WO2023205699A2

WO2023205699A2 - Systems and methods for attributing value to objects and user incentive points using blockchain monetization techniques

Info

Publication number: WO2023205699A2
Application number: PCT/US2023/065961
Authority: WO
Inventors: Scott M. PRANGER; Cory D. RAINES
Original assignee: Cyber Secure Mobile Payments, Inc.
Priority date: 2022-04-19
Filing date: 2023-04-19
Publication date: 2023-10-26
Also published as: WO2023205699A3

Abstract

A computing device can perform various functionality or processes. The computing device can determine one or more electronic activities associated with a particular user account. The computing device can generate a respective point evaluation for each of the electronic activities. The computing device can modify a value of a point variable associated with the particular user account based on the respective point evaluation for each of the electronic activities. The computing device can generate a set of cryptographic keys associated with a particular cryptographic currency. The computing device can generate a one or more cryptographic tokens for the particular cryptographic currency using the set of the cryptographic keys. The computing device can assign a subset of the cryptographic tokens to the particular user account. The computing device can decrease the value of the point variable based on a quantity of the subset of the cryptographic tokens.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ATTRIBUTING VALUE TO OBJECTS AND USER INCENTIVE POINTS USING BLOCKCHAIN MONETIZATION TECHNIQUES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/332,535, entitled “StaksRewards: Attributing Value to Promotional Goods and Customer Rewards Points Using Blockchain Monetization to Create a Universal Rewards Program,” filed April 19, 2022, the entire contents and substance of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth below.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present systems and processes relate generally to a universal awards program that utilizes blockchain infrastructures to incentive consumer behavior, monetize advertising, increase brand recognition, and promote entity recognition materials and services.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Blockchain is a storage technology used for saving data on decentralized networks. Cryptocurrency is a medium of exchange like the US dollar. A blockchain can be used as a digital ledger of exchanges made using cryptocurrencies, along with their assigned monetary values. With new cryptocurrencies being released frequently, there exists a challenge for each cryptocurrency to gain value. The greatest detriment to their value gain is the limited number of venues and locations where they are an acceptable form of exchange. Further, many current incentive systems are entity-specific such that award points or other credits are only exchangeable with the particular entity from which the award points originated. Therefore, there exists an unresolved need for systems and methods that can generate universal award points based on user engagement with an entity and allows users to exchange the award points for cryptocurrencies and subsequently one or more goods. BRIEF SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

[0004] Briefly described, and in various embodiments, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for incentivizing productive consumer behaviors through incentive programs augmented with blockchain technologies. In one or more embodiments, the present systems and processes allows users (also referred to herein as “client(s)”) to gain one or more award points for participating in entity specific activates (e.g., social media activities, brand recognition activities, exchange activities, etc.). The one or more award points can be exchanged for cryptocurrencies that are exchangeable for objects and services provided by one or more entities. The objects and services can be referred to as promotional objects herein. The disclosed incentive systems and processes can provide flexibility to users and entities, facilitates growth for incentive entities, and increase the value of cryptocurrencies.

[0005] An incentive system can communicate with one or more computing devices associated with one or more entities (referred to herein as “entities”). The entities can include, for example, a merchant, a transaction processor, a user retention program, and other consumer behavior tracking systems. In one example, the entity can include a clothing company that offers to users, through the incentive program, early private access to new clothing collections to incentivize consumer discovery, interest, and retention. The incentive system may receive objects from the entities and provide the objects to system users (e.g., consumers) in exchange for one or more cryptocurrencies. The objects can be any item or service provided by the entities and used for entity recognition (e.g., a reward object). In some embodiments, the incentive system can cause a second system to disburse the objects to system users (e.g., in response to the incentive system receiving cryptocurrencies from a system user). The incentive system can provide the cryptocurrency to entities in exchange for the objects and/or services. The incentive system can generate and distribute award credit to system users. The incentive system can distribute award credit to a user in response to determining that the user has engaged in particular behaviors or activities, such as utilizing the incentive system for exchange processing, procuring other objects and services via the incentive system, or introducing new users to the incentive system. The incentive system can facilitate system users to exchange awarded credit for cryptocurrencies. The incentive system can allow system users to exchange cryptocurrency for objects and services from one or more entities, thereby elevating consumer awareness of the entities and increasing utilization of the cryptocurrency (e.g., which may cause the value thereof to increase).

[0006] The incentive system can communicate with entity systems to provide users with award points based on user activities. The incentive system can provide the users award points in response to the users engaging in particular activities or behaviors (e.g., procuring objects and/or services from the entity, interacting with the entities on social media, inviting new users, etc.). In at least one embodiment, the incentive system provides a user retention and/or stimulus program for entities that lack their own system for incentivizing user behaviors via exchangeable prizes. The incentive system can allow the users to exchange the award points for cryptocurrency and exchange the cryptocurrency for the objects and services provided by the entity. For entities that possess their own systems for awarding entity-specific award points to users, the incentive system can allow the users of the entity to exchange, at a predetermined rate, their entity-specific award points for cryptocurrency-exchangeable award points. In some embodiments, the incentive system can allow users of the entity to exchange entity-specific award points for cryptocurrency directly.

[0007] In various embodiments, the present incentive systems and processes utilize multisignature authentication frameworks for validating and processing exchanges (e.g., exchange of entity-specific award points into incentive system-associated award points or cryptocurrency, exchange of incentive system-associated award points into cryptocurrency, and the exchange of cryptocurrency for the objects and services of one or more entities). In at least one embodiment, the incentive system generates and maintains multi -signature digital storages for storing award points or cryptocurrency of system users. The incentive system can implement asymmetric key techniques and algorithms to provide data integrity to sign and authorize exchanges associated with a multi-signature digital storage. In various embodiments, to utilize assets held in the multisignature digital storages, the incentive system requires submission and validation of multiple cryptographic signatures or keys (e.g., each of which may function as a partial password for (dis)allowing award point or cryptocurrency exchanges into or out of the digital storage). The multiple cryptographic signatures can be approved by the same authority or each cryptographic signature can be approved by a different approval authority. The multi cryptographic signatures may be required to place an incentive into a user’s digital storage. In one embodiment, the incentive system can require authentication of two cryptographic signatures to initiate exchanges for the multi-signature digital storage. In one embodiment, the incentive system can prompt the user to submit a first cryptographic signature at a first online portal and submit a second cryptographic signature at a second online portal in response to receiving a user’s request to exchange award points for additional cryptocurrency. In some embodiments, the first online portal can be associated with a first approval authority and the second online portal can be associated with a second approval authority that may be unaffiliated with the first approval authority.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0008] The accompanying drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and/or aspects of the disclosure and, together with the written description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like elements of an embodiment, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a networked environment, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example exchange workflow, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example award exchange workflow, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a second example award exchange workflow, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a process, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] Whether a term is capitalized is not considered definitive or limiting of the meaning of a term. As used in this document, a capitalized term shall have the same meaning as an uncapitalized term, unless the context of the usage specifically indicates that a more restrictive meaning for the capitalized term is intended. However, the capitalization or lack thereof within the remainder of this document is not intended to be necessarily limiting unless the context clearly indicates that such limitation is intended.

Overview

[0010] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will, nevertheless, be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended; any alterations and further modifications of the described or illustrated embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated therein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. All limitations of scope should be determined in accordance with and as expressed in the claims.

[0011] Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to systems and methods for encouraging productive consumer behaviors (e.g., user retention) using blockchain technologies. In one or more embodiments, the present systems and processes allows users (also referred to herein as “client(s)”) to gain one or more award points for participating in entity specific activates (e.g., social media activities, brand recognition activities, exchange activities, etc.). For example, the present systems and processes promotes particular consumer activities via cryptocurrency incentives. According to one embodiment, the disclosed incentive systems and processes provide flexibility to users and entities, facilitates growth for incentive entities, and increase the value of cryptocurrencies by enabling exchangeability of cryptocurrencies between one or more users and incentive entities.

