U.S. patent application number 11/348736 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-10 for network-based voting systems and methods and recording media storing programs for use in such systems.
This patent application is currently assigned to VOTIVATION LIMITED. Invention is credited to David James Hunter.
Application Number | 20060178193 11/348736 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36780613 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060178193 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hunter; David James |
August 10, 2006 |
Network-based voting systems and methods and recording media
storing programs for use in such systems
Abstract
The present invention relates to voting systems, and more
particularly to network-based voting systems. Aspects of the
present invention relate to systems, devices, computer-implemented
methods, computer programs stored on a computer-readable medium,
and signals for use in such network-based voting systems.
Embodiments of the present invention motivate new users to join the
system, and stimulate existing and new users to use the system
more.
Inventors: |
Hunter; David James;
(London, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREER, BURNS & CRAIN
300 S WACKER DR
25TH FLOOR
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Assignee: |
VOTIVATION LIMITED
|
Family ID: |
36780613 |
Appl. No.: |
11/348736 |
Filed: |
February 6, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60650477 |
Feb 7, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07C 13/00 20130101;
G06Q 30/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/017 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A computer-implemented method of stimulating use of a
network-based voting system, the method comprising transmitting
user-specific ranking information to a user of the system.
2. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1, comprising
transmitting said information without instigation of the user.
3. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1, comprising
delivering said information via an electronic communication network
to terminal equipment of the user.
4. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1, further
comprising charging the user for receipt of said information.
5. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1, further
comprising: generating an SMS message comprising said information,
for transmission over a telephone network; and delivering said SMS
message to a telephone of said user over said network.
6. The computer-implemented method according to claim 5, further
comprising employing a billing system, by which the user is charged
for use of said telephone, to charge the user for delivery of said
SMS message.
7. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1, wherein
said information comprises information relating to a number of
votes and/or points credited to said user.
8. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1, wherein
said information comprises information relating to an amount of
money held for said user.
9. A computer-readable recording medium storing a computer program
which causes a computer in a network-based voting system to
generate user-specific ranking information for transmission to a
user of the system.
10. In a network-based voting system in which at least some users
of the system are registered, a computer-implemented method of
identifying a registered user comprising: prior to carrying out a
transaction with a person over a communication link, obtaining
terminal-equipment identification data from terminal equipment of
that person; and identifying the person as a registered user of the
system in dependence upon the terminal-equipment identification
data alone.
11. The computer-implemented method according to claim 10, further
comprising: maintaining a record of valid terminal-equipment
identification data for each registered user; and identifying the
person as a registered user by comparing the obtained
terminal-equipment identification data with the valid
terminal-equipment identification data.
12. The computer-implemented method according to claim 10, wherein
the terminal equipment is a telephone or PDA, and wherein the
terminal-equipment identification data is a telephone number of the
telephone or PDA.
13. A computer-readable recording medium storing a computer program
which causes a computer in a network-based voting system, in which
at least some users of the system are registered, to identify a
registered user, said computer programs comprising: a first program
portion operable, prior to carrying out a transaction with a person
over a communication link, to obtain terminal-equipment
identification data from terminal equipment of that person; and a
second program portion operable to identify the person as a
registered user of the system in dependence upon the
terminal-equipment identification data alone.
14. A method of stimulating use of a network-based voting system,
the method comprising: maintaining a prize fund from which monetary
prizes are periodically awarded in a prize draw; financing at least
a part of the prize fund by means of a lottery syndicate, such that
lottery winnings of the syndicate are paid into the prize fund; and
entering a user of the system into the prize draw based on a use of
the system related to that user.
15. The method according to claim 14, comprising implementing at
least the maintaining of the prize fund and the entering of the
user in the prize draw with a computer.
16. The method according to claim 14, comprising entering a user
into the prize draw if a use of the voting system made by that user
has exceeded a predetermined level.
17. The method according to claim 14, comprising entering a user
into the prize draw if a number of points credited to that user has
exceeded a predetermined level.
18. The method according to claim 14, comprising entering a user
into the prize draw if a number of votes for that user made by
other users has exceeded a predetermined level.
19. The method according to claim 14, comprising entering a user
into the prize draw if an amount of revenue generated for the
system by that user has exceeded a predetermined level.
20. A computer-readable medium storing a computer program which
causes a computer in a network-based voting system to stimulate use
of the system, the computer program comprising: a first program
portion operable to maintain a prize fund from which monetary
prizes may be periodically awarded in a prize draw, at least a part
of the prize fund being financed by means of a lottery syndicate
such that lottery winnings of the syndicate are paid into the prize
fund; and a second program portion operable to enter a user of the
system into the prize draw based on a use of the system related to
that user.
21. In a network-based voting system, a computer-implemented method
of sharing revenues generated by users of the system amongst those
users, the method comprising: apportioning a share of said revenues
to a first one of said users in dependence upon use made of the
voting system relating to the first user; and if the first user was
introduced to the voting system by a second one of said users,
apportioning a part of said share to the second user.
22. The computer-implemented method according to claim 21, wherein
at least one user of the voting system uses a communication device
to access the system, the method further comprising: using a
billing system of the communication device, by which the user is
charged for use of said communication device, to charge that user
for services provided to that user by the voting system so as to
generate said revenues.
23. The computer-implemented method according to claim 21, further
comprising: maintaining, for each of a plurality of said users, a
record of one or more parties to which at least part of any
user-generated revenues allocated to the user concerned are to be
distributed; enabling each said user having such a record to update
his/her record from time to time; and when a user's allocated
revenues are to be distributed, distributing those revenues to each
party specified in his/her record.
24. The computer-implemented method according to claim 22, further
comprising: maintaining, for each of a plurality of said users, a
record of one or more parties to which at least part of any
user-generated revenues allocated to the user concerned are to be
distributed; enabling each said user having such a record to update
his/her record from time to time; and when a user's allocated
revenues are to be distributed, distributing those revenues to each
party specified in his/her record.
25. A computer-readable medium storing a computer program which
causes a computer in a network-based voting system to share
revenues generated by users of the system amongst those users, the
computer program comprising: a first program portion operable to
apportion a share of said revenues to a first one of said users in
dependence upon use made of the voting system relating to the first
user; and a second program portion operable, if the first user was
introduced to the voting system by a second one of said users, to
apportion a part of said share to the second user.
26. In a network-based voting system, a computer-implemented method
of distributing money to at least one party, the method comprising:
maintaining, for each of a plurality of users of the system, a
record of one or more parties to which at least part of any
user-generated revenues allocated to the user concerned are to be
distributed; enabling each said user having such a record to update
his/her record from time to time; and when a user's allocated
revenues are to be distributed, distributing those revenues to each
party specified in his/her record.
27. The computer-implemented method according to claim 26, wherein
the or each said party is a charity.
28. The computer-implemented method according to claim 26,
comprising maintaining such a record for each user of the
system.
29. The computer-implemented method according to claim 26,
comprising maintaining, for each said party in each said record,
data indicating what proportion of the allocated revenues should be
distributed to the party concerned.
30. A computer-readable medium storing a computer program which
causes a computer in a network-based voting system to distribute
money to at least one party, the program comprising: a first
program portion operable to maintain, for each of a plurality of
users of the system, a record of one or more parties to which at
least part of any user-generated revenues allocated to the user
concerned are to be distributed; a second program portion operable
to enable each said user having such a record to update his/her
record from time to time; and a third program portion operable,
when a user's allocated revenues are to be distributed, to
distribute those revenues to each party specified in his/her
record.
