JP2010540019A - Products and processing for point exchange - Google Patents

Abstract

A product and process for point exchange are provided.
A method for tracking points between participants in various bets is provided. Bet metrics including point allocation, participants, events, etc. can be received. An indicator of betting results can be received. Points can be distributed among the participants according to a desired point distribution based on the betting results. A point adjustment index can be received and the points adjusted accordingly. Point adjustments can be related to external exchanges between betting participants. Other embodiments are disclosed.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or similar component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a like numeral. For clarity, not all components are labeled or operationally identified in all figures.

FIG. 2 illustrates a computer system architecture that can be used to perform one or more operations according to some embodiments. FIG. 4 illustrates an example set of database tables that can be maintained in some embodiments. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process that can be executed by some embodiments.

(the term)
“Product” means any machine, product of manufacture and / or assembly unless otherwise specified. “Processing” means any process, algorithm, method or the like, unless otherwise specified. Each process (also referred to as a method, algorithm, or otherwise) inherently includes one or more steps, so all references to “steps” of a process are “process” or similar terms. It has an inherent basis in mere enumeration. Accordingly, any reference to a “step” of a process in the claims is well-founded.

  “Invention” or the like means “one or more inventions disclosed in the present application” unless otherwise specified. “Deformation” of an invention means an embodiment of the invention unless otherwise specified.

  References to “other embodiments” in the description of the embodiments are mutually exclusive with other embodiments (eg, the embodiment described before the referenced embodiment) unless otherwise specified. Does not imply that.

  “Including”, “comprising”, “having”, “including” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”, unless otherwise specified. “A” and “the” mean “one or more” unless otherwise specified. The term “plurality” means “two or more” unless otherwise specified. “In this specification” means “in this application, including anything that can be included as a reference”, unless otherwise specified.

  “At least one”, unless stated otherwise, means any combination of one or more of these terms when such a term modifies more than one (such as a list of things). For example, “one or more of a small device, a car and a wheel” means (i) a small device, (ii) a car, (iii) a wheel, (iv) a small device and a car, (v) a small device and a wheel, (vi) It means either an automobile and a wheel, or (vii) a small device and an automobile and a wheel.

  “Based on” does not mean “based only on” unless otherwise specified. In other words, “based on” means both “based only on” and “based at least on”. Similarly, “based on” does not mean “based on the whole of”, “based on all of”, or a modification thereof, unless otherwise specified.

  “For example” and similar terms mean “by way of example” and thus do not limit the terminology described thereby. For example, in the sentence “a computer sends data (eg, instructions, data structure) over the Internet”, “for example” is an example of “data” that a “command” can send over the Internet. It is also explained that “data structure” is an example of “data” that a computer can transmit over the Internet. However, both “instructions” and “data structures” are merely examples of “data”, and anything other than “instructions” and “data structures” can also be “data”.

  “Determine” and its grammatical variants (eg, determine prices, specify values, determine objects that meet certain criteria) are used in a very broad sense. “Determine” encompasses a variety of actions, so “determine” calculates, operates, processes, derives, examines, examines (eg, examines in a table, database or other data structure), Confirmation, etc. can be included. Also, “determining” can include receiving (eg, receiving information), accessing (eg, accessing data in a memory), and the like. Also, “determining” can include resolving, selecting, selecting, establishing, and the like.

  “Determining” does not imply certainty or absolute accuracy, and thus “determining” can include estimating, predicting, guessing, and the like. “Determine” does not imply that a mathematical process must be performed, does not imply that a numerical method must be used, and does not imply that an algorithm or process is used. Does not mean to. “Determine” does not imply that any particular device must be used. For example, a computer need not necessarily make a decision.

  “One embodiment”, “example”, “its embodiment”, “one or more embodiments”, “some embodiments”, “specific embodiments”, “one embodiment”, “other implementations” “Example”, etc., means “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the invention” unless stated otherwise.

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

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

  When claiming a limitation that includes performing any action on any information and / or thing, such a limitation is limited to any action that performs the action on that information and / or object, unless otherwise specified. It should be understood that this includes the act of performing an operation on this information and / or part of an object, the act of performing another operation on this information and / or another part of the object, or not performing the operation at all It is. For example, claims that include the limitation of freezing the dripping nutritional composition into beads form a process where all of the dripping nutritional composition is frozen into beads, and some portions of the dripping nutritional composition are beaded It should be understood that some portions of the nutritional composition that is frozen and dripped together do not freeze in the form of beads (eg, they can be frozen in other forms of non-beads) together .

(Sentence format)
A limitation of the first claim covers one of the features as well as two or more of the features (eg, a limitation such as “at least one small device” covers one small device as well as two or more small devices. ), And in the second claim subordinate to the first claim, when the second claim uses “the” to refer to this limitation (eg, “the small device”), this means that One claim does not imply that only one of the features is covered, and the second claim does not imply that only one of the features is covered (eg, “the miniature device” means 1 One small device and two or more small devices together).

  When an ordinal number (such as “first”, “second”, “third”, etc.) is used as an adjective before a term, that ordinal number (unless otherwise noted) is used to identify a particular feature in the same term or It is merely used to indicate that particular feature, as distinguished from other features described by similar terms. For example, “first small device” is simply named to distinguish it from, for example, “second small device”. Thus, simply using the ordinal numbers “first” and “second” before “small device” does not indicate any other relationship between the two small devices, and similarly, either or both small devices. It does not show other features of the device. For example, using the ordinal numbers “first” and “second” before “small device” means that (1) any small device comes in sequence or position before or after another small device. (2) does not indicate that any small device will occur or operate in time before or after another small device; and (3) any small device may be of importance or quality. In FIG. 4, it is not shown that it is positioned above or below other small devices. In addition, the mere use of an ordinal number does not prescribe numerical limitations on the features identified by this ordinal number (eg, “a plurality of first small devices” are two or more small devices that are distinguished from other small devices). Shows the device). For example, simply using the ordinal numbers “first” and “second” before “small device” does not indicate that there should be no more than two small devices.

