Directed digital currency system, method, and apparatus

A directed digital currency system, method, and apparatus comprising a proprietary directed digital currency comprising voucher-tag-objects; a network of purpose systems that generate and use the directed digital currency; purpose system members; a network processor; physical tags, tag-objects and apparatuses including modules configured for identification, qualification, generation, aggregation, detection, and redemption of elements including the directed digital currency in accordance with interoperability rules; directed digital currency redeemers configured to redeem the directed digital currency; users that receive and redeem the directed digital currency in exchange for an exchange item; a process to collect value to pay for units of the directed digital currency generated; and a process to disburse value to directed digital currency redeemers that redeem units of the directed digital currency.

FIELD

The disclosure generally relates to the field of electronic currency, and more specifically, to a directed digital currency in a digital currency system.

BACKGROUND

Unless otherwise indicated, the approaches described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

Conventional digital currencies are well known in the art and can generally be exchanged or used for any purpose, much like government-issued legal tender, e.g., a dollar.

Conventional digital currencies (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, or points in a reward system) typically lack an inherent capability: 1) to be directed toward, and thereby to be limited to, a specific purpose, goal, or objective; or 2) to embed within each unit of the digital currency an encoded control, comprising a restriction or limitation, that can, for example, a) direct an issuance, an exchange, or a use of the digital currency toward a particular type of digital currency redeemer, or a targeted recipient, or another participant in a currency system; or b) apply a qualification or a condition to its issuance, redemption, exchange, or use; or 3) to embed within each unit of a digital currency encoded information, e.g., regarding an issuer, a currency system, a program, a history, transaction data, or other useful information.

In a first exemplary deficiency, the absence of said capabilities renders conventional digital currencies deficient for many useful purposes or goals of an issuer or a currency system.

A second deficiency is that digital currency issuers do not have a means to apply a control, a limitation, or a direction (toward a purpose) to their conventional digital currency.

A third deficiency is that issuers of a conventional digital currency do not have a technical infrastructure, a suitable network, or a capability to issue, process, redeem, exchange, receive, authorize, track, analyze, or use a directed digital currency with its useful features.

A fourth deficiency is that currency issuers are unable to derive substantial economic, behavior modifying, incentivizing, and other benefits enabled by a directed digital currency.

A fifth deficiency is that issuers of a conventional digital currency are typically not connected or configured for interoperability among one or more digital currency systems. Thus a common currency cannot be processed among disparate unaffiliated currency systems.

To address such deficiencies, the present invention introduces and discloses a new kind of digital currency, namely a directed digital currency, hereafter called a “DirCurrency 11,” which does not presently exist.

A DirCurrency 11 is substantially similar to, and comprises all of the features, capabilities, and uses of an interoperable reward currency disclosed in '012 with respect to its methods, mechanisms, and technology, however the features, uses, capabilities, and applications of a DirCurrency 11 are broader and can apply to different technological environments.

SUMMARY

The present invention discloses a directed digital currency in a directed digital currency system comprising: 1) a proprietary directed digital currency comprising voucher-tag-objects; 2) a network of purpose systems configured for generating and using the directed digital currency; 3) a set of members per purpose system; 4) a network (system) processor; 5) physical tags 35 and tag-objects, used for controls, interoperability, identification, and other purposes; 6) apparatuses including modules for generating and detecting tags 35 and tag-objects, enrolling system participants, configuring apparatuses, and performing other functions; 7) interoperability rules applied to apparatuses, modules, tags 35, tag-objects, and processes; 8) a process to qualify prospective recipients of a DirCurrency 11, comprising a process to identify transactions instead of users; 9) a set of DirCurrency 11 redeemers configured to exchange the directed digital currency for an exchange item 16; 10) users that receive and redeem the DirCurrency 11; 11) a process to collect value, e.g., to pay for the DirCurrency 11 comprising voucher-tag-objects generated; and 12) a process to disburse value to DirCurrency 11 redeemers that redeem them.

The directed digital currency of the present invention is also called herein a voucher-tag-object, comprising a unit of exchange and an embodiment of value. A voucher-tag-object is a voucher associated with a currency system100-generated tag 35, which can comprise, contain, or be configured as an ordered combination, comprising a set of digital elements in a string 83 and further comprising a logical structure, the digital elements of a tag 35 comprising one or more of data, metadata (e.g., one or more of a tag 35, an identifier, a rule, an instruction, and a code), and additional data. The digital elements (i.e., string 83) can further comprise an example element comprising a computer methodology for enabling at least one computer operation, and can further comprise a query parameter for matching of elements in a plurality of database records, comprising an element for use in a database query. A voucher-tag-object further comprises a tag 35 comprising: 1) an entry in at least one database record; and 2) a self-authenticating feature; and 3) a standardized form. A voucher-tag-object further comprises a feature comprising a capability for and an enabling of an executing of at least one computer operation via a tag 35 associated with the voucher-tag-object.

A voucher-tag-object can be generated by a computer system in a non-transitory machine readable medium. Further, a voucher-tag-object can comprise one or more of various forms or embodiments, including 1) an electronic representation in a machine, 2) at least one of a physical and a digital voucher-tag-object in any form; 3) an embodiment in a machine-readable non-transitory medium; and 4) a representation recorded in a database, enabling its use in a computer operation, each form or embodiment representing the same unit of DirCurrency 11.

