Method of and system for conducting multiple contests of skill with a single performance

• US 10,410,474 B2
• Filed: 04/18/2018
• Issued: 09/10/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 01/10/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Winview IP Holdings LLC
• Original Assignee: WinView Incorporated (GameSquare Holdings, Inc.)
• Inventors: Lockton, David B.
• Primary Examiner(s): Laneau, Ronald
• Application Number:
  US15/956,619
• Publication Number:
  US 20180300988A1
• Time in Patent Office: 510 Days
• Field of Search: None
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/06 Indicating or scoring devices for games or players , or for other sports activities
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/31 Communication aspects specific to video games, e.g. between several handheld game devices at close range
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/35 Details of game servers
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/795 for finding other players; for building a team; for providing a buddy list
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/80 Special adaptations for executing a specific game genre or game mode
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/32 for games, toys, sports, or amusements
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3227 Configuring a gaming machine, e.g. downloading personal settings, selecting working parameters
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3241 Security aspects of a gaming system, e.g. detecting cheating, device integrity, surveillance computer security G06F21/00
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3255 Incentive, loyalty and/or promotion schemes, e.g. comps, gaming associated with a purchase, gaming funded by advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3276 wherein the players compete, e.g. tournament
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3288 Betting, e.g. on live events, bookmaking
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3293 Card games, e.g. poker, canasta, black jack
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3295 Games involving skill, e.g. dexterity, memory, thinking

Abstract

A method of and system for conducting multiple competitions of skill for a single performance are described herein. User generated competition groups and system generated competition groups allow users to participate in multiple competitions at once based on answering the same questions or making the same selections related to a single event. The users are informed of each competition either via email, text message or when logging into the network via a website. The users select which competitions groups to join. After joining the desired groups, the users then make their selections related to the event which are transmitted to the network where results are tabulated and transmitted back to the users. The results are separated based on each competition group, so that users can continually know where they stand in each separate competition. With multiple competition groups, users are able to have varying success from the same performance in multiple competitions.

Claims

1. A method programmed in a device, the method comprising:

a. providing to the device from a server a list of competitive participant groups to join in a contest of skill or chance;

b. receiving user input including a selection of a plurality of competitive participant groups to join, wherein the plurality of competitive participant groups corresponds to a same one or more events;

c. receiving additional user input including event selections related to the one or more events, wherein the event selections comprise predictions of occurrences happening before and/or during completion of the one or more events and enables simultaneously participating with the plurality of competitive groups;

d. providing a lockout signal from the server to the device to prevent further additional user input after the lockout signal is triggered; and

e. providing current standings and results related to the event selections, wherein the current standings are based on the results.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the one or more events comprises multiple athletic contests taking place in a single day.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the one or more events comprises a partial athletic contest.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the one or more events comprises one or more partial athletic contests.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the one or more events comprises a weekly event.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the one or more events comprises a week-long event.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein the week-long event comprises a competitive game show.

8. The method of claim 6 wherein the week-long event comprises a tournament based on a video game, computer game, mobile game or electronic game.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein the one or more events comprises a variety of events.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein each group of the competitive participant groups vary in time duration.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein the plurality of competitive participant groups is associated with a user-specified event.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein the one or more events comprises events that occur on multiple days.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the events are related events.

14. The method of claim 1 wherein the standings are separate for each of the plurality of competitive participant groups.

15. The method of claim 1 wherein a separate prize is awarded for each of the plurality of competitive participant groups.

16. The method of claim 1 wherein the one or more events are selected from the group consisting of a live television-based event, a recorded television event, a scheduled competition, a scheduled series of competitions, a sporting event, an event based on a video game, computer game, mobile game or electronic game conducted in real time, an entertainment show, a game show, a reality show, a talent competition, a news show and a commercial contained in a broadcast.

17. The method of claim 1 wherein the one or more events comprise classic games of skill including video, computer, card, dice, trivia and word games played simultaneously.

18. The method of claim 1 wherein the one or more events comprise multiple contests.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the multiple contests comprise athletic contests.

20. The method of claim 18 wherein the multiple contests comprise esports contests.

21. The method of claim 18 wherein the lockout signal comprises a first lockout signal relating to a first event and a second lockout signal relating to a second event.

22. The method of claim 1 wherein the device is selected from the group consisting of a server, a cellular device, a laptop computer, a personal computer, a PDA or other web connected device.

