WO2014012138A1

WO2014012138A1 - System and method of managing a reward points system

Info

Publication number: WO2014012138A1
Application number: PCT/AU2013/000788
Authority: WO
Inventors: Salam Fareed KHERYAKHOS; Daryn Gordon Griggs; Gerard James PENNA
Original assignee: Brainwaves Kpg Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2012-07-16
Filing date: 2013-07-16
Publication date: 2014-01-23

Abstract

A computer implemented reward points method for recording and managing an agreed social contract between at least two parties is provided, said social contract including at least one task to be completed in a timeframe and an associated reward for which agreement has been reached by both parties wherein completion of the at least one task is electronically time-stamped.

Description

SYSTEM AN D METHOD OF MANAGIN G A REWARD POINTS

SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a system and method of managing rewards. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] In social contracts and relationships, it is common for certain deeds or actions by one party to be viewed favourably by another party, particularly if those deeds or actions benefit both parties, and may be reciprocated with a corresponding action or deed. For example, in a familial relationship there are many actions which contribute to the running of a household such as shopping, cooking, cleaning and other domestic chores. These actions are often divided between the members of the household who complete certain individual tasks to ensure that all of the chores are completed and that the work is distributed fairly. Alternatively, one party may complete additional chores and accrue a form of social currency or favour from the other parties.

[0003] The term "brownie points" is often used colloquially to describe this social currency, in which certain behaviours or tasks are rewarded with some kind of recognition, credit or reward. ^"

[0004] Currently these systems are represented by informal and unstructured arrangements between the parties. Although the social contract regarding distribution of work and the favour granted through the completion of additional chores is understood between the parties, generally the parties do not record or manage this data or alternatively, the data is not recorded accurately. A typical failure of the social contract therefore can occur when multiple deeds are performed by the parties and the contract becomes difficult to administer owing to lack of records or protocols for approval and redemption. Similarly a social currency contract may fail as there is usually a lack of explicit agreement between the parties regarding the value of tasks and rewards. [0005J Another difficulty arises in situations when it is agreed between the parties that a task is to be completed in an expected timeframe and the parties are in disparate locations. In such situations, recordal of task completion becomes difficult or infeasible to accurately record time of task completion unless both parties are in the same location. For instance, if a task is completed by one party at one location in the expected timeframe, completion of the task must be immediately communicated to the other party in order for agreed terms to be met and the reward to be granted. However, immediate notification of task completion may not be possible is some circumstances where there is no means of communication between the parties at the disparate locations for example. Under these circumstances, a task may be regarded as not having been completed in the expected timeframe and therefore result in conflict between the parties.

[0006] Furthermore, whilst completion of one task may be easily tracked and recorded in the instance of a social contract between two parties, the situation becomes more complex and difficult to, track and record, when multiple parties to a social contract are involved which will likely lead to conflict between the parties.

[0007] The situation also becomes more complex and difficult to manage when multiple tasks are involved. For instance, when multiple tasks are assigned to be completed within an expected timeframe, if the completion of such tasks is not immediately recorded, conflict between the parties and failure of the social contract will generally occur.

[0008] Yet a further difficulty arises when a person requests the grant of a reward from more than one person upon completion of task and the reward may be granted multiple times. This situation could arise when a person seeks a reward but does not receive an acknowledgement that the reward will be provided. The person may then seek the grant of a reward from an alternative person and the reward may ultimately be granted twice. Of course, the person seeking the grant of the rewards may not have sufficient credit to qualify for the grant of the reward twice and failure to avoid such situations also leads to the failure of the social contract arrangement. [0009] Failure of a social contract can lead to discord within relationships where there is disagreement regarding which party has completed which task, and whether there has been an appropriate distribution of work or appropriate recognition. As such the value of the social contract is diminished.

[0010] Accordingly, there is a need for a system and method that recognizes the above identified problems with social contracts and implements procedures to resolve or at least ameliorate those problems. The prospects of a successful social contract arrangement will be significantly improved as a result.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Therefore, in one aspect, the present invention provides a computer implemented reward points method for recording and managing an agreed social contract between at least two parties, said social contract including at least one task to be completed in a timeframe and an associated reward for which agreement has been reached by both parties wherein completion of the at least one task is electronically time-stamped.

