiple client computers, and wherein the relative impact is calculated for the client computer from which the input is received; storing the relative impact in a data storage; and for each of the multiple client computers other than the client computer, updating a stored relative impact based on the use of the system by the client computer as indicated by the input. The resources are allocated depending on the relative impact.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ALLOCATING RESOURCES

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a computer-implemented method for allocating resources, a server comprising means for carrying out the method, and a computer program product.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] There are many internet related systems or platforms from which users can obtain information or content. Nowadays, users may upload information or content to these systems or platforms for other users to read. An example of such platform is a social media platform, where users can post information for other users to read. Another example of such platform is a video server, where users can upload videos for other users to watch. The platforms onto which the information or content is uploaded are typically owned by a private company, which allows users access to their platform, often for free. The information or content uploaded by the users attracts other users to the platform who will typically be confronted with advertisements, thereby creating a positive business case for the owner of the platform.

[0003] The users who create and upload information or content and the users who obtain the information or content are dependent on these platforms. Vice versa, the owner of the platforms is dependent on its users uploading information or content. Often, the owner of the platform benefits the most from the use of the platform, which may be considered unfair as the platform depends on the information or content provided by its users.

SUMMARY

[0004] It is an aim of the invention to overcome the unfair benefits of the platform owner and come to a fairer share of benefits between the platform owner and its users.

[0005] The invention provides a solution by allocating resources to client computers or its users based on the information or content uploaded to the system by the client computers or users.

[0006] According to an aspect of the invention, a computer-implemented method is proposed for allocating resources. The method can comprise receiving inputs from multiple client computers, wherein each input is indicative of a use of a system by a client computer. The method can further comprise, upon receiving an input, calculating a relative impact to the system caused by the use of the system by the client computer as indicated by the input, wherein the relative impact depends on the received input and previous inputs received from the multiple client computers, and wherein the relative impact is calculated for the client computer from which the input is received. The method can further comprise storing the relative impact in a data storage. The method can further comprise, for each of the multiple client computers other than the client computer from which the input is received, updating a stored relative impact based on the use of the system by the client computer as indicated by the input. The resources can then be allocated depending on the relative impact.

[0007] Advantageously, resources may thus be allocated depending on the relative impact of a use of the system by a client computer compared to the use of the system by other client computers. Thus, a fair distribution of resources between the users of the system may be achieved, depending on e.g. information or content uploaded to the system by a client computer.

[0008] In an embodiment, the relative impact can depend on all previous inputs received from the multiple client computers.

[0009] In an embodiment, the relative impact can be linked to a user of the client computer.

[0010] In an embodiment, the use of the system can comprise a contribution to the system in the form of data provided to the system by the client computer, wherein the data can be usable by one or more of the multiple client computers.

[0011] In an embodiment, the use of the system can be related to data provided to the system by one of the multiple client computers other than the client computer.

[0012] In an embodiment, the use of the system can comprise at least one of: following the data; liking the data; an amount of time the data is used; a use of the data.

[0013] In an embodiment, the data can comprise at least one of: a message, wherein the system comprises a social media platform; content, wherein the content is at least one of audio content, video content, still image content and text based content, and wherein the system comprises a content sharing platform; navigation related data, wherein the system comprises a navigation system; gaming related data, wherein the system comprises a gaming platform.

[0014] In an embodiment, the use of the system can comprise at least one of: an amount of time lapsed since a launch of a service on the system before creating a user account in the system; an amount of time between making contributions to the system by a user of the client computer; a financial transaction related to a service provided by the system; an invitation from the user of the client computer to another user for using the system; an activation of a service provided by the system; installing software on the client computer for use with the system.

[0015] In an embodiment, the method can be performed on a server, wherein the server can be external to the system or the system can comprise the server.

[0016] In an embodiment, the calculating of the relative impact can be delayed until multiple inputs from one or more of the multiple client computers have been received.

[0017] In an embodiment, the resources can include computer resources comprising at least one of: an amount of data storage in the system available to the client computer; an amount of CPU time or CPU power in the system available to the client computer; an amount of network bandwidth available to the client computer for communicating with the system.

[0018] In an embodiment the resources can include monetary resources.

[0019] In an embodiment, the monetary resources can be based on a crypto currency stored in a block chain.

[0020] According to an aspect of the invention, a server is proposed comprising means for carrying out the method having one or more of the above described characteristics.

[0021] According to an aspect of the invention, a computer program product is proposed, implemented on a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium, the computer program product comprising computer executable instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to carry out the steps of the method having one or more of the above described characteristics.

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in further detail. It should be appreciated, however, that these embodiments may not be construed as limiting the scope of protection for the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which: [0024] FIG. 1 shows a network architecture according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0025] FIGs. 2-11 show flow chars of exemplary embodiments of the invention; and [0026] FIG. 12 shows an example of calculating relative impacts for allocating resources according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0027] The figures are meant for illustrative purposes only, and do not serve as restriction of the scope or the protection as laid down by the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0028] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a network architecture 1 of the present invention. The network architecture may include a server 2 that is communicatively connected to client computers 11-14 via a network 10. The network 10 is typically the Internet. Client computer 11 may be a mobile phone or a smart phone, client computer 12 may be a tablet computer, client computer 13 may be a PC or laptop, and client computer 14 may be an Internet of Things device. It will be understood that there may be multiple of each of the client computers 11-14 and that not all types of client devices need be present. The client computer 11-14 may also be referred to as client device 11-14.

[0029] The network architecture 1 may include a system 7 for providing information or content to the client computers 11-14. This information or content may include information or content that has been uploaded to the system 7 by one or more of the client computers 11- 14. In the following, the system 7 may also be referred to as platform 7.

[0030] Typically, the client computer 11-14 contains a web browser, app or software program that enables the user of the client computer 11-14 to interact with services or content provided by the system 7. This web browser, app or software program may be preconfigured on the client device or installed by the user. The web browser, app or software program may be specifically adapted for use with the system 7 or may be more generic and usable with a plurality of different systems or services provided by different systems.

[0031 ] Input indicative of a use of the system 7 by a client computer 11-14 may be transmitted to the server 2. This input may be transmitted directly from the client computer 11-14 to the server 2. Alternatively, this input may be transmitted indirectly from the client computer 11-14 to the server 2 via the system 7. In the latter example, the input transmitted from the system 7 to the server 2 may be provided to the system 7 by the client computer 11- 14 or the system 7 may generate the input based on an interaction from the client computer 11-14 with the system 7. The input may comprise information about or related to content uploaded to the system 7. The input may comprise the content itself being uploaded to the system 7.

[0032] The server 2 may include a data storage 3, such as a database, for storing data relating to respective inputs from client computers 11-14. Optionally, the data storage 3 may also store the algorithms and/or computer code for performing calculations and

determinations according to the present invention. The data storage 3 may be external to the server 2, communicatively connected to the server 2. The server 2 and/or the data storage 3 may be implemented in any known form, such as a stand alone server, a cloud service, or a cluster of servers. The server 2 may include one or more CPUs 4 and a memory 5 for preforming the method of the present invention. The server 2 may further include a network module 6 for communicating with the client computers 11-14 and/or the system 7 via the network 10.

[0033] In an embodiment (not shown), the server 2 and system 7 may be integrated.

[0034] An example of a system 7 is a social media platform. Depending on the contribution of a user to the social media platform, the user or the client computer 11-14 of the user may be allocated a number of resources based on a relative impact. The input indicative of a use of the social media platform may be used to calculate the relative impact to the system caused by the use of the system by the client computer as indicated by the input. For each of the multiple client computers other than the client computer from which the input is received, a stored relative impact may be updated based on the use of the system by the client computer as indicated by the input. The input may be related to one or more of the following variables, which may be used in the calculation:

How many followers does the user have?

How soon after launch of the platform does the user create an account?

How many likes does the user generate?

How many likes does the user receive?

How many photos/videos or other content has the user uploaded?

How frequently does the user upload content?

How predictably is the upload of content by the user?

How much personal information about the user is the system allowed to use? How much of the behavior of the user may be followed by the system, e.g. for optimizing the system?

How much does the user spend on or as a result of the system?

How frequently is the user or are uploads by the user searched by other users? How many sponsored links or advertisements with the uploaded content are used?

How often are uploads being reposted or forwarded by others?

How many comments are made?