[0012] In various embodiments, an incentive system communicates with one or more computing devices associated with one or more entities. The entities can include, for example, a merchant, a transaction processor, a user retention program, and other consumer behavior tracking systems. In one example, the entity can include a beverage company that offers incentive programs for distributing free beverages and related objects to users to incentivize consumer discovery, interest, and retention.

[0013] The incentive system may receive objects from the entity and provide the objects to system users (e g., consumers) in exchange for one or more cryptocurrencies The objects can be any item or service provided by the entities and used for entity recognition (e.g., a reward object). In some embodiments, the incentive system can cause a second system to disburse the objects to system users (e.g., in response to the incentive system receiving cryptocurrencies from a system user). The incentive system can provide the cryptocurrency to entities in exchange for the objects and/or services. The incentive system can generate and distribute award credit to system users. The incentive system can distribute award credit to a user in response to determining that the user has engaged in particular behaviors or activities, such as utilizing the incentive system for exchange processing, procuring other objects and services via the incentive system, or introducing new users to the incentive system. The incentive system can facilitate system users to exchange awarded credit for cryptocurrency. The incentive system can allow system users to exchange cryptocurrency for objects and services from one or more entities, thereby elevating consumer awareness of the entity and increasing utilization of the cryptocurrency (e g., which may cause the value thereof to increase).

[0014] The incentive system can include an application that may be installed on a user’s computing device. The application can allow system users to view the objects and services, exchange award point for cryptocurrency, and procure the objects and services via spending the cryptocurrency. The incentive system can include an entity distribution platform in which the objects and services from one or more entities are available for obtainment via exchanging cryptocurrency (e.g., the cryptocurrency being obtained through exchange of award credit, through direct obtainment from a cryptocurrency exchange, or via transfer from a cryptocurrency storage external to the incentive system). According to one embodiment, the entity distribution platform further incentivizes additional entities to join the incentive system as entities (e.g., brand recognition entities, incentive entities, or a combination thereof, as described herein). [0015] In an exemplary scenario, the cryptocurrency is “StaksCoin.” The incentive system communicates with one or more entities (e.g., objects and service providers) to exchange StaksCoin for a product or service the entity has designated to give away for brand recognition and other purposes. The incentive system provides award credit, “StaksPoints,” to system users in response to the system users engaging in particular behaviors, such as processing exchanges via the incentive system, sharing information about the incentive system via social media, and accessing the incentive system at a particular frequency (e.g., daily user, weekly user, etc.). The incentive system can include a StaksPay application that provides for system users to exchange their StaksPoints for StaksCoin and to exchange their StaksCoin to procure the products or services provided by the entity. The incentive system includes a digital distribution platform in which the objects and services from one or more entities are tendered for obtainment in exchange for StaksCoin.

[0016] The incentive system can communicate with entity systems to provide users with award points based on user activities. The incentive system can provide the users award points in response to the users engaging in particular activities or behaviors (e.g., procuring objects and/or services from the entity, interacting with the entities on social media, inviting new users, etc.). In at least one embodiment, the incentive system provides a user retention and/or stimulus program for entities that lack their own system for incentivizing user behaviors via exchangeable prizes. The incentive system can allow the users to exchange the award points for cryptocurrency and exchange the cryptocurrency for the objects and services provided by the entity For entities that possess their own systems for awarding entity-specific award points to users, the incentive system can allow the users of the entity to exchange, at a predetermined rate, their entity-specific award points for cryptocurrency-exchangeable award points. In some embodiments, the incentive system can allow users of the entity to exchange entity-specific award points for cryptocurrency directly.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the incentive system can provide users with an incentive program for engaging with entities that do not already possess their own pre-existing incentives program. The incentive system can include an application allowing system users to track and manage award points, cryptocurrency, and the exchange of each thereof (e.g., for additional cryptocurrency in the former and, in the latter, for services/objects provided in the entity distribution platform). In various embodiments, the incentive system provides an exchange distribution platform in which system users may exchange entity-specific award points from multiple unassociated entities into a universal award point and, further, into a universal cryptocurrency. For example, if a particular entity already has their own awards program, their awards points can be converted through the present incentive system to obtain universal award points or cryptocurrency. In this example, the incentive system includes a distribution platform of the objects from the particular entity and additional entities, there allowing system users to exchange entity-specific award for objects and services outside the scope of the particular entity. In various embodiments, the multi-entity distribution platform provided by the incentive system may further incentivize adoption of a cryptocurrency that is used to conduct exchanges in the distribution platform and may increase the demand and/or value of the cryptocurrency as a result. [0018] The incentive system can include an exchange processing service such that entity users may use cryptocurrency from the incentive system to procure objects and services associated with the entity. According to one embodiment, by providing mechanisms to utilize cryptocurrency for direct obtainment of entity specific objects and services, the incentive system may further increase the value of a cryptocurrency and/or reduce the volatility thereof. As the value of the incentive system-associated cryptocurrency increases, the option for entities to provide an awards program that can be converted into the cryptocurrency can become increasingly attractive. The mutually beneficial factors of increasing cryptocurrency value and increasing incentive system activity can provide a cyclical structure that accomplishes a practical and new approach to growing value in the cryptocurrency and the blockchain(s) used to support the cryptocurrency. In various embodiments, the cyclical structure may increase demand for the distribution platform of the incentive system while providing flexibility to its users and driving yield to its entities with additional forms of growth (e.g., beyond the use of fiat currencies and entity-specific award points). For example, a user may be more likely to engage in a entity award program with the knowledge that the award program points may be exchanged into more universally accepted award points or cryptocurrency, the latter of which may be increasingly desirable due to potential for appreciation.

[0019] In various embodiments, the present incentive systems and processes utilize multisignature authentication frameworks for validating and processing exchanges (e.g., exchange of entity-specific award points into incentive system-associated award points or cryptocurrency, exchange of incentive system-associated award points into cryptocurrency, and the exchange of cryptocurrency for the objects and services of one or more entities). In at least one embodiment, the incentive system generates and maintains multi -signature digital storages for storing award points or cryptocurrency of system users. The incentive system can implement asymmetric key techniques and algorithms to provide data integrity to sign and authorize exchanges associated with a multi-signature digital storage. In various embodiments, to utilize assets held in the multisignature digital storages, the incentive system requires submission and validation of multiple cryptographic signatures or keys (e.g., each of which may function as a partial password for (dis)allowing award point or cryptocurrency exchanges into or out of the digital storage). The multiple cryptographic signatures can be approved by the same authority or each cryptographic signature can be approved by a different approval authority. The multi cryptographic signatures may be required to place an incentive (e.g., StaksCoin, StaksPoint) into a user’s digital storage. In one embodiment, the incentive system can require authentication of two cryptographic signatures to initiate exchanges for the multi-signature digital storage. In one embodiment, the incentive system can prompt the user to submit a first cryptographic signature at a first online portal and submit a second cryptographic signature at a second online portal in response to receiving a user’s request to exchange award points for additional cryptocurrency. In some embodiments, the first online portal can be associated with a first approval authority and the second online portal can be associated with a second approval authority that may be unaffiliated with the first approval authority.

Exemplary Embodiments

[0020] Referring now to the figures, for the purposes of example and explanation of the fundamental processes and components of the disclosed systems and processes, reference is made to FIG. 1, which illustrates an exemplary networked environment 100. As will be understood and appreciated, the networked environment 100 shown in FIG. 1 represents merely one approach or embodiment of the present concept, and other aspects are used according to various embodiments of the present concept.