Description
CLAIM TO PRIORITY
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority from
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/650477 filed on 7
Feb. 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to voting systems, and more
particularly to voting systems distributed over a network such as
the Internet, and/or other communication networks. In addition, the
present invention relates to methods, especially
computer-implemented methods, and recording media storing programs,
for use in such systems.
[0003] It will therefore be appreciated that, although the examples
and embodiments disclosed herein relate to online or Internet-based
systems, the present invention is applicable to any type of
network.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Conventional online voting systems, such as the V3.0 release
of the Vote-for-Me service (originally located at
www.Vote-for-Me.com), enable users of the system to submit personal
manifestos (profiles) and opinions for consideration by other users
of the system. Accordingly, users of the system may review the
submitted manifestos and opinions and optionally vote for a number
of those manifestos and opinions, or submit further opinions in
response thereto. That is, such conventional online voting systems
support the creation and management of a population universe
(comprising users of the system) retained and operated via an
interactive database (provided in a server and accessible over the
Internet) with the objective of generating, recording, reviewing,
promoting or ranking (based on popularity as expressed by the
population) the combined or individual opinions, intellectual
property and/or votes of the population. Such systems may introduce
similar-thinking users or groups of users to each other. Such
conventional systems charge for services provided to the users by
the system, so as to realise profit therefrom.
[0005] The V3.0 release of the Vote-for-Me service comprises the
following features. The online nature of the service enables a
controlled expansion and extension of the service internationally,
thereby enabling international syndicates of users to be formed.
Schools, colleges, universities, not-for-profit organisations and
commercial organisations may be rewarded for use of the service.
Existing users and/or sponsors of the service may reward and
further motivate additional users. The system allows networked
communities of users to evolve, and, as such, marketing (e.g. viral
marketing) can be targeted at such communities to maximise impact.
For example, marketing can be targeted at those most likely to vote
or participate. Partners and users of the system may add a
co-branded voting "booth" to their websites, and be rewarded for
doing so. User-generated content is stored in a freely-searchable
interactive database, however opinions and intellectual property
generated by the users may be sold to interested organisations for
profit. The users of the system may be categorised in a number of
different ways (for example, by geography, occupation, age, or sex)
which enables targeted sponsorship, advertising and market-research
opportunities.
[0006] One aim of such online voting systems, apart from the
generation of marketable opinions and other intellectual property,
is the maximising of profit or other value therefrom. Such profit
and value can be maximised by increasing the number of users of the
system, and by increasing the use rate of the system made by
existing and new users. However, in conventional online voting
systems, there are no satisfactory methods for motivating new users
to join the system, and/or to motivate existing or new users to use
the system more.
[0007] Another aim of such online voting systems is to create an
environment that is easy to use both from the point of view of the
system itself, and from the point of view of users of the system.
Conventional systems can be cumbersome to use and to manage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention relates to systems, methods and
computer programs for use in a network-based voting system with the
aim of increasing the number of users of the system, increasing the
use rate of the system by each user, and ultimately maximising
profit or other value derived therefrom. The network may, for
example, comprise the Internet, such that the system is an online
voting system. The present invention also relates to code carried
by a signal or held on a carrier medium which when executed on a
computing device provides a display element and/or a web page for a
user of the system.
[0009] According to an embodiment of a first aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a computer-implemented method of
stimulating (e.g. encouraging and/or promoting) use of a
network-based voting system, the method comprising transmitting
user-specific ranking information to a user of the system.
[0010] One advantageous result of such a method is the benefit
derived therefrom by the user. Such information may be useful to
the user enabling him (or, once and for all, her) to keep
up-to-date with activity occurring within the system. Such
information may relate directly to the user concerned (e.g. to how
many votes he has), or relate to other activity as specified by
that user. That user may, for example, be interested in how many
votes another user has (for example if they are competing to win a
prize).
[0011] Another advantageous result of such a method is the
generation of interest in the system, and thereby an increase in
use thereof, and ultimately an increase in profit derived
therefrom. The receipt of such ranking information by a user of the
system may advantageously serve as a reminder of the system, and
thereby motivate further use thereof. As mentioned above, such
information may relate to how many votes and/or points the user has
been credited with. The information may relate to an amount of
money held for said user. Such money may be held in an account
registered within the system.
[0012] The information may be update information, updating the user
as to, for example, the current number of votes and/or points
attributed to that user. A user of the system may be notified by
such ranking information as to how many votes his manifesto or
opinions have received. If the user has received a large number of
votes, he may be encouraged to `brag` (or boast) about his high
level of votes to his friends or colleagues. Such bragging (or
boasting) may encourage that user to increase his use of the system
to try to obtain more votes, for example to try to win one of a
number of prizes awarded to users with a high number of votes. Such
prizes could include, for example, holidays, experiences, property,
or cash. Such bragging may also encourage his friends and
colleagues to try to obtain more votes for themselves in order to
compete with him. Alternatively, if the user has received a low
number of votes, he may be encouraged to try to convince his
friends and colleagues to vote for him so as to increase his number
of votes. The number of votes possessed by a user may be linked to
a number of points or an amount of revenue awarded to the user. In
summary, the delivery of such ranking information may serve to
increase the use made of the system by the users.
[0013] Preferably, such ranking information is delivered to the
user without instigation from the user. Preferably, such delivery
is effected via an electronic communication network to terminal
equipment of the user. This method of delivery may be faster and
more reliable than, for example, delivery by post. The ranking
information may advantageously be delivered to the telephone
(mobile or fixed) of a user over a telephone network (e.g. a land
line, a cellular, or a satellite network) in the form of an SMS
message (text message). The delivery of such SMS messages may be
advantageous as compared to, for example, the delivery of such
information by e-mail. This is because a user is likely to check
his phone, especially if it is a mobile phone, for new messages
more regularly than he checks his e-mail account for new e-mails.
It will be appreciated that such messages could also be video,
picture, or voice messages.
[0014] Preferably, the user is charged for delivery of said ranking
information so as to generate income. Such charges may only be
raised for some deliveries of such information, or may
alternatively be raised for all such deliveries. It may, for
example, be advantageous to make a number of deliveries, either
initially or per pre-determined period, free of charge as a means
of marketing the system, and to encourage the user to purchase
further such messages.
[0015] In the case of certain types of terminal equipment used by
users of the system, billing systems may already be in place for
charging the user for use of such equipment. In that case, charges
for delivery of said ranking information are preferably raised via
that billing system. For example, in the case of a telephone,
charges for receiving the information by SMS message may appear on
the user's telephone bill. Such billing systems allow ease of
raising charges to the user, ease of collecting revenue therefrom,
and allow the user to take advantage of voting-system services
without having to enter credit-card details or the like.
[0016] According to an embodiment of a second aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a computer-readable medium storing a
computer program which causes a computer in a network-based voting
system to transmit user-specific ranking information to a user of
the system.
[0017] A computer-readable medium embodying the aforementioned
second aspect of the present invention may be part of a server of
the network-based voting system. The computer program may, in that
case, be operable to cause the server to transmit user-specific
ranking information to the user. Preferably, the computer program
is also operable to generate the user-specific ranking information
for transmission.
[0018] A computer-readable medium embodying the aforementioned
second aspect of the present invention may be part of a
communication device of the network-based voting system located on
a communication path between the system server and a user
terminal.
[0019] According to an embodiment of a third aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a network-based-voting-system server
operable to cause a communication device to transmit user-specific
ranking information to a user of the system.
[0020] According to an embodiment of a fourth aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a network-based-voting-system server
operable to generate user-specific ranking information and to
transmit that information to a user of the system.
[0021] According to an embodiment of a fifth aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a network-based-voting-system server
comprising: an information generator operable to generate
user-specific ranking information; and a transmitter operable to
transmit that information to a user of the system.