[0012] In one embodiment, the reward points method is provided over the internet through an administration website and user website wherein the details of the said social contract are recorded.

[0013] In another aspect, the present invention provides a computer implemented reward points system for managing an agreed social contract between at least two parties, said social contract including at least one task to be completed in a timeframe and an associated reward for which agreement has been reached by both parties, the system including a server having a processor and a memory, the memory including computer readable instructions which when executed by the processor causes the rewards points system to at least receive information regarding the completion of a task from a remote user device, the remote user device including a processor having a memory including computer readable instructions which when executed by the remote user device processor enables the remote user device to at least record the completion of a task, obtain the time at recordal of completion, and transmit details of the completed task and recorded time of same to the reward points system server.

[0014] In an embodiment, the reward points system receives information regarding a social contract, wherein said information includes user details, task allocation, task completion, points allocation and rewards redemption, and generates notifications based on this information, said notifications sent via email or text to the parties and posted on social networking sites.

[0015] In an embodiment, information relating to the reward points system is delivered via an internet-enabled apparatus operating as a remote user device such as a personal computer, tablet or smartphone. The reward points system may further be delivered via mobile application software or downloadable through application stores onto remote user devices.

[0016] In one embodiment, the party assigned a task to be completed within a a timeframe records completion of the task by accessing the reward points system website and updating the details of the social contract. In the event that the completion of the task occurs at a time during which the user cannot access the reward points system, the time of completion of the task is electronically time-stamped by the device.

[0017] In another embodiment, the party assigned a task to be completed with an expected timeframe records completion of the task by accessing an associated app on a smartphone or tablet and updating the details of the social contract.

[0018] In one embodiment, the time of completion of the task is obtained from the time function in a smartphone or tablet whilst in an offline mode which is then synchronized with the system at a later time in order to update the details of the social contract. In the event that a task is completed at time within a timeframe required but the synchronization of data between the smartphone or tablet occurs at a time after the expected timeframes the user still receives recognition for timely completion of the task and qualifies for the reward points associated with the task. [0019] In one embodiment the person to whom a task is assigned, namely, the task assignee, receives reward points upon approval from the person who assigned the task, namely, the task assignor.

[0020] In another embodiment, each task and reward is allocated a pre-determined number of points according to a pre-defined value of the task and associated reward.

[0021] In another embodiment, the method includes creation of user identities for each party on a website, creation of a task by a first party and approval of the task by a second party, recordal of the task on the website, performance of the task by the first party and confirmation of performance of the task by the second party, recordal of said performance on the website, attribution of points to the first party, recordal of said points on the website, and redemption of reward points for a reward by the first party, said reward approved by the second party.

[0022] In an embodiment, the method further includes a first party accumulating points based on performance of multiple tasks to create a points total.

[0023] The method may further include points being removed from the said points total once the points have been redeemed for a reward.

[0024] The method may further include assigning a redemption monetary value to each individual reward item through an established exchange rate wherein the established exchange rate is based on the economic value of completing a task in the marketplace.

[0025] It should be noted that any one of the aspects mentioned above may include any of the features of any of the other aspects mentioned above and may include any of the features of any of the embodiments described below as appropriate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various implementations of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the advantages and principles of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of the structure of the computer- implemented system according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figures 2(a) to 2(c) is a table of points assigned to tasks based on the difficulty of the task and the expected time taken to complete the task according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 is a table detailing the various categories of tasks and completion frequencies of such tasks;

Figure 4 is a possible rewards list according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Figures 5(a) to 5(e) are a diagrammatic representation of a method according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same and like parts,

[0028] The invention in one embodiment relates to a tracking service which is available via the internet and a mobile phone application which allows social contracts to be recorded and a recognition and rewards system to be recorded and updated as a record of rewards accrued and collected. Contracting parties agree to a task, and an associated reward value is associated with that task. Parties involved in the social contract include at least one person agreeing to complete or completing the task ("person 1 ") and at least one person assigning the value and granting or permitting the reward ("person 2"). Such parties, for example, could be a husband and wife, partners, house-mates, a parent and child, teacher and student or employer and employee. However, any person can be involved in a social contract.

[0029] The social contract is recorded on a website whereby tasks are selected from a preset task list by either person 1 or person 2. The website may be delivered via PHP code utlising a hosted MySQL (cloud) database, with Java mobile applications to support both iOS and Android operating platforms. The mobile application may have its own database which is synchronised with the cloud database, allowing the user pages for both the website and the mobile application to be universally updated. This connectivity is illustrated in Figure 1 .