[0021] The networked environment 100 can illustrate an example system for providing entities the ability to distribute objects to one or more clients based on the client’s involvement with the particular entity. The entities can include any particular company providing goods and services to one or more clients. The clients can include any individual that interacts with the particular entities (e.g., customers of the entity). The networked environment 100 can include an incentive system 101, one or more client devices 103, one or more entity devices 105, and a blockchain infrastructure 107, each of which can include one or more computing devices. In some embodiments, the one or more computing devices can each include one or more memories and one or more hardware processors. The incentive system 101 can initiate a platform that allows client devices 103 to gain inventive system award points from interacting with particular entities, exchange the incentive system award points for one or more cryptographic tokens 156, and exchange the cryptographic tokens 156 for one or more objects offered by the entities. The incentive system award points can be a universal point system used to track clients interactions with entities and can be referred to herein as “StaksPoint”. The cryptocurrency can be an incentive system specific cryptocurrency exchangeable for other cryptocurrencies and/or for one or more objects. In certain embodiments, the cryptographic tokens 156 or cryptocurrency are referred to herein as “StaksCoin”. The objects can be any particular good or service that are presented by the particular entities and that can incentivize positive client interactions with the particular entities (e.g., higher client retention, higher client satisfactions, lower client acquisition costs). The incentive system 101 can utilize the blockchain infrastructure 107 to record exchanges performed between client devices 103 and entity devices 105.

[0022] The networked environment 100 can include the incentive system 101, the one or more client devices 103, the one or more entity devices 105, and the blockchain infrastructure 107, which can be in data communication with each other via a network 109. The network 109 can include, for example, the Internet, intranets, extranets, wide area networks (WANs), local area networks (LANs), wired networks, wireless networks, or other suitable networks, etc., or any combination of two or more such networks. For example, such networks can include satellite networks, cable networks, Ethernet networks, Bluetooth networks, Wi-Fi networks, NFC networks, and other types of networks.

[0023] The incentive system 101 can include, for example, a server computer or any other system providing computing capability. Alternatively, the incentive system 101 can employ more than one computing devices that can be arranged, for example, in one or more server banks or computer banks or other arrangements. Such computing devices can be located in a single installation or can be distributed among many different geographical locations. For example, the incentive system 101 can include one or more computing devices that together can include a hosted computing resource, a grid computing resource, and/or any other distributed computing arrangement. In some cases, the incentive system 101 can correspond to an elastic computing resource where the allotted capacity of processing, network, storage, or other computing-related resources can vary over time.

[0024] Various applications and/or other functionality can be executed in the incentive system 101 according to various embodiments. Also, various data can be stored in a data store 111 that is accessible to the incentive system 101. The data store 111 can be representative of one or more of data stores 111 as can be appreciated. The data stored in the data store 111, for example, can be associated with the operation of the various applications and/or functional entities described below.

[0025] The components executed on the incentive system 101, for example, can include list of applications, and other applications, services, processes, systems, engines, or functionality not discussed in detail herein. The incentive system can include a management service 113. The management service 113 can function as the central computing module of the incentive system 101. The management service 113 can perform all processing necessities of the incentive system 101, the client devices 103, and/or the entity devices 105. The management service 113 can include a processing console 141 and a management console 143.

[0026] The processing console 141 can perform all computational requirements of the incentive system 101, the client devices 103, and/or the entity devices 105. The processing console 141 can, for example, generate cryptographic keys for one or more multi-signature authentication procedures for validating and processing one or more exchanges. The processing console 141 can perform statistical analyses and/or computational analyses on the data stored in the data store 111. The processing console 141 can perform one or more functionalities discussed in further detail herein.

[0027] The management console 143 can distribute data within the incentive system 101 and/or to other devices located on the network 109. For example, the management console 143 can store data received from the client device 103 in the data store 111. The management console 143 can transfer data from the data store 111 to the processing console 141. For example, the processing console 141 can request data from the data store 111 for further processing. Continuing this example, the management console 143 can retrieve the requested data and send the requested data to the processing console 141. The management console 143 can send data to the client devices 103, the entity device 105, the blockchain infrastructure 107, and/or any other resource distributed on the network 109.

[0028] The data stored in the data store 111 can include, for example, list of data, and potentially other data. The data store can include a client account data 131, an entity data 133, an incentive data 135, an awards data 136, a transaction data 137, and a cryptographic data 139. [0029] The client account data 131 can include any information associated with the particular client device 103. The client account data 131 can include, for example, a client name, a client home address, a client banking information, a client age, a client device 103 Media Access Control (MAC) address, a client device 103 Internet Protocol (IP) address, a client credit card information, a client entity preferences, a client e-mail address, a client phone number, and/or any other particular information associated with the client. The client account data 131 can be linked to a particular client device 103

[0030] The entity data 133 can include any data associated with the one or more entities. For example, the entity data 133 can include an entity name, an entity address, an entity industry, an entity objects list, an entity distribution location, and/or any other information associated with the one or more entities. The entity object list of the entity data 133 can include any information associated with the objects offered by the particular entity. For example, the entity object list can include any particular file format that lists the objects offered by the particular entity. Example objects can include but are not limited to, physical items (e.g., clothing, books), discount codes, services (e.g., a trip to the Bahamas, a home cleaning service), one or more cryptographic tokens 156, and/or award points. The entity data 133 can be linked to a particular entity device 105.

[0031] The incentive data 135 can include data that defines the types of incentives offered by the one or more entities and methods for redeeming the incentives. For example, the incentive data 135 can include but is not limited to an incentive expiration date, incentive types, incentive names, incentive requirements, incentive values, and associated entities for the one or more incentives. In certain embodiments, incentives can be defined as opportunities offered by particular entities that allows clients to receive one or more award points and/or one or more cryptographic tokens 156 for performing particular electronic activates. Electronic activities can be performed by the client device 103 and can include accessing incentive emails, registering for incentive emails or text-messages, exchanging award points and/or cryptographic tokens 156 with the particular entity, accessing particular web based URLs, and/or any particular electronically trackable activity performed between the client and the particular entity.

[0032] The awards data 136 can include a tracking mechanism for registering the award points and/or cryptographic tokens 156 associated with each client account data 131. The award data 136 can include a tacking mechanism for registering the award points and/or cryptographic tokens 156 associated with each entity data 133. The award data 136 can include a current award point balance for the associated client account data 131, a current entity-specific award point balance for the associated client account data 131, a current cryptocurrency balance for the associated client account data 131 and/or entity data 133, and a historic cryptocurrency balance for the associated client account data 131 and/or the entity data 133.

[0033] The transaction data 137 can include all data related to transactions performed between one client device 103 and one entity device 105, one client device 103 and another client device 103, and/or one entity device 105 and another entity device 105. For example, transaction data 137 can include but is not limited to transaction identification numbers, type of transaction, entity associated with the transaction, user associated with the transaction, cost of transaction, the date of the transaction, and the transaction volume. In various embodiments, a transaction can be defined as an exchange of award points for cryptographic tokens 156, award points for objects, cryptographic tokens 156 for objects, entity specific award points for StaksPoint, and/or StaksCoin for third party cryptocurrency. For example, the type of transaction can include a client device 103 receiving award points for completing an inventive, exchanging entity-specific award points for StaksPoint, or exchanging one or more StaksPoint for one or more StaksCoin. The transaction data 137 can include one or more exchange rates. The exchange rates can include but are not limited to an exchange rate between StaksPoint and StaksCoin, an exchange rate between StaksCoin and objects, and exchange rate between StaksPoint and entity-specific award points, and an exchange rate between StaksCoin and third- party cryptocurrency.

[0034] The cryptographic data 139 can include any data associated with authenticating one or more exchanges performed between the client devices 103 and/or the entity devices 105. The cryptographic data 139 can include private keys, public keys, cryptographic signatures, list of fraudulent transactions, list of approved transactions, list of hostile client devices 103, and/or any other cryptographic information associated with the incentive system 101, the client devices 103, and/or the entity devices 105. For example, the cryptographic data can include one or more private RSA keys and one or more public RSA keys for generating one or more cryptographic signatures and verifying the one or more generated cryptographic signatures.

[0035] The client device 103 can be representative of a one or more client devices that can be coupled to the network 109. The client device 103 can include, for example, a processor-based system such as a computer system. Such a computer system can be embodied in the form of a desktop computer, a laptop computer, personal digital assistants, cellular telephones, smartphones, set-top boxes, music players, web pads, tablet computer systems, game consoles, electronic book readers, or other devices with like capability. The client device 103 can include a display 114 for rendering various information on the client device 103. The display 114 can include, for example, one or more devices such as liquid crystal display (LCD) displays, gas plasma-based flat panel displays, organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays, electrophoretic ink (E ink) displays, LCD projectors, or other types of display devices, etc.

