US 20170337575A1 ( 19) United States (12) Patent Application Publication (10 ) Pub. No.: US 2017/0337575 A1 Shore et al. (43) Pub. Date : Nov. 23, 2017 (54 ) SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING CONSUMER PARTICIPATION IN (52) CPC U.S . .CI.......... G06Q 30 /0226 (2013 .01 ); H04W 4 /02 ASSOCIATION WITH AN EVENT TO (2013.01) EFFECT THE ALLOCATION OF CREDIT TO SERVICE PROVIDERS (71) Applicants :Michael W . Shore , Dallas, TX (US); (57) ABSTRACT Samir Varma, Greenwich , CT (US); Luis M . Ortiz , Albuquerque , NM (US ) Data collected from consumers (e . g ., sports fans, spectators , gamers , shoppers ) based on their participation associated (72 ) Inventors: Michael W . Shore , Dallas, TX (US ); with an event ( e.g ., a sporting event, a broadcasted show , an Samir Varma, Greenwich , CT (US); online contest , shopping ) can be used to effect the allocation Luis M . Ortiz , Albuquerque, NM (US ) of credit (e .g., points, ratings , fees, money, equity ) to select service providers (e . g ., sports teams, sport team members , (21) Appl. No.: 15/602,843 sports team coaches , shows, actors, video game competition , (22 ) Filed : May 23 , 2017 providers of highlighted products at a shopping center, a particular store ). Data can be in the form of profile infor Related U .S. Application Data mation , location , and input/ feedback regarding an event . Data can be collected from a portable electronic device ( e. g ., (@ 60 ) Provisional application No. 62 /340 ,341, filed on May smartphone) used by consumers. Feedback can be provided 23 , 2016 . to consumers. Participation associated with an event can be Publication Classification by consumer attendance at an event as determined by portable electronic device location information . Participa (51) Int . CI. tion can also be provided in the form of consumer input on G06Q 30 /02 ( 2012 . 01) a user interface associated with their portable electronic H04W 4 /02 ( 2009.01) device. 100. . * Peterlering 1 Data is collected from consumers participating in an event Data is processed to determine credit for 120 allocation to service providers Credit is allocated to at least one service 130 provider Patent Application Publication Nov. 23, 2017 Sheet 1 of 3 US 2017/0337575 A1 mahummmmmertimairinimo aparatamateriaaliasiaineenvaimenning Data is collected from consumers in an event Data is processed to determine credit for human 124 allocation to service providers Credit is allocated to at least one service for e provider www FIG . 1 Patent Application Publication Nov. 23, 2017 Sheet 2 of 3 US 2017/0337575 A1 Y NL . ZOZ MLB Baseball Game PGA Golf NFL Football Game Tournament . . 2061 . . College Shopping . Hockey Basketball WFC MMA . IIIIIIIIIIIIII winni . . www . . . . . . 245 Service wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Provider 485:2008 . N Kryers . ! ! ! 224 Y : VN . 922 ii YY : * * ! * ! 9 . W . . Xatika 235 Peix Prvozxidox jas FIG 2 Patent Application Publication Nov. 23, 2017 Sheet 3 of 3 US 2017/0337575 A1 WAH y . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . . . AALLLLL . :. :. : . : . : . whether he starterw i e derum - - - - -- - . . . stee n w A wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww w wwwwwwwwwwwwww * * * * * ** * * 344 u VW KEYBOARD inimesinine 2341 minni wwws v ini W WWWWW itenutarimuninni wwww .. . ' PROCESSOR s pinaparamonosni prostorompri 3469 m amia mmmmmmmmmmmm mmmmmm INPUT wwwwwwwwwwwwwvinnumanniinimetaminin ' viwiwmiwietimwwpwewrwewwrwawtwwe Son MEMORY www wiewitmeninismimimining . intetitoririrei W * wwwwwwww DISPLAY yu nanini minimas 7343 hining 347 CONTROLLER www. fotolog Liepajajajajajajaran matemammans . ' 111 332 * COMPONENT ' ww w rootenanntentoonstoneworonowowerende mi n iminnananananana FIG . 3 SOFTWARE APPLICATION i nnin * * w MODULE Wwwwwwwwwwwww weten water en areer INTERFACE ARE lllll C OPERATING SYSTEM ** vertrevertreviv i r ' ' W AMAANA FIG . US 2017/0337575 A1 Nov . 23, 2017 SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING cellular signal triangulation , and Wi-Fi router/hotspot net CONSUMER PARTICIPATION IN work internet protocol (IP ) address information registering ASSOCIATION WITH AN EVENT TO with the portable electronic device . EFFECT THE ALLOCATION OF CREDIT TO [0008 ] It is another feature of the embodiments that par SERVICE PROVIDERS ticipation can also be provided by the consumer in the form of input on a user interface associated with their portable CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT electronic device and into an application running on the APPLICATIONS portable electronic device or a remote server that is associ [0001] This patent application claims the priority and ated with the event. benefit of U . S . provisional patent application 62 /340 , 341 , [0009] It is another feature of the embodiments that feed entitled “ SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING CON back can actively be provided to consumers regarding their SUMER PARTICIPATION IN ASSOCIATION WITH AN participation in or interest in an event. EVENT TO EFFECT THE ALLOCATION OF CREDIT TO [0010 ] It is a feature of the embodiments that the alloca SERVICE PROVIDERS,” filed on May 23 , 2016 . This tion of credit can be by percentages or specific amounts as patent application therefore claims priority to U .S . Provi determined by select parameters from a credit allocation sional Patent Application Ser . No. 62/340,341, which is algorithm running on a remote server. incorporated herein by reference in its entirety . [0011] It is also a feature of the embodiments that effecting the allocation of credit (e .g., points , ratings, fees , money , TECHNICAL FIELD equity ) to service providers can be in the form of the users ' fees between the teams, or two " sides ” of the event based on [ 0002 ] The embodiments are generally related to data the data collected from consumers ( e . g ., consumer input in collection and its use to influence an outcome. More par favor of a particular team , player , coach in a broadcasted ticularly , embodiments are related to the use of data col sporting event). lected from consumers, based on their participation in asso [0012 ] It is also a feature of the embodiments that effecting ciation with an event, to effect the allocation of credit to the allocation of credit (e.g ., points, ratings, fees, money, service providers and influence them . equity ) can be used by an algorithm running in a server to BACKGROUND produce data for service providers to use as input in making a business determination ( e . g ., fan input in favor of a [ 0003] Big data has become omnipresent and important in particular team , rating a player or draft choice, rating decisions by businesses , governments, entertainment enti coaches ). ties , and , more recently , consumers . For example , consumer [0013] It is another feature of the embodiments that an can research products and obtain associated ratings online algorithm can include data from vetted consumers (e .g ., top before committing to a purchase . The ubiquity of portable fans, credible sources , valued customers) as a parameter handheld devices has only increased the demand and expec together with other parameters ( e.g ., team owner input, tation for data by all users . Data will continue to influence coaching staff input) for producing a recommendation for business and consumers, and more importantly , will be service providers . obtained from consumers to influence service providers. What are needed are methods and systems for obtaining data BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS from consumers for processing in a manner that can assist and influence service providers . [0014 ] FIG . 1 illustrates a flow diagram of method steps in accordance with the embodiments ; BRIEF SUMMARY [0015 ] FIG . 2 illustrates a system diagram in accordance with features of the embodiments ; [0004 ] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, it is a [0016 ]. FIG . 3 illustrates a schematic view of a computer feature that data collected from consumers (e .g., sports fans, system , in accordance with an embodiment; and spectators , gamers, shoppers ) based on their participation [0017 ] FIG . 