[0030] When the mobile app has an internet connection available (either WiFi or 3/4G) each time the mobile app is opened and in use, a synch between cloud database and mobile app database will take place, if any changes are made in the mobile app when the app is open the changes will be immediately synched with the cloud database.

[0031 ] The social contract recorded on a website as previously described involves the selection of a task or tasks for completion as agreed by at person 1 and person 2. Examples of tasks can include washing dishes, vacuuming, cooking dinner, collecting the children from school, taking out the rubbish or providing a foot massage. An example of such a list is illustrated in Figures 2 and 3.

[0032] With reference to Figures 2(a), 2(b) and 2(c), a raw score calculator is provided that may be used to assign value or points to a task. Each task is rated on a scale of 1 to 10 according to difficulty with 1 being easy and 10 being very difficult. Similarly each task is rated on a scale of 1 to 10 according to time dedicated to completing a task with 10 being the maximum time. These raw scores may then be used to assign a value or points to a particular task.

[0033] In one embodiment, a redemption monetary value assigned to reward points. This involves determining an exchange rate between task points and a selected currency (eg USD), entering the established exchange rate in the administration website of the reward points system and requesting the reward points system to calculate the redemption monetary value of reward points based on the established exchange rate.

[0034] In order to calculate a redemption monetary value, a task, or collection of tasks, is selected from a task item library. The dollar value of completing each task, or selection of tasks, is determined based on the current economic value of completion of such task(s) in the marketplace. Each task or selection of tasks, is assigned number of points (for example refer to figure 2) associated with completion of such task or task(s). [0035] In order to establish a reward point exchange rate, the total economic value of the task(s) is divided by the total number of points earned by completing the selected task(s). The established reward point exchange rate may then be entered into the administration website to calculate a redemption monetary value for each completed task.

[0036] In order to calculate the equivalent value of each reward item, the dollar value to purchase a reward item in the marketplace is determined and a dollar value is assigned to each reward item in a selected currency corresponding to the selected currency used to calculate the points exchange rate (eg USD). Each reward item will therefore have a marketplace dollar value. The reward points system can then calculate the number of task points required for redemption of a selected reward by dividing the reward item value by the established point exchange rate.

[0037] In an embodiment the users can enter customer rewards. Each customer reward is assigned a redemption value the user. In one embodiment, a dollar value in the benchmark currency is converted by the system into reward points using the established point exchange rate. Alternatively, the reward item is assigned a redemption value expressed in reward points.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the invention, tasks may be grouped according to categories with assigned completion times or frequencies. Examples of such categories include duties conducted in the kitchen, or bedroom, laundry, bathroom, garden etc. A listing of such categories is provided in Figure 3. It will be understood that tasks outlined in Figures 2(a)-(c) and 3 are not limited to these lists and can include any action to which a value could be ascribed by the social contract.

[0039] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the person can create new tasks appropriate to their situation and create customized or personalized tasks.

[0040] The task can be selected either by person 1 , signifying their intention to complete the task, or by person 2 requesting that person 1 complete the task. Person 1 is then alerted that the task has been set and added to a task list on the website which contains all outstanding tasks which have been set. [0041] Once person 1 has completed the task, they lodge a task completion request through the website or corresponding mobile application. A notification is then sent to person 2 advising that the task has been completed and requesting confirmation. If person 2 is satisfied that the task has been completed, they approve the request and the task is listed on the website as complete. The points value which was attributed to the task is then stored and further points can be earned or accrued through the completion of further tasks. This method is described in further detail below.

[0042] Points are cumulative and can be redeemed for products, services or experiences specified by the website rewards catalogue. The catalogue contains a preset list of reward options and values which can be selected by either person 1 or person 2. Examples of rewards can include a night out with friends, fishing weekend, spa treatment or any other experience which can be seen as favourable within the social contract. A representation of a possible rewards list is illustrated in Figure 4. However, it is to be understood that the rewards are not limited to this list.

[0043] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the person can create new rewards appropriate to their situation and create customized or personalized rewards with a rewards value.

[0044] In an embodiment of the invention that both person 1 and person 2 can create multiple contracts with each other and with other parties.