[0036] The client device 103 can be configured to execute various applications such as a client application 117 and/or other applications. The client application 117 can be executed in a client, for example, to access network content served up by the incentive system 101 and/or other servers, thereby rendering a user interface on the display 114. To this end, the client application 117 can include, for example, a browser, a dedicated application, etc., and the user interface can include a network page, an application screen, etc. The client device 103 can execute applications beyond the client application 117 such as, for example, email applications, social networking applications, word processors, spreadsheets, and/or other applications. The client application, for example can render an exchange platform of the client device 103. The exchange platform can allow client device 103 to select various objects for exchange, edit client information and client account data, link entity-specific award programs, exchange award points for cryptographic tokens 156, exchange StaksPoint for cryptographic tokens 156, and/or exchange StaksCoin for objects or third-party cryptocurrencies.

[0037] The client device 103 can include a data store 115. The data store 115 can be substantially similar to the data store 111. The data store 115 can share data with the data store 111 and vise-versa. For example, the data store 115 can be an extension of the data store 111. The data store 115 can include data not stored in the data store 111. For example, the data store 115 can include various private keys local to the client device 103.

[0038] The client device 103 can include a client wallet 116 for storing, maintaining, and distributing award points and cryptographic tokens 156 associated with the client account data 131 of the specific client device 103. The client wallet 116 can be associated to a particular client account data 131. The client wallet 116 can function as a multi-signature digital wallet for protecting the award points and cryptographic tokens 156 stored within. For example, the incentive system 101 and/or the client device 103 can implement asymmetric key techniques and algorithms to provide data integrity to sign and authorize transactions associated with the client wallet 116. To utilize the award points and cryptographic tokens 156 held in the client wallet 116, the client device 103 can require submission and validation of multiple cryptographic signatures or keys (e.g., each of which may function as a partial password for any (dis)allowing award point or cryptocurrency transactions into or out of the wallet). The multi cryptographic signatures may be required to place a reward (e.g., StaksCoin) into the client wallet 116. Although illustrated as a component of the client device 103, the client wallet 116 can be stored in the incentive system 101, where the incentive system 101 performs all the maintenance and management of the client wallet 116.

[0039] The entity device 105 can be representative of a one or more entity devices that can be coupled to the network 109. The entity device 105 can include, for example, a processorbased system such as a computer system. Such a computer system can be embodied in the form of a desktop computer, a laptop computer, personal digital assistants, cellular telephones, smartphones, set-top boxes, music players, web pads, tablet computer systems, game consoles, electronic book readers, or other devices with like capability. The entity device 105 can include a display 118 for rendering various information on the entity device 105. The display 118 can include, for example, one or more devices such as liquid crystal display (LCD) displays, gas plasma-based flat panel displays, organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays, electrophoretic ink (E ink) displays, LCD projectors, or other types of display devices, etc.

[0040] The entity device 105 can be configured to execute various applications such as a entity application 121 and/or other applications. The entity application 121 can be executed in a client, for example, to access network content served up by the incentive system 101 and/or other servers, thereby rendering a user interface on the display 118. To this end, the entity application 121 can include, for example, a browser, a dedicated application, etc., and the user interface can include a network page, an application screen, etc. The entity device 105 can execute applications beyond the entity application 121 such as, for example, email applications, social networking applications, word processors, spreadsheets, and/or other applications.

[0041] The entity device 105 can include a data store 119. The data store 119 can be substantially similar to the data store 111 and the data store 115. The data store 119 can share data with the data store 111 and the data store 115, and vise-versa. For example, the data store 119 can be an extension of the data store 111. The data store 119 can include data not stored in the data store 111. For example, the data store 119 can include various private keys local to the entity device 105. [0042] The entity device 105 can include an entity wallet 120 for storing, maintaining, and distributing award points and cryptographic tokens 156 associated with the entity data 133 of the specific entity device 105. The client wallet 116 can be associated to a particular entity from the entity data 133. The entity wallet 120 can function for the entity device 105 substantially similarly to how the client wallet 116 functions for the client device 103.

[0043] The blockchain infrastructure 107 can include a distributed ledger system for tracking and recording exchanges performed in the networked environment 100. The blockchain infrastructure 107 can include a public blockchain network (e.g., Bitcoin network, Ethereum network), a private blockchain network, or a hybrid blockchain network. For example, the incentive system 101 can record exchanges between the client devices 103, the entity devices 105, and/or the incentive system 101 to the Ethereum network as a first block 151. The blockchain infrastructure 107 can include one or more computing devices and one or more memory devices for processing and storing a blockchain ledger. The blockchain ledger can be distributed across the one or more computing devices, which may be located in a single location or different locations. The Blockchain infrastructure 107 can include a second block 152 and an Nth block 153. The second block 152 can illustrate a second exchange recorded on the blockchain infrastructure 107 by the incentive system 101, the client devices 103, and/or the entity device 105. The Nth block 153 can illustrate that the incentive system can record more than two exchanges onto the blockchain infrastructure 107. In some embodiments, the blockchain infrastructure 107 is incorporated as a component of the incentive system 101.

[0044] Next, a general description of the operation of the various components of the networked environment 100 is provided. To begin, the networked environment 100 can include StaksCoin as its native cryptocurrency. To drive the value of StaksCoin, the incentive system 101 can communicate with different entities (e.g., via the one or more entity devices 105) to arrange an exchange of StaksCoin in return for providing the incentive system 101 with objects that may be awarded to clients (e.g., system users) for marketing and promotional purposes. The incentive system 101 can allow clients to employ the client device 103 to obtain the objects through various payment schemas.

[0045] In a first approach, the incentive system 101, upon reaching an agreement with the one or more entities, can provide a designated amount of StaksCoin to the particular entities and in return receive a designated amount of the particular objects. Now in possession of the objects, the incentive system 101 can offer clients the ability to exchange their StaksPoint for StaksCoin that can then be used to purchase the objects provided by the entities. For example, the client device 103 can send an exchange request to the incentive system for a first object on exchanging

100 StaksPoint for 1000 StaksCoin. The incentive system 101 can check the balance associated with the client account data 131 in the awards data 136 and confirm the client device 103 has sufficient balance to receive the first object (at a cost of 500 StaksCoin). The incentive system

101 can process and approve the request for exchanging the StaksCoin for the first object. The incentive system 101 can generate a shipping request and record the transaction on the blockchain infrastructure 107 on approving the exchange of the first object. The client device 103 can provide the client access to services of the incentive system 101 via the client application 117.

[0046] In a second approach, the incentive system 101 can allow entities to set aside a designated amount of their objects intended for exchange through the incentive system 101. Instead of offering these objects free of charge, the incentive system 101 can allow the client devices 103 to exchange StaksCoin for the objects of the entity device 105. For example, the client device 103 can generate a request for the exchange of 150 StaksCoin with a second object of a particular entity device 105. The incentive system 101 can access the incentive data 135 to confirm the availability of the second object and its corresponding price. In response to confirming that the second object is available and that the price of the second object meets the exchange amount of 150 StaksCoin, the incentive system 101 can approve the exchange between the client device 103 and the particular entity device 105. The client device 103 can access the client wallet 116 to extract, after authentication, the 150 StaksCoin from the client wallet 116. The client device 103 can send the 150 StaksCoin to the particular entity device 105 for storage in the entity wallet 120. The incentive system 101, the client device 103, and/or the particular entity device 105 can record the exchange performed between the client device and the particular entity device 105 on the Blockchain infrastructure 107.

[0047] In either approach, the incentive system 101 can provide a means for enabling exchange of one or more objects via the cryptocurrency, thereby providing the cryptographic tokens 156 with additional value and utility and offering entities a channel for receiving payment for objects they would have otherwise given away as a marketing expense. In a situation where the entities no longer have objects to provide, the incentive system 101 may negotiate a purchase of their actual objects at a discounted rate and with the incentive system 101 using cryptographic tokens 156 (e.g., StaksCoin) as payment.

