WO2021186331A1 - Method of compensating individuals using verification - Google Patents

Abstract

According to one aspect, a computer implemented method provides rewards based on user-activities involving uniquely identified recyclable objects. The method includes receiving information communicated from a mobile device associated with a user, the information including an image file capturing an activity performed by the user along with associated identifying information concerning the activity. The image file and associated identifying information are processed to determine whether the activity captured by the image file corresponds to a selected action performed by the user. The information is processed using an object detection algorithm to identify an object by at least one of a unique identifier included in the image and a unique identifier included in the associated identifying information. If the information communicated from the mobile device validates a performance of the action by the user, a reward in an amount of the pre-determined value in cryptocurrency is communicated to the mobile device.

Description

Method of Compensating Individuals Using Verification

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates generally to apparatus, systems and methods to reward user- activity. More specifically, at least one embodiment relates to apparatus, systems and methods to incentivise users for a desired behavior by rewarding a user’s sustainability activities.

2. Discussion of Related Art

Our planet is suffering from plastic littering that threatens human health and wellbeing. For example, the planet’s oceans will become so full of plastic within the next thirty years that they will contain more plastic than fish by weight if the problem remains unaddressed. Traditional recycling programs provide little incentive to ensure consumers return items to collection locations for recycling. For example, the classic recycling program includes deposits on bottles and cans at the time of purchase. A consumer can recoup the deposit by saving the empty containers and then returning them to collection point. However, this approach provides minimal motivation to return items because the deposit amount is a small fraction of the total purchase cost for the item. The approach also fails to connect the user to the larger community in a meaningful way. For example, a significant number of people find that the self-collection, storage and later return of bottles and cans may be looked down upon by peers who find it beneath their social status. Traditional approaches to recycling also fail to engage individuals with larger enterprises who can assist in rewarding the behaviors that increase recycling.

New regulations imposing bans on certain single-use plastic items are also helping a move to a robust circular economy for plastic waste, bottles and flexibles. The low level of effectiveness of current recycling programs does not match the demand for returned items to be recycled anticipated as the new single-use regulations go into effect.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Therefore, there is a need for a system to engage consumers in the plastic circular economy to reduce the plastic waste that litters our planet. In one approach, a rewards-based mobile application is provided to motivate and guide consumers on waste collection. According to various embodiments, cryptocurrency rewards are distributed based on validated actions taken by consumers. According to one aspect, a shared system provides a blockchain based tokenized platform enabling rewards for a group of “apps” that have a common aim in rewarding eco-friendly actions by end users. The system can provide partners with a platform to reach an audience of end users who share a collective goal of improving the health of the planet through recycling. The system can allow these partners to easily establish and reward users for their participation in customized events, competitions and/or sustainability missions. The system provides for the gamification of these events to further motivate eco-friendly activities.

According to another aspect, a computer implemented method provides rewards based on user-activities involving uniquely identified recyclable objects. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving information communicated from a mobile device associated with a user, the information including an image file capturing an activity performed by the user along with associated identifying information concerning the activity. The image file and associated identifying information are processed to determine whether the activity captured by the image file corresponds to a selected action performed by the user. The information is also processed using an object detection algorithm to identify an object included in the image file, the object identified by at least one of a unique identifier included in the image file and a unique identifier included in the associated identifying information. The associated identifying information is evaluated to determine when and where the activity was performed and a pre determined value for the selected action is identified based, at least in part on, an identity of the object included in the image file. If the information communicated from the mobile device validates a performance of the selected action by the user, a reward in an amount of the pre-determined value in cryptocurrency is communicated to the mobile device. According to some embodiments, the object detection algorithm includes an object classifying algorithm to identify the type of object included in the image file.

According to another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes computer program instructions executable by at least one computer processor to perform a method of providing rewards based on user-activities involving uniquely identified recyclable objects. According to some embodiments, the method includes receiving information communicated from a mobile device associated with a user, the information including an image file capturing an activity performed by the user along with associated identifying information concerning the activity, processing the image file and the associated identifying information to determine whether the activity captured by the image file corresponds to a selected action performed by the user and processing the information communicated from the mobile device using an object classifying algorithm to identify an object included in the image file. According to these embodiments, the object is associated with at least one of a unique identifier included in the image file and a unique identifier included in the associated identifying information. The method also includes evaluating the associated identifying information to determine when and where the activity was performed, identifying a pre determined value for the selected action based, at least in part on, an identity of the object included in the image file, and if the information communicated from the mobile device validates a performance of the selected action by the user, communicating a reward in an amount of the pre-determined value in cryptocurrency to the mobile device.

According to still another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes computer program instructions executable by at least one computer processor to perform a method of receiving rewards based on user-activities involving uniquely identified recyclable objects, information concerning the user-activities captured with a user device including a camera and a GPS. According to some embodiments, the method includes selecting with the user device an image-capture of a user activity by the camera, the user activity involving an object for recycling, tagging with the user device the user activity with location information provided by the GPS, communicating with the user device an image file captured at the act of selecting, the image file communicated along with the location information for validation of the user activity, and storing with the user device a pre determined amount of cryptocurrency in a form of smart contract tokens received following a successful validation of the user activity by a third party.

As used herein, the term “image file” refers to any of still image files, GIF files and video files including one or more frames of video.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a system including a network operating environment for a rewards system in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a flow diagram of a process for rewarding users for activities in accordance with one embodiment; and FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of a process to receive rewards for activities in accordance with one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” “containing”, “involving”, and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a system 100 including a network operating environment for a rewards-based platform is provided to motivate and guide consumers on waste collection. According to some embodiments, the system provides cryptocurrency rewards to users via a mobile application based on validated actions taken by users. Access to various portions of the system 100 is available to a plurality of different entities. The system 100 includes reward system resources 102 and a network 104. Depending on the embodiment, the system 100 can be utilized by a variety of different entities affiliated by an interest in participating in the circular economy. That is, the system 100 is designed to engage stakeholders from across the sustainability world. As illustrated, these entities include a plurality of end users 106, reimbursement partners 108, contributing partners 110, retailer partners 112, trusted users 114 and return locations 116. Depending on the embodiment, the partners can include producers of recyclable items such as plastic bottle producers interested in plastic-impact reduction programs, municipalities involved in waste management concerned about their environmental preservation, environmental organizations actively engaged in mobilizing businesses and consumers for the creation of a sustainable world, retailers interested increasing consumer loyalty by playing an active role in recycling through deposit schemes, recycling enterprises that derive financial benefit from recycling and manufacturers of reverse vending machines that specialize in the collection of bottles for recycling as some examples.

In various embodiments, the rewards system resources 102 provide an interface and tools for a blockchain based tokenized platform to reward users for eco-friendly actions. In the illustrated embodiment, the resources 106 include a processor 120, a memory 122, a network interface 126, an application server 128, a rewards engine 130, an AI-based image processing system 132 and ablockchain system 134. The memory 122 includes at least one program 124. The rewards system resources 102 can also include storage, for example, unique object identifier storage 136 and a database 138 for information concerning entities in communication with the resources 102.

The resources 102 can be operated by a mission-based organization that provides access to the resources 102 to the various entities illustrated in FIG. 1 or other third parties. In one embodiment, the resources 102 are included as a software system hosted and maintained by a system operator focused on sustainability initiatives. Depending on the embodiment, the resources 102 can be hosted on one or more of a variety of computing devices such as a general-purpose computer, for example, a PC, a laptop, a tablet computer, server, mobile phone or other computing device. According to one embodiment, the resources 102 are distributed across a plurality of computing devices and/or hosted web services. According to still another embodiment, one or more of the elements included in the resources 102 is also included in at least one of the mobile electronic devices possessed by the end users 106. For example, the mobile devices in possession of end users can include a software application employed to utilize the features and functionality provided by the system 100 and the reward system resources 102. According to these embodiments, some of the resources 102, for example, the reward engine 130 can be included in the software applications operating on the end-user devices, respectively.

As will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the disclosure provided herein, the reward system resources 102 can include different services and/or resources, additional services and/or resources and different combinations of services and/or resources depending upon the embodiment. For example, in one embodiment, the application server 128 is not included in the resources 102 maintained by the system operator and is instead hosted by a third party.

In some embodiments, the operator of the system 100 provides a web hosted software application suitable for use in a graphical user interface on devices accessed by the plurality of end users 106, the reimbursement partners 108, the contributing partners 110, the retailer partners 112, the trusted users 114 and the return locations 116. In other embodiments, the system operator provides computer software in the form of application software (for example, a mobile app) suitable for download. In a still further embodiment, a web hosted software application and a mobile app are provided for use in combination with one another.

According to some embodiments, the resources 102 are included in a computer that operates to complete all or portions of the approaches described herein. The computer can include, for example, one or more processors connected to one or memory devices, such as random-access memory (RAM) and/or read only memory (ROM) including one or more of a disk drive, a flash drive, or other device for storing data. Accordingly, any of the embodiments described herein can include a non-transitory computer readable medium in which instructions are stored that when executed by a processing system implementing aspects described herein. Further, in some embodiments, the system 100 operates in a client server configuration with the resources 102 operating as the host and the user devices operating as the client.

In general, the network 104 can include either or both of local-area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), wireless communication, wired communication and may include the Internet. According to a further embodiment, the network 104 provides access “over-the-cloud” to one or more remote devices, servers, application resource management and/or data storage systems. For example, the network 104 can allow communication between any of the plurality of end users 106, reimbursement partners 108, contributing partners 110, retailer partners 112, trusted users 114 and return locations 116 with one another and/or with other resources and devices coupled to the network 104. Communication can occur using any of Wi-Fi networks, BluetoothTM communication, cellular networks, satellite communication, and peer-to-peer networks available either alone or in combination with one another via the network 104. Other communication protocols and topologies can also be implemented in accordance with various embodiments.

Because of the dynamic nature of the system 100, the roles assumed by each of the plurality of end users 106, the reimbursement partners 108, the contributing partners 110, the retailer partners 112, the trusted users 114 and the return locations 116 can vary depending on the then-current activity that is being performed. In general, the plurality of end users 106 are individuals whose activities include a purchase of items having a recyclable component (for example, a purchase of a beverage in a recyclable container). The plurality of end users 106 can return the recyclable component for a variety of rewards that are distributed to them automatically when a return activity is validated using the system 100. The purchase, use and return of recyclable items is tracked by the system and is available to the user via a mobile application accessible on the end users’ portable electronic device. As is explained in further detail below, the system 100 also allows the end users 106 to share information, validate collected recyclable amounts, receive rewards in the form of cryptocurrency and exchange or donate their rewards. The system 100 also provides a social connection to other like-minded users that provides transparency such that the plurality of end users 106 know the activities and associated rewards levels achieved by the other end users 106.