[0035] Another example of a system 7 is a content broadcaster. Depending on the contribution of a user to the content broadcaster, the user or the client computer 11-14 of the user may be allocated a number of resources based on a relative impact. The input indicative of a use of the content broadcaster may be used to calculate the relative impact to the system caused by the use of the system by the client computer as indicated by the input. For each of the multiple client computers other than the client computer from which the input is received, a stored relative impact may be updated based on the use of the system by the client computer as indicated by the input. Active and passive users may be categorized differently or distinguished based on different weightings of behavioral variables. The input may be related to one or more of the following variables, which may be used in the calculation:

- Viewing time (variable passive behavior);

A number of generated views to uploaded content (variable active behavior), which may have a larger weight factor, thus contributing to a higher relative impact;

The number of followers that a user attracts to his or her channel;

- Advertisement income as a result of the content uploaded by the user;

Placing a like to a video;

Receiving a like to a video.

[0036] Another example of a system 7 is a real estate website. Depending on the contribution of a user to the real estate website, the user or the client computer 11-14 of the user may be allocated a number of resources based on a relative impact. The input indicative of a use of the real estate website may be used to calculate the relative impact to the system caused by the use of the system by the client computer as indicated by the input. For each of the multiple client computers other than the client computer from which the input is received, a stored relative impact may be updated based on the use of the system by the client computer as indicated by the input. In this example a user may be a broker offering objects for sale or for rent via the real estate website. The input may be related to one or more of the following variables, which may be used in the calculation:

How many objects are offered by the user via the real estate website?

What is the average, minimum and/or maximum price of objects offered by the user?

How many clicks do the objects get?

How many objects are visited?

How exclusive are the objects with respect to competitor real estate websites? [0037] Another example of a system 7 is a platform in support of a navigation system. Depending on the contribution of a user to the navigation system, the user or the client computer 11-14 of the user may be allocated a number of resources based on a relative impact. The input indicative of a use of the navigation system may be used to calculate the relative impact to the system caused by the use of the system by the client computer as indicated by the input. For each of the multiple client computers other than the client computer from which the input is received, a stored relative impact may be updated based on the use of the system by the client computer as indicated by the input. The input may be related to one or more of the following variables, which may be used in the calculation:

The distance traveled using the navigation system;

Willingness to share location and/or behavior on the road;

Amount of information provided by the user;

Frequency of providing traffic information to the system.

[0038] Another example of a system 7 is a streaming platform. Depending on the contribution of a user to the streaming platform, the user or the client computer 11-14 of the user may be allocated a number of resources based on a relative impact. The input indicative of a use of the streaming platform may be used to calculate the relative impact to the system caused by the use of the system by the client computer as indicated by the input. For each of the multiple client computers other than the client computer from which the input is received, a stored relative impact may be updated based on the use of the system by the client computer as indicated by the input. The input may be related to one or more of the following variables, which may be used in the calculation: Listening time by the user (passive user);

How many music tracks and/or albums has the user uploaded (active user)? How many streams are offered by the user?

How many followers does the user have?

How frequently are uploads used by other users?

How exclusive is the content offered by the user on the streaming platform compared to competitor platforms?

[0039] Another example of a system 7 is a gaming platform. Depending on the contribution of a user to the gaming platform, the user or the client computer 11-14 of the user may be allocated a number of resources based on a relative impact. The input indicative of a use of the gaming may be used to calculate the relative impact to the system caused by the use of the system by the client computer as indicated by the input. For each of the multiple client computers other than the client computer from which the input is received, a stored relative impact may be updated based on the use of the system by the client computer as indicated by the input. The input may be related to one or more of the following variables, which may be used in the calculation:

- Number of wins, kills, goals, etcetera depending on the game;

Tokens, coins, points, high score, records, and/or performance;

- Number of times a game is played, number of games played, and/or number of competitions played;

How soon after launch of the platform does the user create an account?

How many friends are invited by the user to play a game on the platform; Total playing time;

How much does the user spend on or as a result of the system?

References;

Advertisement income.

[0040] Many more examples of systems 7 and service providers via systems 7 are envisaged. Here follows a number of exemplary services or service providers that may use a system 7, and commonly used variables that may be used for calculating the relative impact in such system 7.

[0041] An airline may use one or more variables related to: number of flights, spending on flights, frequent flyers miles, distance traveled, flight frequency, references. [0042] A bank may use one or more variables related to: number of transactions, references, accumulated capital, borrowed capital, number of accounts, number of credit cards, purchased related services.

[0043] A construction company (at company level) may use one or more variables related to: turnover, duration relationship, percentage of locations and branches for which work has been performed.

[0044] An electronics company may use one or more variables related to: (i) at consumer level: expenditures, frequency of use, number of products; (ii) at company level

(distribution): number of resellers, average turnover per reseller, frequency of sales per reseller, time needed per product sold, entry moment new product or service; and/or (iii) at company level (reseller): number of active customers, average turnover per customer, frequency return per customer.

[0045] An IT Company at consumer level may use one or more variables related to: turnover, duration relationship, percentage of locations and branches for which activities have been performed, purchased related products, computer power consumed, computer power made available.

[0046] Energy companies may use one or more variables related to: (i) in business-to- business (B2B): used energy, delivered energy, reduced green energy, supplied green energy, predictability of supply of energy, predictability of energy taken off; and/or in business-to- consumer (B2C): used energy, delivered energy, reduced green energy, supplied green energy.

[0047] An automotive company may use one or more variables related to: (i) in B2B: number of sold cars, turnover, purchased related products and services, time relationship, percentage of vehicle fleet; and/or in B2C: number of sold cars, sales, purchased related products and services, time relationship, percentage brand strength.

[0048] An employment agency may use one or more variables related to: number of contracted temporary employees, predictability of success, duration of relationship, average duration of temporary project.

[0049] Wholesale may use one or more variables related to: number of products that are purchased, number of different products that are purchased, purchased frequency, references.

[0050] A purchasing organization may use one or more variables related to: turnover, frequency of turnover, number of members, volume of purchased products, volume of delivered products, width and depth of the range of products and services, number of existing partnerships.

[0051] A recruitment organization may use one or more variables related to: number of hours worked, number of customers applied, generated turnover, years of employment, salary at the moment of entering into collaboration.

[0052] Detail wholesale may use one or more variables related to: number of products that are purchased, number of different products that are purchased, purchased frequency, references.

[0053] An insurer may use one or more variables related to: number of transactions, references, number of insurances, purchased related services, length no claim.

[0054] A shipyard may use one or more variables related to: number of meters of berths, frequency of visit, take-off related services.

[0055] A crowdfunding site may use one or more variables related to: number and volume of proposed propositions, spending on proposed propositions.

[0056] A room rental site may use one or more variables related to: spending, booking frequency, diversification in destinations, early booking.

[0057] A hotel bookings site may use one or more variables related to: spending, booking frequency, diversification in destinations, early booking.

[0058] A taxi service may use one or more variables related to: spending, mileage, frequency usage, payment method.

[0059] A credit card / payment system may use one or more variables related to:

spending, frequency of expenditure, references.

[0060] A travel agency may use one or more variables related to: spending, frequency use, diversification in destinations, early booking.

[0061] A delivery service may use one or more variables related to: spending, frequency use, early booking.

[0062] An online store may use one or more variables related to: spending, frequency visits, frequency of sales, likes, comments, reviews.

[0063] A catering industry may use one or more variables related to: spending, frequency visit, average group size.

[0064] A mail order company may use one or more variables related to: spending, frequency visits, frequency of sales, likes, comments, review. [0065] Breweries / distillers / beverages alcoholic/non-alcoholic may use one or more variables related to: number of wholesale, average turnover per wholesaler, frequency of turnover per wholesaler, time needed per product sold, start-up moment new product or service, spent marketing budget.

[0066] Transporters may use one or more variables related to: volume and/or number of delivered freight, kilometers to be traveled, predictability, frequency of taking.

[0067] Branch organizations may use one or more variables related to: affected members, percentage of purchased services.

[0068] Software suppliers may use one or more variables related to: number and/or volume and/or value of purchased products and/or services, quantity of use of products and/services, standardization on the products/services, computer power consumed, computer power made available, executed in app purchases.

[0069] Mobile app suppliers may use one or more variables related to: number and/or volume and/or value of purchased products and/or services, quantity of use of products and/services, standardization on the products/services, quantity of use of advertisement.