23. The method of claim 1 wherein each of the competitive participant groups includes a plurality of competitors with at least 1000 competitors.

24. The method of claim 1 wherein each of the competitive participant groups includes a plurality of competitors distributed throughout a country.

25. The method of claim 1 wherein the competitive participant groups comprise competitors in more than one country.

26. The method of claim 1 further comprising synchronizing the event selections with the one or more events.

27. The method of claim 1 wherein the one or more events comprise one or more live events.

28. The method of claim 27 wherein the one or more live events are viewed in person by a person physically attending a venue corresponding to the one or more live events.

29. The method of claim 27 wherein information related to the one or more live events is received from a physical location corresponding to the one or more live events.

30. The method of claim 1 wherein the lockout signal occurs immediately before participants are able to see or hear relevant live action unfold.

31. The method of claim 1 wherein the lockout signal occurs immediately before a scoring chance in the one or more events.

32. The method of claim 1 wherein the lockout signal involves an in-progress play in the event, not during a stoppage, and preventing submitting the response before a critical element of the in-progress play unfolds.

33. The method of claim 1 wherein the lockout signal suspends an ability to enter a prediction for a limited amount of time.

34. The method of claim 33 wherein the lockout signal is initiated before a scoring chance in the one or more events and additional user input is allowed after the scoring chance is resolved.

35. The method of claim 1 wherein the lockout signal applies for an action lasting a limited amount of time.

36. The method of claim 1 wherein the lockout signal is triggered based on a countdown time presented simultaneously to all competitors.

37. The method of claim 1 wherein user input is suspended before a scoring chance in the one or more events and additional user input is allowed after the scoring chance is resolved.

38. The method of claim 1 wherein user input is suspended for a pending event selection involving an in-progress play in the event until a critical element of the in-progress play is either resolved or continues pending with same or different odds.

39. The method of claim 38 wherein the in-progress play comprises a scoring chance by a player or team and is resolved by the player scoring or continues unresolved by the player or team not scoring.

40. The method of claim 39 wherein if the in-progress play continues unresolved, the pending event selection remains pending at same odds until odds are changed as a result of the player scoring.

41. The method of claim 1 wherein the event selections are all made before a first event begins.

42. The method of claim 1 wherein the lockout signal comprises a first lockout signal relating to a first event and a second lockout signal relating to a second event.

43. The method of claim 42 wherein predictions related to the second event are allowed after the first event has started but before the second event has started.

78. The method of claim 1 wherein the one or more events comprise one or more esports contents.

44. A device comprising:

a. a memory for storing an application, the application configured for

i. providing a list of competitive participant groups to join in a contest of skill or chance;

ii. receiving user input including a selection of a plurality of competitive participant groups to join, wherein the plurality of competitive groups corresponds to one or more events;

iii. receiving additional user input including event selections related to the one or more events wherein the event selections comprise predictions of occurrences happening before and/or during completion of the one or more events and enables simultaneously participating with the plurality of competitive groups;

iv. providing standings, wherein the standings are based on results from the event selections;

v. triggering a lockout signal to prevent further additional user input; and

vi. providing current standings and results related to the event selections simultaneously to each of the competitive groups, wherein the current standings are based on the results; and

b. a processor for processing the application.

45. The device of claim 44 wherein each competitive participant group is distinguishable based on participants in each competitive participant group.

46. The device of claim 44 wherein the one or more events comprises multiple athletic contests taking place in a single day.

47. The device of claim 44 wherein the one or more events comprises a partial athletic contest.

48. The device of claim 44 wherein the one or more events comprises one or more partial athletic contests.

49. The device of claim 44 wherein the one or more events are each related events.

50. The device of claim 44 wherein the standings are separate for each of the plurality of competitive participant groups.

51. The device of claim 44 wherein a separate prize is awarded for each of the plurality of competitive participant groups.

52. The device of claim 44 wherein the one or more events are selected from the group consisting of a live television-based event, a recorded television event, a scheduled competition, a scheduled series of competitions, a sporting event, an event based on a video game, computer game, mobile game or electronic game conducted in real time, an entertainment show, a game show, a reality show, a talent competition, a news show and a commercial contained in a broadcast.

53. The device of claim 44 wherein the one or more events comprise classic games of skill including video, computer, card, dice, trivia and word games played simultaneously.

54. The device of claim 44 wherein the one or more events comprise multiple contests.

55. The device of claim 54 wherein the multiple contests comprise athletic contests.

56. The device of claim 54 wherein the multiple contests comprise esports contests.

57. The device of claim 54 wherein the lockout signal comprises a first lockout signal relating to a first event and a second lockout signal relating to a second event.