[0022] According to an embodiment of the aforementioned fifth
aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a
network-based-voting-system server comprising: information
generating means operable to generate user-specific ranking
information; and transmitting means operable to transmit that
information to a user of the system.
[0023] According to an embodiment of a sixth aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a signal generated by a network-based
voting system, said signal comprising user-specific ranking
information.
[0024] According to an embodiment of a seventh aspect of the
present invention, there is provided a user terminal of a
network-based voting system, the user terminal comprising a memory
having user-specific ranking information stored therein. The user
terminal may be any electronic communication device, for example a
personal computer, a mobile telephone, a PDA, or a television
set-top box.
[0025] According to an embodiment of an eighth aspect of the
present invention, there is provided a computer-implemented method
of identifying (verifying and authenticating) a registered user of
a network-based voting system, the method comprising: prior to
carrying out a transaction with a person over a communication link,
obtaining terminal-equipment identification data from terminal
equipment of that person; and identifying the person as said
registered user of the system in dependence upon the
terminal-equipment identification data alone.
[0026] Typically, users of conventional network-based voting
systems, for example of conventional online voting systems, must
remember one or more passwords or numbers and supply them to those
systems in order to be identified, verified and/or authenticated.
This is disadvantageous for users of such conventional systems as
it places a significant burden on such users to memorise many
different numbers, particularly if the user uses a plurality of
such systems. A further disadvantage of such conventional systems
for their users is that the process of identification is rendered
cumbersome by the need to supply such passwords or numbers. Users
generally must enter those numbers using a keyboard or keypad, or
recite them to an operator over a telephone line, in order to be
identified. Accordingly, a substantial delay is caused for each
transaction in such conventional systems which may be seen by users
as a disincentive to use those conventional systems. These features
of conventional voting systems are also disadvantageous for the
systems' administrators in terms of the system design, and its
operation. It is inconvenient and inefficient to need to identify a
user through a series of password input operations. These
operations are naturally time consuming and lead to an inefficient
operation of the system.
[0027] One advantageous result of a method embodying the
aforementioned eighth aspect of the present invention is that it
removes the need for a user to enter passwords or numbers when
carrying out a system transaction. It has been envisaged that there
are a number of possible system transactions that a user may engage
in, for which it is not necessary to identify the user by means of
rigorous identification methods (as in the above-mentioned
conventional systems). In those cases, it may be acceptable for a
person to be identified as a registered user in dependence on the
terminal equipment used by that person.
[0028] Typically, when user terminal equipment communicates with a
server (or other system administration equipment) in order to allow
the user to carry out a system transaction, terminal-equipment
identification data is sent to the server to set-up a communication
link. Accordingly, as such data is typically available to the
server, it is advantageous to use that data alone to identify the
person as a registered user, i.e. without requiring any information
to be entered by the user.
[0029] Preferably, the identification of the person as being the
registered user is carried out before the transaction is carried
out. This may allow data (for example a number of points, votes, or
an amount of cash, credited to that user) to be sent to the user
before the transaction is carried out. The user may base the
transaction on this data. Optionally, however, the identification
data may be obtained before the transaction is carried out, and the
identification may be made thereafter, either immediately or at
some other later time. In that case, invalid transactions (for
example if the identification is unsuccessful) may be cancelled at
that later time. This may be suitable for transactions in which the
user does not need any information on which to base the
transaction.
[0030] Preferably, a record of valid terminal-equipment
identification data for the registered user is maintained in the
system records, such that a person may be identified as the
registered user by comparing the obtained terminal-equipment
identification data with the valid terminal-equipment
identification data.
[0031] Preferably, the terminal equipment is a telephone or PDA, in
which case the terminal-equipment identification data is preferably
a telephone number (or other similar number) of the telephone or
PDA. Such data may be entered by the user (and stored in system
records) when registering to use the voting system. In the case of
other types of terminal equipment, for example personal computers
or television set-top boxes, the terminal-equipment identification
data may be an identifier identifying that computer on a
communication network, for example an IP (Internet Protocol)
number.
[0032] According to an embodiment of a ninth aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a computer-readable medium having a
network-based-voting-system computer program for identifying a
registered user of a network-based voting system stored therein,
said computer program comprising: a first program portion operable,
prior to carrying out a transaction with a person over a
communication link, to obtain terminal-equipment identification
data from terminal equipment of that person; and a second program
portion operable to identify the person as said registered user of
the system in dependence upon the terminal-equipment identification
data alone.
[0033] A computer-readable medium embodying the aforementioned
ninth aspect of the present invention may be part of a server of
the network-based voting system. The computer program may, in that
case, be operable to cause the server to obtain terminal-equipment
identification data from terminal equipment of that person, and to
identify the person as said registered user of the system in
dependence upon the terminal-equipment identification data
alone.
[0034] According to an embodiment of a tenth aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a network-based-voting-system server
comprising: a receiver operable, prior to carrying out a
transaction with a person over a communication link, to obtain
terminal-equipment identification data from terminal equipment of
that person; and an identifier operable to identify the person as
said registered user of the system in dependence upon the
terminal-equipment identification data alone.
[0035] According to an embodiment of the aforementioned tenth
aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a
network-based-voting-system server comprising: receiving means
operable, prior to carrying out a transaction with a person over a
communication link, to obtain terminal-equipment identification
data from terminal equipment of that person; and identification
means operable to identify the person as said registered user of
the system in dependence upon the terminal-equipment identification
data alone.
[0036] According to an embodiment of an eleventh aspect of the
present invention, there is provided a network-based voting system
comprising a server and a terminal equipment, wherein: the terminal
equipment comprises a transmitter operable to transmit
terminal-equipment identification data identifying that equipment
to the server over a communication link; and the server comprises:
a receiver operable, prior to carrying out a transaction with a
person having said terminal equipment, to obtain the transmitted
terminal-equipment identification data; and an identifier operable
to identify the person as said registered user of the system in
dependence upon the terminal-equipment identification data
alone.
[0037] According to an embodiment of the aforementioned eleventh
aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a
network-based voting system comprising a server and a terminal
equipment, wherein: the terminal equipment comprises transmitting
means operable to transmit terminal-equipment identification data
identifying that equipment to the server over a communication link;
and the server comprises: receiving means operable, prior to
carrying out a transaction with a person having said terminal
equipment, to obtain the transmitted terminal-equipment
identification data; and identification means operable to identify
the person as said registered user of the system in dependence upon
the terminal-equipment identification data alone.
[0038] According to an embodiment of a twelfth aspect of the
present invention, there is provided a method of stimulating use of
a network-based voting system, the method comprising: maintaining a
prize fund from which monetary prizes may be periodically awarded
in a prize draw; financing at least a part of the prize fund with
lottery syndicate ownership, such that lottery winnings of the
syndicate are paid into the prize fund; and entering a user of the
system into the prize draw based on a use of the system related to
that user.
[0039] Preferably, at least the maintaining of the prize fund and
the entering of the user in the prize draw are implemented by a
computer, for example by a server of the network-based voting
system. Optionally, a method embodying the aforementioned twelfth
aspect of the present invention is a computer-implemented
method.
[0040] It is advantageous to finance at least part, and possibly
all, of a prize fund with syndicate ownership. Such syndicate
ownership may be partial or full syndicate ownership.
Supranational, national, and state lotteries commonly have
multi-million dollar (or other currency depending on the nation
concerned) jackpots, and this may serve as a real attraction to
users. Accordingly, it is likely that more use of the system will
be made by such users to enable them to be entered into the prize
draw. This extra use of the system may be beneficial to the system
administrators and owners as it may generate more income therefrom.