[0070] Travel organizations may use one or more variables related to: spending, frequency use, diversification in destinations, early booking.

[0071] Bungalow parks may use one or more variables related to: volume and/or quantity and/or number of rented bungalows, duration of volume and/or quantity and/or number of rented bungalows.

[0072] Publishing may use one or more variables related to: (i) with respect to content creator: amount of content delivered, frequency of delivered content, predictability of delivered content, generated turnover, generated revenue per title; and/or (ii) with respect to customer: purchase of content, diversity content that is purchased, purchased frequency, references.

[0073] Football/soccer clubs with regard to supporters may use one or more variables related to: number of season tickets, number of single tickets, spending related products.

[0074] A crypto currency platform may use one or more variables related to: number of transactions, value transactions, frequency transactions.

[0075] A Content Creator may use one or more variables related to: amount of content sold, diversity in content, exclusivity cooperation, percentage of total content. [0076] A media / production company may use one or more variables related to: amount of content sold, diversity in content, exclusivity cooperation, percentage of total content.

[0077] Supermarkets with regard to customers may use one or more variables related to: spending, frequency of purchases, diversity of products and services purchased.

[0078] Franchise organizations may use one or more variables related to: absolute turnover, number of members and or customers, number of locations and/or branches, revenue growth, contribution to supply, percentage in factor innovation.

[0079] A housing store may use one or more variables related to: spending, frequency visit, frequency of sales.

[0080] Concert organizations may use one or more variables related to: (i) with respect to customers: expenditures, volume and/or value of products and services purchased, diversity of products and services purchased, entry moment, privacy profile, duration of use, frequency of expenditure, predictability of expenditure, off-take related products, exclusivity of commitment, brand retention, references, participation in evaluations or customer satisfaction survey; and/or (ii) with respect to artists/performers: realized turnover, frequency of cooperation, predictability of cooperation, availability, exclusivity of cooperation.

[0081] Festivals may use one or more variables related to: (i) with respect to visitor: expenditures, volume and/or value of purchased products and services, diversity of products and services purchased, entry moment, privacy profile, duration of use, frequency of expenditure, predictability of expenditure, off-take related products, exclusivity of commitment, brand resistance, references, participation in evaluations or customer satisfaction survey; and/or (ii) with respect to artists/performers: realized turnover, frequency of cooperation, predictability of cooperation, availability, exclusivity of cooperation.

[0082] Museums may use one or more variables related to: (i) with respect to visitors and/or members: expenditures, volume and/or value of purchased products and services, diversity of products and services purchased, entry moment, privacy profile, duration of use, frequency of expenditure, predictability of expenditure, off-take related products, exclusivity of commitment, brand retention, references, participation in evaluations or customer satisfaction survey; and/or (ii) with respect to lessors / lending / suppliers: quantity and/or diversity of items made available, duration of cooperation, exclusivity of cooperation, generated turnover, predictability of cooperation. [0083] Beacon Technology may use one or more variables related to: number and/or volume and/or value of purchased beacons and/or related services, quantity of use of products and/or services, standardization on the products/services, realized off-take related products and/or services, realized and/or obtained privacy data and/or personal data.

[0084] An E-book platform may use one or more variables related to: obtained downloads, followers, frequency usage, usage time, amount of content sold, references, likes, comments, generated revenue, expenditure.

[0085] Sports sites may use one or more variables related to: usage time, frequency use, sales in related services and or products, generated views, generated followers, generated revenue.

[0086] Betting sites may use one or more variables related to: number of completed bets, total amount bet, total amount won, frequency use, references.

[0087] Auction sites may use one or more variables related to: number of bids, number of bids won, frequency bids, number of auction items offered, total amount spent, value of auction items offered.

[0088] Trading companies may use one or more variables related to: value of purchased products and/or services, value of products/services sold, trade frequency, predictability of trade, references.

[0089] Hospitals / clinics / practices / partnerships may use one or more variables related to: amount of patients introduced, number of patients treated, generated turnover, generated margin, duration of collaboration, percentage in factor innovation, references.

[0090] Education / trainers may use one or more variables related to: duration of collaboration, number of students, cumulative length of courses, budget spent, references.

[0091] Public transport may use one or more variables related to: expenditures, volume and/or value of products and services, diversity of products and services, entry time, privacy profile, useful life, frequency of expenditure, predictability of expenditures, offtake related products, exclusivity of commitment, brand retention, references, participation in evaluations or customer satisfaction survey.

[0092] A supplier to department of defense may use one or more variables related to: value of purchased products and/or services, value of products/services sold, trade frequency, predictability of trade, references. [0093] A supplier to governments may use one or more variables related to: value of purchased products and/or services, value of products/services sold, trade frequency, predictability of trade, references.

[0094] Fintech may use one or more variables related to: number of transactions, references, accumulated capital, number of accounts, purchased related services.

[0095] Loyalty programs may use one or more variables related to: expenditures, volume and/or value of purchased products and services, diversity of products and services purchased, entry moment, privacy profile, useful life, frequency of expenditure, predictability of expenditure, off-take related products, exclusivity of commitment, brand retention, references, participation in evaluations or customer satisfaction survey.

[0096] A company with respect to staff or personnel may use one or more variables related to: number of hours worked, number of customers applied, generated turnover, years of service, share in factor innovation.

[0097] Online services may use one or more variables related to: number and/or volume and/or value of purchased products and/or services, quantity of use of products and/or services, standardization on the products and/or services, amount of use of advertisement, computer power consumed, computer power made available.

[0098] Generally, frequently used variables which may be used in the calculation of the relative impact may relate to one or more of the following: references, purchased related services, duration of relationship, turnover, exclusivity of cooperation, participation in evaluations or customer satisfaction survey or the like, turnover growth, profit growth, market share, growth in market share, other and further obtained privacy data and/or personal data, generated margin, executed recommendations, executed votes, obtained kudos, performed rankings, executed sales in volume, executed sales in value, received comments, executed clicks, number of memberships, number of subscriptions, number of references of unique persons, participation time, executed cash flows, executed telephone conversations, executed text messages and/or SMS, obtained rankings, obtained answers, acquired characters, acquired cash flows, acquired visitors, acquired clicks, acquired customers, generated market share, obtained uploads, obtained memberships, obtained subscriptions, received text messages and/or SMS, obtained phone calls, obtained rankings, acquired sales in volume, acquired sales in value, acquired views, acquired viewing time, obtained comments, obtained answers, acquired characters, obtained cash flows. [0099] The above examples of systems 7 and services provides by systems 7 are non- exhaustive and non-limiting. The variables listed with each of the examples are non- exhaustive and non- limiting. Variables mentioned in one example may be used in one or more of the other examples, if applicable, even when not mentioned there.

[00100] The relative impact may provide an indication of the relative contribution of a client computer 11-14 or a user of a client computer to the system 7. Based on the relative impact, resources may be allocated to the client computers and/or users.

[00101] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the present invention. The method of FIG. 2 may be performed by the server 2 shown in FIG. 1. Dashed blocks indicate optional method steps or selectively processed steps.

[00102] In this exemplary method, an input message may be received in the server 2. On the basis of the input message, and possibly data with regard to previous input messages and previous impact determinations which may be stored in the data storage 3, a relative impact may be calculated indicative of the impact by the client computer 11-14 or the user of the client computer on the system 7. As the relative impact of one user influences the relative impact of all other users, the relative impact of the other users may be updated. The determined relative impact may be communicated to the client computer 11-14 that provided the input.

[00103] In an exemplary embodiment the client computer may be a PC 13 with a large display arranged to display a dashboard. The dashboard may be arranged to display various types of feedback from the server 2, such as the relative impact and/or allocated resources based on the relative impact, possibly grouped per geographic area and/or group membership of different groups, such as an association, a school or a society. The feedback may include information about categories of users, such as users who are registered as regular contributors to the system 7, for example frequent uploaders of audio tracks or videos. Users may be categorized as users who typically provide comments to uploads by others. The feedback may include information about a correlation or comparison of different users of the system 7.

[00104] The following steps are shown in FIG. 2:

200: Start of process;

300: Receive input from client device or user of client device;

400: Determine which variable and/or category relates to the input;

450: Sub-aggregation of predetermined input categories; 500: Storing use of variable and/or category in data storage;

600: Determine database query based on user variable and/or category;

700: Determine impact;

800: Determine cumulative impact of all users;

900: Determine relative impact per user;

1000: Create and transmit feedback;

1100: Allocate resources depending on the relative impact;

2000: End of process.