58. The device of claim 44 wherein the device is selected from the group consisting of a server, a cellular device, a laptop computer, a personal computer, a PDA or other web connected device.

59. The device of claim 44 wherein each of the competitive participant groups includes at least 1000 competitors.

60. The device of claim 44 wherein each of the competitive participant groups includes a plurality of competitors distributed throughout a country.

61. The device of claim 44 wherein the competitive participant groups comprise competitors in more than one country.

62. The device of claim 44 wherein the device is further configured for synchronizing the event selections with the one or more events.

63. The device of claim 44 wherein the one or more events comprise one or more live events.

64. The device of claim 63 wherein the one or more live events are viewed in person by a person physically attending a venue corresponding to the one or more live events.

65. The device of claim 63 wherein information related to the one or more live events is received from a physical location corresponding to the one or more live events.

66. The device of claim 44 wherein the lockout signal occurs immediately before participants are able to see or hear relevant live action unfold.

67. The device of claim 44 wherein the lockout signal occurs immediately before a scoring chance in the one or more events.

68. The device of claim 44 wherein the lockout signal involves an in-progress play in the event, not during a stoppage, and preventing submitting the response before a critical element of the in-progress play unfolds.

69. The device of claim 44 wherein the lockout signal suspends an ability to enter a prediction for a limited amount of time.

70. The device of claim 69 wherein the lockout signal is initiated before a scoring chance in the one or more events and additional user input is allowed after the scoring chance is resolved.

71. The device of claim 44 wherein the lockout signal applies for an action lasting a limited amount of time.

72. The device of claim 44 wherein the lockout signal is triggered based on a countdown time presented simultaneously to all competitors.

73. The device of claim 44 wherein user input is suspended before a scoring chance in the one or more events and additional user input is allowed after the scoring chance is resolved.

74. The device of claim 44 wherein user input is suspended for a pending event selection involving an in-progress play in the event until a critical element of the in-progress play is either resolved or continues pending with same or different odds.

75. The device of claim 74 wherein the in-progress play comprises a scoring chance by a player or team and is resolved by the player scoring or continues unresolved by the player or team not scoring.

76. The device of claim 75 wherein if the in-progress play continues unresolved, the pending event selection remains pending at same odds until odds are changed as a result of the player scoring.

77. The device of claim 44 wherein the event selections are all made before a first event begins.

79. The device of claim 44 wherein the one or more events comprise one or more esports contents.

80. The device of claim 44 wherein the lockout signal comprises a first lockout signal relating to a first event and a second lockout signal relating to a second event.

81. The device of claim 80 wherein predictions related to the second event are allowed after the first event has started but before the second event has started.

82. A method programmed in a device, the method comprising:

a. receiving user input including a selection of a plurality of competitive participant groups to join in a contest of skill or chance;

b. receiving additional user input including event selections related to one or more events, wherein the event selections comprise predictions of occurrences happening before and/or during completion of the one or more events and enables participating with the plurality of competitive groups by sending the event selections to a server, wherein the event selections are sent by a participant for the plurality of competitive participant groups, further wherein a separate prize is awarded for each of the plurality of competitive participant groups;

c. receiving standings on a device from the server, wherein the standings are based on results from the event selections; and

d. receiving a lockout signal to prevent further additional user input after the lockout signal is received.

83. The method of claim 82 wherein the one or more events comprises multiple athletic contests taking place in a single day.

84. The method of claim 82 wherein the one or more events comprises a partial athletic contest.

85. The method of claim 82 wherein the one or more events comprises one or more partial athletic contests.

86. The method of claim 82 wherein the one or more events comprises a weekly event.

87. The method of claim 82 wherein the one or more events comprises a week-long event.

88. The method of claim 87 wherein the week-long event comprises a competitive game show.

89. The method of claim 87 wherein the week-long event comprises a tournament based on a video game, computer game, mobile game or electronic game.

90. The method of claim 82 wherein the one or more events comprises a variety of events.

91. The method of claim 82 wherein each group of the competitive participant groups vary in time duration.

92. The method of claim 82 wherein the plurality of competitive participant groups is associated with a user-specified event.

93. The method of claim 82 wherein the one or more events comprises events that occur on multiple days.

94. The method of claim 93 wherein the events are related events.

95. The method of claim 82 wherein the standings are separate for each of the plurality of competitive participant groups.

96. The method of claim 82 wherein a separate prize is awarded for each of the plurality of competitive participant groups.

97. The method of claim 82 wherein the one or more events are selected from the group consisting of a live television-based event, a recorded television event, a scheduled competition, a scheduled series of competitions, a sporting event, an event based on a video game, computer game, mobile game or electronic game conducted in real time, an entertainment show, a game show, a reality show, a talent competition, a news show and a commercial contained in a broadcast.

98. The method of claim 82 wherein the one or more events comprise classic games of skill including video, computer, card, dice, trivia and word games played simultaneously.

99. The method of claim 82 wherein the one or more events comprise multiple contests.

100. The method of claim 99 wherein the multiple contests comprise athletic contests.

101. The method of claim 99 wherein the multiple contests comprise esports contests.

102. The method of claim 99 wherein the lockout signal comprises a first lockout signal relating to a first event and a second lockout signal relating to a second event.

103. The method of claim 82 wherein the device is selected from the group consisting of a second server, cellular device, a laptop computer, a personal computer, a PDA or other web connected device.

104. The method of claim 82 wherein each of the competitive participant groups includes at least 1000 competitors.

105. The method of claim 82 wherein each of the competitive participant groups includes a plurality of competitors distributed throughout a country.

106. The method of claim 82 wherein the competitive participant groups comprise competitors in more than one country.

107. The method of claim 82 wherein the device is further configured for synchronizing the event selections with the one or more events.

108. The method of claim 82 wherein the one or more events comprise one or more live events.

109. The method of claim 108 wherein the one or more live events are viewed in person by a person physically attending a venue corresponding to the one or more live events.

110. The method of claim 108 wherein information related to the one or more live events is received from a physical location corresponding to the one or more live events.

111. The method of claim 82 wherein the lockout signal occurs immediately before participants are able to see or hear relevant live action unfold.

112. The method of claim 82 wherein the lockout signal occurs immediately before a scoring chance in the one or more events.

113. The method of claim 82 wherein the lockout signal involves an in-progress play in the event, not during a stoppage, and preventing submitting the response before a critical element of the in-progress play unfolds.

114. The method of claim 82 wherein the lockout signal suspends an ability to enter a prediction for a limited amount of time.

115. The method of claim 114 wherein the lockout signal is initiated before a scoring chance in the one or more events and additional user input is allowed after the scoring chance is resolved.

116. The method of claim 82 wherein the lockout signal applies for an action lasting a limited amount of time.

117. The method of claim 82 wherein the lockout signal is triggered based on a countdown time presented simultaneously to all competitors.

118. The method of claim 82 wherein user input is suspended before a scoring chance in the one or more events and additional user input is allowed after the scoring chance is resolved.

119. The method of claim 82 wherein user input is suspended for a pending event selection involving an in-progress play in the event until a critical element of the in-progress play is either resolved or continues pending with same or different odds.

120. The method of claim 119 wherein the in-progress play comprises a scoring chance by a player or team and is resolved by the player scoring or continues unresolved by the player or team not scoring.

121. The method of claim 120 wherein if the in-progress play continues unresolved, the pending event selection remains pending at same odds until odds are changed as a result of the player scoring.

122. The method of claim 82 wherein the event selections are all made before a first event begins.

123. The method of claim 82 wherein the one or more events comprise one or more esports contents.

124. The method of claim 82 wherein the lockout signal comprises a first lockout signal relating to a first event and a second lockout signal relating to a second event.

125. The method of claim 124 wherein predictions related to the second event are allowed after the first event has started but before the second event has started.

126. A graphical user interface for displaying a game of skill played by a plurality of players viewing one or more events, wherein the graphical user interface is stored in a non-transitory memory and displayed on a display of a device, wherein the graphical user interface is associated with an application, the graphical user interface comprising:

a list of competitive participant groups to join;

an input receiving component for receiving user input including a selection of a plurality of competitive participant groups to join, wherein the plurality of competitive participant groups corresponds to the one or more events;

an additional input receiving component for receiving additional user input including event selections related to the one or more events, wherein the event selections comprise predictions of occurrences happening before and/or during completion of the one or more events and enables simultaneously participating with the plurality of competitive groups;

a representation of a lockout indicating a lockout signal has been received, wherein the lockout signal prevents further additional input after the lockout signal is received; and

current standings and results related to the event selections, wherein the current standings are based on the results.