[0048] The client application 117 and/or any other service of the client device 103 can track electronic activities of the client. Based on the electronic activates of the client device 103, the incentive system 101 can provide the client device 103 with one or more StaksPoint. For example, the electronic activities can include computational activities that illustrate interactions between the client device 103 and one or more resources (e.g., entity device 105, physical locations) associated with the particular entity. As described herein, StaksPoint can be exchanged through the client application 117 for StaksCoin, and the StaksCoin may be used to purchase objects from the entity devices 105 associated with the incentive system 101. The incentive system 101 can provide entities the ability to reward their customers one or more StaksPoint for engaging with their resources. Non-limiting examples of engagements can include purchasing objects from the particular entity device 105 and engaging the entity on social media, such as by leaving a comment, inviting friends, or providing a review. For example, the client device 103 can generate cookies that demonstrate a client following the social media account of a particular entity. On reviewing the cookies received by the client device 103, the incentive system 101 can check the incentive data 135 for requirements and values associated with following the social media account of the particular entity. The incentive system 101 can confirm a reward of 100 StaksPoint for the particular electronic activity and deposit the 100 StaksPoint into the client wallet 116 associated with the particular client device 103. The incentive system 101 can record the exchange between the client device 103 and the incentive system 101 on the blockchain infrastructure 107. As an example, the incentive system 101 can record an assignment of one or more asset (e.g., points such as StaksPoint, cryptographic tokens 156 such as StaksCoin, an object, a subscription to a service, or other asset).

[0049] The incentive system 101 can allow client devices 103 to link entity-specific programs to their client account data 131. By linking entity-specific programs to the client account data 131, the incentive system 101 can extract a value of entity-specific award points from the linked entity-specific program. The inventive system 101 can allow client devices 103 to exchange the entity-specific award points for StaksPoint and/or StaksCoin. For example, the incentive system 101 can negotiate and disburse a royalty fee to the entity device 105 (e.g., determined by an agreed upon ratio by the entity and the incentive system 101) when client devices 103 associated with the particular entity exchange StaksPoint, or other entity-specific award points, into StaksCoin.

[0050] For entities who do not have a pre-existing entity-specific program, the incentive system 101 can provide the entity with an award program that uses StaksPoint to reward users for engaging with the particular entity. The incentive system 101 can communicate with the entity device 105 to determine electronic activities and/or any other activities that result in client device 103 receiving StaksPoint. The incentive system 101 can negotiate an exchange rate for StaksPoints to StaksCoin specific to the particular entity device 105.

[0051] If an issue of scarcity arises with StaksCoin for entities, the incentive system 101 can provide the ability for the entities and/or clients to purchase StaksCoin from the incentive system 101 at a discounted rate. To provide the purchase ability, the incentive system 101 can prompt the entities and/or client devices 103 to provide identifying information for clients associated therewith. The identifying information can be stored in the client account data 131 and can include, but is not limited to, personal identifiable information (PII) (e.g., government issued ID, first and last name, address, etc.), actions that resulted in receiving entity-specific award points, StaksPoints, or StaksCoin, and metadata associated therewith (e g., date/time stamp, user deviceidentifying information, etc.). The incentive system 101 can store the identifying information in the data store 111 and provide the associated entity device 105 and/or client device 103 with viewing access to the identifying information through the entity application 121 and/or the client application 117.

[0052] The entity application 121 can allow entities to review rewards earned from their partnership (e.g., StaksCoin), StaksCoin provided to each associated client device 103 (e.g., based on exchanges of entity specific award points), and royalty fees earned by the entities for entity-specific award points exchanged by client devices 103 into StaksCoin.

[0053] The incentive system 101 can enable all entities to accept StaksCoin as payment for any of their objecst, thereby providing an open marketplace where StaksCoin operate as the medium of exchange for the objects of the entities. For example, the client application 117 can render onto the display 114 allowing the client to view the objects offered by the one or more entities. The client application 117 can send purchase requests to the incentive system 101 and/or the entity device 105. The entity application 121 can allow the entity to manage current objects offered for exchange on the open marketplace. The incentive system 101 can provide client devices 103 the ability to directly purchase StaksCoin from the incentive system 101 (e.g., also referred to as “StaksPay”), which can further increase accessibility to StaksCoin for clients wishing to exchange for objects using StaksCoin.

[0054] The incentive system 101, via the client application 117, can allow client device 103 to redeem entity-specific award points for StaksCoin. The incentive system 101 can provide the entity device 105 an ability to accept StaksCoin as payment (e.g., thereby allowing entityspecific award points obtained via electronic activities with a first entity to be converted into an asset acceptable as payment by any additional incentive system 101 entity device 105).

According to one embodiment, the incentive system 101 provides a universal incentive program where entity-specific award points with one entity may be used as reward points with any other entity via converting the entity-specific award points into a universally accepted cryptocurrency (e.g., StaksPoint, StaksCoin). For example, the client device 103 can exchange entity specific award points leftover from an airline transaction into StaksCoin that the client device 103 can use to pay for dinner at a partnered restaurant or to purchase tickets to a concert at a partnered venue. In at least one embodiment, when entities join with the incentive system 101, the versatility of the StaksCoin may provide a novel selling point to clients with which traditional award programs may be unable to compete.

[0055] The incentive system 101 can include one or more security measures for protecting client wallets 116 of the client devices 103 and entity wallets 120 of the entity devices 105. For example, the incentive system can provide security measures using multi-signature authentication to secure award holdings and for protecting the redemption, trading, and exchange of StaksCoin. The incentive system 101 can implement a multi -signature digital wallet (e.g., the client wallet 116 and the entity wallet 120) security schema in which, anytime StaksCoin is sent or received from the client wallet 116 and/or the entity wallet 120, the incentive system 101 can require receipt of a certain number of distinct cryptographic signatures to authorize and execute the transaction.

[0056] The incentive system 101 can allow client devices 103 and/or entity devices 105 to exchange their StaksCoin into other cryptocurrencies, and vice versa, via the client application 117 and/or the entity application 121. In at least one embodiment, the value of other cryptocurrencies (e.g., StaksCoin) may be increased by providing additional channels and locations through which the cryptocurrencies are accepted for exchange (e.g., through the exchange of the cryptocurrencies into StaksCoin). According to one embodiment, the value of StaksCoin may be further increased as a result of the incentive system 101 rendering StaksCoin a primary cryptocurrency for purchasing objects from one or more entities or from other client devices 103.

Referring now to FIG. 2, illustrated is an exchange workflow 200, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The networked environment 100 can include the blockchain infrastructure 107 as a distributed ledger for recording completed award point and/or cryptocurrency exchanges. The client device 103 can include the client application 117 for providing a client with access to an exchange interface. The exchange interface of the client application 117 can facilitate exchanging award points for cryptocurrency and exchanging cryptocurrency for objects. The client device 103 can extract from the awards data 136 a StaksCoin treasury table 202 through an incentive system application programming interface (API) 201. The StaksCoin treasury table 202 can include a value for the amount of award points and cryptocurrency possessed by the associated client device 103.

In some embodiments, the client application 117 can transmit a cryptocurrency purchase request 203 to one or more separate approval authorities for authorization (e.g., a first approver 204 and a second approver 205). The client application 117 can generate and/or receive one or more cryptographic signatures. For example, the cryptocurrency purchase request 203 can include cryptographic signatures for validating the request at the first approver 204 and the second approver 205. In another example, the client application 117 can receive a first and second cryptographic signature generated by the first approver 204 and the second approver 205 using respective private RSA keys. On receiving the first and second cryptographic signatures, the client application 117 can verify each of the first and second cryptographic signatures using a respective public RSA key. The first approver 204 and the second approver 205 can be any particular approval device on the network 109. For example, the first approver 204 and the second approver 205 can be an integrated service of the processing console 141. In some embodiments, the incentive system 101, the client devices 103, and/or the entity device 105 can generate/verify the cryptographic signatures using AES encryption, Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECD SA), or another signature algorithm.