  When describing a single device or item herein, two or more devices / items (whether or not they work together) are used instead of the single device or item described. be able to. Thus, a function that is described as having a device can instead be possessed by two or more devices / items (whether or not they cooperate).

  Similarly, where two or more devices or items are described herein (whether or not they work together), a single device may be substituted for the two or more devices or items described. / Goods can be used. For example, multiple computer-based devices can be replaced with a single computer-based device. Thus, functions that are described as having more than one device or item may instead be possessed by a single device / item.

  The functions and / or features of a single device described may instead be embodied by one or more devices that have been described but not explicitly described as having such functions / features. . Thus, other embodiments need not include the described device itself, but in these other embodiments, one or more other devices having these functions / features may be included.

(The disclosed examples and terms are not limiting)
Neither the title of the invention (described at the beginning of the first page of this application) nor the abstract (described at the end of this application) should be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. Simply 37C. F. R. Since §1.72 (b) (US Patent and Trademark Office Enforcement Regulations Section 1.72 (b)) requires a summary of 150 words or less, the summary is merely included in the present application.

  The title of the present invention and section headings provided herein are for convenience only and should not be construed as limiting the disclosure in any way.

  Many examples are presented for illustrative purposes only. The described embodiments are not limiting in any way and are not intended to be limiting. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be implemented in various changes and alternatives such as structural, logical, software and electrical changes. Certain features of the present invention may be described with reference to one or more specific embodiments and / or drawings, unless otherwise indicated, such features being referred to to describe these features. Obviously, the invention is not limited to use in one or more particular embodiments or drawings.

  Devices described as communicating with each other need not be in continuous communication with each other unless otherwise specified. Conversely, such devices only need to communicate with each other as needed or required, and in fact can exchange data for most of the time. For example, a machine that is communicating with another machine via the Internet may not send data to the other machine for a long period of time (eg, several weeks at a time). In addition, devices in communication with each other can communicate directly or indirectly via one or more intermediaries.

  The description of an embodiment having several components or features does not imply that all such components / features are required. Conversely, various optional components are described to illustrate various possible embodiments of the invention. Unless otherwise noted, there are no required / required components / features.

  Processing operations, algorithms, etc. can be described in particular sequentially, but such processing can be configured and operated in a different order. In other words, any order or sequence of actions that can be explicitly described does not necessarily indicate a requirement to perform the actions in that order. The operations of the processes described herein can be performed in any order. Furthermore, some operations may be performed simultaneously even if described or implied to occur non-concurrently (eg, because one operation is described after another). Further, in some embodiments, operations described as separate can be performed as a single operation. Further, the illustration of the process by drawing in the drawing does not imply that the exemplified process excludes other modifications and changes to this process, and neither the exemplified process nor its operation is It is not implied that it is necessary for the invention and that the illustrated process is preferred.

  Although a process may be described as including a plurality of operations, this does not imply that all or any of these operations are preferred, essential or necessary. Various other embodiments within the scope of the present invention may include other processes that omit some or all of the described operations. Unless otherwise noted, there are no required or required actions.

  A process or product may be described alone or without reference to other processes or products, but in some embodiments, this process or product may interact with other processes or products. it can. For example, such interactions can include linking one business model to another business model. Such interactions can be provided to enhance processing flexibility or desirability.

  A list of items (these items may or may not be numbered) does not imply that any or all of these items are mutually exclusive unless otherwise noted. . Similarly, an enumerated list of items (these items may or may not be numbered), unless specified otherwise, any or all of these items encompass any category. It does not imply that. For example, a list enumerating “computer, laptop (computer), PDA” does not imply that any or all of these three items in this list are mutually exclusive; It does not imply that any or all of the items encompass any category. Also, a list of items (these items may or may not be numbered) does not imply that any or all of these items are equivalent to each other or immediately replaced with each other.

  The preamble of a claim merely lists the objects, advantages and possible uses of the claimed invention and does not limit the claimed invention. This disclosure is not a literal description of all embodiments of the invention. Also, the disclosure of the present application is not an enumeration of features of the invention that must be present in all embodiments.

(Calculation)
The various processes described herein can be implemented by a general-purpose computer 101 and / or computing device 103, such as an appropriately programmed computer system, such as that shown in FIG. The computing device 103 may include a dedicated or general purpose computing device, such as a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (personal personal digital assistant), and / or other portable or non-portable computing system that is not a general purpose computer. . Some embodiments may include performing one or more operations including a proprietary (proprietary, dedicated) handheld scorekeeper device. Such a device includes a display screen that can provide a user interface with the device, and a keyboard and / or one or more such as a wireless or wired network interface that can transmit and / or receive information with the device. An input device can be included.

  “Processor” 105 may be one or more microprocessors, central processing units (CPUs), computing devices, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (digital signal processing devices), application specific integrated circuits, or similar devices, or Means any combination. The processor may include an Intel Pentium (R), Centrino (R), and / or Core (R) processor. Generally, the processor 105 receives and executes instructions (eg, from a memory or similar device), thereby executing one or more processes defined by these instructions.

  Therefore, the description of the process is also an explanation of an apparatus that executes this process. A device that performs this process includes, for example, a processor 105 and an input device and / or an output device (for example, a keyboard 107, a mouse, a trackball, a microphone, a touch screen, a printing device, a display screen 109, and the like suitable for performing this process). Speaker, network interface 111).

  Further, programs that implement these methods (as well as other types of data) can be stored and transmitted in a number of ways using various media (eg, machine-readable media). In some embodiments, hard wire (hardware wiring) circuitry or custom hardware is used in place of, or in combination with, some or all of the software instructions that can implement the processing of the various embodiments. can do. Thus, various combinations of hardware and software can be used instead of software alone.

