U.S. patent application number 16/272042 was filed with the patent office on 2019-06-13 for products and processes for a point exchange.
The applicant listed for this patent is CFPH, LLC. Invention is credited to Howard W. Lutnick.
Application Number | 20190180560 16/272042 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40472245 |
Filed Date | 2019-06-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190180560 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lutnick; Howard W. |
June 13, 2019 |
PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES FOR A POINT EXCHANGE
Abstract
Methods of tracking points among participants in various wagers.
An indication of a wager may be received, including point
distributions, participants, an event, etc. An indication of an
outcome of the wager may be received. Points may be allocated among
participants in accordance with a desired point distribution based
on the outcome of the wager. An indication of a point adjustment
may be received, and points may be adjusted accordingly. The point
adjustment may be associated with an external exchange between
participants in a wager. Other embodiments are disclosed.
Inventors: |
Lutnick; Howard W.; (New
York, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CFPH, LLC |
New York |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
40472245 |
Appl. No.: |
16/272042 |
Filed: |
February 11, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15864124 |
Jan 8, 2018 |
10217320 |
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16272042 |
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14949211 |
Nov 23, 2015 |
9865128 |
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15864124 |
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13608822 |
Sep 10, 2012 |
9192854 |
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14949211 |
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11859821 |
Sep 24, 2007 |
8262465 |
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13608822 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3295 20130101;
A63F 13/00 20130101; G07F 17/3232 20130101; G07F 17/3244 20130101;
G07F 17/3272 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20060101
G07F017/32; A63F 13/00 20060101 A63F013/00 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. A method executed by a computer processor, the method
comprising: establishing network communication with a remote
device; establishing communication with a memory; receiving an
indication from the remote device, the indication comprising data
indicative of a wager on an event, an amount of points wagered, and
a plurality of participants in the wager; in response to receiving
the indication, generating a table in the memory with a points
column; associating the table with the plurality of participants;
receiving a first message that indicates a positive point
adjustment for a given participant, the first message being
initiated by a subset of the plurality of participants; receiving a
second message that indicates a negative point adjustment for the
given participant, the second message originating from a single
participant; and updating the points column of the table in the
memory based on the positive point adjustment and the negative
point adjustment.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising generating, in the
memory, a history of point adjustments among the plurality of
participants in the memory.
4. The method of claim 2, in which the indication further comprises
a distribution plan that specifies how points should be distributed
among at least one winner of the wager.
5. The method of claim 2, further comprising receiving at least one
acceptance of the wager from at least one other remote device.
6. The method of claim 2, further comprising: receiving data
indicative of an outcome of the event; and transmitting at least
one representation of a current point distribution.
7. The method of claim 2, in which the positive point adjustment
and the negative point adjustment include an indication that an
event occurred.
8. The method of claim 2, in which the positive point adjustment
and the negative point adjustment include an indication of an
exchange between at least two participants.
9. The method of claim 8, in which the exchange includes at least
one of an exchange of goods, an exchange of services, and an
exchange of money.
10. The method of claim 2, further comprising transmitting a
request to verify the positive point adjustment and the negative
point adjustment.
11. An apparatus comprising: a memory; a network interface; at
least one processor to: establish network communication with a
remote device; establish communication with a memory; receive an
indication from the remote device, the indication comprising data
indicative of a wager on an event, an amount of points wagered, and
a plurality of participants in the wager; in response to receiving
the indication, generate a table in the memory with a points
column; associate the table with the plurality of participants;
receive a first message that indicates a positive point adjustment
for a given participant, the first message being initiated by a
subset of the plurality of participants; receive a second message
that indicates a negative point adjustment for the given
participant, the second message originating from a single
participant; and update the points column of the table in the
memory based on the positive point adjustment and the negative
point adjustment.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one processor
is further configured to generate a history of point adjustments
among the plurality of participants in the memory.
13. The apparatus of claim 11, in which the indication further
comprises a distribution plan that indicates how points should be
distributed among at least one winner of the wager.
14. The apparatus of claim 11, in which the at least one processor
is further configured to receive at least one acceptance of the
wager via the network interface from at least one other remote
device.
15. The apparatus of claim 11, in which the at least one processor
is further configured to receive information regarding at least one
participant in at least one wager.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, in which the information includes at
least one of identification information, and information
identifying a group of associated participants.
17. The apparatus of claim 11, in which the at least one processor
is further configured to: receive data indicative of an outcome of
the event; and transmit at least one representation of a current
point distribution.
18. The apparatus of claim 11, in which the positive point
adjustment and the negative point adjustment include an indication
that an event occurred.
19. The apparatus of claim 11, in which the positive point
adjustment or the negative point adjustment include an indication
of an exchange between at least two participants.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, in which the exchange includes at
least one of an exchange of goods, an exchange of services, and an
exchange of money.
21. The apparatus of claim 20, in which the at least one processor
is further configured to transmit a request to verify the positive
point adjustment and the negative point adjustment.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/864,124 filed on Jan. 8, 2018 which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/949,211 filed
on Nov. 23, 2015 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,865,128 issued on Jan. 9,
2018) which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/608,822 filed Sep. 10, 2012 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,192,854 issued
on Nov. 24, 2015) which is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/859,821, filed Sep. 24, 2007 (now U.S. Pat.
No. 8,262,465 issued on Sep. 11, 2012), which are incorporated by
reference herein in their entireties.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0002] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to
scale. In the drawings, each identical or similar component that is
illustrated in various figures is represented by a like numeral.
For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled or act
identified in every drawing. In the drawings:
[0003] FIG. 1 shows a computer system architecture that may be used
to perform one or more acts in accordance with some
embodiments;
[0004] FIG. 2 shows example sets of database tables that may be
maintained in some embodiments; and
[0005] FIG. 3 shows an example process that may be performed by
some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Terms
[0006] The term "product" means any machine, manufacture and/or
composition of matter, unless expressly specified otherwise. The
term "process" means any process, algorithm, method or the like,
unless expressly specified otherwise. Each process (whether called
a method, algorithm or otherwise) inherently includes one or more
steps, and therefore all references to a "step" or "steps" of a
process have an inherent antecedent basis in the mere recitation of
the term `process` or a like term. Accordingly, any reference in a
claim to a `step` or `steps` of a process has sufficient antecedent
basis.
[0007] The term "invention" and the like mean "the one or more
inventions disclosed in this application", unless expressly
specified otherwise. The term "variation" of an invention means an
embodiment of the invention, unless expressly specified
otherwise.
