Methodology for equalizing systemic latencies in television reception in connection with games of skill played in connection with live television programming

• US 10,576,371 B2
• Filed: 12/20/2018
• Issued: 03/03/2020
• Est. Priority Date: 04/12/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Winview IP Holdings LLC
• Original Assignee: WinView Incorporated (GameSquare Holdings, Inc.)
• Inventors: Lockton, David B., Berner, Mark K., Micheli, Mark J., Lowe, David
• Primary Examiner(s): Ahmed, Masud
• Application Number:
  US16/228,583
• Publication Number:
  US 20190118087A1
• Time in Patent Office: 439 Days
• Field of Search: 360 65, 360 51, 381103, 370260, 463 40- 42
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/12 involving interaction between a plurality of game devices, e.g. transmisison or distribution systems protocols for networked virtual reality, networked games H04L29/06034
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/216 using geographical information, e.g. location of the game device or player using GPS
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/22 Setup operations, e.g. calibration, key configuration or button assignment
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/285 Generating tactile feedback signals via the game input device, e.g. force feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/30 Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/32 using local area network [LAN] connections
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/332 using wireless networks, e.g. cellular phone networks
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/335 using Internet
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/338 using television networks
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/358 Adapting the game course according to the network or server load, e.g. for reducing latency due to different connection speeds between clients
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/50 Controlling the output signals based on the game progress
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/795 for finding other players; for building a team; for providing a buddy list
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/92 Video game devices specially adapted to be hand-held while playing
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/406 Transmission via wireless network, e.g. pager or GSM
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/407 Data transfer via internet
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/409 Data transfer via television network
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/534 for network load management, e.g. bandwidth optimization, latency reduction
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2385 Channel allocation H04N21/266 takes precedence; Bandwidth allocation H04N21/24 takes precedence ; allocation of channels according to the instantaneous demands of the users in time-division multiplex systems H04J3/1682; admission control, resource allocation in open networks H04L12/5692; arrangements for maintenance or administration in data switching networks involving bandwidth and capacity management H04L41/0896; negotiating bandwidth in wireless networks H04W28/16
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/24 Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. monitoring of server load, available bandwidth, upstream requests monitoring of server performance or load G06F11/34; arrangements for observation, testing or troubleshooting for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast H04H20/12
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/25866 Management of end-user data customer care in data networks H04L41/5077
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/27 : Server based end-user applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4302 : Content synchronisation processes, e.g. decoder synchronisation
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/435 : Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data, reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/43615 : Interfacing a Home Network, e.g. for connecting the client to a plurality of peripherals home Audio Video Interoperability [HAVI] data switching networks H04L12/2805
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/44209 : Monitoring of downstream path of the transmission network originating from a server, e.g. bandwidth variations of a wireless network arrangements for maintenance or administration in data switching networks involving bandwidth and capacity management H04L41/0896
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4508 : Management of client data or end-user data
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/47217 : for controlling playback functions for recorded or on-demand content, e.g. using progress bars, mode or play-point indicators or bookmarks specific graphical features in visual interfaces H04N21/4312
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4781 : Games
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6131 : involving transmission via a mobile phone network wireless downlink channel access H04W74/006
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/04 : Synchronising for television systems using pulse code modulation H04N7/56

Abstract

A method of and system for handling latency issues encountered in producing real-time entertainment such as games of skill synchronized with live or taped televised events is described herein. There are multiple situations that are dealt with regarding latencies in receiving a television signal with respect to real-time entertainment based on the unfolding games played along with the telecasts. Systemic delays, arbitrarily imposed delays of a broadcast signal and variances in the precise broadcast times of taped television programs have to be equalized so as to provide fair entertainment.

Claims

1. A game server comprising:

a. a memory for storing an application for conducting one or more real-time games of skill or chance or other entertainment in connection with a televised sports event, the application configured for;

i. communicating with a plurality of devices grouped into a plurality of cohorts, wherein each cohort constitutes participants in one of the real-time games of skill or chance or other entertainment; and

ii. storing one or more files related to the one or more real-time games of skill or chance or other entertainment;

iii. simultaneously transmitting the one or more files to each of the devices within a cohort, wherein the devices within the cohort receive a broadcast of the televised sports event with a plurality of latencies;

iv. sending one or more lockout signals at one or more appropriate times based on a measured amount of delay to prevent users from submitting one or more responses to the one or more real time games of skill or chance or other entertainment; and

b. a processor for processing the application.

2. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein the measured amount of delay for a cohort is based on an earliest signal reception by a member of the cohort.

3. The game server as claimed in claim 2 wherein the signal reception is selected from the group consisting of an over the air network, a cable network, a satellite network, or one or more streamed signals.

4. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein the game server stores game control data and transfers the game control data to each device within the plurality of devices.

5. The game server as claimed in claim 4 wherein the measured amount of delay is predetermined.

6. The game server as claimed in claim 5 wherein the game control data includes delay information for equalizing the lockout signal.

7. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein the measured amount of delay accounts for delays within a television signal reception path.

8. The game server as claimed in claim 4 wherein the game control data is based on one or more real-time data feeds.

9. The game server as claimed in claim 8 wherein the one or more real-time data feeds originate from a venue of the televised sports event.

10. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein the game of skill or chance or other entertainment is synchronized with the broadcast of the televised sports event.

11. The game server as claimed in claim 10 wherein the broadcast is delivered online.

12. The game server as claimed in claim 10 wherein questions are displayed at precise times before, during and after the commercials or pauses in the broadcast sent to the plurality of devices in synchronization with the broadcast.

13. The game server as claimed in claim 12 wherein an incentive is awarded for answering the questions relating to the commercials on the plurality of devices synchronized with the broadcast.

14. The game server as claimed in claim 10 wherein existing events in the broadcast are used as synchronization points for previously downloaded data files to a mobile client.

15. The game server as claimed in claim 10 wherein a synchronization point is a visible or audible event located within the broadcast.

16. The game server as claimed in claim 10 wherein information is inserted in a Vertical Blanking Interval (VBI) or equivalent of the broadcast and tracked online in real-time.

17. The game server as claimed in claim 10 wherein information is embedded in the broadcast and tracked online in real-time.

18. The game server as claimed in claim 10 wherein synchronizing utilizes a start signal generated by a game producer.

19. The game server as claimed in claim 10 wherein synchronizing comprises sending a signal at a predetermined time.

20. The game server as claimed in claim 10 wherein the application is further configured for determining one or more start times of the broadcast using a signal recognizable by the plurality of devices.

21. The game server as claimed in claim 10 wherein the application is further configured for delivering a start time of a commercial using a signal recognizable by the plurality of devices.

22. The game server as claimed in claim 10 wherein the one or more files comprise pre-produced data files.

23. The game server as claimed in claim 22 wherein the pre-produced data files comprise real-time entertainment.

24. The game server as claimed in claim 22 wherein a plurality of synchronization points are used to continuously check to ensure the pre-produced data files are synchronized with the broadcast.

25. The game server as claimed in claim 22 wherein inserted audio or video is used to continuously check to ensure the pre-produced data files are precisely synchronized on the plurality of devices with the broadcast.

26. The game server as claimed in claim 25 wherein the inserted audio or video is used to continuously check to ensure the pre-produced data files are precisely synchronized on the plurality of devices with the broadcast.

27. The game server as claimed in claim 25 wherein the inserted audio or video is used by the game server to continuously check to ensure the pre-produced data files are precisely synchronized on the plurality of devices with the broadcast.

28. The game server as claimed in claim 10 wherein an artifact is inserted into the broadcast recognizable by an audio receiver in the plurality of devices which is utilized to start and continually keep the game of skill or chance or other entertainment synchronized with the broadcast.

29. The game server as claimed in claim 10 wherein the game of skill or chance or other entertainment ends when the broadcast ends.

30. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein the game server sends the game of skill or chance or other entertainment to the plurality of devices.

31. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein the game of skill or chance or other entertainment is stored in a memory of the plurality of devices.

32. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein the game of skill or chance or other entertainment is stored in random access memory of the plurality of devices.

33. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein the plurality of devices are further for displaying the game of skill or chance or other entertainment.

34. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein an earliest lockout signal required to prevent participants receiving the earliest broadcast signal on a connected device is utilized for equalizing locking out all participants receiving a broadcast later.

35. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein the plurality of devices are further for establishing the measured amount of delay by comparing audio or video samples derived from the plurality of devices linked to the game server by comparing samples to archived audio or video files of the broadcast.