In some embodiments, the processor 105 can execute an operating system, such as a Windows®-based operating system available from Microsoft Corporation (eg, Windows NT®). , Windows 2000 (registered trademark) (Windows ME (registered trademark)), Windows XP (registered trademark), Windows Vista (registered trademark), MAC available from Apple Computer, Inc.
One or more of the OS System X (R) operating system, Linux (R) -based operating system distribution (e.g., Enterprise Linux (R) operating system available from Red Hat) , A Solaris® operating system available from Sun Microsystems, Inc., or a UNIX operating system available from various sources. Many other operating systems can be used and the invention is not limited to a particular operating system.

  Together, the processor and operating system can define a computer platform, for which a program stored on a machine-readable medium can be written in various programming languages, An object-oriented programming language such as SmallTalk®, Java®, C ++ ®, Ada®, Python®, or C # (C-Sharp) ®, Functional programming languages, script programming languages such as JavaScript, and / or logical programming languages. Various aspects were created in non-programming environments (eg, HTML, XML, or other formats that render graphical user interface (GUI) displays or perform other functions when viewed in a browser program window Document). Some implementations can provide a user with a web-based interactive user interface using multiple programming languages and a technique collectively known as AJAX.

  Various embodiments may include a network environment that includes one or more computing systems (eg, general purpose computer 101, other computing devices 103) that communicate through one or more communication networks (eg, LAN 119, Internet 121). it can. The computer system can be any wired or wireless medium (for example, the Internet 121, LAN 119, WAN or Ethernet (registered trademark), token ring, telephone line, cable line, wireless channel, optical communication line, commercial online service provider, electronic bulletin board system. , Satellite communication link, mobile phone network, Wi-Fi® network, Bluetooth® communication link, any combination of the above).

One or more computers configured to provide various aspects (eg, program elements stored on a machine-readable medium and executable by one or more processors) to one or more client computer systems Can be distributed between systems. For example, in some embodiments, multiple computing systems can be organized as a central authority station connected to a LAN or other communication network. These computing systems can receive requests and other information from the remote computing system via the Internet 121.

  In some embodiments, one or more computer systems can function as one or more database servers. The database server can respond to database requests such as structured query language (SQL) queries by accessing the database (eg, searching the database, writing to the database). . The database server can maintain one or more database tables that store information to facilitate the operation of some embodiments.

  FIG. 2 illustrates an example set of database tables that, in some embodiments, can be used to track and / or adjust points, which will be described in more detail below. As shown, some embodiments may include a point table 201. This point table can store information relating to the distribution of points among a plurality of individuals. For example, as shown in the table 201, person 1 is allocated 50 points, person 2 is allocated 55 points, and person 3 is allocated 30 points. A person can be added and / or deleted by adding and / or deleting each table row. The points allocated to one or more persons can be adjusted by changing (eg, adding or subtracting) one or more point values in the appropriate item of the point sequence. A table such as table 201 may be useful, for example, for tracking points within a group of individuals sharing a common point pool (eg, people in a co-participant group). For example, person 1, person 2, and person 3 can agree that points can be allocated and adjusted among all three. Person 1, person 2, and person 3 can be friends, colleagues, acquaintances, or other interested parties, for example. Person 1, person 2, and person 3 can be participants in a single bet or one common group bet. Person 1, person 2, and person 3 can agree to join one group before being grouped. Some embodiments may include a table, such as table 201, for each such grouping of people.

  Some embodiments may include one or more database tables such as point table 203 and group table 205. Similar to the point table 201, the point table 203 can maintain a point distribution among a plurality of persons. However, the point table 203 can track points among a plurality of groups by a tuple indicating one or more persons or one or more groups in the point sequence. For example, the person 1 is allocated 25 points from the person 2 and 25 points from the group of persons defined by the identifier “group 1”. The group table 205 can define one or more person groups. The group identifier can be shown in the group column, and a list of persons in the identified group can be shown in the person column. For example, group 1 includes person 1, person 2, and person 3 in group table 205 shown in the figure. A point associated with a particular tuple of a particular group or person can be considered as a set of points.

  It will be appreciated that the collection of database tables of FIG. 2 is given as an example only, and that other embodiments may include any desired collection of database tables or no database tables at all. For example, in some implementations, one or more database tables can store personal information such as identification information, login information, and / or other desired information.

  Apart from the database server, in some embodiments, one or more computer systems can function as a web server. The web server can be configured to respond to network requests (eg, HTTP messages, XMLHTTP requests) from a web browser executed by the remote computer system. For example, the web browser 123 executed by the computing system can direct an HTTP message through the Internet 121 to the edge routing device 125 connected to the LAN 119. The edge routing device 125 can be configured to direct this HTTP message through the LAN 119 to the web server. The web server can provide a response (eg, an HTML document) to the web browser 123 through the edge routing device 125 and the Internet 121. The web server can be configured to communicate with other computer systems (eg, a database server) to generate a response to the received request.

   In some embodiments, the server computer / central authority may be unnecessary or undesired. For example, certain embodiments may be implemented on one or more computing devices without a central authority. In such embodiments, any function described herein as being performed by a server, or data described as being stored on a general purpose computer, is alternatively executed or stored by one or more such computing devices. be able to.

  "Machine-readable medium" refers to any medium that participates in providing data (eg, instructions, data structures) that can be read by a computer, processor, or similar device. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks 113, and other persistent memories. Volatile media typically includes dynamic random access memory 115 (DRAM) that forms the main memory (main storage) of the computer system. Transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire, and optical fibers, and includes the wiring that makes up system bus 117 coupled to the processor. Transmission media can include or carry sound waves, light waves, and electromagnetic radiation, such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of machine-readable media include, for example, floppy disks, flexible disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, any other magnetic medium, CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punch card, paper tape, hole Any other physical medium having the pattern: RAM, PROM, EPROM, flash EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, carrier wave, or any other medium that can be read by the computer system.