The reimbursement partners 108 are entities that agree to compensate end users 106 for a return of an item for recycling. In general, the reimbursement partners 108 generate revenue from the sale of the recyclable items where a portion of the revenue includes an amount for reimbursing end users who purchase these items. According to various embodiments, the reimbursement partners 108 can include any of manufacturers, distributors and sellers of items that include a recyclable component. For example, reimbursement partners 108 can include retail partners 112. In some embodiments, the reimbursement partners 108 also provides the unique identification information employed to distinguish each item from other items of the same type. The unique identifying information allows the sale and subsequent recycling of items to be tracked with a high degree of accuracy. This assists in maintaining the integrity of the reward system.

The contributing partners 110 are entities that provide rewards for the return of recyclable items. The rewards can, for example, include money, discounts and services. Further, the contributing partners 110 can couple the rewards to competitions or sustainability missions promoted by or on behalf of the contributing partner 110. For example, the promotions can be communicated to the plurality of end users 106 via the system 100.

The retail partners 112 are entities that sell products including a recyclable element to the plurality of end users 106. The retail partners can include, for example, retail shops and supermarket chains. According to some embodiments, the retail partners 112 can also provide and/or apply the unique identification information employed to distinguish each item from other items of the same type. For example, as used to validate a return of an item for recycling.

The trusted users 114 include any entity that has the authority to validate recycling activities of the plurality of end users 106. For example, the trusted users can review images, video and/or other information concerning the recycling activities to confirm that the end user should receive the reward corresponding to the activity. According to these embodiments, the information is communicated via the network 104. In other embodiments, the trusted users 114 are at a return location where they validate the user’s recycling activity by viewing the activity in person. In various embodiments, the trusted users 114 can include any one of or any combination of end users 106, contributing partners 110 and registered organizations such as the reimbursement partners 108 and the retail partners 112 The return locations 116 include recycling drop off locations such as retailers, recycling centers or other drop-off or collection locations. The return locations 116 can include either or both of centralized recycling locations such as transfer stations or distributed return locations such as retail stores or standalone reverse vending machines.

Referring again to the reward system resources 102, the network interface 126 is employed for communication between the resources 102 and the other elements connected to the network 104 including the plurality of end users 106, the reimbursement partners 108, the contributing partners 110, the retailer partners 112, the trusted users 114 and the return locations 116. Depending on the embodiment, the communication can occur using any of Wi Fi networks, Bluetooth communication, cellular networks, satellite communication, and peer- to-peer networks available either alone or in combination with one another via the network 104.

The memory 122 can store the programs 124 that when executed by the processor 120 operate to receive, store and manage data included in any of the unique identifier storage 136 and the entity database 138. According to further embodiments, the programs 124 operate to process information from anyone, any combination or all of the preceding data storage elements along with input provided from any one or any combination of the reward engine 130, the AI-based image processing 132 and the blockchain system 134 to track user activities, the availability of rewards and provide rewards based on the user activities.

According to various embodiments, the reward engine 130 operates to generate and provide electronic wallets to the plurality of end users 106, generate smart contracts and provide rewards to the plurality of end users 106, for example, Eco Rewards in the form of cryptocurrency tokens. For example, the reward engine 130 generates an electronic wallet for each of the plurality of users 106, respectively, when the respective user registers in the system 100. The reward engine 130 also operates to write data, for example, smart contracts into the blockchain.

The AI-based image processing system 132 analyzes the contents of image files to validate user actions. The image files can include a pictorial representation of the object or objects involved in the user activity, for example, recyclable items. The AI-based image processing system 132 can review image files to determine the type(s) of object(s) that are included in the image. In further embodiments, the AI-based image processing system 132 also processes image files to read a unique identifier associated with an object in an image. Depending on the embodiment, the AI-based image processing system 132 can operate on still images, video files or both still and video file-types. Depending on the embodiment, AI- based image processing system 132 employs an algorithm including edge detection and feature extraction to locate and identify specific classes of objects included in an image file. The object identification and classification employed by AI-based image processing system 132 can be trained using supervised or unsupervised learning. For example, objects can include multiple different types of recyclable objects having different reward values. The AI- based image processing system 132 can detect and classify these different types of objects. Further, the AI-based image processing system 132 can operate on image files that include still images, GIFs or video files.

The blockchain system 134 operates to build the cryptocurrency on the blockchain. For example, in one embodiment, the blockchain system 134 is employed to provide a decentralized application written into an existing blockchain. According to some embodiments, the blockchain system 134 is employed to develop applications operating on the Ethereum blockchain. According to these embodiments, the blockchain system 134 establishes the cryptocurrency that is used system wide. In one embodiment, the blockchain system 134 is employed to build tokens on a blockchain, for example, ERC-20 tokens on the Ethereum blockchain.

Depending on the embodiment, each of the reward engine 130, the AI-based image processing system 132 and the blockchain system 134 can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. For example, they may be implemented in one or more computer programs 124 executing on the processor 120 and the memory 122 readable by the processor (including, for example, volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storage elements). According to some embodiments, program code may be downloaded from a remote resource, for example, from a remote server accessed via the network 104.

Depending on the embodiment, the unique identifier storage 136 and the entity database 138 can include one or multiple databases. The databases can include any of a relational database, object-oriented database, unstructured database, or other database. Further, the databases can be included in any aspect of a memory system, such as in RAM, ROM or disc, and may also be separately stored on one or more dedicated data servers included in the services 102. The reward system resources 102 provided a number of different tools and resources for operation of the overall system 100. Accordingly, different and/or additional databases can be included in the resources 102. For example, user account and authentication information can be stored in a database. Information concerning the user’s activities including image files can also be saved to a database included in the resources. One or more databases can also store information for the accounts of enterprise partners who use the system 100. For example, a partner’s history of item sales/revenue, distributed rewards, compensation and information concerning their campaigns, contests, missions or other events can be save to a database included in the resources 102.