[00105] The process starts in step 200 and ends in step 2000.

[00106] In step 300 an input may be received from a client device 11-14 in the server 2.

As indicated above, this input may be received directly from the client computer 11-14 or indirectly via the system 7. Typically, the input will be received in the form of one or more data packets including the relevant information to be processed as payload of the data packets. The input may include a time stamp for determining date and/or time related variables for use in the calculation of the relative impact. FIG. 3 shows more details about sub steps that may be performed in step 300

[00107] In step 400 the input may be linked to one or more variables. Hereto the content of the input may be analyzed to determine which variable is applicable to the input. The variables may be representative of a specific use of the system 7. The variables may be categorized. Each variable and category may further be linked to a weight factor, to differentiate the importance of each variable or category in the calculation of the relative impact. FIG. 4 shows more details about sub steps that may be performed in step 400

[00108] In the example of FIG. 12, variables 1-9 VI -V9, variable 11 VI 1, variables 13-16 V13-V16 and variables 18-Q V18-VQ, see first column of the sub table“Impact per Var.”, are linked to respective weight factors shown in the third column. Variable 10 is categorized in categories 1-4 C1-C4, variable 12 is categorized in categories 1-2 C1-C2 and variable 17 is categorized in categories 1-3 C1-C3, as shown in the second column, with each category under a variable also being linked to a weight factor. FIG. 12 will be explained in more detail below.

[00109] In step 450, an optional sub-aggregation may be performed for predetermined variables. If, for example, a skill of a user is measurable based on a large number of different small inputs or based on a meta input with respect to the input such as a number of keystrokes or an efficiency in achieving of a level in a game, the sequential inputs may be aggregated to a single input value or a series of input values. This aggregated result may then be used instead of the individual inputs or meta input.

[00110] In step 500, the use of the variable or category as determined in step 400 may be stored in the data storage 3 of the server 2. The use of the variable or category may be related to the content of the input, which may also be stored, and may function as one of the input parameters in the calculation of the impact to the system caused by the use of the system by the client computer as indicated by the input. A counter may be used and stored in conjunction with the variable or category for following the number of times an input is received related to the variable or category. The value of the counter may be used as an input parameter in the calculation of the impact. A time stamp may be used and stored in conjunction with the variable or category to enable determination of durations or other date/time related information in conjunction with the variable or category. The time stamp related calculations may be used as an input parameter in the calculation of the impact. FIG. 5 shows more details about sub steps that may be performed in step 500

[00111] In step 600 a database query may be created for use in determining the impact to the system caused by the use of the client computer as indicated by the input. This database query may be used in the calculation of the relative impact to the system for the client computers or users of client computers. Typically, the variables and/or categories as determined in step 400 are used in the creation of the database query. If the input includes a time stamp, this may also be included in the creation of the database query. The time stamp may be used to indicate a date and/or time. Alternatively or additionally the time stamp may be used to determine a time lapsed based on one or more previous time stamps. FIG. 6 shows more details about sub steps that may be performed in step 600

[00112] The database query may be created on the basis of a predetermined definition or predetermined set of rules related to the particular variable or category.

[00113] For example, an early first use by a user of the system 7 of a service, product, game, etcetera, may be defined to result in a higher impact. Such early first use or when a first use occurs may be one of the variables in the determination of the impact. This variable may encourage users to make early use of the system 7 resulting in a large user base.

[00114] In step 700 the impact may be calculated on the basis of the results of the steps 400 to 600. The impact calculation typically includes the results of previous calculations for previous inputs, possibly all previous inputs. The calculation of the impact may be performed for one or more of the variables and/or categories applicable to the input as determined in step 400. The database query may be used to obtain and update the relevant values attributed to client computers or users for particular variables and/or categories.

[00115] In step 800 the cumulative impact of aggregated client computers or users may be calculated. Hereto, preferably for all users, the impact to the system 7 for one or more variables and/or categories may, possibly continuously, be updated. Per variable and/or category the impact may then be aggregated to obtain the aggregated impact to the system for all client computer or users per variable and/or category. The cumulative impact of the aggregated client computers or users may then be calculated by aggregating the aggregated impacts of the variables and/or categories. In FIG. 12 a detailed example is shown of such calculation. FIG. 8 shows more details about sub steps that may be performed in step 800.

[00116] In step 900 the impact for one client computer or user may be calculated.

Typically, this is the client computer or user for which or whom an input was received in step 300. Preferably the relative impact is calculated for the client computer or user continuously. Calculating the impact of a client computer or user may stimulate desired behavior of the client computers or users by appointing a higher impact to the variables that relate to the desired behavior, especially when the relative impact is reported back to the client computer or user. Hereby an incentive mechanism may thus be achieved, possibly coupled to a further loyalty program. The impact to the system 7 for one or more variables and/or categories may, possibly continuously, be updated. Per variable and/or category the impact may then be aggregated to obtain the aggregated impact to the system for the client computer or user per variable and/or category. The cumulative impact of the client computer or user may then be calculated by aggregating the aggregated impacts of the variables and/or categories. The relative impact to the system caused by the use of the system by the client computer or user may then be calculated by dividing the cumulative impact for the client computer or user by the cumulative impact of the aggregated client computers or users of step 800. In FIG. 12 a detailed example is shown of such calculation. FIG. 9 shows more details about sub steps that may be performed in step 900.

[00117] A machine learning component or artificial intelligence component may be added to step 900. This component may monitor, investigate and determine which variable(s) and weight factor(s) would be most optimal to the system 7 for achieving predefined goals or targets. Thus, variables and weight factors may be automatically added, adapted or fine tuned to improve or optimize the system. Alternatively or additionally, definitions or sets of rules used in the creation of database queries (step 600) may thus be automatically added, adapted or fine tuned.

[00118] In step 1000 a feedback to the client device or user may be created and transmitted to the client computer or user. FIG. 10 shows more details about sub steps that may be performed in step 1000.

[00119] The server 2 may provide feedback about the relative impact to the client device 11-14 or the user of the client device. Alternatively or additionally, the server 2 may provide feedback about the allocation of resources as a result of the relative impact to the client device 11-14 or the user of the client device. The feedback may be provided in real-time, showing an updated relative impact and/or allocation of resources with each input provided by one, more or all of the multiple users of the system 7. Feedback about the updated relative impact of one or more of the other client devices may additionally be provided to the one or more other client devices.

[00120] The feedback may include the calculated relative impact to the system caused by the use of the system by the client computer as indicated by the input. Additionally or alternatively, the feedback may include information about the allocation of resources as a result of the calculated relative impact. The feedback may include historical information to enable the client computer to display the relative impact and/or resource allocation in time and possibly predict a future relative impact and/or resource allocation by extrapolating the information to the future. The feedback may include recommendations or information enabling the client computer to produce recommendations for improving the relative impact to the system.

[00121] The feedback may include information about one or more other users, possibly anonymized, to enable comparative information to be displayed about the impact of the different users. The feedback may include information about one or more of the variables and/or categories, possibly including its weight factors, to give the user insight about how the system 7 may be impacted. Further information, such as geographical information about client computers/users or date/time information may be included in the feedback for information brake down or grouping of client computers/users based on such further information. [00122] The feedback may be used by the client computer or user to relate its impact to a relevant group of peers, such as classmates, associations, co-players of a computer game, or any other user or group of people. The feedback may additionally or alternatively be used to compare impacts between users or determine how a particular used influenced the relative impact to the system.

[00123] The feedback may be used by a user to gain insight in a relationship with one or more members of another group, such as a follower or fan of a person with a high impact by a specialized group of inputs, such as videos or songs that this person uploaded to the system. An input of a known user in response to an input from an unknown user may lead to a relatively high impact on the input of the unknown user relative to the other inputs of the user.

[00124] The impact attributed to a user's input may vary significantly by a sudden increase of inputs in response to earlier inputs of this user. A relatively unknown user may thus become a more important user because e.g. an uploaded video is being watched by many other users. In classical Internet terms, such an increase in a user's reputation is known as "going viral” of a post or upload of a user.