In response to validating the request at the first approver 204 and the second approver 205, the incentive system 101 and/or the client device 103 can deduct a request-specified amount of award points from the awards data 136 and provide a corresponding amount of cryptocurrency to the client wallet 116, as shown at box 206. The client device 103 and/or the incentive system 101 can updated the awards data 136 associated with the particular client device performing the exchange. The incentive system 101 can the blockchain infrastructure 107 based on the exchange. As an example, the incentive system 101 can generate the first block 151 on the blockchain infrastructure 107 to record the exchange. The incentive system 101 can cause the client application 117 to render on the display 114 of the client device 103 a summary of the transaction, the client wallet 116, and/or the client’s overall account.

Referring now to FIG. 3, illustrated is an award exchange workflow 300, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. An embodiment of the present incentive system 101 can include storing award points and/or cryptocurrency accumulated by client devices 103 in the data store 111. The incentive system 101 can include an entity portal API 301 through which entity devices 105 can view or access their associated client account data 131 and/or entity awards table 304. In one non-limiting example, the entity device can extract from the data store I l l a user data table 302 and an award points tracker table 303. The entity award table 304 extracted by the entity device 105 can indicate a total number of award points and/or entityspecific award points accrued by one or more client device 103 and an exchange rate for converting entity-specific award points into StaksPoint and/or StaksCoin.

In an exemplary scenario, when the incentive system 101 receives a request 305 from a particular client device 103 to exchange their award points into cryptocurrency, the incentive system 101 can process the request 305 via two unaffiliated approval authorities (e.g., a first approver 306 and a second approver 307). The incentive system 101 can select the first approver 306 and the second approver 307 from a set of authorized approval authorities (e.g., two client devices 103 from a subset of the client devices 103 and/or two of the entity devices 105 from a subset of the entity devices 105). In some embodiments, the incentive system 101 can determine which of the set of authorized approval authorities is conflicted or affiliated with the client device 103 and exclude those approval authorities from the set used for selection. The client device 103 can receive award points from the incentive system 101 and/or the entity devices 105 for performing electronic activities associated with a specific entity of the incentive system 101. Following authorization and completion of the exchange, the incentive system 101 updates a) an award point-tracker table 308 viewable to the client device 103 via the client application 117, and b) the entity award table 304 viewable to the entity device 105 through the entity application 121. In particular, the incentive system 101 can update the award point-tracker table 308 to include a number of award points exchanged and an amount of cryptocurrency obtained through the exchange performed by the particular client device 103.

[0057] Referring now to FIG. 4, illustrated is a second award exchange workflow 400, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. An embodiment of the present incentive system 101 can include obtaining a list of available objects for exchange 401. The incentive system 101 can send the available objects for exchange 401 the client application 117 of the client device 103. The incentive system 101 can track cryptocurrency exchanges for the available objects. For example, the incentive system 101 includes the awards data 136 for tracking system user and partner cryptocurrency transactions. The incentive system 101 can distribute cryptocurrency to the entity device 105 through the entity portal API 301 in response to the client device 103 engaging in award point or cryptocurrency exchanges. The incentive system 101 can include an entity treasury 402 from the awards data 136 that tracks cryptocurrency provided to the entity device 105 through the entity portal API 301. The incentive system 101 can allow entities to access the entity treasury 402 via the entity portal API. For example, the entity portal API can be accessible through the entity application 121. In the entity treasury 402, the incentive system 101 can provide a particular entity with access to review historical cryptocurrency exchanges and view a current amount of cryptocurrency held by the incentive system 101 on behalf of the entity or held in the entity wallet 120 (e.g., the cryptocurrency rewards being held in multi-signature digital wallet associated with the entity). The incentive system 101 can receive, from the entity device 105, indications and descriptions of objects offered by the entity. Based on the indications and descriptions, the incentive system 101 can update the list of objects available for exchange 401 with new objects (e.g., and to remove purchased or discontinued objects).

[0058] Referring now to FIG. 5, illustrated is a flowchart of a process 500, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The process 500 can illustrate a technique for exchanging one or more award points for one or more cryptographic tokens 156. The process 500 can be performed by the incentive system 101, the client device 103, the entity device 105, the blockchain infrastructure 107, any other system distributed on the network 109, or a combination thereof. [0059] At box 501, the process can include determining one or more electronic activities associated with a particular user account (e.g., client account data 131). The incentive system 101 and/or the client device 103 can determine one or more electronic activities associated with the client account data 131 of the particular client device 103. The client device 103 can perform various electronic activities to indicate an interaction with a particular entity. The client device 103 can, for example, open an email advertisement campaign within an email browser, open a link that tracks cookies of the client device 103 to confirm interaction with a particular webpage, follow the entity on social media, complete a entity sponsored survey, exchange award points for entity-specific award points, exchange award points for cryptocurrency, exchange cryptocurrency for entity specific objects, and/or any other electronically trackable action.

[0060] At box 503, the process 500 can include generating a respective point evaluation for each of the one or more electronic activities. The incentive system 101 can generate a respective point evaluation for each of the one or more electronic activities. The incentive system 101 can extract from the incentive data 135 the one or more incentive requirements and one or more incentive values. The incentive system 101 can receive from the entity device 105 one or more incentives for clients to gain award points. The incentive system 101 can generate incentives for client devices 103 receiving award points. The incentive system 101 can generate based on the incentive requirements a corresponding incentive value. For example, the complexity of the electronic activity can determine the incentive value of the particular incentive. In one example, the incentive system 101 can measure the difficulty of electronic activities based on number of clicks performed by the client device 103, web-page changes of the client application 117, or text input fields required from the client application 117 to meet the requirement of the incentive. In another example, the incentive system can analyze a first electronic activity and identify a client device 103 submitting a 100 word review for an object purchased from the particular entity. The incentive system can assign the 100 word review a 100 StaksPoint value.

[0061] At box 505, the process 500 can include modifying a value of a point variable associated with the particular user account based on the respective point evaluation for each of the one or more electronic activities. The incentive system 101 can modify a value of a point variable (e.g., award point, StaksPoint) associated with the particular user account based on the respective point evaluation for each of the one or more electronic activities. The incentive system 101 can add the award points and/or StaksPoint to the award data 136 associated with the client account data 131 of the client device 103. The incentive system 101 can distribute the award points to the client wallet 116 for storage in the client wallet 116 in the client device 103. [0062] At box 507, the process 500 can include generating a set of cryptographic keys associated with a particular cryptographic currency. The incentive system 101 can generate a set of cryptographic keys associated with a particular cryptographic currency. The incentive system 101 can generate any particular cryptographic keys for the particular cryptographic currency (e.g., StaksCoin). For example, the incentive system 101 can generate a public key and a private key as a the cryptographic keys. The incentive system can employ RSA encryption protocol, AES encryption, Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA), or another signature algorithm for generating the cryptographic keys.

[0063] At box 509, the process 500 can include generating one or more cryptographic tokens for the particular cryptographic currency using the set of the cryptographic keys. The incentive system 101 can generate a one or more cryptographic tokens 156 (e g , cryptographic signatures) for the particular cryptographic currency (e.g., StaksCoin) using the set of the cryptographic keys. The incentive system 101 can employ the authorized approval authorities to generate the cryptographic tokens using the cryptographic keys. For example, the approval authorities can include a subset of client devices 103, entity devices 105, or a combination thereof. The cryptographic signatures can be generated using RSA encryption protocol, AES encryption, Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA), or another signature algorithm and authenticating using the cryptographic keys. The incentive system 101 can assign the cryptographic tokens to an administrative wallet corresponding to incentive system 101. The administrative wallet can be part of the incentive system 101. The incentive system 101 can sell the cryptographic tokens in the administrative wallet to one or more clients. The incentive system 101 can utilize the cryptographic tokens in the administrative wallet to exchange for points from clients. The process 500 can include steps 507 and 509 being performed during initialization or according to a schedule.