In general, the reward system resources 102 provide a dedicated platform and cryptocurrency reward system available to registered users and partners. The reward system resources 102 allow for the creation of generic events and challenges. The reward system resources 102 also allow for the creation of specific events and challenges. In each case, the events and challenges are available to incentivize sustainability activities by the plurality of users 106. These events and challenges deliver rewards via a generic smart contract. In addition, the reward system resources 102 also allow for the creation of multiple different partner applications within the platform where the partner application can reward user activity completed in specific events and challenges with a smart contract specific to the partner application. According to some embodiments, a unique digital wallet is created for each user which is used with all of the partner applications created with the reward system resources 102.

In various embodiments, the reward system resources 102 can include resources to provide for user account setup. The associated tools and resources can include resources for establishing usernames and passwords, account privacy settings, user authentication information and other account security settings. For example, the user’s privacy settings can be adjusted to control the extent to which the user’s activities, images, location information and other personal information are available to other end users and partners.

Each of the entities illustrated in FIG. 1 operates a computing resource, for example, a PC, tablet computer, smart phone or other processing device (not illustrated in FIG. 1 for clarity) connected to the reward system resources 102 by the network 104. Each of the computing resources operate an application to participate in the system 100, for example, by communicating with the reward system resources 102 and/or the other entities (i.e., registered participants).

According to one embodiment, each of the plurality of end users 106 downloads a rewards system application to their portable electronic device. These user devices can each include a general purpose processor (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a memory, a display (for example, a touchscreen) and additional processing devices, for example, a communication module. They may have a plurality of input/output interfaces and devices such as a mouse, a joystick, a touchscreen, a keyboard, a camera, a microphone, etc. They can also include any one or any combination of peripheral devices, for example, a GPS or other positioning system, an RF transceiver, a motion sensor, a light sensor, a proximity sensor, one or more additional sensors, communications hardware and an audio including the speaker and/or annunciators. In various embodiments, any of the preceding peripheral devices, alone or in combination with other peripheral devices or other devices generally, can be employed as an input/output interface.

In general, the reward-system application is implemented in accordance with an application programming interface (API) to communicate via the operating system to the various hardware resources and user interfaces available with the user’s mobile device. As will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the disclosure herein, the reward- system application can be configured for operation with a variety of operating systems and associated hardware resources, for example, Apple iOS and Google’s Android. In various embodiments, the reward-system application can be configured for operation with other operating systems.

The reward system application can include a plurality of software modules communicatively coupled to one another. Various of the features and functionality described below can also be combined in a single process or routine. That is, the functional groupings and other divisions of functional responsibilities described can be made as necessary or in accordance with design preferences.

The reward-system application can operate to generate and communicate information employed to validate the user’s recycling activities, to access and manage the user’s wallet, and to engage with other users and partners connected to the system 100. In general, the approaches described herein provide rewards to users when their eco-friendly actions are validated. According to some embodiments, validation requires evidence of both the type of item(s) being recycled and the unique identifier associated with each item(s). The reward- system application access hardware and software resources included in the user’s mobile device to provide the information necessary to validate their activities and receive an appropriate reward. The reward-system application also operates to allow the user to redeem rewards.

According to various embodiments, the process for validating user activity relies on image files as an import element for validation. According to one embodiment, an image file selection module is provided. The image file selection module can respond to user input to capture a photo or video taken by the user to record their activity, for example, the return of a recyclable item to a recycling center. In some embodiments, the image file selection module operates to allow the user to select the photo or video from those already stored on the user’s mobile device. For example, the user may select a single photo from among multiple photos that were taken of the activity because the image most clearly shows the object(s) that are returned for recycling.

The reward system application can also include an item-identifier module. According to some embodiments, the item-identifier module is an image processing module that processes the image file of the user’s activity to extract information that uniquely identifies an item that appears in the image. Depending on the embodiment, the unique identifier can be included on a tag or label affixed to the item, embossed on the item itself or in some other manner that can be detected via the item-identifier module. According to various embodiments, the item-identifier module receives other inputs. For example, where the items include a bar code, QR code or other scannable label, the item-identifier module can receive an input from a scanner app included in the mobile device. In some embodiments, the item- identifier module allows for a receipt of information entered by the user via the graphical user interface.

In further embodiments, the reward system application includes a geolocation interface. The geolocation interface can, for example, communicate with an existing GPS system included in the mobile device. The geolocation interface is employed to provide location information confirming a location at which a user’s recycling activity takes place and/or the distance the user traveled to complete the recycling activity. Depending on the embodiment, the distance can be determined based on a distance between the GPS coordinates at which the user begins the activity and the GPS coordinates at which the user ends the activity. Alternatively, the distance can be determined with either or both of a starting location and an ending location as declared by the user. According to one embodiment, the declared location(s) is verified with the GPS.

The reward system application can also include a token management module, for example, a wallet where a user stores tokens earned as a reward for sustainability activities. According to some embodiments, a unique digital wallet is created for each user which is used with all of the partner applications created with the reward system resources 102. The tokens can include tokens for use with the selected blockchain employed by the system 100. In one embodiment, the tokens include ERC-20 tokens employed with an Ethereum blockchain. The tokens are assigned to an end user via a smart contract that assigns a value to the user’s sustainability actions once validated. The value can be pre-determined to allow the plurality of end users to understand how any specific sustainability activity is valued, in advance. The publication and sharing of these pre-determined values can allow partners to compare available rewards and provide a reward that properly incentivizes the end users to act on the challenges and other events sponsored by the partner. Knowledge of the predetermined values also helps the end users 106 by providing a basis of comparison for different activities and motivating them to select a specific activity because of the amount of a promised reward relative to other activities.