[0045] In an embodiment of the present invention the system is run via an administration website which will provide the service and method of performing the invention. With respect to Figure 5, there is a detailed diagrammatic representation of the method for managing the rewards system.

[0046] With reference to Figure 5A, a flowchart detailing the basic steps associated with a user seeking registration with the Reward Points System is illustrated. At the first stage, a user initiates the software application implementing the reward points system and enters their email address and a password (refer step 100). Upon successful registration of an email address and password, the process proceeds to step 150 wherein the reward points system verifies the email address of the user. The verification process is conducted at step 200 and in the event that the verification process is not successful, the process proceeds to step 250 wherein there is an option to retransmit the verification email. However, in the event that the verification is successful, the process proceeds to step 30 where the user is invited to log into the reward points system.

[0047] In the event that the newly registered user is unable to log in, the process proceeds to step 350 wherein the reward points system checks the ability of the user's email address and password and the process reverts back to step 300. In the event that the user's log in is successful at step 300, the process proceeds to step 400 wherein the reward points system checks whether the user is conducting a log in for the first time.

[0048] When a user logs into the reward points system for the first time, a user invitation process conducted at step 450. The user may elect to "skip" the usual invitation process and at step 550, the user is provided with an option to edit their profile. The profile is subjected to an approval process at step 600 and in the event that the profile is not approved for any reason, the process reverts to step 650 wherein the user is advised that the invitation process has resulted in the rejection of their profile. At this stage, the user is provided with an option to edit their profile data and the process reverts to step 550. Alternatively, in the event that the user's profile is approved, the process proceeds to step 500 and the user is directed to step 700 wherein the user is presented with a range of options to manage their tasks (refer 750), manage their rewards (refer 1600) or may review premium services (refer 2400).

[0049] With reference to Figure 5B, a flowchart depicting the steps associated with a user managing their tasks is illustrated. Once a user has elected to manage their tasks at step 750, they have the option to either manage their own tasks (refer step 800) or alternatively, to manage their partner's tasks (refer step 1200). Upon selecting the option to manage their own tasks (refer 800) the user may view their tasks (refer step 820) in which they may review pending tasks, completed tasks or all of the tasks irrespective of their individual status.

[0050] In addition to viewing their tasks, a user may elect to add a task and in which case, the process proceeds to step 850 wherein a task that has been added by the user is sent for approval to the user's partner. In the event that the task is not approved, the process proceeds to step 900 wherein a notification is included in the user's "inbox" confirming that the task that they sent for approval to their partner was declined. It will be understood that a user's inbox may be implemented directly by the reward point system or can include the inbox of a separate external electronic mail account.

[0051] However, in the event that the task submitted by the user is accepted by the partner, the process proceeds to step 950 wherein an acceptance notification is transmitted to the user's inbox. The process then proceeds to step 1000 wherein the user performs and completes the task and once the task is completed, details are sent to the user's partner for review. This aspect of the process is detailed at step 1050 wherein an alert is transmitted to the user's partner for notification in the user's partner's inbox confirming that the task has been completed by the user and has been sent to the partner for review. The process then proceeds to step 1100 where the partner reviews the task and approves the allocation of reward points to the user depending upon the completion of the task. The process then proceeds to step 1150 wherein points are credited to the user's reward points account.

[0052] In addition to managing their own tasks, a user's partner may also manage their tasks in respect of the user and this process commences at step 1200. As for the user, the partner may elect to view their tasks (refer step 1220) and in this regard, they may view their pending tasks, their completed tasks or all of their tasks irrespective of the status.

[0053] Similarly, the partner may elect to add a task and the process proceeds to step 1250 wherein the partner's task is transmitted to the user for approval. In the event that the user declines the task generated by their partner, the process proceeds to step 1300 wherein a notification is transmitted to the partner declining the approval for the partner's new task and the notification Is delivered to the partner's "inbox". Alternatively, if the partner's task is accepted by the user, the process proceeds to step 1350 wherein an acceptance notification is transmitted to the user's "inbox".