The present invention provides for interoperability among its voucher-tag-objects, processes, apparatuses, modules, tags 35, purpose systems, and other elements. A voucher-tag-object comprises a voucher associated with a system-generated interoperability tag. The present invention is further intended to be configured for interoperability and integration with third party systems, devices, networks, software, and technologies, e.g., in payment and transaction processing systems (offline and online), point-of-sale (POS) systems, and among near field communications (NFC)-enabled mobile devices, Internet of Things (or Everything) (“IoT”) devices, and the like. A voucher-tag-object can be aggregated interoperably with voucher-tag-objects from the same or unaffiliated purpose systems to exchange for an exchange item.

In one embodiment, a voucher-tag-object can be generated via an icon associated with a user interface, e.g., by pressing a button on a screen.

A voucher-tag-object can be associated with a voucher fee and an exchange fee for collecting and disbursing value to support the DirCurrency 11.

A DirCurrency 11 can be used for any purpose in a proprietary network comprising at least one purpose system115consisting of members. A purpose system is defined below. A DirCurrency 11 and the present currency system100provide an unprecedented operational, motivational, and marketing tool for purpose systems and for DirCurrency 11 redeemers. Its purposes can include issuing and distributing value for any reason, incentivizing customers, marketing, commercial, social, cost-reduction, behavioral, and other objectives.

In particular, a DirCurrency 11 can be applied to or utilized for a wide variety of uses, including for any purpose or limitation that can be encoded in a tag 35 tied to a voucher-tag-object. Such uses can include but are not limited to: 1) directing the use of one or more units of DirCurrency 11 toward: a) a certain purpose, e.g., a goal or objective; or b) a redemption, subject to restrictions, at one or more of a set of authorized DirCurrency 11 redeemers120. Exemplary said purposes associated with a DirCurrency 11 can include incentives, terms, conditions, limitations, and restrictions which are set: 1) by one or more employers for any DirCurrency 11 it distributes to achieve goals such as employee productivity or performance or to convey benefits, and the like; 2) by a government, social, welfare, or other organization for any DirCurrency 11 it distributes to achieve goals such as providing food, clothing, housing, living expenses, transportation, transit, and the like; 3) by a government, a foundation, a nonprofit, a charitable organization, and the like, for any DirCurrency 11 it distributes, comprising a grant, to achieve goals such as energy conservation, energy practices; pollution mitigation; environmental and social programs; emergencies and disaster relief; innovation and research promotion; scientific, engineering, education, and health- or medical-related purposes; entrepreneurship; risk-taking; trade and economic practices; safety and security measures; social goals; drug use; and the like; 4) by a business for any DirCurrency 11 it distributes to achieve goals such as inducing or promoting a user behavior, purchasing, marketing, advertising, promotion, programs, new business, referrals, leads, and advertising responses; 5) by an educational, medical, sports, or other organization for any DirCurrency 11 it distributes to achieve goals such as student, patient, athlete, or other performance, improvements, attendance, and the like; 6) by a regulatory, law enforcement, or other agency for any DirCurrency 11 it distributes to achieve goals such as compliance, information gathering, and the like; 7) by a contest, sweepstakes, and the like for any DirCurrency 11 it distributes to serve as a prize; 8) by a nonprofit for any DirCurrency 11 it distributes or receives to achieve goals such as charitable contributions by individuals, firms, and others; and volunteering; and 9) by an individual for any DirCurrency 11 he or she distributes to achieve goals such as giving, gift cards, donations, incentives, rewards, gestures; and the like. Further, a DirCurrency 11 can be used for any type of incentive, behavior, act, or reward 16, wherein a reward 16 is broadly defined as set forth in '012.

A DirCurrency 11 is further intended for any use and can be exchangeable in any currency, business, enterprise, government, marketing, marketplace, incentive, reward, loyalty, or other system for any purpose for which it may be suited without limitation.

One of skill in the art will recognize that many uses and applications of a DirCurrency 11 can exist and be applied beyond those described above.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention include a directed digital currency 11 (DirCurrency 11) in a directed digital currency system100(hereinafter “currency system100”) that has particular application in a computer network comprising one or more purpose systems.

A DirCurrency 11 comprises a directed digital currency, comprising a directed token of value; and further comprising a directed unit or medium of exchange; and further comprising a store of value: 1) for any kind of value that can be conveyed for any purpose via a directed digital currency 11, as explained herein; or 2) for any issuance, conveyance, or exchange for any type of a reward 16 as broadly defined in '012, or for an exchange item 16 as defined below.

A DirCurrency 11 can further comprise a controlled digital currency, comprising a control or management via any controllable criterion encoded in a tag 35 as disclosed herein.

A DirCurrency 11 can further comprise an interoperable directed digital currency.

One or more units of a DirCurrency 11 can be, for example: 1) issued (comprising distributed, exchanged, conveyed, sold, or traded) by a particular DirCurrency 11 issuer; or 2) directed toward any particular goal or purpose or objective of the issuer; or 3) directed toward an exchange or a redemption at one or more of a specified DirCurrency 11 redeemer120or at a type or a limited set of DirCurrency 11 redeemers120; or 4) directed toward an exchange or a redemption for a certain type of item for which one or more units of DirCurrency 11 can be exchanged; or 5) limited with respect to time, cost, security, and other controls; or 6) associated with a message, enabling communication of any purpose, control, restriction, and the like.