4 illustrates a schematic view of a software associated with an event (e. g., a sporting event, a broad system including a module , an operating system , and a user casted show , an online contest , shopping ) can be used to interface , in accordance with an embodiment . effect the allocation of credit ( e. g ., points , ratings , fees, money, equity ) to service providers (e. g., sports teams, sport DETAILED DESCRIPTION team members , sports team coaches, shows, actors, video game competition , providers of highlighted products at a [0018 ] Described are methods and systems for obtaining shopping center, a particular store ). data from consumers for processing in a manner that can [0005 ] It is another features of the embodiments that data assist or influence service providers. collected from consumers can be in the form of profile [0019 ] Referring to the flow diagram 100 in FIG . 1, data information , location information , and input/feedback is collected from consumers participating in an event as regarding an event. shown in block 110 . Data representing consumer participa [0006 ] It is yet another feature of the embodiments that tion in an event can be in the form of consumer profile data can be collected from a portable electronic device ( e.g ., information , consumer location information , and input/ feed smartphone , tablet computer ) used by consumers. back from consumers regarding an event . Consumers can [0007 ] It is also a feature of the embodiments that partici include any of: sports fans, spectators , gamers, and shop pation associated with an event can be by the consumers pers. Next, as shown in block 120 , the data is processed to physically attending an event as determined by location determine credit for allocation to service providers. Then as information obtained from the consumers ' portable elec - sown in block 130 , credit is allocated to at least one service tronic devices in the form of GPS location information , provider. An event can include any of: a sporting event, a US 2017/0337575 A1 Nov . 23, 2017 broadcasted show , an online contest, and shopping including [0024 ] The other thing you can do is to raise ticket prices online or at a physical facility (e .g ., a mall). Credit can for some people, while lowering it for others, based on their include any of: points, ratings, fees , money , and equity. marginal propensity to pay. Economists have also called this Select service providers can include any of: sports teams, price discrimination . For example , consider why popcorn is sport team members , sports team coaches, shows, actors, so expensive at a movie theatre . It turns out that people that video game competitions, video game competitors, provid love movies more and thus would be willing to pay more for ers of highlighted products at a shopping center, a particular a movie ticket are roughly also the same people that like to store . eat popcorn at the movies . Theater owners effectively charge 0020 ] Referring to the system diagram 200 in FIG . 2 , data those people more for their ticket: market segmentation via 230 can be collected by a server 210 over a data network 250 popcorn ! In the sports venue ticketing case , teams can from a portable electronic device 220 (e .g., smartphone , segment the market and thus increase their own profits. It tablet computer ) being used by consumers participating in can be appreciated that a system can be employed to make an event 201 . The event shown for participation in the figure differently priced tickets “ look different so that people is a Major League Baseball (MLB ) game and is for exem don 't complain about paying different prices for the same plary purposes only . Participation associated with an event thing the key is to find those populations that will pay can be by a consumer physical attending an event 201 as more and charge them more and those that will pay less and determined by location information 225 obtained from the charge them less, without having the two groups overlap . Or, consumer ' s portable electronic device 220 in the form of if it ' s college sports , find those donors that are likeliest to GPS location information , cellular signal triangulation , net donate large amounts , and so on . work internet protocol ( IP ) address information supporting 10025 ]. The embodiments are not just restricted to sports. communication of the portable electronic device 220 . Par Imagine that one of the major fashion houses launches a new ticipation can also be provided by the consumer in the form line that is exclusive to Nordstrom . It' s such a big deal that of input on a user interface 222 as part of a touch sensitive Nordstrom gets lots of new traffic . How can that fashion display screen 224 associated with their portable electronic house be compensated for the extra traffic it brings to device 220 and into an application 235 (“ App ' ) running on Nordstrom ? That can now be measured with implementation the portable electronic device 220 or a remote server 210 and of the present embodiments . The fashion house can release which is associated with the event 201. Allocation of credit an app that contains offers that only select consumers can 243 to service providers 245 associated with an event 201 redeem if location tracking is active on their mobile devices can be by percentages or specific amounts as determined by while inside Nordstrom . Now the retailers can know exactly select parameters from a credit allocation algorithm running where that shopper went within a mall , e . g ., Nordstrom , on a remote server. Effecting the allocation of credit ( e. g ., which means a fair split can be calculated of the extra points , ratings, fees, money, equity ) to service providers 245 revenue Nordstrom receives from that shopper coming to can be in the form of the users ' fees between the teams, or see the new fashion line, and then quite naturally wandering two " sides ” of the event based on the data collected from about in the store or mall making additional purchases . consumers (e . g ., consumer input in favor of a particular [0026 ] The principle is : if party A can segment a market team , player , coach in a broadcasted sporting event). via engagement information , then closing the loop means 10021] What follows are examples of how the embodi that Party A can benefit both itself AND /OR its affiliates. ments can be applied . The examples are notmeant to limit Party A can segment any market — it doesn 't necessarily the scope of the embodiments for the present invention . have to segment its own market though that’ s most likely . SMU can join a major conference and not take an equal For example , perhaps SMU fans of a certain type segment share of revenue , but instead earn their way in as their brand are also those that would be most interested in travel offers becomes more valuable as a draw for pay -per- view viewers . from Abercrombie & Kent versus those of a different seg Value of the participation of each team can be determined ment that don 't. Fans can get their teams more money or using fan metrics and a decision tree . other benefits by enabling their fans to watch , report , and [0022] Since sports entities may know whom the most provide feedback . With the present embodiments, the fan engaged fans are and are also likely to know who the most can literally be part of the team ; and the more they are, the knowledgeable fans are , the present systems and methods more advertisers know they are getting the impact they want. can differentially price services to them . So , not only can By closing the feedback loop , data becomes more useful. sports entities have different offers for different types of Consumers (e .g ., the viewers of a sporting event) will know fans, but they can also have different ticket prices for those that their input is going to affect a service provider ( e.g ., a specific fans. Normally tickets are transferable ( which leads team 's revenue). to price leaks ), but by putting these tickets on an " app " they [0027 ] As another sporting example , if more than a certain can be made non -transferable . Since they ' re non -transfer number of viewers fitting a certain profile watch a certain able, they can also be prevented from leaking from the number of hours of their sports team , the team can get an specially priced to the general public. extra draft pick . Each team can then encourage its viewers [ 0023] Teams could adjust their general attendance demo to watch by telling them that their team will get better (via graphic . So , if , for example , the Miami Dolphins are playing draft picks ) if they watch their events. Similarly, extra points the NY Jets in Miami, and there are way too many Jets fans can go to the team for the viewers that don ' t skip ads versus coming (i.e., not enough team support), the Miami Dolphins the viewers that do . organization could send offers to Dolphins fans to come to [0028 ] Location tracking can be an important aspect for the stadium and balance out the Jets fans. And an organi certain embodiments . Because more consumers have a zation could furthermore also pick the type of fan it wants smartphone , consumers ( e . g ., sports fans) can opt in to be at the event, where they will be seated for maximum noise , " tracked ” during events ( e . g ., games ). If they go to a viewing and whether to seat them together or spread them out, etc . party, which can be checked from the smartphone 's location , US 2017/0337575 A1 Nov . 