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

  Therefore, the description of the process is also an explanation of a machine-readable medium that stores a program for executing this process. The machine-readable medium can store program elements suitable for performing this process (in any suitable format).

  When describing the process, in some embodiments, the process can operate without user intervention. In other embodiments, the process includes some human intervention (eg, the operation is performed by a human or with the assistance of a human).

  Just as the description of the various operations during processing does not indicate that all the operations described are required, an embodiment of the apparatus does not provide some (not necessarily all) of the described processing. One or more computer systems operable to execute may be included.

  Similarly, an example of a machine readable medium storing a program or data structure may be implemented just as the description of the various operations being processed does not indicate that all operations described are required. Sometimes includes a machine-readable medium that stores a program that may cause one or more processors to perform some (but not necessarily all) of the described processes.

  It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that when describing a database, (i) an alternative database structure to that described can easily be employed, and (ii) other memory structures other than the database can be readily employed. it is obvious. Any description of any sample database presented herein is an exemplary configuration of a stored representation of information. Any number of other configurations other than those proposed herein can be employed. Furthermore, any database format (relational database, object-based model, and / or distributed database) can be used to store and manipulate the data types described herein. Similarly, the processes described herein can be implemented using database object methods or behaviors. In addition, the database can be stored in a known or otherwise manner locally on a device that accesses data in such a database or stored remotely from the device.

(Continuation application)
The present disclosure provides those skilled in the art with a description that allows several embodiments and / or inventions. Some of these embodiments and / or inventions may not be listed in the claims of this application, but nevertheless, claims of one or more continuing applications claiming priority under this application May be described. Applicants intend to file additional applications and continue to patent on subject matter that is disclosed and enabled but not claimed.

(35 USC 112 (US Patent Law Section 112), sixth paragraph)
In a claim, a claim limitation that includes "means to do" or "step to do" means that 35 USC 112, sixth paragraph applies to this limitation. In a claim, limitations of the claim that do not include "means to" or "step to do" include that the limitation does not describe the structure, material, or operation for performing a function. This means that Section 112, sixth paragraph, US Patent Act, does not apply to this limitation, whether or not it describes a function. For example, in referring to one or more steps in a claim or in other claims, the simple use of “step to do” is that section 112, sixth paragraph of the US Patent Act It does not mean that it applies to the step.

  With respect to means or steps for performing a particular function according to US Pat. No. 112, sixth paragraph, the corresponding structure, material, or operation described in the specification, and equivalents thereof, shall not Functional functions can be performed.

  Computers, processors, computing devices, and similar products are structures that can perform a wide range of functions. Such a product is operable to perform a specific function by executing one or more programs, such as a program stored in a memory device of the product or a memory device accessed by the product. Unless otherwise noted, such programs need not be based on a specific algorithm, such as any specific algorithm that may be disclosed herein. It is well known to those skilled in the art that a particular function can be implemented by different algorithms, and that any of a number of different algorithms is merely a design choice for performing that particular function.

  Thus, with respect to means or steps for performing a specific function according to 35 USC 112, sixth paragraph, the structure corresponding to the specific function includes any product programmed to perform the specific function. Such structures include products programmed to perform this function, such products (i) a disclosed algorithm for performing this function, (ii) an algorithm similar to the disclosed algorithm, or ( iii) It does not depend on whether it is programmed with a different algorithm to perform this function. When describing means for performing a function that is a method, one structure for performing the method is a computing device (and / or a computer configured to perform the function with appropriate hardware ( For example, a general purpose computer).

  It will also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that it also includes a computing device (eg, a general purpose computer) that is programmed and / or configured to perform the function with other hardware as well as appropriate hardware.

(Abandonment)
Multiple references to a particular embodiment do not imply the abandonment or denial of additional different embodiments, and similarly, references to the description of an embodiment that entirely includes a particular feature refer to this particular feature. It does not indicate abandonment or denial of examples not included. Any express waiver or denial in this application is prefaced by "does not include" or "cannot be performed".

(Include as reference)
Any patents, patent applications, or other references referred to herein are included as part of this patent application by reference, but are written in accordance with 35 USC 112, first paragraph, and US patents. If this is only for the purpose of availability according to Article 112, first paragraph of the Act, and this application cannot provide any identifiable meaning without inclusion as such reference, any wording of this application shall be limited, prescribed, or otherwise It should never be used to interpret, allowing it to provide a identifiable meaning for these words. Thus, a person of ordinary skill in the art need not be limited in any way by any specific example provided in the reference.

(Preferred embodiment)
Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to tracking points distributed among one or more persons. In some embodiments, for example, a group of people can participate in a wager. One or more winners of this bet can be allocated some points related to this bet. Points can be adjusted later for future bets as well as no betting events. Such an embodiment can provide a convenient and efficient way to track both betting related information and unrelated information.

  FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a process 300 that can be performed by some embodiments. Using process 300, at least one first point amount associated with a plurality of participants in the bet is adjusted based on the outcome of the bet, and at least one second point amount associated with the plurality of participants is determined. , Based at least in part on some external exchange or other event between at least two of the plurality of participants. In some examples, one or more computer systems may perform one or more operations of process 300. Process 300 can begin at block 301.

  Although not shown in FIG. 3, some embodiments may include receiving information about one or more individuals and / or one or more groups. Such information may include name, grouping information, and / or other desired information. Such information can be used, for example, to create one or more database items that allow tracking of users and / or groups of users. In some implementations, a user interface can be provided, such as a web page interface or a mobile device interface, through which the user can enter such information. In some embodiments, for example, via such an interface, one or more users can identify themselves and / or that they are included as part of a group. In some embodiments, before a new member joins a particular group, one or more other users, such as other members of the group, may be required to approve the new member. it can.