[0054] Upon receiving a notification of acceptance of the partner's task, the partner then proceeds to step 1400 wherein the partner performs and completes the task and once the task is completed, a message is transmitted by the partner to the user (refer step 1450) for review. The process then proceeds to step 1450, the user's completion of the task causes the transmission of an alert to the user which is entered into the user's "inbox",

[0055] The process then proceeds to step 1500 wherein the user then reviews the task and approves the allocation of reward points to the partner upon completion of the task. The process then proceeds to step 1550 wherein the partner is allocated reward points to the partner's reward points account.

[0056] With reference to Figure 5C, the method steps associated with managing rewards is illustrated. The process in this regard commences at step 1600 wherein a user may elect to manage their own rewards (refer step 1650) or alternatively, a user's partner may elect to manage their partner's rewards (refer 1750).

[0057] In the event that the user has elected to manage their own rewards (step 1650), the process then proceeds to step 1700 where the user can review their rewards and download a rewards certificate thereby evidencing the reward points that the user has accumulated in their reward points account. Similarly, a user's partner may elect to manage their rewards (refer step 1750) and may also view their own rewards information (refer step 1800).

[0058] The user or the partner may also elect to review the "catalogue" (refer step 1900) which enables both users and partners to review items for which they may redeem reward points or, effect redemption of reward points.

[0059] In the event that a user or their partner elects to enter the catalogue function (refer 1900), they may choose to filter their rewards at step 1950 in which case the process proceeds to step 2000 wherein the user or their partner may filter their reward points according to a category.

[0060] Alternatively, the user or their partner may elect to add rewards (refer step 2050) and in this instance, the process proceeds to step 2100 wherein the user or partner can add custom rewards which can only be viewed to the user who has added rewards of this type. [0061] In the event that the user or partner elect to redeem rewards (refer step 2150) they seek approval from the other party to redeem their reward points (refer step 2200) and in the event that approval is not provided, the process proceeds to step 2250 wherein a notification is sent to the party seeking approval to redeem reward points indicating that their approval request has been declined. In this instance, any point deduction to the reward point account of the party seeking to redeem reward points has any points recredited to their reward point account. Alternatively, in the event that the approval request to redeem rewards for an item is approved, the process proceeds to step 3000 wherein a notification is transmitted to the party requesting approval and the reward is allocated to the user or the partner. At this stage, the process proceeds to step 2350 wherein a reward certificate is downloaded from the rewards point system.

[0062] With reference to Figure 5D, in the event that the user elects to review premium services (refer step 2400), the process proceeds to step 2450 wherein the user is presented with a subscription option to obtain access to premium services offered by the rewards point system.

[0063] For example, the premium services include an anniversary option (refer 2500), a task reminder service (refer 2650), a benchmark option (refer 2800), an adults only section (refer 2900) and a facility to purchase extra reward points (refer 3200).

[0064] In the event that the user selects the anniversary premium service (refer 2500), the process proceeds to step 2550 wherein the user can allocate reward points to any user registered in the reward point system. Further, the user may elect to provide a single allocation of points or a recurring allocation of points over time. In the event that the user selects to provide a recurring allocation of points to another user, the process proceeds to step 2600 wherein, on the selected date, the reward points are allocated to the other users reward points account.

[0065] Upon selecting the task reminder service (refer 2650), the process proceeds to step 2700 wherein the user can establish reminders for active tasks (i.e. those tasks that are not deleted and/or yet to be completed). The process then proceeds to step 2750 wherein, upon reaching the relevant date, a notification regarding the relevant task is sent by email to the user. [0066] Selecting the benchmark option (refer 2800), the process proceeds to step 2850 wherein the user can conduct an analysis of the user's tasks and reward points, or the tasks and reward points of the user's partner.

[0067] Upon selecting the adults only service (refer 2900), the process proceeds to step 2950 wherein the user is able to select reward tasks only on the basis that they are of sufficient age. The process proceeds to step 3000 wherein points are deducted from the user's account by the appropriate number of points according to the redemption for which the user seeks approval. In the event that the approval request is declined, the process proceeds to step 3050 wherein a notification is sent to the user advising the user that the approval request has been declined.

[0068] Alternatively, in the event that the request receives approval, the process proceeds to step 3100 wherein the user receives a notification confirming the approval of the request and at step 3150, a rewards certificate may be downloaded by the user.

[0069] Upon selecting the extra points service (refer 3200), the process proceeds to step 3250 wherein the user is provided with the option of purchasing reward points. The process then proceeds to step 3300 wherein upon purchasing reward points, the user can redeem the purchased reward points according to the redemption options available.