Furthermore, the method enables the administrators to market the
network-based voting system based on the chance of winning such a
substantial jackpot, or a share thereof, without having to put up
the prize money themselves.
[0041] Optionally, a user may be entered into the prize draw if a
use of the voting system made by that user has exceeded a
predetermined level. Optionally, a user may be entered into the
prize draw if a number of points credited to that user has exceeded
a predetermined level. Optionally, a user may be entered into the
prize draw if a number of votes credited to that user by other
users has exceeded a predetermined level. Optionally, a user may be
entered into the prize draw if an amount of revenue generated for
the system by that user has exceeded a predetermined level.
Optionally, a user may be entered into the prize draw if an amount
of cash paid into a system account of that user, either by the
system or by the user or by any other party, has exceeded a
predetermined level. Accordingly, a user may be entered into the
prize draw based on either activity of that user, or based on the
activity of other users (for example voting for that user's
manifesto, opinions, polls, or surveys).
[0042] A method according to an embodiment of the aforementioned
twelfth aspect of the present invention is preferably applicable to
a national (federal) or state vote, for example to an election,
such as a general election. Such an election may be, for example,
for a State Governor, or for the position of U.S. President. It is
envisaged that the application of such a method thereto may have
the advantageous effect of motivating a large proportion of the
voting population to vote, due to the incentive of a possible
jackpot prize. Low voter turn-out is a recognised problem
throughout the world.
[0043] According to an embodiment of a twelfth aspect of the
present invention, there is provided a computer-readable medium
having a network-based-voting-system computer program for
stimulating use of a network-based voting system stored therein,
the computer program comprising: a first program portion operable
to maintain a prize fund from which monetary prizes may be
periodically awarded in a prize draw, at least a part of the prize
fund being financed with lottery syndicate ownership such that
lottery winnings of the syndicate are paid into the prize fund; and
a second program portion operable to enter a user of the system
into the prize draw based on a use of the system related to that
user.
[0044] According to an embodiment of a thirteenth aspect of the
present invention, there is provided a server of a network-based
voting system adapted for stimulating use of said system, the
server comprising: a first unit operable to maintain a prize fund
from which monetary prizes may be periodically awarded in a prize
draw, at least a part of the prize fund being financed with lottery
syndicate ownership such that lottery winnings of the syndicate are
paid into the prize fund; and a second unit operable to enter a
user of the system into the prize draw based on a use of the system
related to that user.
[0045] According to an embodiment of the aforementioned thirteenth
aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a server of
a network-based voting system adapted for stimulating use of said
system, the server comprising: first means operable to maintain a
prize fund from which monetary prizes may be periodically awarded
in a prize draw, at least a part of the prize fund being financed
with lottery syndicate ownership such that lottery winnings of the
syndicate are paid into the prize fund; and second means operable
to enter a user of the system into the prize draw based on a use of
the system related to that user.
[0046] According to an embodiment of a fourteenth aspect of the
present invention, there is provided a computer-implemented method
of sharing revenues generated by users of a network-based voting
system with those users, the method comprising: apportioning a
share of said revenues to a first one of said users in dependence
upon use made of the voting system relating to the first user; and
if the first user was introduced to the voting system by a second
one of said users, apportioning a part of said share to the second
user.
[0047] Advantageously, such a method may encourage existing users
to introduce new users to the system so as to increase an amount of
user-generated revenues apportioned to those existing users.
[0048] Preferably, a user of the voting system may use a
communication device to access the voting system. Furthermore, that
user must preferably pay via a billing system for use of said
communication device. In that case, a method according to the
aforementioned thirteenth aspect of the present invention
preferably further comprises using said billing system to charge
that user for services provided to him/her by the voting system so
as to generate said revenues.
[0049] The use of such an existing billing system is advantageous
due to the relative ease with charges may be raised, and the ease
with which revenues so generated may be collected. Additionally, it
is considered advantageous for system administrators to not have to
send out invoices to users, and for users to not have to, for
example, enter credit card details or the like every time a service
to be paid for is used.
[0050] Preferably, a method according to the aforementioned
fourteenth aspect of the present invention further comprises
maintaining, for each of a plurality of said users, a record of one
or more parties to which at least part of any user-generated
revenues allocated to the user concerned should be distributed;
enabling each said user having such a record to update his/her
record from time to time; and when a user's allocated revenues are
to be distributed, distributing those revenues to each party
specified in his/her record.
[0051] Users may be attracted to an online voting system employing
such a method as it enables them to individually select a party
(for example, a charity or a family member) to which a
(specifiable) proportion of their allocated revenues should be
distributed.
[0052] According to an embodiment of a fifteenth aspect of the
present invention, there is provided a computer-readable medium
having a network-based-voting-system computer program for sharing
revenues generated by users of a network-based voting system with
those users stored therein, the computer program comprising: a
first program portion operable to apportion a share of said
revenues to a first one of said users in dependence upon use made
of the voting system relating to the first user; and a second
program portion operable, if the first user was introduced to the
voting system by a second one of said users, to apportion a part of
said share to the second user.
[0053] According to an embodiment of a sixteenth aspect of the
present invention, there is provided a server of a network-based
voting system adapted for sharing revenues generated by users of
the system with those users, the server comprising: a first
apportioner operable to apportion a share of said revenues to a
first one of said users in dependence upon use made of the voting
system relating to the first user; and a second apportioner
operable, if the first user was introduced to the voting system by
a second one of said users, to apportion a part of said share to
the second user.
[0054] According to an embodiment of the aforementioned sixteenth
aspect of the present invention, there is provided a server of a
network-based voting system adapted for sharing revenues generated
by users of the system with those users, the server comprising:
first apportioning means operable to apportion a share of said
revenues to a first one of said users in dependence upon use made
of the voting system relating to the first user; and second
apportioning means operable, if the first user was introduced to
the voting system by a second one of said users, to apportion a
part of said share to the second user.
[0055] According to an embodiment of a seventeenth aspect of the
present invention, there is provided, in a network-based voting
system, a computer-implemented method of distributing money to at
least one party, the method comprising: maintaining, for each of a
plurality of users of the system, a record of one or more parties
to which at least part of any user-generated revenues allocated to
the user concerned should be distributed; enabling each said user
having such a record to update his/her record from time to time;
and when a user's allocated revenues are to be distributed,
distributing those revenues to each party specified in his/her
record.
[0056] Preferably, the or each said party is a charity. Preferably,
such a record is maintained for each user of the system.
Preferably, for each said party in each said record, there is
maintained data indicating what proportion of the allocated
revenues should be distributed to the party concerned.
[0057] According to an embodiment of an eighteenth aspect of the
present invention, there is provided a computer-readable medium
having a network-based-voting-system computer program for
distributing money to at least one party stored therein, the
program comprising: a first program portion operable to maintain,
for each of a plurality of users of the system, a record of one or
more parties to which at least part of any user-generated revenues
allocated to the user concerned should be distributed; a second
program portion operable to enable each said user having such a
record to update his/her record from time to time; and a third
program portion operable, when a user's allocated revenues are to
be distributed, to distribute those revenues to each party
specified in his/her record.
[0058] According to an embodiment of a nineteenth aspect of the
present invention, there is provided a server of a
network-based-voting-system adapted for distributing money to at
least one party, the server comprising: a first unit operable to
maintain, for each of a plurality of users of the system, a record
of one or more parties to which at least part of any user-generated
revenues allocated to the user concerned should be distributed; a
second unit operable to enable each said user having such a record
to update his/her record from time to time; and a third unit
operable, when a user's allocated revenues are to be distributed,
to distribute those revenues to each party specified in his/her
record.