  In some implementations, multiple users can identify each other when participating in a wager together. For example, when playing an online card game, each user is identified by name through the user interface, so that the user can know who he / she is playing without being in the same place. In some implementations, users may not identify each other. Rather, the user can participate in betting anonymously (eg, playing a card game). In some implementations, the user can choose to be identified or not. In some implementations, users are restricted from participating in bets with people in their group so that one or more participants are anonymous even during bets (eg during card games). And the user is guaranteed that all participants are acquainted in some way or otherwise related to each other.

  As shown at block 303, process 300 may include receiving at least one indicator of at least one bet. This bet can be related to the amount of points and events bet. This event can be, for example, a result of a game (eg, sports game, virtual reality competition, contest, election, etc.), a game (eg, card game, slot machine hit, dice roll (dice roll) ), Fantasy sports, etc.) as a result of possible events or facts (eg random number generation, phone calls, stock market fluctuations, achievement of athletic goals, stakes in games or competitions, wins in single player games Number, individual weight, correct answer to a problem, etc.) decision by one or more reliable sources or judges (eg, the outcome of a court case, the definitive expression of an important partner, etc.), and / or other Any desired event can be included. The bets may include fixed odds bets, ranged bets, and / or other bets.

  In some embodiments, betting can be “internal” for certain embodiments. For example, an internal bet can include a bet having a result that is largely facilitated by this example. For example, a web page can track points according to some embodiments and can facilitate an interactive card game where participants can bet points based on the outcome of the game. In various embodiments, a card game can include any game that may require a house (gaming hall) or may not have a house. In some implementations, if a card game requires a house, one or more participants can decide to act as a house and each person joins in turn to act as a house. Houses can be turned between persons and / or any other method of providing a house can be used.

  In some embodiments, betting can be “external” to an embodiment. For example, external bets can include bets that have results that are largely not facilitated by this example. For example, two participants can bet a certain amount of points on the outcome of a golf game played between these two participants, and / or other physical events.

  In some embodiments, wagers may be limited to group members. By limiting bet participants to group members, this bet participant can be assured that he knows each bet participant or is in some way associated with each bet participant. . In some implementations, one or more members of the group can contribute to a third party participating in the wager, so that if the third party wins or loses, the investing member wins. You can receive a profit or loss.

  Some embodiments can include providing a user interface, such as a web page interface or a mobile device interface, through which information about bets can be entered. Such information may include information identifying the amount of points betted, information identifying bet participants, information identifying points allocated to one or more winners of bets, information identifying events, and / or other desired Information can be included. Such an interface can provide a representation of an ongoing and / or available bet (eg, a game) and / or a user can create / bet a unique bet between users in a group Make it possible to do. In some implementations, when creating a bet, a similar bet may be made available to other users in other groups and / or other users in the same group. Such an implementation allows users from various groups to place bets for other groups. In some implementations, a ranking or ranking in a user interface for bets defined by one group may be determined by the number of other groups participating in the bet. Thus, for example, when the interface presents a list of current bets, a popular bet defined by one group can be placed in a more prominent position than an unpopular bet determined by another group.

  In some embodiments, a user interface can be provided that includes a game interface (eg, an online card game, etc.), through which the game is played and a wager associated with the game (ie, a wager). . In some implementations, such games may include skill games (games determined by arms) and / or chance games (games determined by luck). In some implementations, some or all of the bet points may be limited to one or more default values (eg, ante (participation bet)). In some implementations, some or all of the bet points may be adjustable (eg, raise).

  Although not shown in FIG. 2, some implementations may include receiving a bet acceptance. For example, a first bet participant may send an indication that a bet has been created and / or an indication of an offer for a bet (eg, a poker game raise) to an example. The second participant can later send an acceptance of the created bet or the offered bet.

  As shown at block 305, the process 300 may include determining the outcome of at least one bet. Determining the outcome of a bet can include determining the outcome of an event associated with the bet. In some implementations, such a determination may include determining an internal betting result, such as determining a winner of an online card game. In some implementations, such a determination may include determining an external betting result, such as determining a golf competition winner. Determining the external betting result may include, for example, an indication of the external betting result, such as the external betting participant, the external betting referee, a reliable information source (eg, Receiving from a sports caster reporting the overall result of the sport. In some implementations, a user interface can be provided that allows entry of such information.

  As indicated at block 307, the process 300 may include allocating points among the participants of the at least one bet in response to the determined result of the at least one bet. Allocating points can include, for example, adjusting point values stored on a machine-readable medium, eg, in one or more database tables and associated with one or more participants. . Allocating points may include, for example, providing points to one or more participants in this bet determined to be a bet winner at block 303 of process 300. The number of points awarded is information identifying the point allocation associated with this bet, eg, at block 303 of process 300, and / or a default point allocation, eg, giving all points to the winner and not to others. Can be determined based on

  In some implementations, process 300 may loop back to block 303 after block 307 is completed. By returning in this loop, it is possible to complete a plurality of bets that affect a plurality of different or similar participants and adjust the points accordingly.

  As shown in block 309, process 300 may include receiving an indication of point adjustment. The indication of point adjustment may include an indication that an external event has occurred, such as an exchange of goods, services, money, etc. This index can also be used as a correction index for previous point allocation errors. This indicator can identify the betting participants and the amount of points to be changed. In some implementations, this adjustment metric can be received from one or more participants in a bet or a user associated with a group. In some implementations, a user interface, such as a web page interface or a mobile device interface, can be provided through which one or more users can enter point adjustments.

  This point adjustment may include a negative point adjustment, which may be particularly useful for accounting for the external exchange of goods, services, and / or money. This point adjustment can include a positive point adjustment, for example, a participant wants to get off the bet, wants to transfer points to other members of the group, wants to correct point tracking errors, And / or otherwise may be particularly useful when it is desired to increase user points.