The token management module is also employed when the user redeems their existing rewards. For example, the user may communicate a request to redeem crypto currency tokens stored in the wallet for any of a pre-determined monetary amount, for goods or services, for a donation of the cryptocurrency tokens to a different user or to a registered organization.

The system 100 provides for social connections, events, activities and competitions shared among the plurality of end users 106. Accordingly, the reward system application can include a social engine. For example, the social engine can allow a user to share images of activities submitted for validation with other users and partners. Depending on the embodiment, the sharing can be accomplished via social media resources included in the reward system resources 102 or resources provided by a third-party. For example, the social logic can allow for the sharing of dynamic images via Facebook, Twitter, the provider of the host application and services and/or other social networks. These resources can receive user inputs to allow the user to include a title, a tag (i.e., a description) and selection of a geo-tag to share via one or more social media services. In addition, the user’s privacy settings can be adjusted to control the extent to which the user’s activities are available to other end users and partner, for example, to share progress against overall recycling goals or specific competitions.

In various embodiment, the reward system application includes a display interface employed to generate and render a graphical user interface (GUI) for the application where the GUI can be employed by the user to record, share and validate sustainability-related actions. The display interface can generate and render display objects such as icons and other tools for image or video capture and sharing, location capture and sharing, other windows, files, alerts, events or other visual references represented graphically. Accordingly, one or a plurality of icons can be rendered for viewing and/or selection in the display of the user’s mobile device via either a touch input or other input such as a cursor rendered in the display. In various embodiments, the mobile application includes an interface with the camera, GPS and/or other devices integral to the user’s portable electronic device such as a smart phone.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a process 200 for rewarding user for activities having pre determined values is illustrated in accordance with one embodiment. While the process can be used to reward users for a variety of user activities, FIG. 2 is described with reference to rewards provided for sustainability activities such as recycling. According to this embodiment, the process 200 includes an act of receiving unique object identifiers 240, an act of receiving rewards from compensating partners 242, an act of generating and storing cryptocurrency tokens 244, an act of receiving notice of user activity 246, an act of determining an amount or reimbursement 248 and an act of transmitting the reimbursement 250.

At the act of receiving unique object identifiers 240, information is provided to allow objects to be uniquely identified and associated with future user activities. According to one embodiment, the unique identifier storage 136 that is included in the reward system resources 102 provides centralized storage of the unique object identifiers. The information can include alpha, numeric, alphanumeric or other forms of information. In various embodiments, the information corresponds to information included on a product or product packaging. The information can include information that can be encoded, for example, encoded in a bar code or a QR code. In various embodiments, the information can be provided from partners such as the retail partner 112. For example, the retail partner 112 may sell objects that include an element that can be returned and recycled, for example, a beverage or other consumable item that is packaged in a recyclable plastic container. The objects can be delivered to the retail partner 112 already marked with a unique identifier. Alternatively, the retail partner 112 may apply the identifier themselves. However, depending on the embodiment, the assignment of the unique identifiers may lie be with the retail partner 112, the distributor, manufacturer or another party in the supply chain and/or stakeholder in the sustainability world. According to the illustrated embodiment, the objects identified by object-identifiers are associated with an activity with a pre-determined value. For example, where the object includes a recyclable item, the activity can include a return of the object for recycling.

At the act of receiving rewards from compensating partners 242, rewards are received from any of the reimbursement partner 108, the contributing partner 110, the retail partner 112 or other registered entity. The rewards are associated with the activity having a pre determined value. According to some embodiments, one of these registered entities employs the reward system resources 102 to create and promote a contest, mission or other sustainability event that includes one or more levels of reward. The rewards received at the act 242 can be provided by the organizer/contest creator or another entity, for example, an entity that acts solely as a contributing partner 242. At the act of generating and storing cryptocurrency tokens 244, an exchange is provided for cryptocurrency tokens used to compensate for activities in the system 102. According to one embodiment, the exchange receives tokens from developers. The tokens can be sold to the compensating partners or other reward-contributors to use when rewarding user activities. According to various embodiments, the tokens are minted by the system operator.

At the act of receiving notice of user activity 246, a record of a user activity associated with a pre-determined value is received by the reward system resources 102. The user activity can include the purchase of an item or the return of an item (for example, a return of the item to the return location 116). According to some embodiments, the notice received at the act of receiving notice 246 can include confirmation that the activity is validated. According to one embodiment, the validation is completed by the reward system resources 102. According to another embodiment, the validation is completed by the trusted user 114. Where the user activity is a return, a record of the validated user activity can be recorded to the blockchain. According to one embodiment, a smart contract is written to the blockchain.

At the act of determining the amount of reimbursement 248, the amount of a reimbursement, compensation or award of cryptocurrency tokens is determined based on the user activity. Referring again to the act 240, the activity has a pre-determined value. The pre determined value can vary depending on the object or objects involved and the quantity of the object(s) included in the activity. Where the activity occurs as a part of a generic event or challenge a first amount may be awarded. Where the activity is a part of a specific event or challenge a second amount may be awarded. The activities can include a token competition or mission. As described above, the reward can be established by a partner, for example, the reimbursement partner 108, the contributing partner 110 or the retail partner 112 that organizes the event or challenge.

In various embodiments, the act of determining the amount of reimbursement 248 includes or is preceded by a validation of the user activity as a part of the process 200. The validation can include AI-based image processing that is performed on an image of the activity. In one embodiment, the AI-based image processing is automatically performed by the AI image processing system 132 on receipt of the image file when it is communicated to the reward system resources 102. These embodiments can include other acts such as the processing and validation of information concerning the date, time and location of the activity where the information is provided by the user’s mobile device. For example, information that is automatically appended to the image file when it is transmitted to the reward system resources 102. According to another embodiment, the validation is performed by a trusted user, for example, an enterprise partner or another end user. In these embodiments, the validation is performed with a review of the action by someone present at the location where the user activity is performed. According to one embodiment, the validation is performed by an enterprise operating a facility at which the activity is performed. According to other embodiments, the individual performing the user activity communicates information from their mobile device to the trusted enterprise partner or end user for validation. Where the validation is performed outside of the reward system resources 102, the party validating the user activity can communicate a confirmation of the validation to the resources 102.

The process 200 can also include acts to screen user activity to prevent cheating. According to one embodiment, the information received from the user’s mobile device is evaluated by the reward system resources 102 to determine whether a match exists between object identifying information received from the mobile device and previously-received object identifying information. This approach is employed to prevent a user from claiming a reward for the same activity more than once. According to these embodiments, the object identifying information including the at least one of the unique identifier included in the image file and the unique identifier information included in the associated identifying information received for validation is evaluated to prevent an award of a reward for a duplicate user activity.

Additionally, the reward system resources 102 can detect false declarations of recycled quantities in some embodiments. For example, information provided for validation can include quantities of items involved in an activity that is subject to a reward. The process 200 can, for example, cap a quantity of objects that can be returned in a pre-determined period of time by an end user. In other embodiments, the quantity of locations at which the recycling activity can be performed in a pre-determined period is capped. In another embodiment, a quantity of like recycling activities in a pre-determined period is capped. In yet another embodiment, the validation can also evaluate a recycling pattern of the user relative to a standard deviation established for a plurality of users and/or evaluate a combination of statistical analysis and image files concerning the activities of the end user.

At the act of transmitting the reimbursement 250, the reward is provided to the user. According to some embodiments, the reward includes the pre-determined value awarded for the activity and provided in smart-contract tokens, for example, an ERC20 token. In various embodiments, the smart contract tokens are communicated to the end user’s mobile device where they are stored in a wallet provided by the mobile app.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a process 300 for receiving and redeeming rewards is illustrated in accordance with one embodiment. According to some embodiments, the process 300 operates via a mobile app installed on a user’s portable electronic device. While the process can be used to reward users for a variety of user activities, FIG. 3 is described with reference to rewards provided for sustainability activities such as recycling. According to this embodiment, the process 300 includes a series of acts including actions and decision points. The actions include an act of acquiring a photo or video of an activity 360, an act of recording time and location of user activity 362, an act of capturing a unique object identifier 364, an act of communicating the photo or video 366, an act of receiving tokens 368 and an act of redeeming tokens 370. The process 300 also includes an act of recording a purchase of an item 372 and an act of notifying a user concerning validation of an activity. 374. The decision points include an act of determining whether the user activity is a purchase or a return 376 and an act of determining whether the user activity is validated 378.

At the act of acquiring a photo or video of the activity 360, an image file of a user activity is provided. In general, the image captured at the act 360 includes the user activity for which a reward is sought. Depending on the embodiment, the image file can include a still image or one or more frames of video. According to various embodiments, the image file includes an object corresponding to an activity for which the user seeks a reward having a pre-determined value.

At the act of recording time and location of user activity 362, information is provided to confirm the time and the location of the user activity that is subject to the reward. In some embodiments, the information is included with the image file provided at the act 360 as captured with the user’s mobile device. For example, the location information can be provided by the GPS included in the user’s mobile device. According to some embodiments, an operation of the mobile application to record an activity that is a return of an item for deposit is unavailable to the user unless the GPS coordinates correspond to a deposit location. That is, the GPS system can be employed to proactively screen for dishonest behavior to prevent an upload of an activity that is not valid on its face.

At the act of capturing the unique object identifier 364, information identifying the object included in the image is captured. The information can include a unique object- identifier that appears in the image, for example, where the image file includes a pictorial representation of the information that provides the object identifier. According to another embodiment, the information is input by the user with the user interface of the mobile device, for example, using a touch screen and/or voice commands.

At the act of determining whether the user activity is a purchase or a return 376, the process continues with a determination whether the user is purchasing the object in the image or returning the object (for example, returning for recycling). If a purchase, the process moves to the act of recording the purchase of the item 372. For example, a record of the user’s purchase can be communicated to the reward system resources 102 where it is stored in a database. This stored purchase information can later be matched against a later return by the user. That is, the stored purchase information can be used to assist in validating that an award is due to the user when an item is returned for recycling. In various embodiments, the act of determining whether the user activity is a purchase or a return 376 is completed by a partner and/or by resources included in the reward system resources 102. According to these embodiments, the user’s mobile device may not be employed at the act 376.

If at the act 376 it is determined that the activity is a return, the process 300 moves to the act of communicating the photo or video 366. In particular, at the act 366 the image file is communicated in combination with any one of or any combination of the time, the location and the unique object-identifier for validation. Depending on the embodiment, the information may be communicated from the user’s mobile device to the trusted user 114 or the reward system resources 102. According to some embodiments, the information is communicated to the trusted user 114 for validation.