[00125] In step 1100 resources may be allocated to the client device 11-14 or the user of the client device based on the relative impact to the system caused by the use of the system by the client computer or the user of the client computer as indicated by the input.

[00126] The resources that are allocated based on the relative impact may be computer resources on the system 7 available to the client device 11-14 or to the user of the client device. Examples of such resources are an amount of data storage for storing information or content in the system 7, an amount of CPU time or CPU power available to the client computer in the system 7, and an amount of network bandwidth available to the client computer for communicating with the system.

[00127] Alternatively or additionally, the resources that are allocated based on the relative impact may be monetary resources, such as a financial compensation. Monetary resources may be based on a crypto currency stored in a block chain. Such crypto currency may be an existing crypto currency or a specific crypto currency specified for the services provided by the system 7. In the latter case, the monetary resources may be reused within the system 7 for the services provided by the system 7. [00128] The resource allocation may be based on a predefined set of rules, wherein a relative impact or a range of relative impacts may be linked to an amount of resources. The resources may be allocated step wise. Resources may be allocated depending on a change in the relative impact over time instead of the relative impact itself.

[00129] While the relative impact may be updated constantly with each input, the resources are typically allocated or reallocated less frequently. Resources may be allocated or reallocated on a fixed time schedule, for example once per day, once per week, once per month, once per year, or any other time schedule.

[00130] The process of FIG. 2 is typically triggered an input received in the server 2. When multiple inputs are received at the same time or if an input is received while the process is still running, processes may be executed in parallel. When running in parallel, intermediate results from one process may be taken into account in another process, for example in the aggregation of data in steps 700-900. Alternatively, processes may be executed in a serial manner, wherein inputs are queued until one process has finished before being processed in a next process. A mixture of parallel and serial processing is also possible.

[00131] FIG. 3 shows an example of a method that may be performed when receiving an input. The method of FIG. 3 may be sub steps of step 300 of FIG. 2. The method begins in step 301 and ends in step 360. Dashed blocks indicate optional method steps or selectively processed steps.

[00132] In step 305 the input is received from the client device or the user of the client device. In step 310 it is determined whether the client computer or the user from which the input is received is known to the server. Hereto, a database 3 of the server 2 may for example be queried for the existence of the client computer or user. If this is not the case, the client computer or user may be created in steps 315-335.

[00133] In step 315 the client computer or user may be linked to a predefined target group. Hereto, the server 2 may interact with the client computer or the user to obtain information that related the client computer or user to a particular target group. Examples of such target group are: customer, content creator, content user, supporter, buyer, seller, or any other group. Alternatively or additionally, the target group may be determined automatically, e.g. based on login information, IP address, the content of the input. The division into the target group may influence the creation of variables and/or categories relevant to the client device or user in the data storage. [00134] In step 316 the user may be created in the data storage, typically a database. If a target group has been determined in step 315, the user may be created within or linked to the target group.

[00135] In step 320 the variables and/or categories, weight factors and default counter values may be stored for the client device or user in the database. Types of actions that influence the determination of an impact may be categorized. Types of operations may be recorded as a variable and/or category that is measurable or determinable, such as number, time, weight, frequency, length, depth, temperature, amount, and so on. Such variables and/or categories may further be linked to a counter per client device or user for the purpose of determining the impact based on inputs from the user.

[00136] In step 325 initial values for said counters may be entered into the database fields. Preferably, a counter is created per variable and/or category per user in the database, which may then be used in determining an impact per input.

[00137] In step 330 a time stamp may be created indicative of the first use of this client device or user. This time stamp may be recorded by means of a categorization or formula. A relatively early registration in a new service may be rewarded for being a positive influence on the system, resulting in a higher calculated impact to the system.

[00138] In step 335 a privacy profile of the user may be stored in the database, either automatically or on the basis of a user interaction wherein the user may be provided with a privacy statement and/or confirmation request on the client device.

[00139] In step 340 the client computer or user may login to the server 2. The login may involve a user interaction, e.g. by means of a username and password request or any other known login method. The login may be performed automatically, e.g. by recognizing the client device or user in any known manner. The client device or user may be recognized based on the input and login automatically based on this recognition.

[00140] In step 345 the input may be linked to the pre-registered client device or user.

[00141] In step 350 a confirmation of receipt of the input may be returned to the client device. The confirmation may include additional information, such as the identity of the client device or the name of the user as identified in step 340.

[00142] The step 355 any changed to the database may be stored, possibly in real time allowing other processes (such as shown in FIG. 2) to take the changes into account immediately. [00143] FIG. 4 shows an example of a method to determine which variable or category relates to the received input. The method of FIG. 4 may be sub steps of step 400 of FIG. 2. The method begins in step 405 and ends in step 440. The dashed block indicates an optional method step or selectively processed step.

[00144] In step 410 it my be determined whether the type of the input can be determined on the basis of a user interaction with the system 7, for example as performed via a user interface on the client device. If on the basis of the user interaction the type of input is determinable, the process may continue with step 430. Otherwise, the process may continue with step 415 to try to determine the type of input otherwise.

[00145] In step 415 the server 2 may determine the type of input indirectly, for example by first determining that a file, a video or any other content has been uploaded to the system 7 and then determine the type of file, video, etcetera through its file extension, specific file structure or other content determination methods. Thus the server may determine that a specific type of content has been uploaded and the corresponding variables or categories may be determined. Alternatively, the content of the received input may be analyzed for known data structures or indicators indicative of the type of input received, and the corresponding variables and/or categories may thus be determined.

[00146] In step 420 it may be determined whether the type of input could be determined. If no type of input could be determined, i.e. no variables and/or categories related to the input can be detected or determined, then in step 425 it may be determined that no impact calculation is possible and the process may stop.

[00147] In step 430 the server 2 may register the variables and/or categories applicable to the received input and as determined in steps 410 or 415.

[00148] FIG. 5 shows an example of a method for storing the use of a variable or category in the data storage 3. The method of FIG. 5 may be sub steps of step 500 of FIG. 2. The method begins in step 505 and ends in step 550. The dashed block indicates an optional method step or selectively processed step.

[00149] In step 510 it may be determined whether the client device or the user of the client device from which the input has been received exists in the database 3 linked to the variable(s) and/or category(ies) as determined in step 400. If the relevant database entries do not exist, then in step 511 these database entries may be created. This results in a database entry wherein a use of the variable and/or category by the client device or user may be tracked. This database entry may be a counter field or any other numerical field for keeping track of the use of the variable and/or category by the client device or user. The creation of the database entry may be linked to a time stamp field in step 512, enabling the creation date of the database entries to be registered. This time stamp may be used in an impact calculation wherein the first use of a variable and/or category or how long a variable and/or category has been used contributes to the impact of the client device or user to the system.

[00150] In step 513 it may be determined whether the counter field has already been used or initialized. If this is not the case, then in step 515 the counter may be initialized, for example set to zero and linked to a particular rule for updating the counter. Such rule may be a simple counter rule, wherein with each use of the variable by the client device or user the counter field is increased by“1”.

[00151] In step 525 the counter field related to the variable and/or category as determined in step 400 may be updated for the client device or user, based on the linked rule for updating the counter. In an example the value in the counter field may be increase by a decimal“1”.

[00152] In step 530 a time stamp indicative of when the counter field is updated in the database may be stored. This time stamp may be used in an impact calculation by

determining the amount of time between updated of the counter field. A short amount of time between updates may attribute to a higher impact, which may be stored with another variable and/or category.

[00153] In step 535 the new value of the counter may be stored in the counter field, of not done already. The thus stored value will be used later in the process when calculating a weighted counter value and calculating the impact to the system, for example in step 900 or step 930.

[00154] In step 540 it may be determined whether further inputs may be expected from the client device or user. For example a period of inactivity may be detected, an end of a user session, or a user logging out of the system may detected indicative that no further inputs are expected. If more input is expected, in step 541 it may be decided to go back to step 300 or step 305 for receiving a further input.

[00155] FIG. 6 shows an example of a method to determine a database query based on the determined user variable and/or category. The method of FIG. 6 may be sub steps of step 600 of FIG. 2. The method begins in step 601 and ends in step 690. [00156] In step 605 the type of input may determined, which is typically obtained from step 400. In step 610 it may be determined which variables and/or categories and which related database fields may be required for the calculation of the impact per variable and/or category. The thus determined relevant variables, categories and/or database fields may be used in step 615 to generate a database query to obtain the related information from the data storage or database 3. In step 620 the database query may be stored in the data storage or database 3 or provided to the central processing unit 4 for calculating the impact.