[0070] With reference to Figure 5E, a flowchart detailing the process steps associated with entering and/or editing the profile of a user or their partner is illustrated. Having selected the profile entering and/or editing facility (refer step 3400), the user may elect to view a summary (refer 3450) in which case the process proceeds to step 3500 wherein the user can edit the primary information associated with the user including the user's email address, password, Facebook and/or Twitter account details.

[0071 ] Alternatively, the user may elect to enter and/or edit the details associated with their partner (refer step 3550) and upon electing this option the process proceeds to step 3600 wherein the user can edit various information regarding their partner including inviting a partner and/or removing a partner from the reward points system. That the user elects to add a partner, the process proceeds to step 3650 wherein an approval request is transmitted to the partner to approve joining the rewards point system. In the event that the invitation is rejected, the process proceeds to step 3700. Alternatively, in the event that the user's partner accepts the Invitation, the process then proceeds to step 3750 wherein the partner is then provided access to the rewards point system to manage tasks (refer 75), manage rewards (refer 1600) and/or access premium services (refer 2400).

[0072] In the event that a user elects to remove a partner, the process proceeds to step 3800 wherein all records related to the partner and the contract with the partner are deleted. The process then proceeds to step 3850 wherein the user can commence a new contract with the partner.

[0073] In the event that the user elects the "optional info" function (refer 3900), the process proceeds to step 3950 wherein additional information may be entered and/or edited.

[0074] When the mobile app does not have an internet connection, data will be accessed from and written to the mobile app database and stored offline until the mobile app has an internet connection again at which time the changes will be synched with the cloud database.

[0075] Therefore the invention facilitates mutually agreed social contracts and every stage of the process must be agreed by both parties. This prevents one party claiming or obtaining rewards they are not entitled to, or taking upon tasks for which the other party has not agreed. As such, all of the elements of the social contract are made and recorded through mutual collaboration and agreement which validates the tasks performed by the parties and the agreed rewards which have an agreed value. This ensures that both parties have an equal say in the contract rather than one party setting the rules and forcing the other party to abide by them, and those partners are equal within the contract and its implementation.

[0076] Further advantages and improvements may be made to the present invention without deviating from its scope. Although the invention has been shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope and spirit of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus.

[0077] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should not be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the relevant technical field.

[0078] Except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprising" is used in the sense of "including", i.e. the features specified may be associated with further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A computer implemented reward points method for recording and managing an agreed social contract between at least two parties, said social contract including at least one task to be completed in a timeframe and an associated reward for which agreement has been reached by both parties wherein completion of the at least one task is electronically time-stamped.

2. A computer implemented reward points system for managing an agreed social contract between at least two parties, said social contract including at least one task to be completed in a timeframe and an associated reward for which agreement has been reached by both parties, the system including a server having a processor and a memory, the memory including computer readable instructions which when executed by the processor causes the rewards points system to at least receive information regarding the completion of a task from a remote user device, the remote user device including a processor having a memory including computer readable instructions which when executed by the remote user device processor enables the remote user device to at least record the completion of a task, obtain the time at recordal of completion, and transmit details of the completed task and recorded time of same to the reward points system server.

3. A computer implemented reward points system according to claim 2, wherein at the time of recordal of completion of a task, in the event that the remote user device is not connected to the reward points system server the remote user device stores the details of the completed task and the time of recordal of completion.

4. A computer implemented reward points system according claim 3, wherein upon reconnection of the remote user device to the reward points system server, stored data pertaining to completed tasks and the time of recordal of same is transmitted from the remote user device to the reward points system server.

5. A computer implemented reward points system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the system server operates a website for user access.

6, A computer implemented reward points system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the remote user device includes any one or more of the following: a smartphone; a personal digital assistant; a tablet computing' device; a laptop computing device; a laptop personal computer; or a desktop personal computer.

7. A computer implemented reward points system according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the remote user device forms a connection with the reward points system server and downloads computer readable instructions for storage and execution on the remote user device.

8. A computer implemented reward points system according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein a monetary value is associated with a reward point and in addition to completing tasks to earn reward points, users may purchase reward points in accordance with the established monetary value equivalent.

9. A computer implemented reward points system according to claim 8, wherein a user redeems points for an equivalent monetary value.