[0008] A reference to "another embodiment" in describing an
embodiment does not imply that the referenced embodiment is
mutually exclusive with another embodiment (e.g., an embodiment
described before the referenced embodiment), unless expressly
specified otherwise.
[0009] The terms "including", "comprising", "having", "containing",
"involving", and variations thereof mean "including but not limited
to", unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms "a", "an" and
"the" mean "one or more", unless expressly specified otherwise. The
term "plurality" means "two or more", unless expressly specified
otherwise. The term "herein" means "in the present application,
including anything which may be incorporated by reference", unless
expressly specified otherwise.
[0010] The phrase "at least one of", when such phrase modifies a
plurality of things (such as an enumerated list of things) means
any combination of one or more of those things, unless expressly
specified otherwise. For example, the phrase "at least one of a
widget, a car and a wheel" means either (i) a widget, (ii) a car,
(iii) a wheel, (iv) a widget and a car, (v) a widget and a wheel,
(vi) a car and a wheel, or (vii) a widget, a car and a wheel.
[0011] The phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on", unless
expressly specified otherwise. In other words, the phrase "based
on" describes both "based only on" and "based at least on".
Similarly, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based on the
entirety of", "based on all of", or variations thereon, unless
expressly specified otherwise.
[0012] The term "e.g." and like terms mean "for example", and thus
does not limit the term or phrase it explains. For example, in the
sentence "the computer sends data (e.g., instructions, a data
structure) over the Internet", the term "e.g." explains that
"instructions" are an example of "data" that the computer may send
over the Internet, and also explains that "a data structure" is an
example of "data" that the computer may send over the Internet.
However, both "instructions" and "a data structure" are merely
examples of "data", and other things besides "instructions" and "a
data structure" can be "data".
[0013] The term "determining" and grammatical variants thereof
(e.g., to determine a price, determining a value, determine an
object which meets a certain criterion) is used in an extremely
broad sense. The term "determining" encompasses a wide variety of
actions and therefore "determining" can include calculating,
computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (e.g.,
looking up in a table, a database or another data structure),
ascertaining and the like. Also, "determining" can include
receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing
data in a memory) and the like. Also, "determining" can include
resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like.
[0014] The term "determining" does not imply certainty or absolute
precision, and therefore "determining" can include estimating,
predicting, guessing and the like. The term "determining" does not
imply that mathematical processing must be performed, and does not
imply that numerical methods must be used, and does not imply that
an algorithm or process is used. The term "determining" does not
imply that any particular device must be used. For example, a
computer need not necessarily perform the determining.
[0015] The terms "an embodiment", "embodiment", "embodiments", "the
embodiment", "the embodiments", "one or more embodiments", "some
embodiments", "certain embodiments", "one embodiment", "another
embodiment" and the like mean "one or more (but not all)
embodiments of the present invention", unless expressly specified
otherwise.
[0016] The term "electronic message" and variations thereof used
herein should be understood to mean any electronic representation
of information. For example an HTTP message, an XMLHTTP request, an
SMS message, an MMS message, a database message (e.g., SQL message)
or any other series of electrical signals that represent
information may be considered an electronic message. An electronic
message may not include information identifying a source and/or
destination such as the information typically present in a TCP/IP
packet header. Rather, the electronic message may be considered to
only include the body/content of such a packet.
[0017] The terms "representation" and "indication" of a thing and
variations thereof used herein in reference to a thing should be
understood to refer to any indication of at least a portion and/or
characteristic of the thing. An indication of information, for
example, may include any indication of at least a portion of the
information. In some embodiments, the information may be determined
by a person or computing device from the indication of the
information. In some example implementations, an indication may
include a copy of the information in any of a variety of formats,
compressions, and/or encryptions. In another example
implementation, an indication may include an index or other
identifier, such as a position in a list, an ID number, or a
database key. An indication of a thing may be in the same or
different medium as an original thing. For example, a number "1"
may indicate a sound, a color, a menu item, or any other thing
depending, e.g., on the configuration of a computing system
configured to interpret the number. In some implementations, an
indication may be divided into a plurality of portions, such as a
plurality of electronic messages being transmitted from one
location to another. In some implementations, multiple indications
may be combined into a single message.
[0018] When a limitation is claimed that includes performing any
act on any information and/or any thing, such a limitation should
be understood to include not only any action that performs the act
on the information and/or thing, but also any action that performs
the act on a portion of the information and/or thing and performs
some other action or no action at all on another portion of the
information and/or thing, unless explicitly specified otherwise.
For example, a claim that includes limitations of freezing a
dripping alimentary composition into beads, should be understood to
include both a process in which all of a dripping alimentary
compound is frozen into beads, and a process in which parts of a
dripping alimentary compound are frozen into beads and parts of the
dripping alimentary compound are not frozen into beads (e.g., they
may be frozen into other non-bead shapes).
Forms of Sentences
[0019] Where a limitation of a first claim would cover one of a
feature as well as more than one of a feature (e.g., a limitation
such as "at least one widget" covers one widget as well as more
than one widget), and where in a second claim that depends on the
first claim, the second claim uses a definite article "the" to
refer to the limitation (e.g., "the widget"), this does not imply
that the first claim covers only one of the feature, and this does
not imply that the second claim covers only one of the feature
(e.g., "the widget" can cover both one widget and more than one
widget).
[0020] When an ordinal number (such as "first", "second", "third"
and so on) is used as an adjective before a term, that ordinal
number is used (unless expressly specified otherwise) merely to
indicate a particular feature, such as to distinguish that
particular feature from another feature that is described by the
same term or by a similar term. For example, a "first widget" may
be so named merely to distinguish it from, e.g., a "second widget".
Thus, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers "first" and "second"
before the term "widget" does not indicate any other relationship
between the two widgets, and likewise does not indicate any other
characteristics of either or both widgets. For example, the mere
usage of the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before the term
"widget" (1) does not indicate that either widget comes before or
after any other in order or location; (2) does not indicate that
either widget occurs or acts before or after any other in time; and
(3) does not indicate that either widget ranks above or below any
other, as in importance or quality. In addition, the mere usage of
ordinal numbers does not define a numerical limit to the features
identified with the ordinal numbers (e.g., "a plurality of first
widgets" indicates two or more widgets that are distinct from other
widgets). For example, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers
"first" and "second" before the term "widget" does not indicate
that there must be no more than two widgets.
[0021] When a single device or article is described herein, more
than one device/article (whether or not they cooperate) may
alternatively be used in place of the single device/article that is
described. Accordingly, the functionality that is described as
being possessed by a device may alternatively be possessed by more
than one device/article (whether or not they cooperate).