In this context, the term “directed” (in a directed digital currency) and its derivatives shall mean a control comprising one or more of a purpose, an objective, a limitation, a restriction, a condition, a term of use, and the like, wherein a control can be digitally encoded and tied to one or more units of a DirCurrency 11. In particular, in order for a directed digital currency (DirCurrency 11) to be so directed, a said feature must be implemented by a mechanism or means that provides such a capability, attached to each unit of the DirCurrency 11 itself. The present invention provides such a mechanism for applying a said feature.

Each unit of DirCurrency 11 possesses specific features that it acquires upon its generation. Generation of a unit of DirCurrency 11 comprises a combining (coupling) of a tag 35 with an object 61, creating a tag-object 60 (as recited in '012). As disclosed above, a tag 35 comprises an ordered combination of digital elements within its code (a string 83), comprising data and metadata. Via a code (in a string 83) that can be generated, applied, and meaningfully detected by a suitably configured apparatus800in a currency system100, digital elements in a tag 35 can define and assign features of a DirCurrency 11, e.g., how each unit of DirCurrency 11 can be one or more of directed, or controlled, or interoperable. Said capabilities and controls can operate at any step in the life cycle of each unit of DirCurrency 11 including, e.g., for authorizing issuance, applying restrictions, conveying to an account, verifying authenticity, authorizing a redemption, using in a physical location or on a website, or exchanging for an exchange item 16.

In one embodiment, an exemplary tag 35, and corresponding units of DirCurrency 11, can be generated or used via activating a user interface module132. A said activating can comprise, e.g, pressing of an icon (e.g., a button) on a display screen (e.g., a computer, a smart phone, a mobile device, a point of sale terminal, or a website), or a voice command.

In addition, a said DirCurrency 11 can be: 1) tracked at each step of its history or life cycle; and 2) subject to any kind of analytics, including with regard to corresponding issuers, qualifying steps, transactions, behaviors, currency systems, marketplace activity, and the like.

Differences with '012

Certain terms recited in U.S. patent application '012 are replaced by “replacement terms” newly disclosed herein. A definition for each said replacement term is provided below. Each replacement term is substantially similar to, yet generally broader than the term it replaces. In each case, a replacement term replaces a term used in the '012 specification or in '012 Figures with the new term substituted in the present specification and Figures, as detailed below.

The '012 term reward currency 11 is replaced herein by directed digital currency 11 or DirCurrency 11. Similar to a unit of interoperable reward currency in '012, a unit of DirCurrency 11 can be generated in the form of a voucher-tag-object 12 as recited in '012.

The '012 term reward system110is replaced herein by a purpose system115.

The '012 term reward 16 is replaced herein by an exchange item 16.

The '012 term reward provider120is replaced herein by a directed digital currency 11 redeemer120, hereinafter called a DirCurrency 11 redeemer120.

The '012 term reward program108is replaced herein by a purpose program108.

The '012 term reward fee 20 is replaced herein by an exchange fee 20.

The '012 term consumer130is replaced herein by a user131.

The '012 term reward icon 99 is replaced herein by a screen icon 99.

The '012 term reward-eligible, and its derivatives, is replaced herein by exchange-eligible, and similar terms pertinent to the context.

Other '012 terms recite substantially similar replacement terms as cited above, as will be evident in the context of their disclosure herein.

The drawings (Figures) disclosed in '012 are replaced by substantially similar drawings herein that incorporate the selected replacement terms cited above. Aside from the replacement terms cited above, there are no new drawings or material changes in the drawings.

For each previously cited term in '012 and its replacement term as cited herein, and for any associated derivative term, the present invention shall be understood to substitute the replacement term for the previously cited term, including corresponding structures, elements, processes, methods, and the like, except where expressly recited otherwise herein. While each replacement term substitutes for each previously cited term, as detailed below, the entirety of the '012 specification, and its drawings, are otherwise reiterated without change and are incorporated herein by each said reference, except as cited below. In other words, each '012 paragraph is intended to be incorporated herein in its entirety, substituting only the replacement term, thereby greatly reducing the quantity of text in this specification while disclosing the present invention.

Cited replacement terms are intended to generalize or broaden the scope of a directed digital currency 11 beyond that of an '012 interoperable reward currency, as disclosed above. In particular, the inventive concept in '012 of an interoperable reward currency, comprising a voucher-tag-object 12, is incorporated in full within the present inventive concept of a directed digital currency 11. For example, the present directed digital currency 11: 1) includes yet broadens the uses for a DirCurrency 11 beyond that of an interoperable reward currency; and 2) broadens the types of exchange items 16 that can be exchanged for a unit of DirCurrency 11, as compared to an exchange for a reward 16; and 3) provides for a broader set of DirCurrency 11 redeemers120as compared to reward providers120in '012.

The present invention further incorporates by this reference the prosecution history of '012, which includes points substantially similar to and relevant to the present invention. For example, such points include but are not limited to references to an ordered combination, a logical structure, a string 83 (including an exemplary string 83 and digital elements), the Enfish patent, the Enfish court decision, query parameters, and database techniques cited therein.