[0064] At box 511, the process 500 can include assigning a subset of the one or more cryptographic tokens to the particular user account. The incentive system 101 can assign the subset of the one or more cryptographic tokens 156 to the particular user account. The subset of the one or more cryptographic tokens can be assigned from the administrative wallet to the client wallet 116 associated with the particular user account. The subset of the one or more cryptographic tokens can be assigned by recording a transfer in a ledger, such as a blockchain (e g., via blockchain infrastructure 107). The incentive system 101 can assign the subset of the one or more cryptographic tokens to the client wallet 116. The cryptographic tokens can be associated with the cryptocurrency (e.g., StaksCoin). The client device 103 can prove ownership of the StaksCoin and facilitate transactions with the StaksCoin by using the one or more cryptographic tokens stored in the client wallet 116.

[0065] At box 513, the process 500 can include, decreasing the value of the point variable based on a quantity of the subset of the one or more cryptographic tokens. The incentive system 101 can decrease the value of the point variable based on a quantity of the subset of the one or more cryptographic tokens. The incentive system 101 can reduce the award points of a particular client account data 131 after exchanging one or more award points for cryptographic tokens 156. The incentive system 101 can update an award point table stored in the awards data 136 and associated with the particular client account data 131 For example, the incentive system 101 can subtract the amount of award points used from the awards data 136 for exchanging for the cryptocurrency.

[0066] From the foregoing, it will be understood that various aspects of the processes described herein are software processes that execute on computer systems that form parts of the system. Accordingly, it will be understood that various embodiments of the system described herein are generally implemented as specially-configured computers including various computer hardware components and, in many cases, significant additional features as compared to conventional or known computers, processes, or the like, as discussed in greater detail herein. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure also include computer-readable media for carrying or having computer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such computer-readable media can be any available media which can be accessed by a computer, or downloadable through communication networks. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise various forms of data storage devices or media such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EEPROM, CD-ROM, DVD, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, solid-state drives (SSDs) or other data storage devices, any type of removable nonvolatile memories such as secure digital (SD), flash memory, memory stick, etc., or any other medium which can be used to carry or store computer program code in the form of computer- executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general-purpose computer, special purpose computer, specially-configured computer, mobile device, etc. [0067] When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computer properly views the connection as a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Thus, any such a connection is properly termed and considered a computer-readable medium. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions and data which cause a general-purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing device such as a mobile device processor to perform one specific function or a group of functions.

[0068] Those skilled in the art will understand the features and aspects of a suitable computing environment in which aspects of the disclosure may be implemented. Although not required, some of the embodiments of the claimed innovations may be described in the context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules or engines, as described earlier, being executed by computers in networked environments. Such program modules are often reflected and illustrated by flow charts, sequence diagrams, exemplary screen displays, and other techniques used by those skilled in the art to communicate how to make and use such computer program modules. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, functions, objects, components, data structures, application programming interface (API) calls to other computers whether local or remote, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular defined data types, within the computer. Computer-executable instructions, associated data structures and/or schemas, and program modules represent examples of the program code for executing steps of the methods disclosed herein. The particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents examples of corresponding acts for implementing the functions described in such steps.

[0069] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the claimed and/or described systems and methods may be practiced in network computing environments with many types of computer system configurations, including personal computers, smartphones, tablets, hand-held devices, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, networked PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. Embodiments of the claimed innovation are practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by local and remote processing devices that are linked (either by hardwired links, wireless links, or by a combination of hardwired or wireless links) through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0070] An exemplary system for implementing various aspects of the described operations, which is not illustrated, includes a computing device including a processing unit, a system memory, and a system bus that couples various system components including the system memory to the processing unit. The computer will typically include one or more data storage devices for reading data from and writing data to. The data storage devices provide nonvolatile storage of computer-executable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for the computer.

[0071] Computer program code that implements the functionality described herein typically comprises one or more program modules that may be stored on a data storage device. This program code, as is known to those skilled in the art, usually includes an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data. A user may enter commands and information into the computer through keyboard, touch screen, pointing device, a script containing computer program code written in a scripting language, or other input devices (not shown), such as a microphone, etc. These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit through known electrical, optical, or wireless connections.

[0072] The computer that affects many aspects of the described processes will typically operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers or data sources, which are described further below. Remote computers may be another personal computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a peer device or other common network node, and typically include many or all of the elements described above relative to the main computer system in which the innovations are embodied. The logical connections between computers include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), virtual networks (WAN or LAN), and wireless LANs (WLAN) that are presented here by way of example and not limitation. Such networking environments are commonplace in office-wide or enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets, and the Internet. [0073] When used in a LAN or WLAN networking environment, a computer system implementing aspects of the innovation is connected to the local network through a network interface or adapter. When used in a WAN or WLAN networking environment, the computer may include a modem, a wireless link, or other mechanisms for establishing communications over the wide-area network, such as the Internet. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the computer, or portions thereof, may be stored in a remote data storage device. It will be appreciated that the network connections described or shown are exemplary and other mechanisms of establishing communications over wide area networks or the Internet may be used.

[0074] While various aspects have been described in the context of a preferred embodiment, additional aspects, features, and methodologies of the claimed innovations will be readily discernible from the description herein, by those of ordinary skill in the art. Many embodiments and adaptations of the disclosure and claimed innovations other than those herein described, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements and methodologies, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the disclosure and the foregoing description thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the claims. Furthermore, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes described and claimed herein are those considered to be the best mode contemplated for carrying out the claimed innovations. It should also be understood that, although steps of various processes may be shown and described as being in a preferred sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent a specific indication of such to achieve a particular intended result. In most cases, the steps of such processes may be carried out in a variety of different sequences and orders, while still falling within the scope of the claimed innovations. In addition, some steps may be carried out simultaneously, contemporaneously, or in synchronization with other steps.

[0075] The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the claimed innovations and their practical application so as to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the innovations and various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the claimed innovations pertain without departing from their spirit and scope. Accordingly, the scope of the claimed innovations is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description and the exemplary embodiments described therein.

[0076] Clause 1. A system, comprising: a data store; and at least one computing device in communication with the data store, wherein the at least one computing device is configured to: determine a plurality of electronic activities associated with a particular user account; generate a respective point evaluation for each of the plurality of electronic activities; modify a value of a point variable associated with the particular user account based on the respective point evaluation for each of the plurality of electronic activities; generate a set of cryptographic keys associated with a particular cryptographic currency, generate a plurality of cryptographic tokens for the particular cryptographic currency using the set of the cryptographic keys; assign a subset of the plurality of cryptographic tokens to the particular user account; and decrease the value of the point variable based on a quantity of the subset of the plurality of cryptographic tokens.

[0077] Clause 2. The system of clause 1 or any other clause, wherein the plurality of electronic activities are further associated with a particular entity and the at least one computing device is further configured to: generate an order for a promotional object from the particular entity; and in response to generating the order, transfer at least a portion of the subset of the plurality of cryptographic tokens to the particular entity.

[0078] Clause 3. The system of clause 2 or any other clause, wherein a quantity of the value of the point variable provided for each of the plurality of electronic activities is specified by the particular entity.

[0079] Clause 4. The system of clause 1 or any other clause, wherein the at least one computing device is further configured to: receive a request associated with the particular user account to convert the point variable; and in response to receiving the request, assign the subset of the plurality of cryptographic tokens and decrease the value of the point variable.

[0080] Clause 5. The system of clause 1 or any other clause, wherein the at least one computing device is further configured to record the assignment of the subset of the plurality of cryptographic tokens to the particular user account in a distributed ledger.

[0081] Clause 6. The system of clause 5 or any other clause, wherein the distributed ledger comprises a block chain.