23, 2017 or through a smartphone 's microphone by identifying what A , Team /Conference B ) or even octagonal. It can get as is on a television set by the sound , the team can get extra complex as necessary to satisfy all stakeholders that their draft picks or something else of value . “ share ” is fair to them . [0029] Consumers can be asked to fill in detailed demo [0034 ] When a viewer chooses the Michigan vs. SMU graphic profiles, and link those to both their smartphone and basketball game, an algorithm programmed in a server can their web accounts with an event or their team . The carrot is use all of the data about that user (location , past buying that if more than a certain number of fans fill in the detailed behavior , etc .) or an input from that user ( as but one factor ) profile, the service provider (e . g ., team ) can get additional in deciding how to divide that $ 49 .99. A user in Florida credit allocated . For a professional sports team , additional might have a data history that indicates they are more likely credit allocation can improve its revenue cap or provide it buying because Michigan is playing. That buyer 's $ 49 . 99 with more draft picks . might go 60 , 70 , 80 or some other % based upon the degree [ 0030 ] For sporting events , the fans that are most dedi of likelihood that Michigan 's involvement drives the pur cated to watching their teams (whether on TV or in person chase . Buyer A : 3 ,597 data points, all individually weighted at the stadium ) could be given the opportunity to buy relative to one another , reveals he is a SMU fan , his fan exclusive things of tangible value . For example , in the NFL , status is most related to the new coach (he never watched teams can never have enough eyes watching plays . Teams before , but watched team x when coach was there ) to the can ask their most dedicated fans for feedback — what plays point that you can use that to calculate shares. A service can worked , why , which blocking techniques, which defensive also have a user declare his team when he buys tickets or back played best and why, etc . In other words, a team can other team -related goods and services, but that is just have “ smart” crowdsourcing as opposed to just crowdsourc another data point. He may declare SMU fan status, but he ing . The NFL already sells additional cost packages to the only pays when SMU plays certain types of teams, of which fans called “ all 22” where you can see all 22 players on the Michigan may be that type . field - it ' s what the coaches ' see . There are enough fans that [0035 ] The embodiments can therefore enable the basing would be willing to buy the right to give their suggestions to of credit allocation on predictive/diagnostic factors to deter the team . mine the basis of third party decision making , and can be [0031] A team could also offer up its most dedicated fans executed in a manner that all participants agree is a fair way a live poll during draft day where those most dedicated fans to allocate credit ( e. g ., divide credit /revenue ). could continuously vote on which player they want picked ( or trade the pick ) as the draft goes on . Again , very valuable [0036 ] It can be important that input is provided , or used , feedback to an open -minded coach . from only the most credible parties. For example, fans that [ 0032 ] Fan grading can be so useful and so accurate that the system can identify as credible may be season ticket holders , regular contributors , etc ., as opposed to a contribu NFL coaches , for example , could adopt the input and use it tion from a limited or one -time use . In a sports application , to identify the “ best fans, which are also the most “ knowl fan engagement will be important to obtain and assess . edgeable ," and then there can be numerous opportunities to “ Engagement” can be defined using a metric . For exemplary make use of their best fans' collective wisdom . For example , purposes , assuming an engagementwith SMU fans,then , (1 ) who knows how good Tony Romo really is ? The collection of people that watched every single game that Romo ever a direct segmentation would be that the most “ engaged ” played likely would . Similarly, decisions on who to draft SMU fans are also likely to be bigger donors and may be possess a huge opportunity that can be " crowdsourced ” this receptive to a donation pitch , and (2 ) an indirect segmenta way. The key point is that teams can be asking only those tion would be that the most engaged SMU fans would be people that might actually know what they ' re talking about receptive to offers from high - end Brazilian Churrascarias, for input. This input could also be used for determining whereas the less engaged would prefer offers for tailored compensation . How much to pay various coaches and the clothing. The engagement metric could be single valued amount of playing time or compensation players get could ( one number ) or multi- valued (more than one number — this could be thought of as multiple engagement metrics ) . Simi be partially determined by how the most dedicated fans feel larly, the segmentations could be divided into two (more about them . Similarly , teams could offer other stuff of real receptive /less receptive ) or multiple segmentations (more value to their most dedicated fans : from the group of people than two ). that watched all the games and all the ads( !), you pick X that come for free to the live game, and the team pays for their [0037 ] Once obtained , data can be weighted and utilized in hotel and takes them onto the field to meet players , and decision making . An algorithm can weigh input to decision makes a big fuss about them , etc. making based on more than one input. For example, in a [0033] The advantage with having a feedback loop in sports scenario where a decision is attempted regarding the association with sporting events is that it, finally, aligns hiring of a coach , picking a draft pick , making a salary everyone 's interests. The advertisers actually get more eye determination , building a new stadium , etc ., fan input (F ) balls, the fans get to affect their own team , and the teams get can be weighed against coach input (C ) and team owner extra revenue, better players, and help with making better input (O ). For example , a team owner might have 50 % , decisions, etc ., and it 's all measurable . In the future , all coaching staff 30 % , and fans 20 % . So, a decision can be major sports will be pay -per-view . It is expected to affect the made as follows: O + C + F = Percentage . Where several poten " each team gets paid a fixed amount or percentage ” in tial draft picks are being considered , fans will actually take current TV deals , for example , Big 12 conference football . part in the ranking. The present inventors believe that data collected from view [0038 ] Feedback to third parties , whether in the shopping ers in the future will be used to allocate the users ' fees or sports scenarios, can be important in order to maintain between the teams, or two " sides” of the event. A “ side" can interest and engagement in the process . Third parties can be binary ( Team A , Team B ), quadratic ( Team /Conference also be incentivized for participation . US 2017/0337575 A1 Nov . 