In addition, the claims recited herein are substantially similar to corresponding claims in '012, however each replacement term cited above substitutes for the term in the previously cited '012 claims. Each present claim, and its method, system, mechanism, or purpose, is substantially similar to the corresponding previously cited claim in '012, wherein only the replacement terms and their derivatives, as recited above, differ, broadening the invention.

For the independent claims herein, the specific replacement terms include: 1) directed digital currency; 2) purpose system; 3) directed digital currency redeemer; 4) exchange item; and 5) user.

In various embodiments, a DirCurrency 11 and a directed digital currency system100of the present invention yield several advantages, as follows.

An advantage can enable any entity, comprising a directed digital currency system100comprising one or more purpose systems comprising members: 1) to adopt and to issue a directed digital currency (DirCurrency 11) for any reason; 2) to offer currency system100exchange items; and 3) to arrange a selection of DirCurrency 11 redeemers for exchanges and benefits. An advantage can enable a purpose system to achieve its own objectives and goals of any kind via a DirCurrency 11 comprising a voucher-tag-object comprising a tag 35. An advantage can enable a purpose system to be configured to induce, motivate, or incentivize beneficial or desired behaviors among DirCurrency 11 users and potential recipients, e.g., relating to purchasing, employee productivity, conservation, education, weight loss, and the like. An advantage can enable a purpose system to control any DirCurrency 11 in multiple ways including, e.g., how, when, where, by whom, with whom, for how long, and why it can be issued to or used by a recipient or a user. An advantage can enable a purpose system to: 1) impose specific rules to be satisfied before a recipient is issued, or is qualified to receive, one or more units of a DirCurrency 11; 2) determine exchange-eligibility for specific goods and services; 3) influence timing of user behaviors; 4) control a volume of exchange items issued in a time period; and 5) control purpose system costs. An advantage can enable a purpose system or member to offer exchange items that it may not otherwise be able to offer, engendering a more effective means for achieving an objective. An advantage can enable a plurality of unaffiliated purpose systems to participate in a secure electronic network comprising a directed digital currency system100, wherein they and their members can operate interoperably for enabling issuance, use, and redemption of a common DirCurrency 11. An advantage can enable a plurality of unaffiliated purpose systems: 1) to benefit from a central processor to manage and track units of issued DirCurrency 11; and 2) to associate disparate transactions among unaffiliated members112, wherein transaction associating comprising query functions can determine recipient qualification and perform other useful functions. Transaction associating is a principle mechanism by which, e.g., indicators of user behaviors can be tracked and processed. An advantage can enlarge a purpose system market wherein many businesses in diverse industries, needing effective tools for achieving objectives, presently lack a capacity to offer value or incentives that would be feasible and effective, by utilizing a DirCurrency 11 and an independent networked electronic purpose processing system. An advantage can provide for an enrollment module to organize, register, and enroll existing and new currency systems and purpose systems and their members, and to configure enrollees to participate interoperably, comprising apparatuses, programs, rules, and the like. An advantage can enable a user comprising a DirCurrency 11 recipient to aggregate voucher-tag-objects from one or more unaffiliated purpose systems so as to obtain a single more desirable or valuable exchange item than may be available in an individual purpose system. An advantage can enable a user to: 1) receive and exchange voucher-tag-objects for an exchange item without necessarily enrolling or providing personal identification, using a card or an account, or a payment method or payment device; and 2) secure anonymity and privacy wherein a voucher-tag-object is not necessarily associated with or tracked to a user's behavioral history or personal identity. An advantage can provide for identifying transactions instead of personally identifying users, thereby enabling privacy and other advantages. An advantage can enable one or more DirCurrency 11 redeemers120to employ a no-risk marketing system to attract voucher-tag-object recipients and redeemers as new visitors and customers. An advantage can provide for collecting a fee to pay DirCurrency 11 redeemers120to offset costs of providing exchange items, thereby endowing DirCurrency 11 with tangible, reimbursable value.

Nomenclature

To explain the nomenclature of reference numerals used in the Figures and described in the specification, each element to which a number is assigned is illustrated as a singular item, but one or more of that element can be present. For example, purpose system115is one of a possible plurality of purpose systems115. As such, drawing elements12,65,102,104,110,112,120,130,132,150,807,809,90,900,902,910, and920inFIG. 1are illustrated as a singular item, but indicate one or more elements can be present. Numbered lines with arrows represent the transfer of voucher-tag-objects 12, payments, tags 35, tag-objects 60, or data, including, but not limited to, financial and non-financial transaction 80 data, tags 35, and messages 91.

Overview of the Directed Digital Currency System100

FIG. 1is a diagram depicting one example embodiment of a directed digital currency system100(a network).FIG. 1is substantially similar to theFIG. 1in '012, with the same elements except those noted below. For brevity of this application, definitions and descriptions of the elements of the presentFIG. 1, as also set forth inFIG. 1in '012, are incorporated herein by this reference to '012 and are adopted for the present invention without further description.

In particular, each of the following terms, comprising participating entities, is illustrated in '012FIG. 1blocks or is recited in at least the '012 paragraphs cited below (“paras”), or both, which are incorporated herein by this reference: 1) a network processor102('012 para [0049]); 2) a network administrator104(para [0050]; 3) a member112(paras [0056]-[0057]); 5) a user131(para [0058]); 6) a third party150(para [0060]); 7) a rule 70 implementer106(para [0061]); and 8) a participant101(para [0062]).