  As shown at block 311, the process 300 may include adjusting the points allocated to at least one participant of the bet in response to the point adjustment. In one embodiment, in response to receiving a point adjustment indication, for example, by changing a point value stored, for example, in one or more database tables, on one or more machine-readable media, Points associated with identified participants can be adjusted. In some implementations, this adjustment can be performed after all or some of the betting participants or members of the group have confirmed the adjustment. Some implementations can send confirmation requests to some participants, for example, via email, other user interfaces, etc. In some embodiments, historical point values can be maintained. Such historical point values can represent the winning and losing history between participants in a group, but do not take account adjustments from external exchanges or other events into account. In some implementations, when issuing a request for point adjustment, the user can indicate whether this point adjustment should affect historical point values. This is useful, for example, to adjust points in the historical points value for points added by transfer, or points subtracted due to previous errors, but not to reflect points subtracted by exchange of goods or services, for example. It can be.

  In some implementations, a mechanism to confirm point adjustment can be used. For example, before making a point adjustment, a message may be sent to a group of users requesting that the point adjustment be approved. In some implementations, a code can be used to authenticate that the point adjustment is valid. For example, when submitting a request to change points, the user can submit a verification code. Such a verification code can be provided by another user (eg, another group member) to indicate that this user is authorized to make point adjustments. Any mechanism that generates and provides this code to the user can be used. For example, this code can be a disposable (single use) code that is generated each time a user wants to authorize other users to make point adjustments, and this code is associated with a specific user (PGP) It can be a reusable code (such as a pretty good privacy) public key, or any other desired type of code can be used.

  Process 300 may end at block 313. The process 300 can loop back to block 309 (return in a loop) for further point adjustment or loop back to block 303 for further betting.

  Although not shown in FIG. 3, process 300 may include providing a representation of points allocated to one or more users. This representation can include, for example, a user interface such as a web page interface or a mobile device interface that displays points allocated to a particular participant or group of participants. Such representations may be provided at any time during process 300, for example, before / after receiving a betting indicator, before / after receiving a point adjustment indicator, and / or at any other time.

  Although not shown in FIG. 3, process 300 may include providing message functionality through one or more computer systems. Betting or group participants can interact with each other through private messages, forums, community chat, and / or any other method. For example, in one implementation, a first participant may send a message saying “I am defeating you” to a second participant. Such message functionality can be facilitated using known methods such as e-mail, SMS or MMS messages, instant messaging technology, and / or other new or known technologies.

  The process 300 and the other operations described above are merely examples. Other embodiments may include additional and / or alternative operations in any order.

  Examples of iterations throughout the process 300 can include, for example, a group of friends or other acquaintances. A group of individuals can identify themselves to the implementation through, for example, a separate web page interface that is accessed by each individual using their respective web browser. This group can access the interface and participate in betting, for example accessing an online poker room through a separate web browser. An individual can play one or more games, such as one or more poker hands, through this interface. Each game may include one or more stakes, such as antees and raises in each poker game. You can determine the winner of each game and distribute the stakes for the number of points per game, for example, distribute the number of ante points and the appropriate raise to the hand of each poker hand Can do.

  After playing a number of games, the group can end the game. Outside the interface, one or more exchanges can occur. For example, one member of a group may buy food for other members of the group, exchange money with other members of the group, perform desired services for other members of the group, etc. . In response to this exchange, members of the group can access the user interface and submit information indicating that the points should be adjusted to reflect any agreement on changing the points. One embodiment may verify this change with each member of the group before making this adjustment.

(Additional examples)
Receiving a plurality of indicators, wherein each indicator of the plurality of indicators indicates a respective bet of the plurality of bets, each bet comprising a respective event, a respective bet point amount, and at least one person A step involving each participant of;
Determining an allocation of points among the plurality of betting participants based at least in part on the outcome of each event;
Receiving at least one indication of point adjustment;
Adjusting the points allocated to at least one participant of the plurality of bets based at least in part on the point adjustment.

  The method of paragraph [0084] further comprising the step of allocating points according to the distribution of points.

  The method of paragraph [0085], wherein the step of allocating the points includes storing information about the points on at least one machine-readable medium.

  The method of paragraph [0084], wherein the step of adjusting the points includes at least one of addition and subtraction of points associated with at least one participant.

  The method of paragraph [0084], wherein at least one bet of the plurality of bets includes an allocation plan that indicates how points should be allocated among at least one winner of the at least one bet.

  Determining the distribution of points among the plurality of betting participants comprises determining the distribution of points among the plurality of betting participants based at least in part on the allocation plan, paragraph [ [0088] Method.

  The method of paragraph [0084], wherein each of the plurality of indicators is received from the respective at least one participant.

  The method of paragraph [0090] further comprising receiving at least one acceptance of each bet of the plurality of bets from at least one second participant of each bet.

  The method of paragraph [0084] further comprising providing at least one user interface.

  The at least one user interface is capable of inputting information related to at least one bet among the plurality of bets through the interface, and playing at least one game related to the at least one bet through the interface. At least one of an interface that can be used, an interface through which the information regarding at least one of the point adjustments can be input, and an interface through which the representation of the current point distribution can be viewed. The method of paragraph [0092].

  The method of paragraph [0084] further comprising presenting at least one representation of the current point allocation.

  The method of paragraph [0084], wherein at least one of each of the above events includes at least one of a game outcome, a competition outcome, a possible event occurrence, and a decision.

  The method of paragraph [0095], wherein the game includes at least one of a chance game and a skill game.

  The method of paragraph [0084] further comprising receiving information regarding at least one participant of at least one bet of the plurality of bets.

  The method of paragraph [0097], wherein said information includes at least one of at least one identification information and information identifying a group of related participants.

  The method of paragraph [0084] further comprising the step of determining a result of each of the above events.