[0022] Similarly, where more than one device or article is
described herein (whether or not they cooperate), a single
device/article may alternatively be used in place of the more than
one device or article that is described. For example, a plurality
of computer-based devices may be substituted with a single
computer-based device. Accordingly, the various functionality that
is described as being possessed by more than one device or article
may alternatively be possessed by a single device/article.
[0023] The functionality and/or the features of a single device
that is described may be alternatively embodied by one or more
other devices which are described but are not explicitly described
as having such functionality/features. Thus, other embodiments need
not include the described device itself, but rather can include the
one or more other devices which would, in those other embodiments,
have such functionality/features.
Disclosed Examples and Terminology are not Limiting
[0024] Neither the Title (set forth at the beginning of the first
page of the present application) nor the Abstract (set forth at the
end of the present application) is to be taken as limiting in any
way to the scope of the present invention. An Abstract has been
included in this application merely because an Abstract of not more
than 150 words is required under 37 C.F.R. .sctn. 1.72(b).
[0025] The title of the present application and headings of
sections provided in the present application are for convenience
only, and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any
way.
[0026] Numerous embodiments are presented for illustrative purposes
only. The described embodiments are not, and are not intended to
be, limiting in any sense. One of ordinary skill in the art will
recognize that the present invention may be practiced with various
modifications and alterations, such as structural, logical,
software, and electrical modifications. Although particular
features of the present invention may be described with reference
to one or more particular embodiments and/or drawings, it should be
understood that such features are not limited to usage in the one
or more particular embodiments or drawings with reference to which
they are described, unless expressly specified otherwise.
[0027] Devices that are described as in communication with each
other need not be in continuous communication with each other,
unless expressly specified otherwise. On the contrary, such devices
need only transmit to each other as necessary or desirable, and may
actually refrain from exchanging data most of the time. For
example, a machine in communication with another machine via the
Internet may not transmit data to the other machine for long
periods of time (e.g., weeks at a time). In addition, devices that
are in communication with each other may communicate directly or
indirectly through one or more intermediaries.
[0028] A description of an embodiment with several components or
features does not imply that all or even any of such
components/features are required. On the contrary, a variety of
optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of
possible embodiments of the present invention. Unless otherwise
specified explicitly, no component/feature is essential or
required.
[0029] Although process acts, algorithms or the like may be
described in a particular sequential order, such processes may be
configured to work in different orders. In other words, any
sequence or order of acts that may be explicitly described does not
necessarily indicate a requirement that the acts be performed in
that order. The acts of processes described herein may be performed
in any order. Further, some acts may be performed simultaneously
despite being described or implied as occurring non-simultaneously
(e.g., because one act is described after the other act). Further
more, acts which are described as separate may be performed as a
single act in some embodiments. Moreover, the illustration of a
process by its depiction in a drawing does not imply that the
illustrated process is exclusive of other variations and
modifications thereto, does not imply that the illustrated process
or any of its acts are necessary to the present invention, and does
not imply that the illustrated process is preferred.
[0030] Although a process may be described as including a plurality
of acts, that does not imply that all or any of the acts are
preferred, essential or required. Various other embodiments within
the scope of the present invention may include other processes that
omit some or all of the described acts. Unless otherwise specified
explicitly, no act is essential or required.
[0031] Although a process or product may be described singly or
without reference to other processes or products, in some
embodiments the process or product may interact with other
processes or products. For example, such interaction may include
linking one business model to another business model. Such
interaction may be provided to enhance the flexibility or
desirability of the process.
[0032] An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be
numbered) does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually
exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. Likewise, an
enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does
not imply that any or all of the items are comprehensive of any
category, unless expressly specified otherwise. For example, the
enumerated list "a computer, a laptop, a PDA" does not imply that
any or all of the three items of that list are mutually exclusive
and does not imply that any or all of the three items of that list
are comprehensive of any category. Also, an enumerated list of
items (which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that any or
all of the items are equivalent to each other or readily
substituted for each other.
[0033] The preambles of the claims that follow recite purposes,
benefits and possible uses of the claimed invention only and do not
limit the claimed invention. The present disclosure is not a
literal description of all embodiments of the invention(s). Also,
the present disclosure is not a listing of features of the
invention(s) which must be present in all embodiments.
Computing
[0034] It should be appreciated that the various processes
described herein may be implemented by, e.g., appropriately
programmed computer systems, e.g., general purpose computers 101
and/or computing devices 103, such as those illustrated in FIG. 1.
A computing device 103 may include a specialized or general purpose
computing device such as a cellular phone, a personal digital
assistant, and/or any other portable or non-portable computing
system that is not a general purpose computer. Some embodiments may
include performing one or more acts involving a proprietary
handheld score keeper device. Such a device may include a display
screen through which a user interface may be provided and one or
more input devices such as a keyboard and/or wireless or wired
network interface through which information may be transmitted
and/or received.
[0035] A "processor" 105 means one or more microprocessors, central
processing units (CPUs), computing devices, microcontrollers,
digital signal processors, application specific integrated
circuits, or like devices or any combination thereof. A processor
may include an Intel.RTM. Pentium.RTM., Centrino.RTM., and/or
Core.RTM. processor. Typically, a processor 105 will receive
instructions (e.g., from a memory or like device), and execute
those instructions, thereby performing one or more processes
defined by those instructions.
[0036] Thus a description of a process is likewise a description of
an apparatus for performing the process. The apparatus that
performs the process may include, e.g., a processor 105 and those
input devices and/or output devices (e.g., a keyboard 107, mouse,
trackball, microphone, touch screen, printing device, display
screen 109, speaker, network interface 111) that are appropriate to
perform the process.
[0037] Further, programs (i.e., collections of instructions) that
implement such methods (as well as other types of data) may be
stored and transmitted using a variety of media (e.g.,
machine-readable media) in a number of manners. In some
embodiments, hard-wired circuitry or custom hardware may be used in
place of, or in combination with, some or all of the software
instructions that can implement the processes of various
embodiments. Thus, various combinations of hardware and software
may be used instead of software only.
[0038] In some embodiments, processor 105 may execute an operating
system which may include, for example, the Windows-based operating
systems (e.g., Windows NT, Windows 2000 (Windows ME), Windows XP,
Windows Vista) available from the Microsoft Corporation, MAC OS
System X operating system available from Apple, one or more of the
Linux-based operating system distributions (e.g., the Enterprise
Linux operating system available from Red Hat, Inc.), the Solaris
operating system available from Sun Microsystems, or UNIX operating
systems available from various sources. Many other operating
systems may be used, and the invention is not limited to any
particular operating system.