23, 2017 [0039] As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, grammable apparatus provide steps for implementing the example embodiments can be implemented in the context of functions/acts specified in the block or blocks . a method, data processing system , or computer program [0045 ] FIGS. 3- 4 are shown only as exemplary diagrams product. Accordingly, example embodiments may take the of data -processing environments in which embodiments can form of an entire hardware embodiment, an entire software be implemented . It should be appreciated that FIGS. 3 -4 are embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and only exemplary and are not intended to assert or imply any hardware aspects all generally referred to herein as a " cir limitation with regard to the environments in which aspects cuit” or “ module .” Furthermore, embodiments may in some or embodiments of the disclosed embodiments may be cases take the form of a computer program product on a implemented . Many modifications to the depicted environ computer -usable storage medium having computer -usable ments may be made without departing from the spirit and program code embodied in the medium . Any suitable com scope of the disclosed embodiments. puter readable medium can be utilized including hard disks , 10046 ]. As illustrated in FIG . 3 , some embodiments cans be USB Flash Drives, DVDs, CD -ROMs, optical storage implemented in the context of a data - processing system 400 devices, magnetic storage devices, server storage, databases , that can include one or more processors such as the proces etc . sor 341, the memory 342, an input/output controller 343, a [ 0040) Computer program code for carrying out opera peripheral USB — Universal Serial Bus (USB ) connection tions of the present invention can be written in an object 347 , a keyboard 344 and /or another input device 345 (e .g., oriented programming language ( e .g ., Java , C + + , etc . ). The a pointing device , such as a mouse , track ball , pen device , computer program code , however, for carrying out opera etc .), a display 346 , and in some cases, a peripheral con tions of particular embodiments can also be written in nection component 332 , which may connect to other elec conventional procedural programming languages, such as tronic components . the “ C ” programming language or in a visually oriented [0047 ] As illustrated , the various components of data programming environment, such as, for example , Visual processing system 400 can communicate electronically Basic . through a system bus 351 or similar architecture . The system [0041 ] The program code may execute entirely on the bus 351 can be, for example , a subsystem that transfers data user 's computer, partly on the user' s computer , as a stand between , for example , computer components within data alone software package , partly on the user ' s computer and processing system 400 or to and from other data -processing partly on a remote computer, or entirely on the remote devices , components, computers , etc . Data - processing sys computer. In the latter scenario , the remote computer may be tem 400 can be implemented in some embodiments as, for connected to a user ' s computer through a local area network example , a server in a client- server based network ( e .g ., the (LAN ) or a wide area network (WAN ), wireless data net Internet) or in the context of a client and a server (i.e ., where work e . g ., Wi-Fi Wimax , 802 .xx , and cellular network , or aspects are practiced on the client and the server ) . In yet the connection may be made to an external computer via other example embodiments , data -processing system 400 most third party supported networks (for example , through can be, for example , a standalone desktop computer, a laptop the Internet utilizing an Internet Service Provider ). computer, a Smartphone , a pad computing device and so on , [0042] The example embodiments are described at least in wherein each such device is operably connected to and/ or in part herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or communication with a client - server based network or other block diagrams of methods, systems, and computer program types of networks (e .g., cellular networks, Wi- Fi, etc .). products and data structures according to embodiments of [0048] FIG . 4 illustrates a computer software system 450 the invention . It should be understood that each block of the for directing the operation of the data -processing system 400 illustrations, and combinations of blocks can be imple depicted in FIG . 3 . Software application 454 stored , for mented by computer program instructions. These computer example , in memory 342, generally includes a kernel or program instructions can be provided to a processor of a operating system 451 and a shell or interface 453. One or general-purpose computer, special purpose computer, or more application programs, such as software application other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a 454, can be “ loaded ” ( i. e., transferred from , for example , machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the mass storage or another memory location into the memory processor of the computer or other programmable data 342 ) for execution by the data -processing system 400 . processing apparatus, create means for implementing the [0049] The data -processing system 400 can receive user functions/ acts specified in the block or blocks. commands and data through the interface 453 ; these inputs [ 0043] These computer program instructions can also be can then be acted upon by the data -processing system 400 in stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a accordance with instructions from operating system 451 computer or other programmable data processing apparatus and /or software application 454. The interface 453 in some to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions embodiments can serve to display results , whereupon a user stored in the computer- readable memory produce an article may supply additional inputs or terminate a session . The of manufacture including instruction means which imple software application 454 can include module ( s ) 452, which ment the function /act specified in the various block or can , for example, implement instructions or operations such blocks , flowcharts , and other architecture illustrated and as the various operations discussed herein . Such instruc described herein . tions/operations ( e . g .,method steps ) can be processed by , for [ 0044 The computer program instructions can also be example , the processor 341. loaded onto a computer or other programmable data pro [0050 ] The following discussion is intended to provide a cessing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be brief , general description of suitable computing environ performed on the computer or other programmable appara ments in which the system and method may be implemented . tus to produce a computer implemented process such that the Although not required , the disclosed embodiments will be instructions which execute on the computer or other pro described in the general context of computer -executable US 2017/0337575 A1 Nov . 23, 2017 instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a functional description of the technology across many dif single computer. In most instances, a “ module” constitutes a ferent specific vendors ' hardware configurations or plat software application . forms, without being limited to specific vendors ' hardware [0051) Generally , program modules include, but are not configurations or platforms. limited to, routines , subroutines, software applications, pro [0057] Some of the present technical description ( e.g., grams, objects, components, data structures, etc., that per detailed description , drawings, claims, etc .) may be set forth form particular tasks or implement particular abstract data in terms of logical operations / functions. As described in types and instructions. Moreover, those skilled in the art will more detail in the following paragraphs, these logical opera appreciate that the disclosed method and system may be tions/ functions are not representations of abstract ideas , but practiced with other computer system configurations , such rather representative of static or sequenced specifications of as, for example, hand -held devices , multi- processor sys various hardware elements . Differently stated , unless con tems, data networks , microprocessor-based or program text dictates otherwise , the logical operations/ functions are mable consumer electronics , networked PCs, minicomput representative of static or sequenced specifications of vari ers , mainframe computers , servers , and the like . ous hardware elements . This is true because tools available [0052] Note that the term module as utilized herein may to implement technical disclosures set forth in operational/ refer to a collection of routines and data structures that functional formats -tools in the form of