In addition to the above-referenced description, the presentFIG. 1provides for replacing in the present invention the following elements recited in '012: 1) an interoperable reward currency system100('012 para [0047]) is replaced by a directed digital currency system100; 2) a reward system110(paras [0051]-[0055]) is replaced by a purpose system115; 3) a reward provider120(paras [0059]; [00195]-[00204]) is replaced by a DirCurrency 11 redeemer120; and 4) a consumer130(para [0058]) is replaced by a user131. All replacement terms apply to all specification and claim references, as cited and defined. For each section below, replacement terms are listed in the order they are recited in the corresponding cited '012 section.

Embodiments of the present invention include a directed digital currency 11 (DirCurrency 11) in an interoperable directed digital currency system100(FIG. 1) (hereinafter “currency system100”) that has particular application in a network comprising one or more purpose systems115, e.g., for incentivizing human behaviors desirable to participating entities.

A purpose system115(FIG. 1), a generic term, in a currency system100can comprise a group or a network of one or more members112(FIG. 1), businesses (not shown inFIG. 1), enterprises (not shown inFIG. 1), collaborations (not shown inFIG. 1), promotions (not shown inFIG. 1), organizations (not shown inFIG. 1), or entities (not shown inFIG. 1) that display, generate, issue, or use elements associated with a currency system100, including one or more units of a DirCurrency 11. A purpose system115further comprises all of the types of entities described in '012 as a reward system110, in paragraphs [0051]-[0055], which are incorporated herein by this reference. A purpose system115can further comprise a system that is associated with or uses one or more of a network processor102, an apparatus800, a module801, a user interface132, a tag 35, an element, or any methodology associated with a currency system100as disclosed herein. A purpose system115can further comprise (not shown inFIG. 1) one or more of: a business, an organization, a professional, a merchant, a service, a provider, a corporation, an employer, a manufacturer, a nonprofit, a government, a person, or an entity; a grouping of businesses organized for any purpose; a website888; a payments or financial services firm; an airline; a chain of stores or franchises; a trade association; a consortium; a media, marketing, or advertising organization; a representative, agent, or distributor; a processor, aggregator, or other service firm; a collective effort; a computing system configured for one or more software applications; a currency system100client; and the like, or any combination thereof. Various purpose systems115can include business-consumer, peer-to-peer, employer-employee, charity-donor, teacher-student, doctor-patient, government-citizen, and similar systems. Further, a purpose system115can be affiliated or unaffiliated with any other purpose system115, can have any formal or informal organizational structure, can be organized for any purpose, can be located anywhere, and can be permanent or temporary.

A DirCurrency 11 redeemer120(FIG. 1) is an entity that can exchange an exchange item 16 for one or more units of DirCurrency 11 comprising voucher-tag-objects 12. A DirCurrency 11 redeemer120can include a participant101, a website888operator, and any other entity; can be located anywhere; and can be unaffiliated with a purpose system115. A DirCurrency 11 redeemer120serves a different role than a member112, however it can be a member112, serving both roles in a currency system100.

A user131(FIG. 1), a generic term, is any person or persons or entity that: 1) uses or receives or redeems a unit of a DirCurrency 11; or 2) qualifies or tries to qualify for a unit of a DirCurrency 11; or 3) engages in, or who is detected in, one or more of a transaction 80 or a behavior or an action or an interaction or a session associated with any participant101; or 4) uses any element or feature of a currency system100as disclosed herein; or 5) whose user131-associated data is used in a tag 35; or 6) activates or uses a user interface132or an apparatus800; or 7) is registered, enrolled, or has an account 88 in a currency system100; or 8) uses or receives or benefits from any type of resource, good, or service from a member112. A user131can further be a person or entity tied to a participant101comprising one who uses or receives or benefits from an association with, or a resource provided by, a participant101, wherein a said association or benefit or resource can comprise a good, a service, employment, information, an opportunity, and the like. A user131can include one or more of a consumer130, a customer, a client, a citizen, a buyer or a purchaser, a visitor, an employee, an individual, a family, a group, a company, a volunteer, a student, a patient, a DirCurrency 11 recipient or redeemer, and the like.

Computing Machine Architecture

FIG. 2Ais a block diagram illustrating components of an example machine, including an apparatus800or an article of manufacture, able to read instructions from a machine-readable medium and execute them in a processor (or controller).FIG. 2Ais substantially similar to theFIG. 2Ain '012, with the same elements except those noted below. For brevity of this application, definitions and descriptions of the elements of the presentFIG. 2A, as also set forth inFIG. 2Ain '012, are incorporated herein by this reference to '012 and are adopted for the present invention without further description.

Overview and Definitions of Additional Elements

Sections below describe elements shown inFIG. 2B, generally at240, which illustrates relationships among example elements in currency system100. An element in a nested box comprises a type or subset of an element in a larger box that contains it. An element illustrated as a larger box includes all nested boxes (elements) that it contains. A dotted line box indicates an element, while a solid line box indicates a category or generic type of element.

FIG. 2Bis substantially similar to theFIG. 2Bin '012, with the same elements except those noted below. For brevity of this application, definitions and descriptions of the elements of the presentFIG. 2B, as also set forth inFIG. 2Bin '012, are incorporated herein by this reference to '012 and are adopted for the present invention without further description.