The process 300 continues to the act of determining whether the user activity is validated 378. Depending upon the embodiment, the validation can be completed by the reward system resources 102, by the trusted user 114 or a combination of these or other resources and partners. Where the validation is performed by the trusted user 114 the results of the validation are provided to the reward system resources 102 for generation of the associated reward or other notification. For example, if the user activity is not validated, the process moves to the act of providing a notification to the user 374. For example, alerting the user to any errors and/or additional information that must be provided to complete the validation.

If at the act 378 it is determined that the user activity is validated, the process 300 moves to the act of the user receiving token or notifying reimbursement partner for reimbursement 368. As described above, the system operator can offer rewards for end user participation in events, competitions and/or sustainability missions. Similarly, the entities that are reimbursement partners 108, contributing partners 110 and/or retail partners 112 can also organize and provide awards to end users for participation in events, competitions and/or sustainability missions. In some embodiments, the reward is provided via the reward system resources 102. According to other embodiments, the reimbursement partner 108 supports sustainability efforts by directly rewarding users for validated activities. According to this embodiment, at the act 368, the reimbursement partner is notified with the information necessary to provide the reimbursement to a user. Depending on the embodiment, the reward provided at the act 368 can be provided in smart-contract tokens, for example, an ERC20 token written on the Ethereum blockchain. The tokens can be received by the wallet maintained on the user’s mobile device.

Following the act 368, the process moves to the act of redeeming tokens 370. Here, the user employs their mobile device to access their user account to obtain value in exchange for the tokens stored in their wallet. The value can be exchanged for a discount on a product or service, an equivalent amount of goods or services, to make a donation, or to receive physical currency. According to FIG. 3, the act of redeeming tokens 370 is illustrated in phantom because it may only occur sometime following the receipt of multiple different rewards that are received by a user via different occurrences of the process 300.

While primarily described with reference to rewards-based systems for recycling activities, those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the disclosure herein will recognize that the system 100 can be employed to incentive and reward users for other types of actions. For example, sustainable actions such as energy conservation, water conversation, resource sharing and container reuse. Examples of resource sharing include the sharing of transportation resources such as automobiles, bicycles and scooters.

The embodiments described above may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. For example, they may be implemented in one or more computer programs executing on a programmable computer including a processor, a storage medium readable by the processor (including, for example, volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storage elements). According to some embodiments, the program code may be downloaded from a remote resource, for example, from a remote server accessed via the cloud over a wide area network such as the Internet.

Depending on the embodiment, the computer programs within the scope of the embodiments described herein may be implemented in any programming language, such as assembly language, machine language, a high-level procedural programming language, or an object-oriented programming language. The programming language may, for example, be a compiled or interpreted programming language. Each such computer program may be implemented in a computer program product tangibly embodied in a machine-readable storage device for execution by a computer processor. Methods and associated acts in the various embodiments of the invention may be performed by a computer processor executing a program tangibly embodied on a computer- readable medium to perform functions of the invention by operating on input and generating output. Suitable processors include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors. Generally, the processor receives instructions and data from a read-only memory and/or a random-access memory. Storage devices suitable for tangibly embodying computer program instructions include, for example, all forms of non-volatile memory, such as semiconductor memory devices, including EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROMs. Any of the foregoing may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, specially designed ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits) or FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays). A computer can generally also receive programs and data from a storage medium such as an internal disk (not shown) or a removable disk. These elements will also be found in a conventional desktop or workstation computer, host systems or related accessories as well as other computers suitable for executing computer programs implementing the methods described herein.

Having thus described several aspects of at least one embodiment of this invention, it is to be appreciated that various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.

What is claimed is:

Claims

1. A computer implemented method to provide rewards based on user-activities involving uniquely identified recyclable objects, the method comprising: receiving information communicated from a mobile device associated with a user, the information including an image file capturing an activity performed by the user along with associated identifying information concerning the activity; processing the image file and the associated identifying information to determine whether the activity captured by the image file corresponds to a selected action performed by the user; processing the information communicated from the mobile device using an object classifying algorithm to identify an object included in the image file, the object associated with at least one of a unique identifier included in the image file and a unique identifier included in the associated identifying information; evaluating the associated identifying information to determine when and where the activity was performed; identifying a pre-determined value for the selected action based, at least in part on, an identity of the object included in the image file; and if the information communicated from the mobile device validates a performance of the selected action by the user, communicating a reward in an amount of the pre-determined value in cryptocurrency to the mobile device.

2. The computer implemented method of claim 1, further comprising receiving at least one of still image file and a video file in the image file.

3. The computer implemented method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving a quantified total of objects included in the activity, and adjusting a total amount of the reward for the selected action based on the quantified total.

4. The computer implemented method of claim 1, further comprising validating the performance of the selected action by performing at least one of: automated AI-based image processing; a review of the information communicated from the mobile device by a trusted individual; and a review of the information communicated from the mobile device by an enterprise operating a facility at which the activity is performed.

5. The computer implemented method of claim 1, further comprising providing the reward in a pre-determined amount of cryptocurrency tokens; and communicating the cryptocurrency tokens to the mobile device.

6. The computer implemented method of claim 5, further comprising receiving a request communicated from the mobile device for a redemption of cryptocurrency tokens, the redemption request including at least one of: a request to receive a pre-determined monetary amount in exchange for the cryptocurrency tokens; an exchange of the cryptocurrency tokens for at least one of goods and services; a donation of the cryptocurrency tokens to a different user; and a donation of the cryptocurrency tokens to a registered organization.

7. The computer implemented method of claim 1, further comprising receiving the associated identifying information including at least one of GPS coordinates of the location at which the activity was performed and a time at which the image file was originally generated.