a high -level pro perform a particular task or implements a particular abstract gramming language ( e. g., C , Java, Visual Basic , etc .), or data type. Modules may be composed of two parts : an tools in the form of Very high speed Hardware Description interface , which lists the constants , data types , variable, and Language (“ VHDL," which is a language that uses text to routines that can be accessed by other modules or routines ; describe logic circuits ) are generators of static or and an implementation , which is typically private ( acces sequenced specifications of various hardware configura sible only to that module ) and which includes source code tions. This fact is sometimes obscured by the broad term that actually implements the routines in the module . The " software ," but, as shown by the following explanation , term module may also simply refer to an application , such what is termed " software ” is a shorthand for a massively as a computer program designed to assist in the performance complex interchaining /specification of ordered -matter ele of a specific task , such as word processing, accounting, ments . The term “ ordered -matter elements ” may refer to inventory management , etc . A module can include instruc physical components of computation , such as assemblies of tions to perform certain tasks, steps or operations such as electronic logic gates , molecular computing logic constitu those , described herein . ents, quantum computing mechanisms, etc . [0053] FIGS. 3 - 4 are thus intended as examples and not as [0058] For example , a high -level programming language architectural limitations of disclosed embodiments . Addi is a programming language with strong abstraction , e.g ., tionally, such embodiments are not limited to any particular multiple levels of abstraction , from the details of the sequen application or computing or data processing environment. tial organizations , states , inputs, outputs , etc ., of the Instead , those skilled in the art will appreciate that the machines that a high -level programming language actually disclosed approach may be advantageously applied to a specifies . In order to facilitate human comprehension , in variety of systems and application software . Moreover, the many instances , high - level programming languages disclosed embodiments can be embodied on a variety of resemble or even share symbols with natural languages. different computing platforms, including Macintosh , UNIX , [0059 ] It has been argued that because high -level pro LINUX , and the like . gramming languages use strong abstraction ( e. g ., that they [0054 ] The claims, description , and drawings of this appli may resemble or share symbols with natural languages) , cation may describe one or more of the instant technologies they are therefore a " purely mental construct” ( e . g ., that in operational/ functional language, for example, as a set of “ software” — a computer program or computer-program operations to be performed by a computer. Such operational/ ming — is somehow an ineffable mental construct, because at functional description in most instances can be specifically a high level of abstraction , it can be conceived and under configured hardware (e . g ., because a general purpose com stood in the human mind ). This argument has been used to puter in effect becomes a special purpose computer once it characterize technical description in the form of functions/ is programmed to perform particular functions pursuant to operations as somehow " abstract ideas.” In fact, in techno instructions from program software ). logical arts ( e . g ., the information and communication tech [ 0055 ] Importantly , although the operational/ functional nologies ) this is not true . descriptions described herein are understandable by the [0060 ] The fact that high -level programming languages human mind , they are not abstract ideas of the operations/ use strong abstraction to facilitate human understanding functions divorced from computational implementation of should not be taken as an indication that what is expressed those operations/ functions . Rather, the operations/ functions is an abstract idea . In an embodiment, if a high -level represent a specification for the massively complex compu programming language is the tool used to implement a tational machines or other means . As discussed in detail technical disclosure in the form of functions/operations, it below , the operational/ functional language must be read in can be understood that, far from being abstract, imprecise , its proper technological context, i.e ., as concrete specifica " fuzzy ." or "mental” in any significant semantic sense , such tions for physical implementations . a tool is instead a near incomprehensibly precise sequential [ 0056 ] The logical operations/ functions described herein specification of specific computational-machines — the parts can be a distillation of machine specifications or other ofwhich are built up by activating/selecting such parts from physical mechanisms specified by the operations/ functions typically more general computational machines over time such that the otherwise inscrutable machine specifications ( e . g ., clocked time). This fact is sometimes obscured by the may be comprehensible to the human mind . The distillation superficial similarities between high -level programming lan also allows one skilled in the art to adapt the operational/ guages and natural languages. These superficial similarities US 2017/0337575 A1 Nov . 23, 2017 also may cause a glossing over of the fact that high -level ages of the machines ' configuration , such machine language programming language implementations ultimately perform instructions also select out and activate specific groupings of valuable work by creating/ controlling many different com logic gates from the millions of logic gates of the more putational machines. general machine . Thus, far from abstract mathematical [0061] The many different computational machines that a expressions, machine language instruction programs, even high -level programming language specifies are almost though written as a string of zeros and ones , specify many, unimaginably complex . At base , the hardware used in the many constructed physical machines or physical machine computational machines typically consists of some type of states . ordered matter (e . g ., traditional electronic devices (e . g ., [0066 ] Machine language is typically incomprehensible transistors ), deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA ), quantum by most humans (e .g ., the above example was just ONE devices , mechanical switches , optics , fluidics, pneumatics , instruction , and some personal computers execute more than optical devices (e.g ., optical interference devices ), mol two billion instructions every second ). ecules, etc .) that are arranged to form logic gates . Logic [0067 ] Thus, programs written in machine language gates are typically physical devices that may be electrically, which may be tens ofmillions of machine language instruc mechanically, chemically, or otherwise driven to change tions long are incomprehensible. In view of this , early physical state in order to create a physical reality of Boolean assembly languages were developed that used mnemonic logic . codes to refer to machine language instructions, rather than [0062] Logic gates may be arranged to form logic circuits , using the machine language instructions' numeric values which are typically physical devices thatmay be electrically, directly (e . g ., for performing a multiplication operation , mechanically, chemically , or otherwise driven to create a programmers coded the abbreviation " mult,” which repre physical reality of certain logical functions. Types of logic sents the binary number “ 011000 ” in MIPS machine code ). circuits include such devices as multiplexers , registers, While assembly languages were initially a great aid to arithmetic logic units ( ALUS), computer memory devices, humans controlling the microprocessors to perform work , in etc ., each type of which may be combined to form yet other time the complexity of the work that needed to be done by types of physical devices , such as a central processing unit the humans outstripped the ability of humans to control the (CPU ) — the best known of which is the microprocessor. A microprocessors using merely assembly languages. modern microprocessor will often contain more than one [0068 ] At this