[00157] FIG. 7 shows an example of a method for storing data related to the received input in the data storage or database 3. The method of FIG. 7 may be performed at any time after receiving the input and is typically performed at any time after step 400. Note that FIG.

7 is not related to step 700 of FIG. 2. The method begins in step 701 and ends in step 790.

[00158] In step 705 a request to the database 3 may be made for updating the database entries for the variables and/or categories e.g. as determined in step 400. Alternatively or additionally the request may include an instruction for storing the input itself or any content transmitted in the input. In step 710 the data to be stored may be converted into the correct format before storing, e.g. from a text string into an integer value or any other conversion as e.g. required by the database field. Content may be converted into another format, for example from raw bitmap to jpeg in case of images, or for example from QuickTime format to MPEG format in case of video content. The content may be compressed in step 710. In step 715 the data to be stored may be sent to the data storage or database 3 and stored into the indicated database field or other designated storage location. In step 720 a confirmation may be received indicating whether or not the data has been stored successfully. In step 730 a storage confirmation and/or any other additional information may be stored together with or linked to the data stored in step 715. This allows for any type of inputs and any type of content to be stored, archived and/or supplemented with other information.

[00159] FIG. 8 shows an example of a method for determining a cumulative absolute impact of all users. The method of FIG. 8 may be sub steps of step 800 of FIG. 2. The method begins in step 801 and ends in step 840. The dashed blocks indicate optional method steps or selectively processed steps.

[00160] In the example of FIG. 8 the following mathematical variables are used: N equals a number of users; W equals the total impact (also called‘sum’ or‘aggregated impact’) of all users; Q indicates a number of variables and/or categories; Y equals the counter value for a variable and/or category for a particular user multiplied by the weight factor defined for the variable and/or category. Note that instead of calculating the impacts for users, the impacts may be calculated for client devices.

[00161] The following steps are shown in FIG. 8:

805: Initializing mathematical variables: W = 0;

810: Start loop for each of the users (for n = 1 to N);

815: Start loop for each of the variables and/or categories (for q = 1 to Q);

816: Y = counter_for_variable_q_for_user_n * weight factor;

- 817: W = W + Y;

818 : Next variable/category (q = q + 1 );

819: If variable/category Q has been processed (q>Q?) go to 822, else repeat loop 815 for next variable/category q;

822: Next user (n = n +1);

825: If user N has been processed (n>N?) go to 829, else repeat loop 810 for next user n;

829: The resulting W equals the total impact for all users;

830: Store W in the data storage or database.

[00162] In step 805 mathematical variables may be initialized. W is for example set to‘O’.

[00163] In order to determine the aggregated absolute impact of all users, the absolute impact per user may be calculated for each of the users. The sum of the absolute impacts per user for all users equals the aggregated absolute impact of all users. Hereto, in step 810 a loop may be initialized for calculating the absolute impact for each of the users n = 1 to N.

[00164] In order to determine the aggregated impact of all variables and/or categories for one user, the counter values for each of the variables and/or categories for the user may be summed. Hereto, in step 815 a loop within the loop 810 may be initialized for calculating the absolute impact for one user for the variables and/or categories q = 1 to Q used by the user n.

[00165] In step 816 the impact per variable and/or category may be calculated by taking the actual counter value attributed to the variable and/or category and multiplying this counter value with the weight factor for the variable and/or category. The actual counter value may be obtained from step 535. The weight factor may be obtained from step 1235 (see FIG. 11). [00166] In step 817 the absolute impact for the user u for the variable and/or category q as calculated in step 816 may be added to the aggregated absolute impact W of all users. While loop 810 is being performed, the value of W is thus updated with each variable and/or category q for each of the users n, until all users N and all variables Q per user n have been processed.

[00167] Steps 818, 819, 822 and 825 may enable the two loops 810 and 815 to be performed for each of the users n, and for each of the variables and/or categories q per user n.

[00168] In step 829 the calculation may be finished. The value of the variable W may now be the aggregated absolute impact for all users N.

[00169] In step 830 the cumulative impact of all users, i.e. the value of variable W as just calculated, may be stored in the data storage or database 3. Alternatively or additionally the value of W may be stored in volatile memory (e.g. RAM). The value of the calculated cumulative impact W may be regarded to represent 100% impact.

[00170] FIG. 9 shows an example of a method for determining a relative impact per user. The method of FIG. 9 may be sub steps of step 900 of FIG. 2. The method begins in step 901 and ends in step 950. The dashed blocks indicate optional method steps or selectively processed steps.

[00171] In the example of FIG. 9 the following mathematical variables are used: N equals a number of users; W equals the total impact (also called‘sum’ or‘aggregated impact’) of all users; Q indicates a number of variables and/or categories; Y equals the counter value for a variable and/or category for a particular user multiplied by the weight factor defined for the variable and/or category; Z equals the total impact (also called‘sum’ or aggregated impact’) per user. Note that instead of calculating the impacts for users, the impacts may be calculated for client devices.

[00172] The following steps are shown in FIG. 9:

905: Initializing mathematical variables: W = 0;

910: Start loop for each of the users (for n = 1 to N);

912: Initialize mathematical variables within loop 910: Z = 0;

915: Start loop for each of the variables and/or categories (for q = 1 to Q);

916: Y = counter_for_variable_q_for_user_n * weight factor;

- 917-1 : Z = Z + Y;

- 917-2: W = W + Y; 918: Next variable/category (q = q + 1);

919: If variable/category Q has been processed (q>Q?) go to 920, else repeat loop 915 for next variable/category q;

920: The resulting Z equals the total impact for user n;

921 : Store Z for user n;

922: Next user (n = n +1);

925: If user N has been processed (n>N?) go to 929, else repeat loop 910 for next user n;

929: The resulting W equals the total impact for all users;

- 930: Store W;

931 : Start loop for each of the users (for n = 1 to N);

932: Calculate the relative impact per user: Z relative for user n = 100 * Z_for_user_n / W;

935: Store Z relative for user n;

940: Next user (n = n +1);

945 : If user N has been processed (n>N?) go to 950, else repeat loop 931 for next user n.

[00173] Steps 905, 910, 915, 916, 917, 918, 922, 925, 929 and 930 are similar to and may even be identical to steps 805, 810, 815, 816, 817, 818, 822, 825, 829 and 830, respectively. Consequently, the methods of FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 may be combined, which is illustrated in FIG. 2 by step 700 surrounding steps 800 and 900. The method of FIG. 8 may be omitted and the results thereof may be obtained through the method of FIG. 9. Alternatively, the methods of FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 may be performed in parallel, wherein the results of the similar steps are exchanged or shared between the two methods.

[00174] In step 905 mathematical variables may be initialized. W is for example set to‘O’.

[00175] In order to determine the aggregated absolute impact of all users, which may be needed to calculate the relative impact per user in step 932, the absolute impact per user may be calculated for each of the users. The sum of the absolute impacts per user for all users equals the aggregated absolute impact of all users. Hereto, in step 910 a loop may be initialized for calculating the absolute impact for each of the users n = 1 to N.

[00176] In step 912 mathematical variables may be initialized for use in the loop 910. Z is for example set to‘O’. [00177] In order to determine the aggregated impact of all variables and/or categories for one user, the counter values for each of the variables and/or categories for the user may be summed. Hereto, in step 915 a loop within the loop 910 may be initialized for calculating the absolute impact for one user for the variables and/or categories q = 1 to Q used by the user n.

[00178] In step 916 the impact per variable and/or category may be calculated by taking the actual counter value attributed to the variable and/or category and multiplying this counter value with the weight factor for the variable and/or category. The actual counter value may be obtained from step 535. The weight factor may be obtained from step 1235 (see FIG. 11).

[00179] In step 917-1 the absolute impact for the user u for the variable and/or category q as calculated in step 916 may be added to the aggregated absolute impact Z of the user u. While loop 815 is being performed, the value of Z is thus updated with each variable and/or category q for the users n, until all variables Q for the user n have been processed.

[00180] In step 917-2 the absolute impact for the user u for the variable and/or category q as calculated in step 916 may be added to the aggregated absolute impact W of all users. While loop 910 is being performed, the value of W is thus updated with each variable and/or category q for each of the users n, until all users N and all variables Q per user n have been processed.