[0039] The processor and operating system together may define a
computer platform for which programs stored on a machine-readable
medium may be written in various programming languages, including
an object-oriented programming language, such as SmallTalk, Java,
C++, Ada, Python, or C# (C-Sharp), functional programming
languages, scripting programming languages such as JavaScript,
and/or logical programming languages. Various aspects may be
implemented in a non-programmed environment (e.g., documents
created in HTML, XML or other format that, when viewed in a window
of a browser program, render aspects of a GUI or perform other
functions). Some implementations may be implemented using a
plurality of programming languages and techniques known
collectively as AJAX to provide a user with an interactive
web-based user interface.
[0040] Various embodiments may include a network environment
including one or more computing systems (e.g., general purpose
computers 101, other computing devices 103) in communication
through one or more communication networks (e.g., a LAN 119, the
Internet 121). The computer systems may communicate directly or
indirectly, via any wired or wireless medium (e.g., the Internet
121, LAN 119, WAN or Ethernet, Token Ring, a telephone line, a
cable line, a radio channel, an optical communications line,
commercial on-line service providers, bulletin board systems, a
satellite communications link, cellular telephone networks, a WI-FI
network, a Bluetooth communication link, a combination of any of
the above).
[0041] Various aspects (e.g., program elements stored on
machine-readable media and executable by one or more processors)
may be distributed among one or more computer systems configured to
provide a service to one or more client computer systems. For
example, in some embodiments, a plurality of computing systems may
be organized as a central authority connected to a LAN or other
communication network. These computing systems may receive requests
and other information from remote computing systems through the
Internet 121.
[0042] In some embodiments, one or more computer systems may act as
one or more database servers. The database server may respond to
database requests such as structured query language (SQL) queries
by providing access to a database (e.g., searching of the database,
writing to the database). The database server may maintain one or
more database tables having information stored therein to
facilitate the operation of some embodiments.
[0043] FIG. 2 illustrates example sets of database tables that may
be used in some embodiments to track and/or adjust points, as
described in more detail below. As illustrated, some embodiments
may include a points table 201. The points table may store
information regarding a distribution of points among a plurality of
individuals. For example, as indicated in table 201 PERSON1 has
been allocated 50 points, PERSON2 has been allocated 55 points, and
PERSON3 has been allocated 0 points. People may be added and/or
removed by adding and/or removing table rows, respectively. Points
allocated to one or more people may be adjusted by changing (e.g.,
adding or subtracting) a value to one or more point values in an
appropriate entry of the points column. A table such as table 201
may be useful, for example, to track points among a group of
individuals that share a common point pool (e.g., people in a
common participant group). For example, PERSON1, PERSON2, and
PERSON3 may agree that points may be assigned and adjusted among
all three of them together. PERSON1, PERSON2, and PERSON3 may for
example be friends, co-workers, acquaintances or otherwise
associated. PERSON1, PERSON2, and PERSON3 may be participants in a
single wager or a common group of wagers. PERSON1, PERSON2, and
PERSON3 may agree to be in a grouping before being placed in such a
grouping. Some embodiments may include a table such as table 201
for each such grouping of people.
[0044] Some embodiments may include one or more database tables
such as point table 203 and group table 205. Point table 203,
similar to point table 201 may maintain point allocations among a
plurality of people. However, point table 203 may track points
among a plurality of groups by tuples that indicate one or more
people or groups in the points column. For example, PERSON1 has
been allocated 25 points from PERSON2 and 25 points from the group
of people defined by the identifier GROUP1. Group table 205 may
define one or more groups of people. A group identifier may be
indicated in the groups column and a list of people in the group
identified may be indicated in the people column. For example,
GROUP1 includes PERSON1, PERSON2, and PERSON3 in the illustrated
group table 205. Points associated with a particular group or a
particular tuple of people may be considered a set of points.
[0045] It should be recognized that the sets of database tables of
FIG. 2 are given as examples only, and that other embodiments may
include any desired set of database tables or no database tables at
all. For example, in some implementations, one or more database
table may store personal information such as identification
information, login information, and/or any other desired
information.
[0046] Aside from database servers, in some embodiments, one or
more computer systems may act as a web server. A web server may be
configured to respond to network requests (e.g., HTTP messages,
XMLHTTP requests) from web browsers executed by remote computer
systems. For example, a web browser 123 executed by a computing
system may direct an HTTP message through the Internet 121 to an
edge routing device 125 connected to the LAN 119. The edge routing
device 125 may be configured to direct the HTTP message to the web
server through the LAN 119. The web server may provide a response
(e.g., an HTML document) to the web browser 123 through the edge
routing device 125 and Internet 121. The web server may be
configured to communicate with other computer systems (e.g., a
database server) to generate responses to such a received
request.
[0047] In some embodiments, a server computer/centralized authority
may not be necessary or desirable. For example, an embodiment may
be practiced on one or more computing devices without a central
authority. In such an embodiment, any functions described herein as
performed by a server or data described as stored on a general
purpose computer may instead be performed by or stored on one or
more such computing devices.
[0048] The term "machine-readable medium" refers to any medium that
participates in providing data (e.g., instructions, data
structures) which may be read by a computer, a processor or a like
device. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not
limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission
media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic
disks 113 and other persistent memory. Volatile media include
dynamic random access memory 115 (DRAM), which typically
constitutes the main memory of a computer system. Transmission
media include coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics,
including the wires that comprise a system bus 117 coupled to the
processor. Transmission media may include or convey acoustic waves,
light waves and electromagnetic emissions, such as those generated
during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications.
Common forms of machine-readable media include, for example, a
floppy disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, any
other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, a DVD, any other optical medium,
punch cards, a paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns
of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory
chip or cartridge, a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a
computer system can read.
[0049] Various forms of machine-readable media may be involved in
carrying data (e.g., sequences of instructions) to a processor. For
example, data may be (i) delivered from RAM to a processor; (ii)
carried over a wireless transmission medium; (iii) formatted and/or
transmitted according to numerous formats, standards or protocols,
such as Ethernet (or IEEE 802.3), SAP, ATP, Bluetooth.TM., and
TCP/IP, TDMA, CDMA, and 3G; and/or (iv) encrypted to ensure privacy
or prevent fraud in any of a variety of ways well known in the
art.
[0050] Thus a description of a process is likewise a description of
a machine-readable medium storing a program for performing the
process. The machine-readable medium can store (in any appropriate
format) those program elements that are appropriate to perform the
process.