[0059] According to an embodiment of the aforementioned nineteenth
aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a server of
a network-based-voting-system adapted for distributing money to at
least one party, the server comprising: first means operable to
maintain, for each of a plurality of users of the system, a record
of one or more parties to which at least part of any user-generated
revenues allocated to the user concerned should be distributed;
second means operable to enable each said user having such a record
to update his/her record from time to time; and third means
operable, when a user's allocated revenues are to be distributed,
to distribute those revenues to each party specified in his/her
record.
[0060] It is envisaged that the following advantageous features may
be the basis of further aspects of the present invention, either
alone or in combination with other features disclosed herein.
[0061] A user of the network-based voting system may be able to
acquire a partial ownership of the company (or other similar
entity) providing the voting system. Such ownership may take the
form of ownership of company shares. The share of ownership
available to a user may be dependent on a use made of the system
related to that user. Such a use may be a use of the system by that
user, or by other users (for example voting for that user). It is
envisaged that this acquisition of ownership by users of the voting
system may act as an incentive for those users to remain as users
of that system (as opposed to moving to become users of another
voting system). It is also envisaged that such users are more
likely to introduce new users to the voting system to try to
increase a value of their ownership, for example to increase a
value of company shares. Such user are also more likely to try to
increase a use of the system made by existing and new users for
similar reasons.
[0062] Users of the network-based voting system may be treated as
equals. This is significantly different to normal society in which
the opinions of certain individuals carry more weight than those of
other such individuals. It is envisaged that, by treating users as
equals, users may be encouraged to submit more opinions (i.e. use
the system more), as their opinions will be judged based on merit
alone.
[0063] Due to the nature of network-based voting systems, the
present invention is intended to include any combination of any of
the aforementioned aspects of the present invention, and/or any of
the aforementioned preferable features thereof. The present
invention is also intended to include combinations of the features
disclosed below in the detailed description of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0064] Reference will now be made, by way of example, to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0065] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an online voting system in
which embodiments of the present invention may be employed.
[0066] FIG. 2 is a schematic overview of the operation of the FIG.
1 voting system.
[0067] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the range of services
provided by the FIG. 1 voting system.
[0068] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method embodying the present
invention.
[0069] FIG. 5 is an image of information transmitted by the FIG. 4
method.
[0070] FIG. 6 is an image of other information transmitted by the
FIG. 4 method.
[0071] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a method embodying the present
invention.
[0072] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram representing a method
embodying the present invention.
[0073] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a method embodying the present
invention.
[0074] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram representing a method
embodying the present invention.
[0075] FIGS. 11 to 26 are examples of web pages, or images
therefrom, in which embodiments of the present invention have been
employed.
VOTING SYSTEM
[0076] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an online voting system 1
in which embodiments of the present invention may be employed. An
example of such a voting system 1 is the V4.0 release of the
Vote-for-Me service (replacing the aforementioned V3.0 release, and
to be located at www.Vote-for-Me.com, or www.votivation.com ). The
voting system 1 comprises a voting system server 2 connected to the
Internet 4, an optional external system storage 6, a plurality of
user computers 8, a wired phone service provider 10, a plurality of
user phones 12 served by the wired phone service provider 10, a
cellular network provider 14, a plurality of user cellular devices
16 served by the cellular network provider 14, a cable or satellite
service provider 18, and a plurality of user units 20 served by the
cable or satellite service provider 18.
[0077] The voting system 1 is distributed over a network, in this
case over the Internet. Accordingly, a large number of users may
access the voting system server 2 via the Internet 4 using a
plurality of different types of user equipment 8, 12, 16, and 20.
It will be appreciated, however, that it is not necessary for such
a plurality of users to access the voting system server 2 at any
one time, although this is of course possible. For example, at a
particular time there may only be one or two users accessing the
voting system server 2 via one or two corresponding user computers
8.
[0078] The voting system's predominant role is to provide a voting
service (hereinafter "the Service") to users of the system. The
Service comprises a number of constituent services provided to the
user to be discussed below with reference to FIG. 3. The term
"user" is intended to include customers or clients of the service
i.e. registered paying users and non-registered users, as well as
system administrators. The Service is predominantly provided from
the voting system server 2, and any optional external system
storages 6. The voting system server 2 may be a single device, or
may comprise a plurality of devices distributed over the Internet
4. Similarly, the optional external system storage 6 may be a
single device, or may comprise a plurality of devices distributed
over the Internet 4. There may also be a plurality of wired phone
service providers 10, a plurality of cellular network providers 14,
and a plurality of cable or satellite service providers, for
example located in different countries. It will be appreciated
that, in view of the flexibility of the Internet 4, the components
of the online voting system 1 may be spread across the world, or
alternatively all located in a single country or state.
[0079] The Service may be provided to users in a number of
different formats. Primarily, the Service is provided in the form
of web-pages, supplied to users over the Internet 4 in the form of
HTML code (or other similar language) and viewable using
web-browser software on a user computer 8. The Service may
similarly be provided to users' cellular devices 16 having a WAP
(Wireless Access Protocol) or other similar capability. The Service
may similarly be accessible from a television set of a user in
either a read-only format, or in an interactive format (for example
if the user receives a cable or satellite service). It will
therefore be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention
comprise code and signals transmittable to a user of the
Service.
System Operation
[0080] FIG. 2 is a schematic overview of the operation of the
online voting system 1. Generally, users commencing use of the
Service fall into one of two categories. Such users may be
"referred users" 30, or "non-referred users" 32. Referred users 30
are generally new users, and have been referred to the Service by
another party. For example, such a new user may be referred to the
online voting system 1 from a link on another website 34, or from a
link in a received e-mail 36, or in some other way 38. Examples of
other referrals 38 are responding to a text, voice or other
message, referral by word-of-mouth, or by responding to an advert
placed, for example, in a publication or broadcast on a television
or radio service. A non-referred user 32 may be, for example, a new
user 40 joining the voting system 1 having navigated to its
homepage (main web page) by chance, or an existing user 42 already
aware of the Service.
[0081] Generally, users will approach the Service (i.e. join the
online voting system 1) via its homepage 50. Any user may proceed
without logging in 52, in which case they may use a limited range
of the constituent services 54 provided by the voting system, until
such time as they are finished 56. Registered users may log in 58
to use the Service. If a user successfully logs in 60, then he may
use the full range of the constituent services 62 provided by the
online voting system 1. At such time as a logged-in registered user
may wish to conclude his use of the Service, he may log out 64 (or
be automatically logged out) at the end 66 of such use. The
logging-in process 58, typically involves a registered user
entering a user name and password. However, such a registered user
may log in using other methods, to be described later with
reference to FIG. 7.
[0082] Preferably, a new user will decide to register 70 for full
use of the voting service. Such registration will conclude a
recruitment of the user into the population database of the voting
service. Such registration requires the new user to submit a
mobile/cell phone number, amongst a number of further personal
details. Additionally, the user is required to set out a statement
via a range of standardised questions, the objective of which is to
briefly sum up for other users the general nature of that user's
political, social, economic, religious, leisure or other beliefs.
Together, these inputs are included in, and presented via, the
user's "manifesto". A user may subsequently amend or add to his
manifesto or other personal details at any time, to be described
later.