In addition to the above-referenced description, the presentFIG. 2Bprovides for replacing the following elements: 1) a reward eligibility detecting module826is replaced by an exchange-eligibility detecting module826.

An exchange-eligibility detecting module826(not shown in Figures) can screen transactions 80 to select tagged exchange-eligible transactions 92 by detecting an exchange-eligibility tag 33 (not shown in Figures), a type of tag 35. For example, a merchant112can promote certain merchandise by marking items as exchange-eligible, while rendering other items exchange-ineligible. To do so, a merchant112can: 1) designate items with an exchange-eligibility tag 33 on price tags, merchandise, receipts 77, signs, etc.; 2) configure its point of sale or inventory system to process products and services as exchange-eligible in databases 90; 3) advertise items as exchange-eligible; 4) selectively promote specific items; and 5) collect funding for associated marketing costs from a third party150.

In addition, each of the following terms, in general comprising transaction 80-related elements, is illustrated in '012FIG. 2Bblocks or is recited in at least the '012 paragraphs cited below (“paras”), or both, which are incorporated herein by this reference: 1) a transaction 80 ('012 para [0081]; block250); and 2) a transaction-in-common 81 (para [0083]; block250).

In addition to the above-referenced description, the presentFIG. 2Bprovides for replacing the following elements: 1) a reward-eligible transaction 92 (para [0082]; block250) is replaced by an exchange-eligible transaction 92.

An exchange-eligible transaction 92 (FIG. 2B, block250) comprises a type of transaction 80 wherein some items can be designated as eligible for exchange while others are ineligible.

In addition, each of the following terms, in general comprising additional elements, is illustrated in '012FIG. 2Bblocks or is recited in at least '012 paragraphs cited below (“paras”), or both, which are incorporated herein by this reference: 1) a rule 70 (para [00118]; block5510,FIG. 5C); 2) a qualification requirement 89 (para [00119]; block5210,FIG. 5B); 3) a voucher fee 18 (para [00120]; block5830,FIG. 5C); 4) a database 90 (para [00120];FIG. 1); 8) an account 88 (para [00123]; and 5) a message 91 (para [00124]; at arrows5452,5454,FIG. 5B).

In addition to the above-referenced description, the presentFIG. 2Bprovides for replacing the following elements: 1) an interoperable reward currency 11 ('012 para [00115]) is replaced by a DirCurrency 11; 2) a reward 16 (para [00116]; block732,FIG. 7) is replaced by an exchange item 16; 3) a reward program108(para [00117]; not shown in Figures) is replaced by a purpose program108; 6) a reward fee 20 is replaced by an exchange fee 20 (blocks750,760,770,FIG. 7).

A DirCurrency 11 comprises one or more of a unit of directed digital currency 11 as disclosed herein.

An exchange item 16 (FIG. 6, block650;FIG. 7, blocks710,732) can be any item, inducement, or incentive that is directed toward steering or modifying human behavior, including any consideration, value, recognition, benefit, and the like, including anything that can stimulate the biological reward system in a human to pursue or engage in a behavior. An exchange item 16 can comprise a reward 16 as recited in '012. An exchange item 16 can further comprise any useful value employed for any purpose, including a product, a service, a meal, food, an experience, entertainment, information, a “like,” an entry (e.g., an event or a sweepstakes), a ticket, a coupon, a discount, cash, a credit, cash back, points, miles, data, or anything of real or perceived value to a user131. As an exchange item, data can include a download (e.g., a movie, music, or image) or a service such as analyses, information, advice, and news. An exchange item 16 can further consist of one or more items, partial items, enhancements, and the like. In some embodiments, an exchange item 16 can be tangible, real, or yield a real tangible result. Each exchange item 16 comprises or can be associated with a physical or tangible voucher-tag-object 12, a tag 35, an object 61, or an element. An exchange item 16 can further comprise a unit of a DirCurrency 11, an object 61, or other currency system100element. Purposes of an exchange item 16 typically can comprise an incentive, an inducement, a motivator, a payment, compensation, a bonus, remuneration, an honor, and the like, for engaging in a desired tangible behavior, e.g., spending, visiting, performing, acting, achieving goals, refraining from acting, acts, services, volunteering, compliance, and the like. A tag 35 can be configured for enabling virtually any aspect of an exchange item 16 or a DirCurrency 11.

A purpose program108(FIG. 3B, block316) can be any promotion, program, system, procedure, or endeavor wherein a purpose system115establishes parameters, including qualification requirements 89, rules 70, a time period, and the like, that enable issuance of one of more units of DirCurrency 11 exchangeable for an exchange item 16.

An exchange fee 20 (FIG. 3B, block332;FIG. 7, blocks730,760,770) can be a fee disbursed to a DirCurrency 11 redeemer120, as further described in '012 in reference to a reward fee 20.

In addition, each of the following terms, in general comprising interoperability, is illustrated in '012FIG. 2Bblocks or is recited in at least '012 paragraphs (“paras”), or both, as cited below, which are incorporated herein by this reference: 1) interoperable, interoperably, and interoperability in their respective contexts ('012 paras [00125]-[00138]).