[0051] Where a process is described, in some embodiments the
process may operate without any user intervention. In other
embodiments, the process includes some human intervention (e.g., an
act is performed by or with the assistance of a human).
[0052] Just as the description of various acts in a process does
not indicate that all the described acts are required, embodiments
of an apparatus may include one or more computer systems operable
to perform some (but not necessarily all) of the described
process.
[0053] Likewise, just as the description of various acts in a
process does not indicate that all the described acts are required,
embodiments of a machine-readable medium storing a program or data
structure include a machine-readable medium storing a program that,
when executed, can cause one or more processors to perform some
(but not necessarily all) of the described process.
[0054] Where databases are described, it will be understood by one
of ordinary skill in the art that (i) alternative database
structures to those described may be readily employed, and (ii)
other memory structures besides databases may be readily employed.
Any descriptions of any sample databases presented herein are
illustrative arrangements for stored representations of
information. Any number of other arrangements may be employed
besides those suggested herein. Further, any database format
(including relational databases, object-based models and/or
distributed databases) may be used to store and manipulate the data
types described herein. Likewise, object methods or behaviors of a
database may be used to implement processes described herein. In
addition, the databases may, in a known or other manner, be stored
locally or remotely from a device which accesses data in such a
database.
Continuing Applications
[0055] The present disclosure provides, to one of ordinary skill in
the art, an enabling description of several embodiments and/or
inventions. Some of these embodiments and/or inventions may not be
claimed in the present application, but may nevertheless be claimed
in one or more continuing applications that claim the benefit of
priority of the present application. Applicants intend to file
additional applications to pursue patents for subject matter that
has been disclosed and enabled but not claimed in the present
application.
35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112, Paragraph 6
[0056] In a claim, a limitation of the claim which includes the
phrase "means for" or the phrase "step for" means that 35 U.S.C.
.sctn. 112, paragraph 6, applies to that limitation. In a claim, a
limitation of the claim which does not include the phrase "means
for" or the phrase "step for" means that 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112,
paragraph 6 does not apply to that limitation, regardless of
whether that limitation recites a function without recitation of
structure, material or acts for performing that function. For
example, in a claim, the mere use of the phrase "step of" or the
phrase "steps of" in referring to one or more steps of the claim or
of another claim does not mean that 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112, paragraph
6, applies to that step(s).
[0057] With respect to a means or a step for performing a specified
function in accordance with 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112, paragraph 6, the
corresponding structure, material or acts described in the
specification, and equivalents thereof, may perform additional
functions as well as the specified function.
[0058] Computers, processors, computing devices and like products
are structures that can perform a wide variety of functions. Such
products can be operable to perform a specified function by
executing one or more programs, such as a program stored in a
memory device of that product or in a memory device which that
product accesses. Unless expressly specified otherwise, such a
program need not be based on any particular algorithm, such as any
particular algorithm that might be disclosed in the present
application. It is well known to one of ordinary skill in the art
that a specified function may be implemented via different
algorithms, and any of a number of different algorithms would be a
mere design choice for carrying out the specified function.
[0059] Therefore, with respect to a means or a step for performing
a specified function in accordance with 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112,
paragraph 6, structure corresponding to a specified function
includes any product programmed to perform the specified function.
Such structure includes programmed products which perform the
function, regardless of whether such product is programmed with (i)
a disclosed algorithm for performing the function, (ii) an
algorithm that is similar to a disclosed algorithm, or (iii) a
different algorithm for performing the function. Where there is
recited a means for performing a function hat is a method, one
structure for performing this method includes a computing device
(e.g., a general purpose computer) that is programmed and/or
configured with appropriate hardware to perform that function.
[0060] Also includes a computing device (e.g., a general purpose
computer) that is programmed and/or configured with appropriate
hardware to perform that function via other algorithms as would be
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
Disclaimer
[0061] Numerous references to a particular embodiment does not
indicate a disclaimer or disavowal of additional, different
embodiments, and similarly references to the description of
embodiments which all include a particular feature does not
indicate a disclaimer or disavowal of embodiments which do not
include that particular feature. A clear disclaimer or disavowal in
the present application shall be prefaced by the phrase "does not
include" or by the phrase "cannot perform".
Incorporation By Reference
[0062] Any patent, patent application or other document referred to
herein is incorporated by reference into this patent application as
part of the present disclosure, but only for purposes of written
description in accordance with 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112, paragraph 1
and enablement in accordance with 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112, paragraph
1, and should in no way be used to limit, define, or otherwise
construe any term of the present application where the present
application, without such incorporation by reference, would not
have failed to provide an ascertainable meaning, but rather would
have allowed an ascertainable meaning for such term to be provided.
Thus, the person of ordinary skill in the art need not have been in
any way limited by any embodiments provided in the reference
Exemplary Embodiments
[0063] Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to tracking
points allocated among one or more people. In some embodiments, for
example, a group of people may enter into a wager. One or more
winners of the wager may be allocated a number of points associated
with the wager. Points may be adjusted later because of future
wagers as well as non-wager events. Such embodiments may provide
convenient and efficient ways of tracking both wager related and
non-wager related information.
[0064] FIG. 3 illustrates an example process 300 that may be
performed by some embodiments. Process 300 may be used to adjust at
least one first amount of points associated with a plurality of
participants in a wager based on the outcome of the wager, and to
adjust at least one second amount of points associated with the
plurality of participants based, at least in part, on some external
exchange or other event between at least two of the plurality of
participants. In some implementations, one or more computer systems
may perform one or more acts of process 300. Process 300 may begin
at block 301.
[0065] Although not indicated in FIG. 3, some embodiments may
include receiving information about one or more individuals and/or
groups. Such information may include names, grouping information
and/or other desired information. Such information may be used, for
example, to create one or more database entries that allow a user
and/or a group of users to be tracked. In some implementations, a
user interface, such as a web page or mobile device interface may
be provided through which a user may enter such information. In
some embodiments, one or more users may identify themselves and or
their inclusion as part of a group through such an interface, for
example. In some implementations, one or more other users, e.g.,
other members of a group, may be asked to approve a new user before
he or she is added to a particular group.
[0066] In some implementations, users may be identified to each
other when participating in a wager together. For example, when
playing an online card game, each user may be identified by a name
through a user interface, so that users may know against whom they
are playing even if they are not in the same location. In some
implementations, users may not be identified to each other. Rather,
users may be able to enter wagers (e.g., play a card game)
anonymously. In some implementations, a user may be able to choose
whether he or she is identified or not identified. In some
implementations, users may be restricted to entering into wagers
with people in their group so that even though during the wager
(e.g., during the card game) one or more participants may be
anonymous, users may be assured that all participants are in some
why known or otherwise related to each other.