[0083] A further part of the registration process is the recordal
of a referrer (if the new user is a referred user 30) to be
credited with referring that user to the Service. This information
may be entered by the new user or may be entered automatically. For
example, if the new user was referred to the voting service via a
link in an e-mail, or via a link in another website, those links
may have embedded within them code identifying the originator (e.g.
the owner of the other website or the sender of the e-mail) that
allows the Service to identify the referrer and enter his details
automatically. This link between the new user and a referrer will
be the basis for a financial relationship therebetween, to be
discussed later.
[0084] The benefit of such registration 70 for the new user is to
enable the user to take advantage of the full range of services 62,
and to start to accumulate revenues and points. The registration
process 70 benefits the service itself by ensuring the uniqueness
and quality of the new user's generated opinions, voting, referring
and other activities. Additionally, as registered users are
required to pay for the use of certain system services, such
registration will lead to increased revenue and profits for the
owners of the Service.
[0085] Within the registration process 70, the user may confirm
whether or not his manifesto, views and/or opinions may be
communicated to appropriate parties, such as governments, elected
officials, elected candidates, corporate entities, television and
other media organisations, and non-profit organisations (including
charities, trade associations and educational establishments, and
their agencies). The communication of such user-generated material
to such appropriate parties may generate a source of income for the
owners of the voting service.
[0086] The registration process 70 is confirmed 72 by the sending
by the Service and receipt by the user of an e-mail including a
link, which the user must then click or otherwise visit. In this
way, the user will be directed to an area that securely enables the
unique association between the user's identification within the
service database and the user's e-mail address. Additionally, or
alternatively, the registration process 70 may be similarly
confirmed 72 by the sending by the voting service and the return by
the user of a text or other message via a hand-held or portable
communication device of the user. Such devices may include, for
example, mobile/cell telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs)
and other such devices. If the registration is confirmed, the user
may proceed to complete his manifesto 74 as above-mentioned. If,
however, the registration is not confirmed, the user may not
proceed.
[0087] On completion of the manifesto 74, a decision is made as to
whether the user was referred to the Service 76, as mentioned
above. If the new user was referred to the Service, a link between
the new user and the referrer is stored 78 in the database of the
voting system. This completes the registration process, and the new
user is registered 80. The new user may then log in 58, and
ultimately use the full range of services 62 of the voting service,
or may conclude use thereof 66.
Range of Services
[0088] FIG. 3 is a schematic overview of the range of constituent
services 100 provided by the online voting system 1. As mentioned
above, any user may use a limited range of the services without
logging in. However, a registered user may log in and use the full
range of services 100. The provided services comprise enabling a
user to: view content 102; vote for content 104; set up content
106; amend his manifesto 108; amend his profile 110; add files to
his manifesto 112; add files to other content 114; promote market
or distribute 116; search a database 118; receive a standard set of
alerts 120; manage services or his account 122; create a vbooth
124; and communicate 126. Services 102 and 104 may, for example, be
the only services available to non-logged-in users.
[0089] Users may view and browse 102 opinions, polls and surveys
submitted to the service by other users. This information may be
presented to the user on a web page, or be downloadable therefrom.
Such users may also vote for the opinions, polls and surveys of
other users, such functionality being provided on web pages of the
service or on any similar interactive medium.
[0090] Registered users may set up 106 and submit their own content
to be viewed by other users of the service. Such users may generate
and submit their own opinions, polls, and surveys for other users
to view and vote for.
[0091] A logged-on user may amend his manifesto 108, for example if
the general nature of his political, social, economic, religious,
leisure or other beliefs has changed. He may also amend his profile
110, for example if any of his personal details have changed.
[0092] A logged-on user may add files to his manifesto 112, for
example audio files, video files, graphic files, or text files.
Such a user may, for example, want to add digital photos,
spreadsheets, presentations, or other files. That user may also
want to add such files to other created content 114, for example to
opinions, polls, surveys, or other content.
[0093] A user may promote, market, and/or distribute his opinions,
polls, and surveys using a number of marketing facilities provided
by the service. Such facilities may include copying the web address
of his own (or of other users') opinions, surveys and polls into an
e-mail. Such promotion may increase the chance of other users
voting for his own generated content.
[0094] Certain types of information supplied or submitted by users
is stored in one or more databases which are searchable. Such
information, in addition to the opinions, polls, and surveys, may
include details from the manifestos submitted by system users.
Accordingly, users may search 118 the database(s) to find wanted
information.
[0095] A registered user may receive a number of standard alerts
120. Such alerts may be provided, for example, in the form of an
e-mail, or in the form of a text message sent to a mobile
communication device of the user. The alerts may, for example,
contain information updating the user as to how many points he has
received, and/or how many votes he has received in respect of his
manifesto, or his opinions, polls, or surveys. The alerts may
inform the user of activity relating to other users, to activity
relating to the award of prizes by the service from time to time,
or any other activity of interest to the user. Examples of such
alerts are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0096] The records held in the system database for each user detail
those services that the user concerned wishes to receive
automatically, and maintain a record of the points and votes held
by the user. A user may manage his services or his account 122 by
accessing those records from a personal user service management
area. He may add to, amend, or cancel some or all service elements
that he is registered for. For example, he may decide to request
(and pay for) further alerts in addition to the standard set of
alerts automatically provided.
[0097] The user may create 124 and add a pop-up or other browser
web link, for example called a voting booth (Vbooth.TM.,
V-Booth.TM., or VBooth.TM.) to his website, blog (web log), or
other web-based page. The user may also purchase "keywords" to add
to his link or voting booth so that it displays content, opinions,
surveys and polls generated by the Service only, or largely
relevant to those keywords. The user may also pay for his voting
booth to be coloured, rendered, graphically enhanced, stylised, or
otherwise re-designed so that it reflects a "branding" presentation
of his choice. This service (and other system services) may be
obtainable for free.
[0098] The user may communicate with other users 126. For example,
he may engage in live web chat (or telephony, computer-computer
communication, or VoIP) with other users, or contact them via
e-mail, mobile phone messaging, or simply over the phone.
[0099] For each activity (e.g. creating setting up content 106, or
voting 104) conducted by a user, he may be awarded points that are
accumulated in his records or account as mentioned above. The
accumulated points are convertible into entries into regular or
one-off prize draws. The available prizes may be cash prizes.
[0100] For each activity conducted by a user that generates revenue
(e.g. purchasing further alerts, or other content or services) for
or through the Service, a share of those revenues is awarded to the
user. These shares are then accumulated in the user's records or
account. The accumulated cash may be withdrawn by the user through
payment by the Service to the user via bank transfer, cheque or
other method as stipulated by the service or the user. The
accumulated revenues may be converted into actual shares in the
company owning the service on terms stipulated by the board of the
company. Accordingly, users may acquire ownership of a proportion
of the Service, based on use of the Service. The Service itself may
generate further revenues through the sale of advertising spaces in
web pages provided by the Service, and the inclusion of sponsored
links to other websites therein.
[0101] If a particular user is registered as having been referred
to the Service by a referrer, a proportion of any points or
revenues awarded to that user will be awarded to the referrer.
[0102] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method 130 embodying the present
invention. The method 130 comprises a single step 132. In step 132,
user-specific ranking information is transmitted to a user of the
voting system 1. The method 130 may be part of service 120 of FIG.
3, and cause a standard alert to be transmitted to the user. The
method 130 may also be part of service 122 of FIG. 3, and cause an
alert requested by one user to be transmitted to that user, or to
another user.
[0103] Method 130 is preferably carried out within the voting
system server 2. Method 130 may additionally, or alternatively, be
carried out within one or more devices of the Internet 4, the wired
phone service provider 10, the cellular network provider 14, or the
cable or satellite service provider 18.
[0104] FIG. 5 is an image 140 of part of a user cellular device 16.
