Method and apparatus for value allocation exchange
OwnerRobert H. Coheninventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A value allocation brokerage and exchange system. In one embodiment, the value allocation brokerage and exchange system comprises a broker server used to buy and sell points over the Internet. The broker system is operably coupled to a local area network over a communications link. The local area network includes a database server hosted by a database host, with the database server maintaining a database of recent Internet point transactions. The broker server receives requests from users to exchange points with respect to a plurality of potential point systems.
Claims12
A computer based value exchange system, the value exchange system exchanging points from a first point system to a second point system after receiving a request from a user having points in the first point system and desiring points in the second point system, the first point system being maintained by a first entity allocating points redeemable for merchandise and the second point system being maintained by a second entity allocating points redeemable for merchandise, the computer based value exchange system comprising:
- a computer coupled to the Internet, the computer programmed to:
- receive a request from a user for an exchange of a number of points from the first point system to the second point system;
- and
- determine an exchange ratio for exchanging points from the first point system with points from the second point system.
A points brokerage method comprising:
- receiving a request for a quote from a user;
- querying a transaction database for a type and quantity of points;
- obtaining pricing data for the type and quantity of points from the transaction database;
- and
- determining a price for the type and quantity of points.
A method of transferring points, the method comprising:
- receiving a request for a transfer of a number of points from one type of points to another type of points;
- and
- determining an exchange price for the transfer of points.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.