[0067] As indicated at block 303, process 300 may include receiving
at least one indication of at least one wager. The wager may be
associated with an amount of points wagered and an event. The event
may include, for example, an outcome of a competition (e.g., a
sport game, a virtual reality competition, a contest, an election,
etc.), an outcome of a game (e.g., a card game, a slot machine
pull, a die roll, fantasy sporting, etc.), an occurrence of a
possible happening or fact (e.g., a random number generation, a
phone call, a stock market change, meeting exercise goals, side
bets on a game or competition, number of wins in a single player
game, a persons weight, a correct answer to a question, etc.), a
decision by one or more trusted sources or judges (e.g., a court
case outcome, determined looks of a significant other, etc.),
and/or any other desire event. Wagers may include fixed odds bets,
spread bets, and/or any other bets.
[0068] In some embodiments, a wager may be "internal" to an
embodiment. For example, an internal wager may include a wager that
has an outcome that is largely facilitated by the embodiment. For
example, a web page may both track points in accordance with some
embodiments and facilitate an interactive card game through which
participants may wager points based on the outcome of the game. In
various implementations, a card game may include any game that may
require a house or not require a house. In some implementations, if
a card game requires a house, one or more participants may be
determined to act as a house, the house may be rotated among the
participants so that each acts as the house in turn on consecutive
hands, and/or any other method of providing a house may be
used.
[0069] In some embodiments, a wager may be "external" to an
embodiment. For example, an external wager may include a wager that
has an outcome that is largely not facilitated by the embodiment.
For example, two participants may wager an amount of points on the
outcome of a golf game played between the two participants and/or
any other physical event.
[0070] In some embodiments, wagers may be limited to members of a
group. By limiting participants of a wager to members of a group,
the participants in the wager may be assured that they know or are
in some way related to each participant in the wager. In some
implementations, one or more members of a group may sponsor a third
party to participate in a wager so that if the third party wins or
loses, the sponsoring member may receive the benefit of wins and
the detriment of loses.
[0071] Some embodiments may include providing a user interface,
such as a web page or mobile device interface, through which
information about the wager may be entered. Such information may
include information identifying an amount of points wagered,
information identifying participants in the wager, information
identifying a point distribution to one or more winners of the
wager, information identifying an event and/or any other desired
information. Such an interface may present a representation of
ongoing and/or available wagers (e.g., games) and/or allow a user
to enter into/create custom wagers between users in a group. In
some implementations, when a wager is created, a similar wager may
become available to other users in other groups and/or other users
in the same group. Such implementations, allows users from various
groups to define wagers for other groups. In some implementations,
a ranking or positioning in a user interface of a wager defined by
one group may be determined by a number of other groups that have
entered into that wager. So, for example, a popular wager defined
by one group may be positioned in a more prominent location than an
unpopular wager defined by another group when an interface presents
a listing of current wagers.
[0072] In some embodiments, a user interface may be provided that
includes a gaming interface (e.g., online card game, etc.) through
which a game is played and bets associated with the game (i.e.,
wagers) are placed. In some implementations, such a game may
include a game of skill and/or a game of chance. In some
implementations, some or all points wagered may be limited to one
or more default values (e.g., antes). In some implementations, some
or all points wagered may be adjustable (e.g., raises).
[0073] Although not indicated in FIG. 2, some implementations may
include receiving an acceptance of a wager. For example, a first
participant in a wager may transmit an indication that a wager has
been created to an embodiment, and/or an indication of an offer for
a wager (e.g., a raise in a poker game). A second participant may
later transmit an acceptance of the created wager or of the offered
wager.
[0074] As indicated at block 305, process 300 may include
determining an outcome of at least one wager. Determining the
outcome of the wager may include determining an outcome of the
event associated with the wager. In some implementations, such a
determination may include determining the outcome of an internal
wager, such as determining the winner of on online card game. In
some implementations, such a determination may include determining
the outcome of an external wager, such as determining the winner of
a golf game. Determining the outcome of an external wager may
include, for example, receiving an indication of the outcome of the
external wager, e.g., from a participant in the external wager,
from a judge of the external wager, from a trusted source (e.g., a
sports reporter reporting sport bracket results), etc. A user
interface may be provided in some implementations that may allow
entry of such information.
[0075] As indicated at block 307, process 300 may include
allocating points among participants of the at least one wager in
accordance with the determined outcome of the at least one wager.
Allocating points may include, for example, adjusting a point value
stored on a machine readable medium, e.g., in one or more database
tables, and associated with one or more of the participants.
Allocating points may include providing points to one or more
participants in the wager who are determined to be winners of the
wager, e.g., at block 305 of process 300. The number of points
provided may be determined based on information identifying a point
distribution associated with the wager, e.g., at block 303 of
process 300, and/or a default point distribution, e.g., all points
to winner none to others.
[0076] In some implementations, process 300 may loop to block 303
after completion of block 307. By so looping, multiple wagers
affecting multiple different or similar participants may be
completed and points may be adjusted accordingly.
[0077] As indicated at block 309, process 300 may include receiving
an indication of a point adjustment. The indication of the point
adjustment may include, for example, an indication that an external
event, such as an exchange of goods, services, money, etc., has
occurred. The indication may also be an indication of a correction
to a prior error in point distribution. The indication may identify
a participant in the wager and an amount of points to change. In
some implementations, the indication of the adjustment may be
received from one or more participants in the wager or users
associated with a group. In some implementations, a user interface,
e.g., a web page or mobile device interface, may be provided
through which a point adjustment may be entered by the one or more
users.
[0078] The point adjustment may include a negative point
adjustment, which may be particularly useful to account for an
external exchange of goods, services, and/or money. The point
adjustment may include a positive point adjustment, which may be
particularly useful, for example, when a participant desires to
concede a wager, transfer points to another member of a group,
correct a point tracking error, and/or otherwise increase points of
a user.