The image 140 shows a display part 142 displaying an example of
user-specific ranking information 144 (an alert) as received by the
cellular device 16 from the voting system server 2 via the cellular
network provider 14.
[0105] The user-specific ranking information 144 informs the user
that the "Top opinion rank: 64/563", and that the "Votes Rec'd:
158", and that the information is from the Service provided by
"votivation.com".
[0106] FIG. 6 is an image 150 of the same part of the user cellular
device 16 shown in FIG. 5. Accordingly, the image 150 shows a
display part 142. The display part 142 displays an example of
user-specific ranking information 154 (an alert) as received by the
cellular device 16 from the voting system server 2 via the cellular
network provider 14.
[0107] The user-specific ranking information 154 is clearly
addressed to a specific user called "Joe"; the message is addressed
"Dear Joe". The user "Joe" is thereby informed as follows: "Your
Ranking: 44/1921", and "Votes Rec'd: 342". By means of the
user-specific ranking information 154, the user "Joe" is reminded
of the Service, and is informed that he is ranked 44th out of 1921,
and that he has received 342 votes.
[0108] The user "Joe" may be pleased with his ranking and be
encouraged to forward (or show) the SMS message 154 to other users,
so as to brag. Alternatively, he may not be pleased with his
ranking and be encouraged to promote his manifesto, opinions,
polls, and/or surveys to gain more votes or points.
[0109] FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a method 160 embodying the present
invention. The method 160 comprises two steps 162 and 164. In step
162, terminal-equipment identification data is obtained from
terminal equipment of a person seeking to carry out a system
transaction. The transaction may be part of any of the range of
services 100 discussed above with respect to FIG. 3. The method
then proceeds to step 164. In step 164, the person is identified as
a registered user of the system in dependence upon the
terminal-equipment identification data alone.
[0110] Method 160 is preferably carried out in the voting system
server 2. The terminal equipment may be any of a user computer 8, a
user telephone 12, a user cellular device 16, a user unit 20, or
any other equipment capable of communicating with the voting system
server 2. The terminal-equipment identification data may be any
data uniquely identifying the equipment concerned.
[0111] Method 160 may, for example, enable a user to vote (service
104) for manifestos, polls and surveys etc. from his mobile
telephone without needing to log-in 58 to the system via the
service homepage 50. This ease of voting may encourage an increased
level of use of the system.
[0112] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a method 170 embodying the
present invention. Method 170 comprises maintaining a prize fund
172 from which monetary prizes may be periodically awarded in a
prize draw 173. At least a part of the prize fund 172 is financed
with lottery syndicate ownership 174. Accordingly, any winnings of
a lottery syndicate are paid into the prize fund 172. A user of the
online voting system 1 may be entered 176 into the periodic prize
draw 173 based on a use of the system related to that user.
[0113] The user-related use of the voting system 1 necessary to
enable that user to be entered into the prize draw 173, may be use
of any of the range of services 100 of FIG. 3. That use may be use
by the user concerned, for example that user submitting opinions or
polls or surveys, or use by another user, for example voting for
his opinions, polls or surveys.
[0114] FIG. 9 is a flow-chart of a method 180 embodying the present
invention. The method 180 comprises three steps 182, 184, and 186.
In step 182, a share of revenues generated by users of the online
voting system 1 is apportioned to a first user in dependence upon
use made of the voting system relating to that first user. In step
184, a decision is made as to whether that first user was
introduced to the online voting system 1 by a second user. If the
first user was so introduced, the method 180 proceeds to step 186,
in which a portion of that share is apportioned to that second
user. The method 180 then terminates. If the first user was not
introduced to the online voting system 1 by a second user, the
method 180 also terminates.
[0115] The use made of the online voting system 1 relating to the
first user may be use of the system by the first user, or
alternatively use of the system by other users, for example voting
for that first user. The use may be use of any of the range of
services 100 discussed above with reference to FIG. 3.
[0116] It will be appreciated that the method of FIG. 9 may be
scaled upwards either vertically or horizontally. For example, one
user may have referred a plurality of users and may thus obtain a
portion of each of those user's shares. Alternatively, for example,
the second user may have been referred by a third user. In that
case, the third user may receive a portion of the second user's
share (and thereby also receive a portion of the first user's
share), or the third user may obtain a portion of the first user's
share and/or of the second user's share directly.
[0117] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a method 190 embodying the
present invention. As part of the method 190, a record 192 is
maintained, for each of a plurality of users 194 of the online
voting system 1, of one or more parties 196 to which at least part
of any user-generated revenues allocated to the user concerned
should be distributed. From time to time, each said user 194 having
such a record 192 may update 198 his/her record. For example, a
user 194 may update the number of parties 196 stored in his record
192, or change the names of those parties 196 stored in his record
192. Additionally, the user 194 may update 198 the amount or
proportion of his revenues that should be allocated to each
specified party 196.
[0118] When a user's allocated revenues are to be distributed,
those revenues are distributed to each party specified in his
record. This distribution may be done regularly, or at the request
of the user. Alternatively, this distribution may be made when a
user's revenues have reached a predetermined level.
[0119] The methods of FIGS. 4, 7, 8, 9 and 10 are implemented in
the voting system server 2 of the online voting system 1.
Accordingly, those methods are implemented by means of one or more
computer programs stored within, or accessible by, the voting
system server 2.
[0120] FIGS. 11 to 26 are examples of web pages provided from the
voting system server 2, or images therefrom, in which embodiments
of the present invention have been employed. These examples are
useful for gaining a better understanding of embodiments of the
present invention.
[0121] FIG. 11 is an example homepage of the online voting system
1. Such a homepage may, for example, be stored within the voting
system server 2, and viewed by a user of the system on a user's
personal computer 8.
[0122] The homepage is shown in a not-logged-in state. The homepage
comprises a log-in area 200, which indicates that no user is logged
in with the phrase "you are not logged in". Accordingly, a user may
log in by entering his user name 202, and his password 204, in the
boxes provided.
[0123] The homepage of FIG. 11 displays an opinion of the day 210,
and a number of further opinions 212. A number of buttons 214 are
provided to enable a user to vote for the opinions displayed. In
the present example, any user may vote for any opinion 212, 214
without logging in.
[0124] The homepage of FIG. 11 also displays a "top voters" list, a
"opinion formers" list 222, and a "top earners" list 224.
Accordingly, a not-logged-in user can view current ranking
information by visiting the homepage of the online voting system 1.
The homepage of FIG. 11 also includes a button 230 to enable new
users to register to use the Service.
[0125] FIG. 12 is an example of a web page 250 displayed to a user
in order to register that user to use the online voting system 1.
This web page 250 includes a number of fields which the user may
fill in. The user may enter a display name 252, his real name 254,
his e-mail address 256, his cell or mobile telephone number 258,
his date of birth 260, a password 262, his country of origin 264,
and optionally how he heard about the online voting system 266. The
information 266 may be used to identify a referrer responsible for
referring the new user to the Service.
[0126] The web page 250 also includes an information box 270
informing the new user that the registration will be confirmed with
an activation e-mail with a personalised activation link which must
be clicked, and with a free, welcoming, SMS text message containing
a keyword, to which the new user must reply. This process is akin
to the process 72 described with respect to FIG. 2.
[0127] At the bottom of the web page 250, are two buttons 272 and
274. The new user may either reset the form 272, thereby clearing
any details entered by the user, or may register 274 for use of the
service using the entered details.
[0128] FIG. 13 is an example of a web page 300 which may be
presented to a newly-registered user. Web page 300 enables such a
newly-registered user to set up his profile. In the present
example, the new user is called "spooky 121".