Currency System100is Directed Toward a Tangible Embodiment

U.S. patent application '012 discloses a section entitled “CURRENCY SYSTEM 100 IS DIRECTED TOWARD A TANGIBLE EMBODIMENT.” The entirety of this '012 section is incorporated herein by this reference, however for this section the following elements are substituted, as described above: 1) a reward provider120is replaced by a DirCurrency 11 redeemer120; 2) a reward 16 is replaced by an exchange item 16; and 3) a reward system110is replaced by a purpose system115.

Financial Aspects of the Currency

U.S. patent application '012 discloses a section entitled “FINANCIAL ASPECTS OF THE CURRENCY.” The entirety of this '012 section is incorporated herein by this reference, however for this section the following elements are substituted, as described above: 1) a reward fee 20 is replaced by an exchange fee 20; 2) a reward provider120is replaced with a DirCurrency 11 redeemer120; 3) a reward 16 is replaced by an exchange item 16; 4) a reward system110is replaced by a purpose system115; 5) a reward eligibility detecting module826is replaced by exchange eligibility detecting module826; 6) a reward-eligible transaction 92 is replaced by an exchange-eligible transaction 92; 7) a reward-eligibility tag 33 is replaced by an exchange-eligibility tag 33; and 8) reward-eligible is replaced by exchange-eligible.

Data Mining, Analytics, and Reports

U.S. patent application '012 discloses a section entitled “DATA MINING, ANALYTICS, AND REPORTS.” The entirety of this '012 section is incorporated herein by this reference, however for this section the following elements are substituted, as described above: 1) a reward provider120is replaced by a DirCurrency 11 redeemer120; 2) a reward 16 is replaced by an exchange item 16; 3) a reward system110is replaced by a purpose system115; and 4) a reward provider120is replaced with a DirCurrency 11 redeemer120.

Overview of Currency System100Processes

Referring now toFIG. 3A, U.S. patent application '012 discloses a section entitled “OVERVIEW OF CURRENCY SYSTEM 100 PROCESSES.” The entirety of this '012 section is incorporated herein by this reference, however for this section the following elements are substituted, as described above: 1) a reward 16 is replaced by an exchange item 16; and 2) a reward system110is replaced by a purpose system115.FIG. 3Ashows these changes.

Example Enrollment and Configuring Process

Referring now toFIG. 3B, U.S. patent application '012 discloses a section entitled “EXAMPLE ENROLLMENT AND CONFIGURING PROCESS.” The entirety of this '012 section is incorporated herein by this reference, however for this section the following elements are substituted, as described above: 1) a reward system110is replaced by a purpose system115; 2) a reward provider120is replaced by a DirCurrency 11 redeemer120; 3) a reward fee 20 is replaced by an exchange fee 20; and 4) a reward 16 is replaced by an exchange item 16.FIG. 3Bshows these changes.

First Example Implementation

Referring now toFIG. 3B, U.S. patent application '012 discloses a section entitled “FIRST EXAMPLE IMPLEMENTATION.” The entirety of this '012 section is incorporated herein by this reference, however for this section the following elements are substituted, as described above: 1) a reward system110is replaced by a purpose system115; 2) a reward program108is replaced by a purpose program108; 3) a reward provider120is replaced by a DirCurrency 11 redeemer120; 4) a reward currency 11 is replaced by a DirCurrency 11; 5) a reward 16 is replaced by an exchange item 16; 6) reward-eligible is replaced by exchange-eligible; 7) reward-ineligible is replaced by exchange-ineligible; and 8) a reward fee 20 is replaced by an exchange fee 20.FIG. 3Bshows these changes.

Additional Example Implementations

Referring now toFIG. 1, U.S. patent application '012 discloses a section entitled “ADDITIONAL EXAMPLE IMPLEMENTATIONS.” The entirety of this '012 section is incorporated herein by this reference, however for this section the following elements are substituted, as described above: 1) a reward system110is replaced by a purpose system115; 2) a reward 16 is replaced by an exchange item 16; 3) a reward fee 20 is replaced by an exchange fee 20; and 4) a reward currency 11 is replaced by a DirCurrency 11.FIG. 1shows these changes.

Example Qualifying Evidence 86 Tag-Object 65 Generation Process

Referring now toFIG. 4A, U.S. patent application '012 discloses a section entitled “EXAMPLE QUALIFYING EVIDENCE 86 TAG-OBJECT 65 GENERATION PROCESS.” The entirety of this '012 section is incorporated herein by this reference, however for this section the following elements are substituted, as described above: 1) a reward system110identifier 41 is replaced by a purpose system115identifier 41; and 2) a reward system110is replaced by a purpose system115.FIG. 4Ashows these changes.

Example Voucher-Tag-Object 12 Generation Process

Referring now toFIG. 4B, U.S. patent application '012 discloses a section entitled “EXAMPLE VOUCHER-TAG-OBJECT 12 GENERATION PROCESS.” The entirety of this '012 section is incorporated herein by this reference, however for this section the following elements are substituted, as described above: 1) a reward currency 11 is replaced by a DirCurrency 11; 2 a reward 16 is replaced by an exchange item 16; 6) reward-eligible is replaced by exchange-eligible; and 3) a reward provider120is replaced by a DirCurrency 11 redeemer120.FIG. 4Bshows these changes.

Example Databases in Currency System100

Referring now toFIG. 4C, U.S. patent application '012 discloses a section entitled “FIRST EXAMPLE IMPLEMENTATION.” The entirety of this '012 section is incorporated herein by this reference. No elements are substituted.FIG. 4Cshows these elements.

Referring now toFIG. 5A(coupled withFIGS. 5B and 5C), U.S. Patent Application '012 discloses a section entitled “EXAMPLE PROCESS TO QUALIFY FOR A VOUCHER-TAG-OBJECT 12.” The entirety of this '012 section is incorporated herein by this reference, however for this section the following elements are substituted, as described above: 1) reward qualification is replaced by qualification; and 2) a reward system110identifier 41 is replaced by a purpose system115identifier 41.FIG. 5Ashows these changes. A qualification in the present invention is not limited to a reward qualification. A DirCurrency 11 issuer can issue units of a DirCurrency 11 for any reason to any person with or without a qualification.

Referring now toFIG. 5B, U.S. patent application '012 discloses a section entitled “EXAMPLE PROCESS TO QUALIFY FOR A VOUCHER-TAG-OBJECT 12.” The entirety of this '012 section is incorporated herein by this reference, however for this section the following elements are substituted, as described above: 1) reward qualification is replaced by qualification; and 2) a reward system110is replaced by a purpose system115.FIG. 5Bshows these changes.

Referring now toFIG. 5C, U.S. patent application '012 discloses a section entitled “EXAMPLE PROCESS TO GENERATE VOUCHER-TAG-OBJECT 12 (continued).” The entirety of this '012 section is incorporated herein by this reference, however for this section the following elements are substituted, as described above: 1) a reward system110is replaced by a purpose system115.FIG. 5Cshows this change.

Further in reference toFIG. 5Cblock5820, a tag 35 comprising a voucher-tag-object 12 can be recorded and stored in a database 90 consisting of one or more tables, records, columns, and cells (fields). The coupled (combined) elements in a tag 35 can be stored in a database 90 in a format, e.g., of: 1) a contiguous string 83 recorded in one cell in a table column (e.g., a tag 35 comprising a “segment A” comprising all elements recorded in one column); or 2) a non-contiguous string 83 recorded as individual segments, comprising portions of a string 83, in two or more columns, the segments coupled as a combination (e.g., a single “segment B” in a first column and a single “segment C” in a second column); or as 3) a non-contiguous string 83 comprising a set of elements recorded as entries in two or more table columns, each entry comprising a segment of a single tag 35, wherein in at least one table column at least two elements comprise at least one segment and two or more segments in different columns can operate as a coupled combination (e.g., a coupled “segment A” in a first column, a single element as a “segment B” in a second column, and a single element as a “segment C” in a third column).

Example Elements in a Voucher-Tag-Object 12 Redemption Process

Referring now toFIG. 6, U.S. patent application '012 discloses a section entitled “EXAMPLE ELEMENTS IN A VOUCHER-TAG-OBJECT 12 REDEMPTION PROCESS.” The entirety of this '012 section is incorporated herein by this reference, however for this section the following elements are substituted, as described above: 1) a reward 16 is replaced by an exchange item 16; and 2) a reward system110is replaced by a purpose system115.FIG. 6shows these changes.

Referring now toFIG. 7, U.S. patent application '012 discloses a section entitled “EXAMPLE VOUCHER-TAG-OBJECT 12 REDEMPTION PROCESS700.” The entirety of this '012 section is incorporated herein by this reference, however for this section the following elements are substituted, as described above: 1) a reward provider120is replaced by a DirCurrency 11 redeemer120; 2) a reward 16 is replaced by an exchange item 16; 3) reward program108rules are replaced by purpose program108rules; 4) a reward currency 11 is replaced by a DirCurrency 11; 5) a reward system110is replaced by a purpose system115; 6) a reward fee 20 rule is replaced by an exchange fee 20 rule; and 7) a reward fee 20 is replaced by an exchange fee 20.FIG. 7shows these changes.

U.S. patent application '012 discloses a section entitled “VOUCHER-TAG-OBJECT 12 SALES. TRADE, AND DISTRIBUTION.” The entirety of this '012 section is incorporated herein by this reference, however for this section the following elements are substituted, as described above: 1) a reward provider120is replaced by a DirCurrency 11 redeemer120; 2) a reward system110is replaced by a purpose system115; and 3) a reward currency is replaced by a directed digital currency.

Additional Configuration Considerations

U.S. patent application '012 discloses a section entitled “ADDITIONAL CONFIGURATION CONSIDERATIONS.” The entirety of this '012 section is incorporated herein by this reference, however for this section the following elements are substituted, as described above: 1) a reward system110is replaced by a purpose system115; 2) a reward provider120is replaced by a DirCurrency 11 redeemer120; 3) a reward 16 is replaced by an exchange item 16; and 4) a reward currency 11 is replaced by a DirCurrency 11.

Upon reading this disclosure, those of skill in the art will appreciate still additional alternative structural and functional designs for a system, an apparatus, and a process for electronically generating a general DirCurrency 11, comprising voucher-tag-objects 12, exchange items 16, tags 35, and tag-objects 60 through the disclosed principles herein. Thus, while particular embodiments and applications have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the precise construction and components disclosed herein, and the disclosure is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes and variations, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, can be made in the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and apparatuses disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope defined in the appended claims. The above description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person of ordinary skill in the art to make or use the disclosure.