[0079] As indicated at block 311, process 300 may include adjusting
points allocated to at least one participant of the wager in
accordance with the point adjustment. An embodiment may adjust
points associated with the identified participant in response to
receiving the indication of the point adjustment, for example, by
changing a point value stored on one or more machine readable
medium, e.g., in one or more database tables. In some
implementations, an adjustment may be performed after it is
verified by all or some number of participants in a wager or
members of a group. Some implementations may transmit a
verification request to some participants, e.g., through email,
through another user interface, etc. In some embodiments, a
historic point value may also be maintained. Such a historic point
value may represent a history of wins and losses among a group of
participants without taking into account adjustments from external
exchanges or other events. In some implementations, when submitting
a request for a point adjustment, a user may indicate whether the
point adjustment should affect the historic point value. This may
be useful for example so that points added, for example, due to a
concession or subtracted due to prior errors are adjusted in the
historic point value, but points subtracted, for example, due to an
exchange of goods or services are not reflected.
[0080] In some implementations, a mechanism for verifying point
adjustments may be used. For example, a message may be transmitted
to users of a group requesting that they accept a point adjustment
before the point adjustment is made. In some implementations, codes
may be used to authenticate that point adjustments are valid. For
example, a user may submit a verifying code when submitting a
request to alter points. Such a verifying code may be provided by
another user (e.g., other group members) to signify that the user
is allowed to make the point adjustment. Any mechanisms of
generating and providing such codes to users may be used. For
example, the codes may be single use codes generated each time a
user wants to authorize another user to make a point adjustment,
the codes may be reuseable codes associated with a particular user
(such as a PGP public key), or any other desired type of code may
be used.
[0081] Process 300 may end at block 313. Process 300 may also loop
back to either block 309 for further point adjustments or block 303
for further wagers.
[0082] Although not indicated in FIG. 3, process 300 may include
providing a representation of points allocated to one or more
users. The representation may include, for example a user interface
such as a web page or mobile device interface that displays points
allocated to a particular participant or participant group. Such ha
representation may be provided at any time during process 300, such
as before/after an indication of a wager is received, before/after
an indication of a point adjustment is received, and/or at any
other time.
[0083] Also not indicated in FIG. 3, process 300 may include
providing messaging functionality through one or more computer
systems. Participants in a wager or in a group may interact with
each other through private messages, forums, community chat, and/or
any other method. For example, in one implementations, a first
participant may send a message to a second participant saying "I am
beating you." Such messaging functionality may be facilitated
using, for example, known methods such as email, SMS or MMS
messaging, instant messaging technology, and/or any other new or
known technology.
[0084] It should be understood that process 300 and any other
actions described above are given as examples only. Other
embodiments may include additional and/or alternative actions in
any order.
[0085] An example iteration through process 300 may involve, for
example, a group of friends or other acquaintances. The group of
individuals may identify themselves to an embodiment, for example
through separate web page interfaces accessed by respective
individuals using respective web browsers. The group may access an
interface through which wagers may be entered, for example an
online poker room accessed through separate web browsers. The
individuals may play one or more games through the interfaces, for
example, one or more hands of poker. Each game may include one or
more bets of some number of points, for example, an ante and raises
in each poker game. The winner of each game may be determined and
allocated the bet of the number of points for each game, for
example, the winner of each hand of poker may be allocated the
number of points anted and raises matched for that hand.
[0086] After playing some number of games, the group may finish
playing. Outside of the interface, one or more exchanges may occur.
For example, one member of the group may purchase food for other
members of the group, exchange money with other members of the
group, perform a desired service for other members of the group,
etc. In response to this exchange, the members of the group may
access the user interface and submit information indicating that
points should be adjusted to reflect some agreed upon change in
points. An embodiment may verify this adjustment with each member
of the group before making the adjustment.
More Embodiments
[0087] A method comprising receiving a plurality of indications,
each respective indication of the plurality of indications
indicating a respective wager of a plurality of wagers, each
respective wager including a respective event, a respective amount
of points wagered, and at least one respective participant; based,
at least in part, on outcomes of the respective events, determining
a distribution of points among participants of the plurality of
wagers; receiving at least one indication of a point adjustment;
and adjusting points allocated to at least one participant of the
plurality of wagers based, at least in part, on the point
adjustment.
[0088] The method of paragraph 86, further comprising allocating
the points in accordance with the distribution of points.
[0089] The method of paragraph 87, in which allocating includes
storing information about the points on at least one machine
readable medium.
[0090] The method of paragraph 86, in which adjusting includes at
least one of an addition and a subtraction of points associated
with the at least one participant.
[0091] The method of paragraph 86, in which at least one wager of
the plurality of wagers includes a distribution plan that indicates
how points should be distributed among at least one winner of the
at least one wager.
[0092] The method of paragraph 90, in which determining the
distribution of points among the participants of the plurality of
wagers includes determining the distribution of points among the
participants of the plurality of wagers based at least in part on
the distribution plan.
[0093] The method of paragraph 86, in which the plurality of
indications are each received from at least one respective
participant.
[0094] The method of paragraph 92, further comprising receiving at
least one acceptance of a respective wager of the plurality of
wagers from at least one second participant of the respective
wager.
[0095] The method of paragraph 86, further comprising providing at
least one user interface.
[0096] The method of paragraph 94, in which the at least one user
interface includes at least one of an interface through which
information regarding at least one of the plurality of wagers may
be entered, an interface through which at least one game associated
with at least one wager may be played, an interface through which
information regarding the at least one point adjustment may be
entered, and an interface through which a representation of a
current point distribution may be viewed.
[0097] The method of paragraph 86, further comprising presenting at
least one representation of a current point distribution.
[0098] The method of paragraph 86, in which at least one respective
event includes at least one of an outcome of a game, an outcome of
a competition, an occurrence of a possible happening, and a
decision.
[0099] The method of paragraph 97, in which the game includes at
least one of a game of chance and a game of skill.
[0100] The method of paragraph 86, further comprising receiving
information regarding at least one participant in at least one
wager of the plurality of wagers.
[0101] The method of paragraph 99, in which the information
includes at least one of identification information, and
information identifying a group of associated participants.
[0102] The method of paragraph 86, further comprising determining
the outcomes of the respective events.
[0103] The method of paragraph 101, in which determining the
outcomes includes receiving an indication of the outcomes.
[0104] The method of paragraph 86, in which the at least one
indication of the point adjustment includes an indication that an
event occurred.
[0105] The method of paragraph 86, in which the at least one
indication of the point adjustment includes an indication of an
exchange between at least two respective participants.
[0106] The method of paragraph 104, in which the exchange includes
at least one of an exchange of goods, an exchange of services, and
an exchange of money.
[0107] The method of paragraph 104, in which the point adjustment
includes a decrease in points distributed to a first one of the at
least two respective participants.
[0108] The method of paragraph 86, further comprising, verifying
the point adjustment with at least one of the participants.