[0129] The web page 300 includes two fields 302 in which the user
may enter items that he loves, and items that he hates. The web
page 300 also includes an area in which the user may upload, after
completing the form, an image of himself 304. The web page 300 also
includes a field 306 in which the user may briefly summarise what
he would do if he "ruled the world". In this way, the user can let
other users know what his opinions are, what issues he considers
are important, and how he would like things to be improved.
[0130] The web page 300 also includes an area 308 in which he may
specify a percentage 310 of his account balance 310 to allocate to
a preferred charity. In field 312, the user may select a particular
chosen charity. The present example is directed to a British user,
and accordingly, web page 300 includes an area 314 in which the
user may opt to obtain Gift Aid UK Tax Relief.
[0131] FIG. 14 is an example of a web page 340 which may be
presented to a registered user to summarise his account details.
The present example is for the hypothetical registered user "spooky
121".
[0132] Web page 340 includes an area 342 indicating the user's
personal details, and includes a photo 344 of the user. In the
present case, web page 340 also indicates that hypothetical user
"spooky 121" was referred to the Service by another registered user
"spooky 120".
[0133] Web page 340 indicates that the user has chosen to allocate
none of his account balance 348 to a preferred charity, and
accordingly that no charity has been selected 350.
[0134] Towards the bottom of web page 340, there is a summary 352
of the rewards held by the user. The amount of points and cash held
by the user is indicated. By clicking the button 354, the user may
request a payment of cash from his account. Web page 340 also
includes a summary 356 of the number of votes credited to the user,
in the present case itemised as to those received for his profiles,
and those received for his opinions.
[0135] FIG. 15 is a further example of a homepage for the online
voting system 1, similar to the homepage of FIG. 11. In FIG. 15,
however, another hypothetical user "spook 121" is shown as being
logged in. Accordingly, the former log-in area 200 states that "you
are logged in as: spook 121". The logged-in user spook 121 may view
information 400 concerning the votes, cash, and points credited to
him, and may also view 402 his profile, his account, and his
prizes.
[0136] FIG. 16 is an example of a web page 420, for enabling a user
to edit his profile. Accordingly, the user may update his personal
details 422, update the information indicating his loves and hates
424, update information concerning what he would do if he "ruled
the world" 426, and upload a new photo or picture 428 to be
displayed in his profile.
[0137] FIG. 17 is an example of a web page 430 demonstrating how a
user's profile may be presented to other users of the system. Web
page 430 displays the profile of the hypothetical user "spooky
121".
[0138] Web page 430 includes two buttons 432 to enable other users
to vote for, or against, the user's profile. Web page 430 also
includes an area summarising the votes 434 and the rewards 436
credited to the user concerned. A number of links are provided at
the bottom of web page 430, to enable other users to visit: the
opinions submitted by the user concerned 438; the opinions that the
user concerned has voted for 440; the other users or other people
considered "OK" by the user concerned 442; and voice messages 444
submitted by the user concerned.
[0139] FIG. 18 is an example of a web page 450 which may be
presented to a user to enable him to promote his profile. Web page
450 includes an area 452 in which the user may enter up to ten
e-mail addresses to which a promotional message is to be sent.
Additionally, a field 454 is provided in which the user may enter a
message to be sent to the entered e-mail addresses. Web page 450
also reminds the user 456 that he will be credited with a share of
any revenues generated by new users referred to the Service by that
user.
[0140] FIG. 19 is an example of a web page 460 which may be
presented to a user of the online voting system 1 to enable that
user to create an opinion. Accordingly, the web page 460 includes a
number of fields to enable the user to enter information specifying
"what he thinks and why" 462, a title for his opinion 464, a
category 466 and a sub-category 468 for his opinion, and an
associated region 470 and country 472. Further fields 474 also
enable the user to enter a number of links to articles relating to
his opinion.
[0141] FIG. 20 is an example of a web page 480 which may be
presented to a user of the online voting system 1 to summarise his
entered opinion. Accordingly, web page 480 identifies his entered
opinion and its title 482, the category and sub-category relating
to the opinion 484, the related world region and country 486, and
the related linked articles 488. A button 490 is provided for the
user to confirm his opinion.
[0142] FIG. 21 is an example of a web page 495 which may be
presented to a user of the online voting system 1 to confirm that
his opinion has been created. Accordingly, web page 495 includes a
congratulatory message 496, confirming that the opinion has been
created, and encouraging the user to promote his opinion. A button
498 at the bottom of web page 495 may be clicked by the user to
enable him to promote his opinion.
[0143] FIG. 22 is an example of a web page 500 which may be
presented to a user of the online voting system 1 to enable him to
promote one or more of his submitted opinions. Accordingly, web
page 500 includes a field 502 in which the user may select one or
more of his submitted opinions for promotion. Web page 500 also
includes a set of fields 504, in which the user may specify a
number of e-mail addresses to which promotional material may be
sent. Field 506 enables the user to enter a personalised message
which will be sent to the entered e-mail addresses. The user may
then click the button 508 to commence the promotion of his
opinion(s).
[0144] FIG. 23 is an example of a web page 510 which may be
presented to a user of the online voting system 1 to display an
opinion submitted by another user. Accordingly, web page 510
indicates which user 512 the opinion belongs to. In the present
case, the opinion is an opinion of the hypothetical user "spooky
121". Web page 510 also displays the title 514 of the opinion, the
opinion itself 516, a photo of the user who submitted the opinion
518, and information and/or links 520 detailing the category,
related region and related articles.
[0145] Towards the bottom of the web page 510, there are a series
of buttons 522 to enable a user to vote for the opinion. The user
may agree 524, or disagree 526 with the opinion. Additionally, the
user may submit a "don't know" 528, or a "don't care" 530 vote.
[0146] FIG. 24 is an example of a web page 540 which may be
displayed to a user of the online voting system 1 to indicate the
results of voting for an opinion. Accordingly, web page 540
includes the same information (512, 514, 516, 518, and 520) as
provided in web page 510. Additionally, however, web page 540
includes a summary 542 of the votes cast for the opinion concerned.
In the present case, web page 540 indicates that 56% of voters have
agreed with the opinion, 19% have disagreed with the opinion, 11%
have cast a "don't know" vote, and 14% have cast a "don't care"
vote.
[0147] FIG. 25 is an example of a web page 550 that may be
presented to a user of the online voting system 1 to indicate that
they have successfully created a personal VBooth. A link for the
created VBooth 552 is displayed in the centre of web page 550.
[0148] FIG. 26 is an example of a web page 560 which may be
presented to a user of the online voting system 1 after having
clicked the VBooth link 552 of FIG. 25. Accordingly, web page 560
indicates that the user has entered the VBooth of a hypothetical
user "slippy". Web page 560 includes facilities to enable the user
to vote for opinions, polls, surveys, manifestos, profiles, or the
like.
[0149] Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in
hardware, or as software modules running on one or more processors,
or on a combination thereof. That is, those skilled in the art will
appreciate that a microprocessor or digital signal processor (DSP)
may be used in practice to implement some or all of the
functionality of a server (or other communication equipment)
embodying the present invention. The invention may also be embodied
as one or more device or apparatus programs (e.g. computer programs
and computer program products) for carrying out part or all of any
of the methods described herein. Such programs embodying the
present invention may be stored on computer-readable media, or
could, for example, be in the form of one or more signals. Such
signals may be data signals downloadable from an Internet website,
or provided on a carrier signal, or in any other form.
[0150] The present invention is applicable to different types of
distributed communication network and does not necessarily need to
be implemented over the Internet 4. For example, the present
invention may be implemented within a private network such as an
intranet.
* * * * *
References