  The method of paragraph [0099], wherein determining the result includes receiving an indication of the result.

  The method of paragraph [0084], wherein at least one indication of the point adjustment includes an indication that an event has occurred.

  The method of paragraph [0084], wherein the at least one indication of point adjustment includes an indication of exchange between each of the at least two participants.

  The method of paragraph [0102], wherein the exchange includes at least one of an article exchange, a service exchange, and a money exchange.

  The method of paragraph [0102], wherein the point adjustment includes a reduction of points allocated to a first participant of the at least two participants.

  The method of paragraph [0084] further comprising the step of confirming the point adjustment with at least one of the participants.

  An apparatus comprising at least one machine readable medium, wherein the at least one readable medium stores a plurality of machine language instructions that together control the at least one computer system. An apparatus capable of executing the method described in paragraph [0084].

  The apparatus of paragraph [0106], further comprising at least one processor configured to execute at least one instruction of the plurality of machine language instructions.

Receiving a betting indicator, the betting comprising an event, an amount of points bet, and at least two participants;
Allocating at least a portion of the bet amount of points between the at least two participants based at least in part on the outcome of the event;
Receiving at least one indication of point adjustment;
Adjusting the points allocated to at least one of the at least two participants based at least in part on the point adjustment.

  The method of paragraph [0108], wherein said step of distributing includes storing information about the points on at least one machine readable medium.

  The method of paragraph [0108], wherein said adjusting step includes at least one of addition and subtraction of points associated with said at least one participant.

  The method of paragraph [0108], wherein the bet includes an allocation plan that indicates how points should be allocated among at least one winner of the bet.

  The method of paragraph [0111], wherein the step of allocating includes determining a point allocation between the at least two participants based at least in part on the allocation plan.

  The method of paragraph [0108], wherein the betting indicator is received from each of at least one of the at least two participants.

  The method of paragraph [0113] further comprising receiving at least one acceptance of the bet from at least one second participant of the at least two participants.

  The method of paragraph [0108] further comprising providing at least one user interface.

  The at least one user interface through which the information relating to the bet can be input, the interface through which the at least one game related to the bet can be played, the interface through which the above-mentioned The method of paragraph [0115], comprising at least one of an interface through which information regarding point adjustments can be entered and an interface through which the representation of the current point distribution can be viewed.

  The method of paragraph [0108] further comprising presenting at least one representation of the current point allocation.

  The method of paragraph [0108], wherein the event includes at least one of a game result, a game result, a possible event occurrence, and a decision.

  The method of paragraph [0118], wherein the game includes at least one of a chance game and a skill game.

  The method of paragraph [0108] further comprising receiving information regarding at least one of the at least two participants.

  The method of paragraph [0120], wherein said information includes at least one identification information and information identifying an associated group of participants.

  The method of paragraph [0108] further comprising the step of determining the outcome of the event.

  The method of paragraph [0122], wherein determining the result includes receiving an indicator of the result.

  The method of paragraph [0108], wherein the at least one indication of point adjustment includes an indication that an event has occurred.

  The method of paragraph [0108], wherein the at least one indicator of point adjustment includes an indicator of exchange between each of the at least two participants of the at least two participants.

  The method of paragraph [0125], wherein the exchange includes at least one of an article exchange, a service exchange, and a money exchange.

  The method of paragraph [0125], wherein the point adjustment includes a reduction in points allocated to a first participant of the at least two participants.

  The method of paragraph [0108] further comprising the step of confirming said point adjustment with at least one of the participants.

  An apparatus comprising at least one machine readable medium, wherein the at least one readable medium stores a plurality of machine language instructions that together control the at least one computer system. An apparatus capable of executing the method described in paragraph [0108].

  The apparatus of paragraph [0129], further comprising at least one processor configured to execute at least one of the plurality of machine language instructions.

The at least one first point amount of the set of point amounts associated with the plurality of participants is at least partially a result of at least one bet involving at least a portion of the plurality of participants. Adjusting based on;
Adjusting at least one second point quantity of the set of point quantities based at least in part on at least one exchange between at least two participants of the plurality of participants; Including methods.

  The method of paragraph [0131], wherein adjusting the at least one first point quantity includes storing information about the set of point quantities on at least one machine-readable medium.

  The method of paragraph [0131], wherein adjusting the at least one second point quantity includes storing information about the set of point quantities on at least one machine-readable medium.

  The method of paragraph [0131], wherein adjusting the at least one second point quantity includes at least one of addition and subtraction.

  The method of paragraph [0131], wherein the at least one bet includes an allocation plan that indicates how points should be allocated among at least one winner of the at least one bet.

  The method of paragraph [0135], wherein adjusting the at least one first point amount includes adjusting the at least one first point amount based at least in part on the allocation plan.

  The method of paragraph [0131] further comprising receiving at least one indicator of the at least one bet.

  The method of paragraph [0131], wherein the betting indicator is received from at least one of the plurality of participants.

  The method of paragraph [0131] further comprising providing at least one user interface.

  An interface through which the at least one user interface can input information about the at least one bet, an interface through which the at least one game related to the at least one bet can be played, The method of paragraph [0139], comprising at least one of an interface through which an information regarding the at least one exchange can be entered and an interface through which a representation of the current point allocation can be viewed.

  The method of paragraph [0131] further comprising the step of presenting at least one representation of the current point allocation.

  The method of paragraph [0131], wherein the event includes at least one of a game outcome, a competition outcome, a possible event occurrence, and a decision.

  The method of paragraph [0142], wherein the game includes at least one of a chance game and a skill game.

  The method of paragraph [0131], further comprising receiving information regarding at least one participant of the plurality of participants.

  The method of paragraph [0144], wherein the information includes at least one of identification information and information identifying a group of participants.

  The method of paragraph [0131] further comprising the step of determining the outcome of at least one bet.