point, it was noted that the same tasks hundred million logic gates in its many logic circuits (and needed to be done over and over, and the machine language often more than a billion transistors ). necessary to do those repetitive tasks was the same. In view [0063 ] The logic circuits forming themicroprocessor (e.g ., of this , compilers were created . A compiler is a device that processor 341 ) can be arranged to provide a microarchitec takes a statement that is more comprehensible to a human ture that will carry out the instructions defined by that than either machine or assembly language , such as “ add 2 + 2 microprocessor' s defined Instruction Set Architecture . The and output the result, ” and translates that human understand Instruction Set Architecture is the part of themicroprocessor able statement into a complicated , tedious, and immense architecture related to programming, including the native machine language code ( e . g., millions of 32 , 64 , or 128 bit data types, instructions, registers, addressing modes, length strings). Compilers thus translate high -level program memory architecture , interrupt and exception handling, and ming language into machine language . external Input/Output. [0069] This compiled machine language , as described [0064 ] The Instruction Set Architecture includes a speci above, is then used as the technical specification which fication of the machine language that can be used by sequentially constructs and causes the interoperation of programmers to use / control the microprocessor. Since the many different computational machines such that humanly machine language instructions are such that they may be useful, tangible , and concrete work is done . For example , as executed directly by the microprocessor, typically they indicated above , such machine language — the compiled consist of strings of binary digits , or bits . For example , a version of the higher- level language - functions as a tech typical machine language instruction might be many bits nical specification , which selects out hardware logic gates, long ( e .g ., 32 , 64, or 128 bit strings are currently common ) . specifies voltage levels , voltage transition timings , etc ., such A typical machine language instruction might take the form that the humanly useful work is accomplished by the hard “ 11110000101011110000111100111111” (a 32 bit instruc ware . tion ). [0070 ] Thus, a functional/operational technical descrip [ 0065 ] It is significant here that, although the machine tion , when viewed by one skilled in the art, is far from an language instructions are written as sequences of binary abstract idea . Rather , such a functional/operational technical digits, in actuality those binary digits specify physical real description , when understood through the tools available in ity . For example , if certain semiconductors are used to make the art such as those just described , is instead understood to the operations of Boolean logic a physical reality , the be a humanly understandable representation of a hardware apparently mathematical bits “ 1 ” and “ 0 ” in a machine specification , the complexity and specificity of which far language instruction actually constitute a shorthand that exceeds the comprehension ofmost any one human . Accord specifies the application of specific voltages to specific ingly, any such operational/ functional technical descriptions wires . For example , in some semiconductor technologies, may be understood as operations made into physical reality the binary number “ 1 ” ( e .g ., logical “ 1 ” ) in a machine by: (a ) one or more interchained physical machines ; (b ) language instruction specifies around + 5 volts applied to a interchained logic gates configured to create one or more specific “ wire ” (e . g ., metallic traces on a printed circuit physical machine ( s ) representative of sequential/ combina board ) and the binary number “ 0 ” (e. g ., logical “ O ” ) in a torial logic (s); (c ) interchained ordered matter making up machine language instruction specifies around - 5 volts logic gates ( e . g ., interchained electronic devices ( e . g ., tran applied to a specific " wire .” In addition to specifying volt sistors ), DNA , quantum devices , mechanical switches , US 2017/0337575 A1 Nov . 23, 2017 optics, fluidics, pneumatics , molecules , etc . ) that create abstract ideas merely because the specifications they repre physical reality representative of logic (s ); or (d ) virtually sent are presented in a manner that one skilled in the art can any combination of the foregoing . Indeed , any physical readily understand and apply in a manner independent of a object, which has a stable ,measurable, and changeable state specific vendor 's hardware implementation . may be used to construct a machine based on the above [0075 ] At least a portion of the devices or processes technical description . Charles Babbage , for example , con described herein can be integrated into an information structed the first computer out of wood and powered by processing system . An information processing system gen cranking a handle . erally includes one or more of a system unit housing, a video [0071] Thus, far from being understood as an abstract display device , memory , such as volatile or non- volatile idea , it can be recognized that a functional/ operational memory, processors such as microprocessors or digital sig technical description as a humanly - understandable represen nal processors , computational entities such as operating tation of one or more almost unimaginably complex and systems, drivers, graphical user interfaces, and applications time sequenced hardware instantiations . The fact that func programs, one ormore interaction devices (e .g., a touch pad , tional/ operational technical descriptions might lend them a touch screen , an antenna , etc .), or control systems includ selves readily to high -level computing languages (or high ing feedback loops and control motors (e.g ., feedback for level block diagrams for that matter ) that share some words, detecting position or velocity , control motors for moving or structures , phrases , etc ., with natural language simply cannot adjusting components or quantities) . An information pro be taken as an indication that such functional/operational cessing system can be implemented utilizing suitable com technical descriptions are abstract ideas, or mere expressions mercially available components, such as those typically of abstract ideas . In fact, as outlined herein , in the techno - found in data computing/ communication or network com logical arts this is simply not true . When viewed through the puting/ communication systems. tools available to those skilled in the art, such functional/ [0076 ] Those having skill in the art will recognize that the operational technical descriptions are seen as specifying state of the art has progressed to the pointwhere there is little hardware configurations of almost unimaginable complex distinction left between hardware and software implemen ity . tations of aspects of systems; the use of hardware or soft [0072 ] As outlined above, the reason for the use of func ware is generally ( but not always , in that in certain contexts tional/operational technical descriptions is at least twofold . the choice between hardware and software can become First, the use of functional/ operational technical descriptions significant ) a design choice representing cost vs . efficiency allows near -infinitely complex machines and machine tradeoffs . Those having skill in the art will appreciate that operations arising from interchained hardware elements to there are various vehicles by which processes or systems or be described in a manner that the human mind can process other technologies described herein can be effected (e.g ., (e.g., by mimicking natural language and logical narrative hardware , software , firmware , etc ., in one or more machines flow ). Second , the use of functional/ operational technical or articles of manufacture ), and that the preferred vehicle descriptions assists the person skilled in the art in under will vary with the context in which the processes, systems, standing the described subject matter by providing a descrip other technologies, etc ., are deployed . For example , if an tion that is more or less independent of any specific vendor's implementer determines that speed and accuracy are para piece (s ) of hardware . mount, the implementer may opt for a mainly hardware or [ 0073] The use of functional/ operational technical firmware vehicle ; alternatively , if flexibility is paramount, descriptions assists the person skilled in the art in under the implementer may opt for a mainly software implemen standing the described subject matter since , as is evident tation that is implemented in one or more machines or from the above discussion , one could easily , although not articles of manufacture ; or, yet again alternatively , the quickly , transcribe the technical descriptions set forth in this implementer may opt for some combination of hardware , document as trillions of ones and zeroes , billions of single software , firmware, etc ., in one or more machines or articles lines of assembly - level machine code , millions of logic of manufacture . Hence , there are several possible vehicles gates, thousands of gate arrays, or any number of interme by which the processes , devices, other technologies, etc ., diate levels of abstractions . However, if any such low - level described herein may be effected , none of which is inher technical descriptions were to replace the present technical ently superior to the other in that any vehicle to be utilized description, a person skilled in the art could encounter undue is a choice dependent upon the context in which the vehicle difficulty in implementing the disclosure , because such a will be deployed and the specific concerns ( e. g., speed , low - level technical description would likely add complexity flexibility , or predictability ) of the implementer, any of without a corresponding benefit ( e . g ., by describing the which may vary . In an embodiment, optical aspects of subject matter utilizing the conventions of one or more implementations will typically employ optically -oriented vendor- specific pieces of hardware ). Thus , the use of func hardware, software , firmware , etc ., in one or more machines tional/operational technical descriptions assists those skilled or articles of manufacture . in the art by separating the technical descriptions from the [0077 ] The herein described subject matter sometimes conventions of any vendor- specific piece of hardware . illustrates different components contained within , or con [0074 ) In view of the foregoing, the logical operations/ nected with , different other components . It is to be under functions set forth in the present technical description are stood that such depicted architectures are merely examples , representative of static or sequenced specifications of vari and that in fact , many other architectures can be imple ous ordered -matter elements in order that such specifications mented that achieve the same functionality . In a conceptual may be comprehensible to the human mind and adaptable to sense , any arrangement of components to achieve the same create many various hardware configurations. The logical functionality is effectively “ associated ” such that the desired operations / functions disclosed herein should be treated as functionality is achieved . Hence , any two components such and should not be disparagingly characterized as herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be US 2017/0337575 A1 Nov . 23, 2017 seen as “ associated with ” each other such that the desired guide , a wired communications link , a wireless communi functionality is achieved , irrespective of architectures or cation link (e. g., transmitter, receiver, transmission logic , intermedial components. Likewise , any two components so reception logic, etc .), etc .). associated can also be viewed as being " operably con [0080 ] While particular aspects of the present subject nected ” or “ operably coupled ” to each other to achieve the matter described herein have been shown and described , it desired functionality, and any two components capable of will be apparent to the reader that, based upon the teachings being so associated can also be viewed as being “ operably herein , changes and modifications can be made without coupleable” to each other to achieve the desired function departing from the subject matter described herein and its ality . Specific examples of operably coupleable include, but broader aspects and , therefore, the appended claims are to are not limited to , physically mateable, physically interact encompass within their scope all such changes and modifi ing components, wirelessly interactable, wirelessly interact cations as are within the true spirit and scope of the subject ing components , logically interacting, logically interactable matter described herein . In general, terms used herein , and components, etc . especially in the appended claims (e. g ., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “ open ” terms [0078 ] In an example embodiment, one or more compo (e . g., the term “ including ” should be interpreted as “ includ nents may be referred to herein as “ configured to ," " con ing but not limited to ,” the term “ having” should be inter figurable to ," " operable/operative to ," " adapted /adaptable ,” preted as “having at least,” the term “ includes” should be " able to ," " conformable /conformed to ,” etc . Such terms interpreted as “ includes but is not limited to ," etc .). Further, ( e. g., " configured to ” ) can generally encompass active -state if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is components , or inactive -state components, or standby -state intended , such an intent will be explicitly recited in the components , unless context requires otherwise . claim , and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is [0079 ] The foregoing detailed description has set forth present. For example , as an aid to understanding , the fol various embodiments of the devices or processes via the use lowing appended claimsmay contain usage of the introduc of block diagrams, flowcharts , or examples. Insofar as such tory phrases " at least one ” and “ one or more ” to introduce block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples contain one or claim recitations . However, the use of such phrases should more functions or operations, it will be understood by the not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim reader that each function or operation within such block recitation by the indefinite articles “ a ” or “ an ” limits any diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented , particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation individually or collectively , by a wide range of hardware , to claims containing only one such recitation , even when the software , firmware in one or more machines or articles of same claim includes the introductory phrases “ one or more ” manufacture , or virtually any combination thereof. Further, or “ at least one” and indefinite articles such as " a " or " an ” the use of “ Start,” “ End,” or “ Stop ” blocks in the block ( e . g ., " a " and / or " an ” should typically be interpreted to mean diagrams is not intended to indicate a limitation on the " at least one” or “ one or more ” ) ; the same holds true for the beginning or end of any functions in the diagram . Such use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations . In flowcharts or diagrams may be incorporated into other addition , even if a specific number of an introduced claim flowcharts or diagrams where additional functions are per recitation is explicitly recited , such recitation should typi formed before or after the functions shown in the diagrams cally be interpreted to mean at least the recited number ( e . g ., of this application . In an embodiment, several portions of the the bare recitation of two recitations,” without other modi subject matter described herein is implemented via Appli fiers, typically means at leasttwo recitations, or two or more cation Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Program recitations ). Furthermore , in those instances where a con mable Gate Arrays (FPGAs ), digital signal processors vention analogous to “ at least one of A , B , and C , etc .” is (DSPs ), or other integrated formats . However, some aspects used , in general such a construction is intended in the sense of the embodiments disclosed herein , in whole or in part, can of the convention ( e . g ., " a system having at least one of A . be equivalently implemented in integrated circuits , as one or B , and C ” would include but not be limited to systems that more computer programs running on one or more computers have A alone, B alone , C alone, A and B together, A and C ( e . g ., as one or more programs running on one or more together, B and C together, and /or A , B , and C together, etc .). computer systems), as one or more programs running on one In those instances where a convention analogous to " at least or more processors (e . g ., as one or more programs running one of A , B , or C , etc ." is used , in general such a construc on one or more microprocessors ), as firmware , or as virtu tion is intended in the sense of the convention ( e . g ., " a ally any combination thereof, and that designing the cir system having at least one of A , B , or C ” would include but cuitry or writing the code for the software and /or firmware not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, would be well within the skill of one skilled in the art in light A and B together, A and C together , B and C together , and / or of this disclosure . In addition , the mechanismsof the subject A , B , and C together, etc .). Typically a disjunctive word or matter described herein are capable of being distributed as a phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in program product in a variety of forms, and that an illustra the description , claims, or drawings , should be understood to tive embodiment of the subject matter described herein contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, applies regardless of the particular type of signal-bearing either of the terms, or both terms unless context dictates medium used to actually carry out the distribution . Non otherwise . For example, the phrase “ A or B ” will be typi limiting examples of a signal-bearing medium include the cally understood to include the possibilities of “ A ” or “ B ” or following: a recordable type medium such as a floppy disk , “ A and B ." a hard disk drive , a Compact Disc (CD ), a Digital Video [0081] With respect to the appended claims, the operations Disk (DVD ), a digital tape , a computer memory , etc .: and a recited therein generally may be performed in any order. transmission type medium such as a digital or an analog Also , although various operational flows are presented in a communication medium (e.g ., a fiber optic cable , a wave sequence (s ), it should be understood that the various opera US 2017/0337575 A1 Nov . 23, 2017 tions can be performed in orders other than those that are b ) processing the data to determine credit for allocation to illustrated , ormay be performed concurrently. Examples of a service provider based on the consumer 's participa such alternate orderings include overlapping, interleaved , tion ; interrupted , reordered , incremental,preparatory, supplemen c ) allocating credit to the service provider based on the tal, simultaneous, reverse , or other variant orderings , unless data collected from the consumer; context dictates otherwise . Furthermore , terms like " respon d ) providing feedback data regarding the service provider sive to ,” “ related to,” or other past-tense adjectives are and allocation of credit to the consumer ; and generally not intended to exclude such variants, unless e ) returning to step ( a ). context dictates otherwise . 11 . The method of claim 10, wherein the consumer is at (0082 ] It will be appreciated that variations of the above least one of a sports fan , a spectator, a gamer, and a shopper ; disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives the event includes at least one of a sporting event, a thereof, may be desirably combined into many other differ broadcasted show , an online contest, and shopping ; and the ent systems or applications. It will also be appreciated that service provider is at least one of a sports teams, a sport team various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives , member, a sports team coach , a show , an actor , a video game modifications , variations or improvements therein may be competition , a provider of highlighted products at a shop subsequently made by those skilled in the art, which are also ping center, and a particular store . intended to be encompassed by the following claims. 12 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the credit includes 1 . Amethod of allocating credit to service providers based at least one of: points, ratings , fees , money, and equity . on consumer participation in an event associated with the 13 . Themethod of claim 10 , wherein the data can be in the service provider, comprising : form of at least one of: profile information , location , input/ collecting data from a consumer based on the consumer ' s feedback regarding an event. participation in association with an event; 14 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the participation processing the data to determine credit for allocation to a associated with an event is determined by a consumer's service provider based on the consumer 's participation ; attendance at an event as further determined by location and information obtained from the consumer's portable elec allocating credit to a service provider associated with the tronic device. event based on the data that is collected from the 15 . A system for allocating credit to service providers consumer. based on consumer participation in an event associated with 2 . Themethod of claim 1 , wherein the consumer is at least the service provider, comprising: one of: a sports fan , a spectator, a gamer, and a shopper. a server including a memory and access to a data network 3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the data collected from and adapted with an algorithm stored in memory for : the consumer is based on the consumer 's participation collecting and storing data retrieved from consumers associated with an event including at least one of: a sporting participating in an event, wherein the data is event, a broadcasted show , an online contest , and shopping. retrieved from portable electronic devices associated 4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the credit includes at with , and in use by, the consumers and in bi- direc least one of: points , ratings , fees , money , and equity . tional communication with the server via the data 5 . Themethod of claim 1 , wherein the service provider is network ; and at least one of: sports teams, sport team members , sports processing the data collected from consumers and team coaches , shows, actors, video game competitions, allocating credit to a service provider based on the providers of highlighted products at a shopping center, and consumers ' participation associated with the event. a particular store . 16 . The system of claim 15 , wherein the server provides 6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the data can be in the feedback data to the consumers whom are at least one of : form of at least one of: profile information , location , and sports fans, spectators , gamers, and shoppers . input/feedback regarding an event. 17 . The system of claim 15 , wherein the event includes at 7 . The method of claim 1, wherein the data is collected least one of: a sporting event, a broadcasted show , an online from a portable electronic device . contest, and shopping . 8 . The method of claim 1, wherein the participation 18 . The system of claim 15 , wherein the credit includes at associated with an event is by a consumer ' s attendance at an least one of: points , ratings, fees, money , or equity. event as determined by location information obtained from 19 . The system of claim 15 , wherein the service providers the consumer ' s portable electronic device . includes at least one of : sports teams, sport team members , 9 . The method of claim 1, wherein participation is pro sports team coaches , shows, actors , video game competition , vided by the consumer in the form of input on a user providers of highlighted products at a shopping center , and interface associated with a portable electronic device . a particular store. 10 . A method of allocating credit to service providers 20 . The system of claim 15 , wherein the data collected based on consumer participation in an event associated with from consumers can be in the form of profile information, the service provider, comprising: location information , and input/ feedback regarding an event; a ) collecting data from a portable electronic device used and the data is collected wirelessly from portable electronic by a consumer based on the consumer 's participation in devices used by the consumers. association with an event; * * * *