System and method for rewarding commuters
First Claim
1. A system for recognizing and rewarding desirable commuting behavior by subscribers to the system, said system comprising:
- data storage means comprising an electronic register of subscribers to the system and an account for each;
tracking means for tracking a subscriber travel event; and
computer means programmed to;
determine whether the travel event meets predefined commute-qualifying criteria for categorizing said travel event as a commute;
determine a credit value for each commute according to predetermined value criteria and update the account of the associated subscriber with the value determined;
compare an accumulation of value in a subscriber'"'"'s account with a reward-issuing threshold; and
cause the subscriber to be notified of having qualified for a reward when the reward-issuing threshold is exceeded;
wherein the tracking means comprises locating means for locating in real time the subscriber or individual members of a group of persons associated with the subscriber, the tracking means further comprises a global positioning system (GPS) enabled device uniquely associated with the subscriber and having means for communicating time- and location-related data to said computer means; and
wherein the computer means is programmed to process said data to detect changes in subscriber location over time and, on the basis of said changes, determine a means most likely used by the subscriber in changing location.
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Accused Products
Abstract
This invention provides for tracking and rewarding commuters according to their contribution to unclogging roads by opting for alternative transport forms and improving their health and the health of the environment. In particular, the invention relates to commuters who travel under human power to and from their place of work and who sign up as subscribers to a managed system that tracks their travel events, compares data gathered about the event with other events and determines whether or not the event qualifies as a commute, in which case an account of the user is credited. When the accumulated credit in the account reaches a threshold amount, the user qualifies for receiving a reward such as by means of a value token.
33 Citations
8 Claims
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1. A system for recognizing and rewarding desirable commuting behavior by subscribers to the system, said system comprising:
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data storage means comprising an electronic register of subscribers to the system and an account for each; tracking means for tracking a subscriber travel event; and computer means programmed to; determine whether the travel event meets predefined commute-qualifying criteria for categorizing said travel event as a commute; determine a credit value for each commute according to predetermined value criteria and update the account of the associated subscriber with the value determined; compare an accumulation of value in a subscriber'"'"'s account with a reward-issuing threshold; and cause the subscriber to be notified of having qualified for a reward when the reward-issuing threshold is exceeded; wherein the tracking means comprises locating means for locating in real time the subscriber or individual members of a group of persons associated with the subscriber, the tracking means further comprises a global positioning system (GPS) enabled device uniquely associated with the subscriber and having means for communicating time- and location-related data to said computer means; and wherein the computer means is programmed to process said data to detect changes in subscriber location over time and, on the basis of said changes, determine a means most likely used by the subscriber in changing location. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification