초록 ▼

A system and method to allow gold to circulate as digital cash through the global computer network (Internet) and/or private communication networks much like cash currently circulates in the physical world. A computer system (emint) will create digital representations of gold (ecoins). Each ecoin wi

A system and method to allow gold to circulate as digital cash through the global computer network (Internet) and/or private communication networks much like cash currently circulates in the physical world. A computer system (emint) will create digital representations of gold (ecoins). Each ecoin will represent a weight of gold held at a participating secure storage facility (storage site), and each ecoin is given by the emint a unique Digital Hallmark.TM. by which it can be distinguished and identified. The sum total of all circulating ecoins (denominated in physical measures such as weights such as grams and/or ounces and fractions thereof) will equal the weight of all the gold held for safekeeping at the storage site(s) for the users of the emint. The ownership of gold is not transferred by a computer system executing debits and credits between individual accounts, but instead by individuals directly transferring ecoins amongst themselves (as is done in cash transactions, i.e., without double-entry bookkeeping).

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An asset based electronic cash system comprising:at least one storage site having secure facilities for storage of a valuable commodity;an inventory of a valuable commodity stored in said secure facilities at a said storage site;a computer system having:means for maintain

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An asset based electronic cash system comprising:at least one storage site having secure facilities for storage of a valuable commodity;an inventory of a valuable commodity stored in said secure facilities at a said storage site;a computer system having:means for maintaining records of the amount of said inventory of a valuable commodity stored in said secure facility;means for creating electronic coins, said electronic coins comprising electronic data identifying a unique serial number and a specified amount of said valuable commodity, and having a digital signature for verifying that the electronic coins were created by said computer system;means for transmitting said electronic coins to a system user;means for receiving said electronic coins from a payee of said system user;means for confirming that said electronic coins have not been previously spent;the total of the amounts of said electronic coins issued by said computer system being less than or equal to the amount of said inventory of a valuable commodity stored in said secure facility;said asset based electronic cash system permitting entities to conduct financial transactions by transfer of said electronic coins, whereby payment risk is eliminated.