[0109] An apparatus comprising at least one machine readable
medium, the at least one machine readable medium having stored
thereon a plurality of machine instructions, the plurality of
machine instructions together being able to control at least one
computer system to perform a method according to paragraph 86.
[0110] The apparatus of paragraph 108, further comprising at least
one processor configured to execute at least one instruction of the
plurality of machine instructions.
[0111] A method comprising receiving an indication of a wager, the
wager including an event, an amount of points wagered, and at least
two participants; based, at least in part, on an outcome of the
event, allocating at least a portion of the amount of points
wagered between the at least two participants; receiving at least
one indication of a point adjustment; and adjusting points
allocated to at least one of the at least two participants based,
at least in part, on the point adjustment.
[0112] The method of paragraph 110, in which allocating includes
storing information about the points on at least one machine
readable medium.
[0113] The method of paragraph 110, in which adjusting includes at
least one of an addition and a subtraction of points associated
with the at least one participant.
[0114] The method of paragraph 110, in which the wager includes a
distribution plan that indicates how points should be distributed
among at least one winner of the wager.
[0115] The method of paragraph 113, in which allocating includes
determining a distribution of points among the at least two
participants based at least in part on the distribution plan.
[0116] The method of paragraph 110, in which the indication of the
wager is received from at least one respective participant of the
at least two participants.
[0117] The method of paragraph 115, further comprising receiving at
least one acceptance of the wager from at least one second
participant of the at least two participants.
[0118] The method of paragraph 110, further comprising providing at
least one user interface.
[0119] The method of paragraph 117, in which the at least one user
interface includes at least one of an interface through which
information regarding the wager may be entered, an interface
through which at least one game associated with the wager may be
played, an interface through which information regarding the point
adjustment may be entered, and an interface through which a
representation of a current point distribution may be viewed.
[0120] The method of paragraph 110, further comprising presenting
at least one representation of a current point distribution.
[0121] The method of paragraph 110, in which the event includes at
least one of an outcome of a game, an outcome of a competition, an
occurrence of a possible happening, and a decision.
[0122] The method of paragraph 120, in which the game includes at
least one of a game of chance and a game of skill.
[0123] The method of paragraph 110, further comprising receiving
information regarding at least one participant of the at least two
participants.
[0124] The method of paragraph 122, in which the information
includes at least one of identification information, and
information identifying a group of associated participants.
[0125] The method of paragraph 110, further comprising determining
the outcome of the event.
[0126] The method of paragraph 124, in which determining the
outcome includes receiving an indication of the outcome.
[0127] The method of paragraph 110, in which the at least one
indication of the point adjustment includes an indication that an
event occurred.
[0128] The method of paragraph 110, in which the at least one
indication of the point adjustment includes an indication of an
exchange between at least two respective participants of the at
least two participants.
[0129] The method of paragraph 127, in which the exchange includes
at least one of an exchange of goods, an exchange of services, and
an exchange of money.
[0130] The method of paragraph 127, in which the point adjustment
includes a decrease in points distributed to a first one of the at
least two respective participants.
[0131] The method of paragraph 110, further comprising, verifying
the point adjustment with at least one of the participants.
[0132] An apparatus comprising at least one machine readable
medium, the at least one machine readable medium having stored
thereon a plurality of machine instructions, the plurality of
machine instructions together being able to control at least one
computer system to perform a method according to paragraph 110.
[0133] The apparatus of paragraph 131, further comprising at least
one processor configured to execute at least one instruction of the
plurality of machine instructions.
[0134] A method comprising adjusting at least one first amount of
points of a set of amounts of points associated with a plurality of
participants, based, at least in part, on at least one outcome of
at least one wager involving at least a portion of the plurality of
participants; and adjusting at least one second amount of points of
the set of amounts of points based, at least in part, on at least
one exchange between at least two of the plurality of
participants.
[0135] The method of paragraph 133, in which adjusting the at least
one first amount of points includes storing information about the
set of amounts of points on at least one machine readable
medium.
[0136] The method of paragraph 133, in which adjusting the at least
one second amount of points includes storing information about the
set of amounts of points on at least one machine readable
medium.
[0137] The method of paragraph 133, in which adjusting the at least
one second amount of points includes at least one of an addition
and a subtraction.
[0138] The method of paragraph 133, in which the at least one wager
includes a distribution plan that indicates how points should be
distributed among at least one winner of the at least one
wager.
[0139] The method of paragraph 137, in which adjusting the at least
one first amount of points includes adjusting the at least one
first amount of points based at least in part on the distribution
plan.
[0140] The method of paragraph 133, further comprising, receiving
at least one indication of the at least one wager.
[0141] The method of paragraph 133, in which the indication of the
wager is received from at least one of the plurality of
participants.
[0142] The method of paragraph 133, further comprising providing at
least one user interface.
[0143] The method of paragraph 141, in which the at least one user
interface includes at least one of an interface through which
information regarding the at least one wager may be entered, an
interface through which at least one game associated with the at
least one wager may be played, an interface through which
information regarding the at lest one exchange may be entered, and
an interface through which a representation of a current point
distribution may be viewed.
[0144] The method of paragraph 133, further comprising presenting
at least one representation of a current point distribution.
[0145] The method of paragraph 133, in which the event includes at
least one of an outcome of a game, an outcome of a competition, an
occurrence of a possible happening, and a decision.
[0146] The method of paragraph 144, in which the game includes at
least one of a game of chance and a game of skill.
[0147] The method of paragraph 133, further comprising receiving
information regarding at least one participant of the plurality of
participants.
[0148] The method of paragraph 146, in which the information
includes at least one of identification information, and
information identifying a group, the group comprising the plurality
of participants.
[0149] The method of paragraph 133, further comprising determining
the outcome of the at least one wager.
[0150] The method of paragraph 148, in which determining the
outcome includes receiving an indication of the outcome.
[0151] The method of paragraph 133, in which the exchange includes
at least one of an exchange of goods, an exchange of services, and
an exchange of money.
[0152] The method of paragraph 133, further comprising, verifying
an occurrence of the exchange with at least one of the
participants.
[0153] The method of paragraph 133, in which the at least one first
amount of points includes the at least one second amount of
points.
[0154] An apparatus comprising at least one machine readable
medium, the at least one machine readable medium having stored
thereon a plurality of machine instructions, the plurality of
machine instructions together being able to control at least one
computer system to perform a method according to paragraph 110.
[0155] The apparatus of paragraph 153, further comprising at least
one processor configured to execute at least one instruction of the
plurality of machine instructions.
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