  The method of paragraph [0146], wherein the step of determining the result includes receiving an indicator of the result.

  The method of paragraph [0131], wherein the exchange includes at least one of an exchange of goods, an exchange of services, and an exchange of money.

  The method of paragraph [0131] further comprising the step of confirming the occurrence of said exchange with at least one of said participants.

  The method of paragraph [0131], wherein the at least one first point quantity comprises the at least one second point quantity.

  An apparatus comprising at least one machine readable medium, wherein the at least one readable medium stores a plurality of machine language instructions that together control the at least one computer system. An apparatus capable of executing the method described in paragraph [0108].

  The apparatus of paragraph [0151], further comprising at least one processor configured to execute at least one of the plurality of machine language instructions.

Claims (44)

Receiving a plurality of indicators, wherein each indicator of the plurality of indicators indicates a respective bet of a plurality of bets, each of the bets being a respective event, a respective bet point amount, and a respective bet Including at least one participant of;
Determining an allocation of points among participants in the plurality of bets based at least in part on the results of the respective events;
Receiving at least one indication of point adjustment;
Adjusting the points allocated to at least one participant of the plurality of bets based at least in part on the point adjustment.   The method of claim 1, further comprising allocating the points according to the allocation of the points.   The method of claim 1, wherein adjusting the points includes at least one of addition and subtraction of points associated with the at least one participant.   The method of claim 1, wherein at least one bet of the plurality of bets includes an allocation plan that indicates how to allocate points among at least one winner of the at least one bet.   The step of determining a distribution of points among the plurality of betting participants comprises determining a distribution of points among the plurality of betting participants based at least in part on the allocation plan. 4. The method according to 4.   The method of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of indicators is received from the respective at least one participant.   7. The method of claim 6, further comprising receiving at least one acceptance of each bet of the plurality of bets from at least one second participant of the respective bet.   The method of claim 1, further comprising providing at least one user interface.   An interface through which the at least one user interface can input information regarding at least one bet among the plurality of bets, and playing at least one game related to the at least one bet through the interface. At least one of an interface through which the information about at least one of the point adjustments can be input, and an interface through which the current distribution of points can be viewed. The method according to claim 8.   The method of claim 1, further comprising presenting at least one representation of a current point allocation.   The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the respective events includes at least one of a game outcome, a competition outcome, a possible event occurrence, and a decision.   The method according to claim 11, wherein the game includes at least one of a chance game and a skill game.   The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving information regarding at least one participant in at least one bet of the plurality of bets.   The method of claim 13, wherein the information includes at least one of identification information and information identifying an associated group of participants.   The method of claim 1, further comprising determining a result of the respective event.   16. The method of claim 15, wherein determining the result comprises receiving an indicator of the result.   The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one indication of point adjustment includes an indication that an event has occurred.   The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one indication of point adjustment comprises an indication of exchange between each of at least two participants.   The method of claim 18, wherein the exchange comprises at least one of an article exchange, a service exchange, and a money exchange.   The method of claim 19, wherein the point adjustment includes a reduction in points allocated to a first participant of the at least two participants.   The method of claim 1, further comprising confirming the point adjustment with at least one of the participants.   An apparatus comprising at least one machine readable medium, wherein the at least one readable medium stores a plurality of machine language instructions that together control the at least one computer system. An apparatus capable of carrying out the method according to claim 1.   23. The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising at least one processor configured to execute at least one instruction of the plurality of machine language instructions. Receiving a betting indicator, wherein the betting includes an event, an amount of points bet, and at least two participants;
Allocating at least a portion of the bet amount of points between the at least two participants based at least in part on the outcome of the event;
Receiving at least one indication of point adjustment;
Adjusting points allocated to at least one of the at least two participants based at least in part on the point adjustment.   25. The method of claim 24, wherein the bet includes an allocation plan that indicates how to allocate points among at least one winner of the bet.   25. The method of claim 24, further comprising receiving at least one acceptance of the bet from at least one second participant of the at least two participants.   25. The method of claim 24, wherein the events include at least one of a game outcome, a competition outcome, a possible event occurrence, and a decision.   28. The method of claim 27, wherein the game includes at least one of a chance game and a skill game.   25. The method of claim 24, further comprising determining the outcome of the event.   30. The method of claim 29, wherein determining the result comprises receiving an indicator of the result.   25. The method of claim 24, wherein the at least one indication of point adjustment comprises an indication of exchange between each of at least two participants of the at least two participants.   32. The method of claim 31, wherein the exchange comprises at least one of an article exchange, a service exchange, and a money exchange.   25. The method of claim 24, further comprising confirming the point adjustment with at least one of the participants. The at least one first point amount of the set of point amounts associated with the plurality of participants is at least partially a result of at least one bet involving at least a portion of the plurality of participants. Adjusting based on;
Adjusting at least one second point quantity of the set of point quantities based at least in part on at least one exchange between at least two participants of the plurality of participants; Including methods.   35. The method of claim 34, wherein the at least one bet includes an allocation plan that indicates how to allocate points among at least one winner of the at least one bet.   35. The method of claim 34, further comprising receiving at least one indicator of the at least one bet.   40. The method of claim 36, wherein the indication of the bet is received from at least one of the plurality of participants.   35. The method of claim 34, wherein the event comprises at least one of a game result, a competition result, a possible event occurrence, and a decision.   40. The method of claim 38, wherein the game comprises at least one of a chance game and a skill game.   35. The method of claim 34, further comprising determining at least one betting result.   41. The method of claim 40, wherein determining the result comprises receiving an indicator of the result.   35. The method of claim 34, wherein the exchange comprises at least one of an article exchange, a service exchange, and a money exchange.   35. The method of claim 34, further comprising confirming the occurrence of the exchange with at least one of the participants.   35. The method of claim 34, wherein the at least one first point quantity comprises the at least one second point quantity.

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