8. The computer implemented method of claim 7, wherein the pre-determined value is a first pre-determined value, and wherein the method further comprises: determining a distance traveled by the user to complete a performance of the selected action based on GPS information received from the mobile device associated with the user; and identifying a second predetermined value for the selected action based, at least in part, on the distance traveled by the user.

9. The computer implemented of claim 1, further comprising identifying the pre determined value based on a distance walked by the user to complete a performance of the selected action.

10. The computer implemented method of claim 1, further comprising: communicating the image file and the associated identifying information to a trusted third party; and receiving a validation of the performance of the selected action from the trusted third party following review of the image file and the associated identifying information by the trusted third party.

11. The computer implemented method of claim 1, further comprising: providing a social network to connect a plurality of users including the user to other users interested in user-activities involving uniquely identified recyclable objects; receiving a request from the user concerning at least one of a privacy setting concerning a sharing of personal information including the image file and access to the social network; and providing access to at least some of the user’s personal information to other users included in the plurality of users in response to the request.

12. The computer implemented method of claim 11, further comprising: notifying the user of an added activity shared among the plurality of users, the added activity incentivizing the user to actively participate in the added activity; and providing the user with an increased reward following their participation, wherein the added activity includes at least one of a token competition and a mission.

13. The computer implemented method of claim 1, further comprising identifying the information received from the mobile device as a possible instance of cheating where the information received from the mobile device includes a match between object identifying information received from the mobile device and previously-received object identifying information, the object identifying information including the at least one of the unique identifier included in the image file and the unique identifier information included in the associated identifying information.

14. The computer implemented method of claim 1, further comprising notifying a reimbursement partner of the performance of the selected action by the user, wherein the reimbursement partner contributes at least one of money, services and merchandise discounts for the reward.

15. The computer implemented method of claim 1, further comprising storing the information received from the mobile device in a database.

16. The computer implemented of claim 3, wherein the selected activity includes a recycling activity, and wherein the method further comprises evaluating the quantified total of objects included in the recycling activity to prevent false declarations of recycled quantities by performing at least one of: capping a quantity of objects that can be returned in a pre-determined period of time; capping a quantity of locations at which the recycling activity can be performed in a pre-determined period of time; capping a quantity of like recycling activities in a pre-determined period of time; evaluating a recycling pattern of the user relative to a standard deviation established for a plurality of users; and evaluating a combination of statistical analysis and image files.

17. The computer implemented method of claim 1, further comprising: establishing a prize for a pre-determined level of rewards earned by the user, the prize including a discount on at least one of a product and a service; and tracking the rewards earned by the user and awarding the user the prize when the user’s rewards reach the pre-determined level of rewards.

18. The computer implemented method of claim 1, further comprising: generating a smart contract that provides the reward to the user; and saving the smart contract to a blockchain.

19. The computer implemented method of claim 18, further comprising communicating the amount of the pre-determined value in smart-contract tokens.

20. The computer implemented method of claim 19, wherein the acts of processing are completed by a system operator, and wherein the method further comprises minting tokens by the system operator for use with the blockchain.

21. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising computer program instructions executable by at least one computer processor to perform a method of providing provide rewards based on user-activities involving uniquely identified recyclable objects, the method comprising: receiving information communicated from a mobile device associated with a user, the information including an image file capturing an activity performed by the user along with associated identifying information concerning the activity; processing the image file and the associated identifying information to determine whether the activity captured by the image file corresponds to a selected action performed by the user; processing the information communicated from the mobile device using an object classifying algorithm to identify an object included in the image file, the object associated with at least one of a unique identifier included in the image file and a unique identifier included in the associated identifying information; evaluating the associated identifying information to determine when and where the activity was performed; identifying a pre-determined value for the selected action based, at least in part on, an identity of the object included in the image file; and if the information communicated from the mobile device validates a performance of the selected action by the user, communicating a reward in an amount of the pre-determined value in cryptocurrency to the mobile device.

22. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising computer program instructions executable by at least one computer processor to perform a method of receiving rewards based on user-activities involving uniquely identified recyclable objects, information concerning the user-activities captured with a user device including a camera and a GPS, the method comprising: selecting with the user device an image-capture of a user activity by the camera, the user activity involving an object for recycling; tagging with the user device the user activity with location information provided by the GPS; communicating with the user device an image file captured at the act of selecting, the image file communicated along with the location information for validation of the user activity; storing with the user device a pre-determined amount of cryptocurrency in a form of smart contract tokens received following a successful validation of the user activity by a third party.

23. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 22, the method further comprising communicating with the user device a redemption request including a request to redeem the smart contract tokens in exchange for at least one of a pre-determined monetary amount, goods, services and a donation to another entity.

24. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 22, the method further comprising including a pictorial representation of the object in the image file.

25. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 24, the method further comprising including information that uniquely identifies the object in the act of communicating.

26. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 25, the method further comprising including a pictorial representation of a unique identifier in the image file.

27. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 25, wherein the user activity is a return of the object for recycling, and wherein the method further comprises receiving notice of a successful validation of the user activity by the third party following a comparison of the information that uniquely identifies the object with unique identifiers associated with other items that were previously returned by the user.

28. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 22, wherein the act of communicating includes communicating information that identifies whether the user activity is either a purchase of an item including the object or a return of the object.

29. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 22, wherein the user activity includes a plurality of objects returned for recycling, and wherein the method further comprises adjusting a quantity of the smart contract tokens that are received based on a return-quantity of the plurality of objects.