36. The game server as claimed in claim 35 wherein adjustment of the measured amount of delay results in synchronization of receipt of a television signal of the broadcast and presentation of game-related data on the plurality of devices.

37. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein the plurality of devices are further for determining a shortest delay for participants and applying the one or more lockout signals to the participants based on the shortest delay within a cohort.

38. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein participants in a cohort comprise ad hoc or preexisting groups of friends competing in a separate competition in disparate physical locations.

39. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein synchronization points are audio or video data for a broadcast residing on the game server online with the plurality of devices.

40. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein participants in a cohort constitute ad hoc or existing groups of geographically dispersed friends participating in a separate game of chance or skill or other entertainment.

41. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein participants in a cohort are ad hoc or previously organized groups of friends competing against each other in a separate contest.

42. The game server as claimed in claim 41 wherein equalizing the participants comprises time stamping an amount of delay on game-related data.

43. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein the plurality of devices are further for establishing the measured amount of delay through an automated system which samples an audio or video track of a satellite, cable or over the air broadcast television signal, linked to the game server, to provide information related to a precise arrival of an underlying television picture.

44. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein the broadcast is stored on a digital video recorder.

45. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein the plurality of devices are further for determining if there is additional processing of the broadcast increasing a total length of the delay.

46. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein the delay includes a digital video recorder delay wherein a broadcast is recorded on the digital video recorder.

47. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein the plurality of devices are further for establishing the measured amount of delay through an automated system which samples an audio track of a satellite or over the air broadcast signal, linked to the game server, to provide information related to a precise arrival of the broadcast.

48. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein the plurality of devices are further for equalizing a set of cohorts comprising time stamping the measured amount of delay on a game lock out signal, imposing the measured amount of delay on an entire game data stream and sending game control data to the plurality of devices in the cohort at the same time relative to receipt of the broadcast.

49. The game server as claimed in claim 48 wherein client software delays presentation of game data based on a precise time of reception of the broadcast by the cohort.

50. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein a client used in connection with viewing a time shifted telecast of a previously recorded program utilizes automatic content recognition to synchronize pre-produced game data files to precisely synchronize the pre-produced game data files with the recorded telecast.

51. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein a client used in connection with viewing a delayed program utilizes automatic content recognition to synchronize pre-produced game data files to precisely synchronize the pre-produced game data files with the recorded telecast.

52. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein the broadcast and the game of skill or chance or other entertainment are presented on a same screen.

53. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein the broadcast and the game of skill or chance or other entertainment are presented on different screens.

54. The game server as claimed in claim 1 further comprising electronics for receiving and displaying the broadcast on a first screen and providing control information to a second screen.

55. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least one of the one or more lockout signals is generated by an observer physically present at an event utilizing a device coupled to the game server via a cellular connection.

56. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least one of the one or more lockout signals is generated by an observer physically present at an event utilizing a device coupled to the game server via a web connection.

57. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least one of the one or more lockout signals is based on information from an observer physically present at an event.

58. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of the cohorts receives the broadcast delivered by similar transmission and reception systems.

59. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of the cohorts is grouped based on a time zone in which the mobile device is located.

60. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of the cohorts includes at least two mobile devices in the same time zone.

61. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of the cohorts is based on the devices receiving a signal for a common event.

62. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein an earliest arriving signal by a member of the cohort is used to determine the appropriate time for the lockout signal for the cohort.

63. The game server as claimed in claim 62 wherein selection of the earliest arriving signal is from a group consisting of an over-the-air network, a cable network, a satellite network or one or more streamed signals.

64. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein a reward is given to a winner of the game of skill or chance or other entertainment.

65. The game server as claimed in claim 10 wherein the one or more lockout signals are sent at appropriate times to optionally prevent users from submitting the response to the game of skill or chance or other entertainment, wherein determining the appropriate time includes utilizing a person in physical attendance at a location corresponding to the broadcast.

66. The game server as claimed in claim 10 wherein the one or more lockout signals are sent at appropriate times to optionally prevent users from submitting the response to the game of skill or chance or other entertainment, wherein determining the appropriate time includes utilizing a live data feed originating from a venue of the televised sports event.

67. The game server as claimed in claim 65 wherein the location comprises a physical venue for an event included in the broadcast.