[00181] Steps 918 and 919 may enable loop 915 to be performed for each of the variables and/or categories q per user n.

[00182] In step 920 the calculation of the cumulative impact for user n may be finished. The value of the variable Z may now be the aggregated absolute impact of all variables and/or categories for the user n.

[00183] In step 921 the cumulative impact for the users n, i.e. the value of variable Z as just calculated, may be stored in the data storage or database 3. Alternatively or additionally the value of Z for the user n may be stored in volatile memory (e.g. RAM).

[00184] Steps 922 and 925 may enable loop 910 to be performed for each of the users n.

[00185] In step 929 the calculation of the cumulative impact for all users may be finished. The value of the variable W may now be the aggregated absolute impact for all users N.

[00186] In step 930 the cumulative impact of all users, i.e. the value of variable W as just calculated, may be stored in the data storage or database 3. Alternatively or additionally the value of W may be stored in volatile memory (e.g. RAM). [00187] In order to determine the relative impact to the system caused by the use of the system by a user as indicated by the input from the user, the relative impact may be calculated for each of the users. Hereto, in step 931 a loop may be initialized for calculating the relative impact for each of the users n = 1 to N.

[00188] In step 932 the relative impact for user n may be calculated. The relative impact may be expressed as the percentage of the cumulative impact by the user n from the aggregated impacts of all users N: Z relative for user n = 100 * Z for user n / W. Herein, Z for user n may be obtained from step 920 and W may be obtained from step 929.

[00189] In step 935 the relative impact for user n, i.e. the value of variable

Z relative for user n as just calculated, may be stored in the data storage or database 3. Alternatively or additionally the value of Z relative for user n may be stored in volatile memory (e.g. RAM).

[00190] Steps 940 and 945 may enable loop 931 to be performed for each of the users n.

[00191] FIG. 10 shows an example of a method to create feedback. The method of FIG.

10 may be sub steps of step 1000 of FIG. 2. The method begins in step 1001 and ends in step 1090.

[00192] The absolute impact to the system caused by the use of the system as indicated by the input from the user (e.g. Z for user n), the relative impact to the system caused by the use of the system as indicated by the input from the user (e.g. Z relative for user n) and/or the cumulative impact by all users (e.g. W) may be reported to the user. Additionally, historical data concerning this data may be reported. In the latter case, in steps 800 and/or 900 the calculated values may be stored together with a time stamp and added to the data storage or database (i.e. not overwritten) with each calculation.

[00193] In step 1005 format preferences for formatting the feedback may be determined. The format preferences may be stored in a user profile in the data storage or database 3. Alternatively, the format preferences may be stored in and obtained from the user device 11- 14. Alternatively, the format preferences may be obtained from the user via a user interface on the user device 11-14. The format preferences may include a coloring scheme for applying a color to the relative impact depending on the value of the relative impact, or any other visualization preferences of the feedback data. The format preferences may include a grouping of impacts per target group, such as defined in step 315.

[00194] In step 1010 the format preferences may be applied to the feedback data. [00195] In step 1015 the formatted feedback data may be transmitted to the user device 11-14. It is possible to transmit the feedback data to another device than the device from which the input has been received. It is possible to transmit the feedback data to multiple devices. The user profile may include the destination address or destination addresses of the devices to which the feedback data is to be transmitted.

[00196] FIG. 11 shows an exemplary method for setting up a data storage or database 3 for use by a server 2 as shown in FIG. 2. The method begins in step 1201 and ends in step 2001. The dashed blocks indicate optional method steps or selectively processed steps.

[00197] In the example of FIG. 11 the following mathematical variables are used: N equals a number of users; P equals a number of target groups; Q indicates a number of variables and/or categories.

[00198] The following steps are shown in FIG. 11 :

1205: Determine P;

1207: Start loop for each of the target groups (for p = 1 to P);

1210: Define database variables and/or categories;

1211 : Determine Q;

1215: Start loop for each of the variables (for q = 1 to Q);

1220: Determine type of weight factor for variable;

1225: Define category and/or formula for weight factor;

1230: Define weight factor per variable;

1235: Store weigh factor;

1236: Determine total number of users N;

1241 : Start loop for each of the users (for n = 1 to N);

1245 : Create counter field for variable and/or category per user;

1250: Determine start value of counter field;

1255: Store value in counter field;

1260: Next user (n = n +1);

1265: If user N has been processed (n>N?) go to 1266, else repeat loop 1241 for next user n;

1266: Next variable (q = q + 1);

1270: If variable Q has been processed (q>Q?) go to 1275, else repeat loop 1215 for next variable q; 1275: Next target group (p = p + 1);

1280: If variable P has been processed (p>P?) go to 2001, else repeat loop 1207 for next variable q.

[00199] In step 1205 different target groups may be defined (see also step 315). This may enable input related data, such as variables, categories and counters, to be stored in the data storage or database 3 per target group or this input related data to be linked to the target groups. This enables the absolute and relative impacts, such as calculated in steps 700, 800 and 900, to be calculated per target group and the resource allocation to be determined per target group. The definition of target groups does not necessarily result in the absolute and relative impacts to be calculated per target group. Alternatively or additionally the definition of target groups may be used in reporting, such as in step 1000, to report input related data and/or resource allocation information subdivided per target group.

[00200] Variable P may be set to the total number of target groups. It is possible that no target groups are defined or only one target group is defined, in which cases P may be set to ‘1’.

[00201] Per target group, or in case no target groups are defined: once, the following steps 1210-1280 may be performed to set up the data storage or database. Hereto, a loop 1207 may be initialized for processing each of the target groups p = 1 to P.

[00202] In step 1210 the variables relevant per target group p may be defined. The different variables are typically the same as used in step 320.

[00203] In step 1211 the number of variables Q in the target group p may be determined.

[00204] Per variable the following steps 1220-1270 may be performed. Hereto, a loop 1215 may be initialized for processing each of the variables q = 1 to Q.

[00205] In step 1220 it may be determined if the variable q has a constant weight factor or if a variable weight factor is to be linked to the variable q. In case of a constant weight factor, this weight factor may be determined in step 1230. In case of a variable weight factor, the weight factor may be defined as a formula or set of rules in step 1225. Additionally or alternatively, it may be determined in step 1225 that the variable q is to be subdivided into different categories. Each of the categories may have its own weight factor.

[00206] For example, an input indicative of giving a Tike’ to content uploaded by another user may be linked to a variable for tracking a number of received Tikes’. In this example the variable for tracking the number of received Tikes’ would be updated for the user receiving the‘like’, i.e. the other user. The weight factor for receiving Tikes’ may have a constant value, which constant weight factor may be set in step 1230.

[00207] In another example, it is possible to define the weight factor for receiving such Tikes’ to be depending on the number of likes. If the number of Tikes’ is e.g. below a predefined threshold, e.g. number of likes < 1000, a first constant weight factor may be attributed, e.g. a weight factor of 1. If the number of Tikes’ is above this predefined threshold, e.g. number of likes >= 1000, a second constant weight factor may be attributed, e.g. a weight factor of 2. Hereto, in step 1225 the variable may be categorized in two categories: category 1 for less than 1000 likes; and category 2 for more than 1000 likes. Each category may be linked to its respective weight factor.

[00208] In another example, the total impact of the user giving the Tike’ to content uploaded by another user may influence the weight factor of the variable for tracking the number of received Tikes’. A receiver of a Tike’ may thus me rewarded more if the Tike’ is given by a user with a higher impact. Hereto, in step 1225 the weight factor may be defined as a formula, for example as: weight factor = 1 * (100% + Z relative for user n). Herein, user_n is the user giving the Tike’.

[00209] In step 1235 the weight factor as determined in step 1225 and/or step 1230 may be stored in the data storage or database.

[00210] The client devices or users may be tracked individually, possibly per target group. Per client device or user the variables and/or categories may be tracked. In step 1236 the number of users N may be determined. If no users are known yet, N may be set to‘0’ and the data storage or database may be prepared for any future users to be added to the data storage or database.

[00211] Per user the following steps 1245-1265 may be performed. Hereto, a loop 1241 may be initialized for processing each of the users n = 1 to N. If no users are known yet, e.g. N=0, then the loop 1241 and steps 1245-1265 may be performed for each of the variables q = 1 to Q and for each of the target groups p = 1 to P at the time the user is added. In the latter case the loop 1241 may end immediately and the method may continue in step 1266.

