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US 8,412,565 B2Granted
Apparatus, method and program for formulating and solving problems over a network
OwnerMichael A. Müllerinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In an apparatus, method and computer memory for interactive problem solving on a network, a server receives from a first participant via the network a formulation of a problem to be solved. The server receives from other participants via the network suggested solutions to the problem, and distributes portions of an award to those participants who contribute suggested solutions to the problem.
Claims53
A server on a network, the server operable to:
- receive from a first participant via the network a formulation of a problem to be solved;
- receive from a plurality of other participants via the network at least non-final suggested solutions to the problem;
- and
- distribute portions of an award to those participants who contribute the at least non-final suggested solutions to the problem,
- wherein the server is configured to distribute a portion of the award, before it has been determined that the problem has been solved, to at least one participant who contributed the at least non-final suggested solution to the problem,
- wherein the server provides control tools for use by the first participant for controlling the distribution of the portion of the award to the other participants and
- wherein the distributions of the portions of the award are varied over the course of a development of the suggested solutions for the purpose of guiding the development of a final solution to the problem.
4 more elements
An apparatus for facilitating problem solving on a network, comprising:
- means for transmitting and receiving from a first participant via the network a formulation of a problem to be solved;
- means for transmitting and receiving from a plurality of other participants via the network at least non-final suggested solutions to the problem;
- means for distributing portions of an award to those participants who contribute the at least non-final suggested solutions to the problem;
- and
- means for controlling the distribution of the portions of the award including means for distributing a portion of the award, before it has been determined that the problem has been solved, to at least one participant who contributed the at least non-final suggested solution to the problem;
- and
- means for controlling the portion of the award to the other participants, wherein the distribution of the portions of the award is varied over the course of a development of the suggested solutions for the purpose of guiding the development of a final solution to the problem.
4 more elements
A method of facilitating problem solving over a network, comprising the steps of:
- transmitting to a server via the network a formulation of a problem from a first participant;
- receiving at the server via the network from a plurality of other participants at least non-final suggested solutions to the problem;
- distributing from the server via the network portions of an award to those participants who contribute the at least non-final suggested solutions to the problem;
- and
- controlling at the server with tools the distribution of the portions of the award to distribute a portion of the award, before it has been determined that the problem has been solved, to at least one participant who contributed the at least non-final suggested solution to the problem;
- and
- controlling the award to the other participants, wherein the distribution of the portions of the award is varied over the course of a development of the suggested solutions for the purpose of guiding the development of a final solution to the problem.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.