[0082] Clause 7. The system of clause 1 or any other clause, wherein the set of the cryptographic keys comprises a private key and a public key. [0083] Clause 8. A method, comprising: determining, via at least one computing device, a plurality of electronic activities associated with a particular user account; generating, via the at least one computing device, a respective point evaluation for each of the plurality of electronic activities; modifying, via the at least one computing device, a value of a point variable associated with the particular user account based on the respective point evaluation for each of the plurality of electronic activities; generating, via the at least one computing device, a set of cryptographic keys associated with a particular cryptographic currency; generating, via the at least one computing device, a plurality of cryptographic tokens for the particular cryptographic currency using the set of the cryptographic keys; assigning, via the at least one computing device, a subset of the plurality of cryptographic tokens to the particular user account; and reducing, via the at least one computing device, the value of the point variable based on a quantity of the subset of the plurality of cryptographic tokens.

[0084] Clause 9. The method of clause 8 or any other clause, wherein determining the plurality of electronic activities associated with the particular user account further comprises: generating, via the at least one computing device, an order for an object from the particular entity; and in response to generating the order, transferring, via the at least one computing device, at least a portion of the subset of the plurality of cryptographic tokens to the particular entity.

[0085] Clause 10. The method of clause 9 or any other clause, wherein a quantity of the value of the point variable provided for each of the plurality of electronic activities is specified by the particular entity.

[0086] Clause 11. The method of clause 8 or any other clause, wherein further comprises: receiving a request associated with the particular user account to convert the point variable; and in response to receiving the request, assigning, via the at least one computing device, the subset of the plurality of cryptographic tokens and decreasing the value of the point variable.

[0087] Clause 12. The method of clause 8 or any other clause, wherein further comprises recording, via the at least one computing device, the assignment of the subset of the plurality of cryptographic tokens to the particular user account in a distributed ledger.

[0088] Clause 13. The method of clause 8 or any other clause, wherein the set of the cryptographic keys comprises a private key and a public key. [0089] Clause 14. A non-transitory computer-readable medium embodying a program that, when executed by at least one computing device, causes the at least one computing devices to: determine a plurality of electronic activities associated with a particular user account; generate a respective point evaluation for each of the plurality of electronic activities; modify a value of a point variable associated with the particular user account based on the respective point evaluation for each of the plurality of electronic activities; generate a set of cryptographic keys associated with a particular cryptographic currency; generate a plurality of cryptographic tokens for the particular cryptographic currency using the set of the cryptographic keys; assign a subset of the plurality of cryptographic tokens to the particular user account; and decrease the value of the point variable based on a quantity of the subset of the plurality of cryptographic tokens.

[0090] Clause 15. The computer-readable medium of clause 14 or any other clause, wherein the plurality of electronic activities are further associated with a particular entity and the at least one computing device is further configured to: generate an order for an object from the particular entity; and in response to generating the order, transfer at least a portion of the subset of the plurality of cryptographic tokens to the particular entity.

[0091] Clause 16. The computer-readable medium of clause 15 or any other clause, wherein a quantity of the value of the point variable provided for each of the plurality of electronic activities is specified by the particular entity.

[0092] Clause 17. The computer-readable medium of clause 14 or any other clause, wherein the at least one computing device is further configured to: receive a request associated with the particular user account to convert the point variable; and in response to receiving the request, assign the subset of the plurality of cryptographic tokens and decrease the value of the point variable.

[0093] Clause 18. The computer-readable medium of clause 14 or any other clause, wherein the at least one computing device is further configured to record the assignment of the subset of the plurality of cryptographic tokens to the particular user account in a distributed ledger.

[0094] Clause 19. The computer-readable medium of clause 18 or any other clause, wherein the distributed ledger comprises a block chain.

[0095] Clause 20. The computer-readable medium of clause 14 or any other clause, wherein the set of the cryptographic keys comprises a private key and a public key. [0096] These and other aspects, clauses, features, and benefits of the claimed innovation(s) will become apparent from the detailed written description included herein and aspects taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, although variations and modifications thereto may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A system, comprising: a data store; and at least one computing device in communication with the data store, wherein the at least one computing device is configured to: determine a plurality of electronic activities associated with a particular user account; generate a respective point evaluation for each of the plurality of electronic activities, modify a value of a point variable associated with the particular user account based on the respective point evaluation for each of the plurality of electronic activities; generate a set of cryptographic keys associated with a particular cryptographic currency; generate a plurality of cryptographic tokens for the particular cryptographic currency using the set of the cryptographic keys; assign a subset of the plurality of cryptographic tokens to the particular user account; and decrease the value of the point variable based on a quantity of the subset of the plurality of cryptographic tokens.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of electronic activities are further associated with a particular entity and the at least one computing device is further configured to: generate an order for a promotional object from the particular entity; and in response to generating the order, transfer at least a portion of the subset of the plurality of cryptographic tokens to the particular entity.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein a quantity of the value of the point variable provided for each of the plurality of electronic activities is specified by the particular entity.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one computing device is further configured to: receive a request associated with the particular user account to convert the point variable; and in response to receiving the request, assign the subset of the plurality of cryptographic tokens and decrease the value of the point variable.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one computing device is further configured to record the assignment of the subset of the plurality of cryptographic tokens to the particular user account in a distributed ledger.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the distributed ledger comprises a block chain.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the set of the cryptographic keys comprises a private key and a public key.

8. A method, comprising: determining, via at least one computing device, a plurality of electronic activities associated with a particular user account; generating, via the at least one computing device, a respective point evaluation for each of the plurality of electronic activities; modifying, via the at least one computing device, a value of a point variable associated with the particular user account based on the respective point evaluation for each of the plurality of electronic activities; generating, via the at least one computing device, a set of cryptographic keys associated with a particular cryptographic currency; generating, via the at least one computing device, a plurality of cryptographic tokens for the particular cryptographic currency using the set of the cryptographic keys; assigning, via the at least one computing device, a subset of the plurality of cryptographic tokens to the particular user account; and reducing, via the at least one computing device, the value of the point variable based on a quantity of the subset of the plurality of cryptographic tokens.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein determining the plurality of electronic activities associated with the particular user account further comprises: generating, via the at least one computing device, an order for an object from the particular entity; and in response to generating the order, transferring, via the at least one computing device, at least a portion of the subset of the plurality of cryptographic tokens to the particular entity.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein a quantity of the value of the point variable provided for each of the plurality of electronic activities is specified by the particular entity.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein further comprises: receiving a request associated with the particular user account to convert the point variable; and in response to receiving the request, assigning, via the at least one computing device, the subset of the plurality of cryptographic tokens and decreasing the value of the point variable.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein further comprises recording, via the at least one computing device, the assignment of the subset of the plurality of cryptographic tokens to the particular user account in a distributed ledger.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein the set of the cryptographic keys comprises a private key and a public key.

14. A non-transitory computer-readable medium embodying a program that, when executed by at least one computing device, causes the at least one computing devices to: determine a plurality of electronic activities associated with a particular user account; generate a respective point evaluation for each of the plurality of electronic activities; modify a value of a point variable associated with the particular user account based on the respective point evaluation for each of the plurality of electronic activities; generate a set of cryptographic keys associated with a particular cryptographic currency; generate a plurality of cryptographic tokens for the particular cryptographic currency using the set of the cryptographic keys; assign a subset of the plurality of cryptographic tokens to the particular user account; and decrease the value of the point variable based on a quantity of the subset of the plurality of cryptographic tokens.

15. The computer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the plurality of electronic activities are further associated with a particular entity and the at least one computing device is further configured to: generate an order for an object from the particular entity; and in response to generating the order, transfer at least a portion of the subset of the plurality of cryptographic tokens to the particular entity.

16. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein a quantity of the value of the point variable provided for each of the plurality of electronic activities is specified by the particular entity.

17. The computer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the at least one computing device is further configured to: receive a request associated with the particular user account to convert the point variable; and in response to receiving the request, assign the subset of the plurality of cryptographic tokens and decrease the value of the point variable.

18. The computer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the at least one computing device is further configured to record the assignment of the subset of the plurality of cryptographic tokens to the particular user account in a distributed ledger.

19. The computer-readable medium of claim 18, wherein the distributed ledger comprises a block chain.

20. The computer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the set of the cryptographic keys comprises a private key and a public key.