[00212] In step 1245 a data location or database field for tracking the use of the variable and/or category q for the user n may be created. This data location or database field may be defined to store different values over time, possibly together with a time stamp indicative of when the data field or database field is updated. [00213] In step 1250 the data location or database field as created in step 1245 may be given an initial value. Usually this initial value will be‘O’, but other initial values are possible. For example when migrating data from another server, the initial values may be set to those of the previous server to enable the current server 2 to continue the tracking of the use of the variables and/or categories. The initial value may be set to any value (positive, negative or‘0’) for whatever reason.

[00214] In step 1255 the initial value may be stored in the data storage or database 3 if not done so already in step 1250.

[00215] Steps 1260 and 1265 may enable loop 1241 to be performed for each of the users n. Steps 1266 and 1270 may enable loop 1215 to be performed for each of the variables q. Steps 1275 and 1280 may enable loop 1207 to be performed for each of the target groups p.

[00216] FIG. 12 shows an example of data stored in data storage or database 3 for a system 7 that has been tracked by server 2 for some time. Three horizontally aligned tables are shown, wherein the tables are horizontally aligned such that the rows of the three tables are related to the same variable or category as defined in the first, left most table. Below the third, right most table a fourth table is shown that is vertically aligned with the third table such that the columns of the third table and the fourth table relate to the same users or sum of users as defined in the third table.

[00217] The first table - denoted‘Impact per Var.’ - shows variables in the first column, categories in the second column, and weight factors in the third column, as defined for the system 7. The variables are numbered VI -V27 and VQ, Q being used to indicate that the number 27 is exemplary and that the number of variables may be different in another example. VI -V9, VI 1, V13-V16 and V18-VQ, are linked to respective constant weight factors shown in the third column. For example, V20 has a weight factor of‘20’. V10 is categorized in categories C1-C4, V12 is categorized in categories C1-C2 and VI 7 is categorized in categories C1-C3, as shown in the second column. Each category under a variable is also linked to a weight factor. For example Cl under VI 0 has a weight factor of ‘40’.

[00218] The meaning of the variables V1-V27 and VQ and the categories C1-C4 under V10, C1-C2 under V12 and C1-C3 under VI 7 may be stored separately from the shown tables or more descriptive variable and category names may be used to enable reporting of information about the use and/or impact by the variables and categories. For the allocation of resources (not shown in FIG. 12) the naming of the variables and categories is irrelevant.

[00219] The second table - denoted‘Counter’ - shows the current counter value for each of the variables and categories per user. The users are numbered U1-U5 and UN, N being used to indicate that the number 5 is exemplary and that the number of users may be different in another example. For example, use of variable V19 has been counted 12 times for user U4.

[00220] The third table - denoted‘Weighted Counter’ - shows the current weighted counter value for each of the variables and categories per user. The same users U1-U5 and UN as defined in the second table are used in the third table. Additionally, the third table includes an aggregation column for summing the weighted counter values for each of the variables and categories for all users. For example, use of variable VI 9 by user U4 has a weighted counter value of 240, which is calculated by multiplying the weight factor of variable V20 (i.e.‘20’) with the counter value of V20 for user U4 (i.e. 12). The aggregated impact by variable V20 to the system is calculated by summing the weighted counter values for variable V20 for all users U1-U5 and UN, in this example adding up to 760.

[00221] The fourth table below the third table shows cumulative impacts for the users.

The first row shows the absolute cumulative impacts per user for users U1-U5 and UN, and the absolute cumulative impact for all users in the last column. For example, the absolute cumulative impact by user U3 to the system 7 is 18520. The second row shows the relative cumulative impacts per user for users U1-U5 and UN. For example, the relative cumulative impact by user U3 to the system 7 is 59%. The relative cumulative impacts per user may be used in the allocation of resources in step 1100.

[00222] In FIG. 12 the reference signs refer to steps of the method as presented in the examples of FIGs. 2-11 and indicate how or from where the indicated parts of the data may be obtained. The first column‘Var.’ of the first table‘Impact per Var.’ may be defined and the variables and categories may be registered in steps 1210, 430 and 320. The second column‘Cat.’ of the first table may be defined in step 1225. The third column‘Weight’ of the first table may be defined in step 1230. The second table‘Counter’ may be created in step 1245. The initial data values of the second table may be set in step 1255. The users may be created in the second table in step 316. Changes in the counter values in the second table may be registered in step 535. Initial values in the third table‘Weighted Counter’ may be set in step 325. The impact per user may be stored in the fourth table in step 921. The aggregated impact by all users may be determined and stored in steps 829/929, 830/930 and 817/917-2. The relative impact to the system caused by the use of the system by the client computer as indicated by the input may be determined and stored in steps 932 and 935.

[00223] The example of FIG. 12 may be expanded with different data sets for different target groups. The data shown in FIG. 12 may thus be made dependent on the selected target group.

[00224] One or more embodiments may be implemented as a computer program product for use with a computer system. The program(s) of the program product may define functions of the embodiments (including the methods described herein) and can be contained on a variety of computer-readable storage media. The computer-readable storage media may be non-transitory storage media. Illustrative computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to: (i) non-writable storage media (e.g., read-only memory devices within a computer such as CD-ROM disks readable by a CD-ROM drive, ROM chips or any type of solid-state non-volatile semiconductor memory) on which information may be permanently stored; and (ii) writable storage media, e.g., hard disk drive or any type of solid-state random- access semiconductor memory, flash memory, on which alterable information may be stored.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for allocating resources, the method comprising: receiving (300) inputs from multiple client computers (11-14), wherein each input is indicative of a use of a system (7) by a client computer (11-14),

the method further comprising, upon receiving an input:

calculating (900) a relative impact to the system caused by the use of the system by the client computer as indicated by the input, wherein the relative impact depends on the received input and previous inputs received from the multiple client computers, and wherein the relative impact is calculated for the client computer from which the input is received;

storing (935) the relative impact in a data storage (3); and

for each of the multiple client computers other than the client computer from which the input is received, updating (910-925) a stored relative impact based on the use of the system by the client computer as indicated by the input,

wherein the resources are allocated (1100) depending on the relative impact.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the relative impact depends on all previous inputs received from the multiple client computers.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the relative impact is linked to a user of the client computer.

4. The method according to any one of the claims 1-3, wherein the use of the system comprises a contribution to the system in the form of data provided to the system by the client computer, wherein the data is usable by one or more of the multiple client computers.

5. The method according to any one of the claims 1-3, wherein the use of the system is related to data provided to the system by one of the multiple client computers other than the client computer.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the use of the system comprises at least one of: following the data;

liking the data;

an amount of time the data is used;

a use of the data.

7. The method according to any one of the claims 4-6, wherein the data comprises at least one of:

a message, wherein the system comprises a social media platform;

content, wherein the content is at least one of audio content, video content, still image content and text based content, and wherein the system comprises a content sharing platform; navigation related data, wherein the system comprises a navigation system;

gaming related data, wherein the system comprises a gaming platform.

8. The method according to any one of the claims 1-3, wherein the use of the system comprises at least one of:

an amount of time lapsed since a launch of a service on the system before creating a user account in the system;

an amount of time between making contributions to the system by a user of the client computer;

a financial transaction related to a service provided by the system;

an invitation from the user of the client computer to another user for using the system; an activation of a service provided by the system;

installing software on the client computer for use with the system.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method is performed on a server (2), wherein the server is external to the system or wherein the system comprises the server.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the calculating of the relative impact is delayed until multiple inputs from one or more of the multiple client computers has been received.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the resources include computer resources comprising at least one of:

an amount of data storage in the system (7) and/or in the server (2) available to the client computer (11-14);

an amount of CPU time in the system (7) and/or in the server (2) available to the client computer (11-14);

an amount of network bandwidth available to the client computer (11-14) for communicating with the system (7) and/or the server (2).

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the resources include monetary resources.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the monetary resources are based on a crypto currency stored in a block chain.

14. A server (2) comprising one or more processors (4) and a memory (5) for carrying out the method according to any one of the claims 1-13.

15. A computer program product, implemented on a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium, the computer program product comprising computer executable instructions which, when executed by a processor (4), cause the processor to carry out the steps of the method according to any one of the claims 1-13.