Database driven online distributed tournament system
February 24, 2018. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent ReferencesCompetitive game Game of skill playable by remote participants in conjunction with a live event Tournament data system with game score communication between remote player terminal and central computer Game of skill or chance playable by several participants remote from each other in conjunction with a common event Interactive game show and method for achieving interactive communication therewith System for automatic collection and distribution of player statistics for electronic dart games Automatic golf scoring and scheduling system System for communication using a broadcast audio signal System and method of communication with authenticated wagering participation Automated universal tournament management system InventorsAssigneeApplicationNo. 028781 filed on 02/24/1998US Classes:463/42, Network type (e.g., computer network, etc.)463/23, Skill level adjustment (e.g., speed change, complexity, etc.)463/25Credit/debit monitoring or manipulation (e.g., game entry, betting, prize level, etc.)ExaminersPrimary: Sager, MarkAttorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassA63F 009/22AbstractA method and a system for a distributed electronic tournament system in which many remotely located players participate in a tournament through input/output devices connected to a central controller which manages the tournament. The method includes the steps of (a) uniquely identifying a player communicating with the central controller via an associated input/output device; (b) responding to payment of an entry fee by the player for allowing the player to participate in a tournament occurring within a fixed time window via an associated input/output device; (c) accessing a database to store in the database player information that is generated as the player participates in the tournament, such information being available for use in a subsequent tournament, which is administered by said controller and in which the player participates; and (d) awarding the player a prize for achieving a pre-established performance level in the tournament. In another preferred embodiment, the method further includes the steps of determining whether the player has been qualified to advance to a subsequent game session, in which at least one player is eliminated from the previous game session; and permitting each player qualified to a subsequent game session to participate in that game session. The system includes software and hardware to implement the method steps.Other References
Field of SearchINCLUDING MEANS FOR PROCESSING ELECTRONIC DATA (E.G., COMPUTER/VIDEO GAME, ETC.)Skill level adjustment (e.g., speed change, complexity, etc.) Access or authorization (e.g., game selection, security, etc.) Credit/debit monitoring or manipulation (e.g., game entry, betting, prize level, etc.) Perceptible output or display (e.g., tactile, etc.) With communication link (e.g., television broadcast, etc.) Telephonic (e.g., modem, etc.) Network type (e.g., computer network, etc.) In a chance application Lot-to-lot combination (e.g., slot machine, etc.) In a game requiring an element of a participant`s physical skill or ability (e.g., hand-eye coordination, reflex, etc.) Martial-art type (e.g., boxing, fencing, wrestling, etc.) Ultimate outcome dependant upon summation of plural card or tile values (e.g., blackjack, etc.) Ultimate outcome dependant upon relative odds of a card or tile combination (e.g., poker, etc.) Card- or tile-type (e.g., bridge, dominoes, etc.) In a game requiring strategy or problem solving by a participant (e.g., problem eliciting response, puzzle, etc.) With chance element or event (e.g., backgammon, Scrabble, etc.) Electric or magnetic Chance selection CARD OR TILE GAMES, CARDS OR TILES THEREFOR Credit or identification card systems Permitting access Contest or contestant analysis, management, or monitoring (e.g., statistical analysis, handicapping, scoring) Scoring Probability determination or handicapping Including funds transfer or credit transaction | |