68. The game server as claimed in claim 67 wherein the person observes the event at the physical venue and is in communication with one or more producers of the game of skill or chance or other entertainment.

69. The game server as claimed in claim 67 wherein a live data feed originating from the physical venue is utilized to determine the appropriate time.

70. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein the appropriate time for the one or more lockout signals occurs immediately before competitors are able to see a play unfold.

71. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein the appropriate time for the one or more lockout signals occurs immediately before competitors are able to see or hear relevant live action unfold.

72. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein the appropriate time for the one or more lockout signals occurs immediately before a scoring chance in an event.

73. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein the appropriate time for the one or more lockout signals involves an in-progress play, not during a stoppage, and preventing submitting the response before a critical element of the in-progress play unfolds.

74. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein the one or more lockout signals are able to apply for a limited amount of time and then removed permitting user input after the lockout signal is removed.

75. The game server as claimed in claim 74 wherein the one or more lockout signals are able to be initiated before a scoring chance in the game of skill or chance or other entertainment and additional user input is allowed after the scoring chance is resolved.

76. The game server as claimed in claim 75 wherein the additional user input is allowed at same odds as before the lockout signal.

77. The game server as claimed in claim 75 wherein the additional user input is allowed at different odds than before the lockout signal.

78. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein the one or more lockout signals are able to apply for an action lasting a limited amount of time.

79. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein sending the one or more lockout signals comprises sending multiple lockout signals.

80. The game server as claimed in claim 1 wherein the measured amount of delay is based on latency of video signals received by a producer producing the one or more real-time games of skill or chance or other entertainment.

81. A game server comprising:

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

i. communicating with a plurality of devices grouped into a set of cohorts, wherein each cohort constitutes participants in one or more real-time games of skill or chance or other entertainment;

ii. storing one or more files related to the one or more real-time games of skill or chance or other entertainment;

iii. simultaneously transmitting the one or more files to each of the devices within a cohort, wherein the devices within the cohort receive a broadcast of one or more televised sports events with a plurality of latencies; and

iv. sending one or more lockout signals at one or more appropriate times based on a measured amount of delay to prevent users from submitting a response to the real-time game of skill or chance or other entertainment, wherein a first cohort of the set of cohorts is watching a first televised sports event, and a second cohort of the set of cohorts is watching a second televised sports event; and

b. a processor for processing the application.

82. The game server as claimed in claim 81 wherein the game of skill or chance or other entertainment is synchronized with the first televised sports event for the first cohort and with the second televised sports event for the second cohort.

83. The game server as claimed in claim 82 wherein questions are displayed at precise times before, during and after commercials or pauses in the first televised sports event sent to the devices in the first cohort in synchronization with the first televised sports event and questions are displayed at precise times before, during and after commercials or pauses in the second televised sports event sent to the devices in the second cohort in synchronization with the second televised sports event.

84. The game server as claimed in claim 82 wherein synchronizing comprises sending a signal at a predetermined time.

85. The game server as claimed in claim 82 wherein the one or more files comprise pre-produced data files.

86. The game server as claimed in claim 81 wherein an earliest lockout signal required to prevent participants receiving the earliest broadcast signal on the plurality of devices is utilized for equalizing locking out all devices within a cohort receiving the broadcast later.

87. The game server as claimed in claim 81 wherein the plurality of devices are further for establishing the measured amount of delay by comparing audio or video samples derived from the plurality of devices linked to the game server by comparing samples to archived audio or video files of the broadcast.

88. The game server as claimed in claim 87 wherein adjustment of the measured amount of delay results in synchronization of receipt of a television signal of the broadcast and presentation of game-related data on the plurality of devices.

89. The game server as claimed in claim 81 wherein the plurality of devices are further for determining a shortest delay for participants and applying the one or more lockout signals to the participants based on the shortest delay with a cohort.

90. The game server as claimed in claim 81 wherein participants in a cohort constitute ad hoc or existing groups of geographically dispersed friends participating in a separate game of chance or skill or other entertainment.

91. The game server as claimed in claim 81 wherein the broadcast and the game of skill or chance or other entertainment are presented on a same screen.

92. The game server as claimed in claim 81 wherein the broadcast and the game of skill or chance or other entertainment are presented on different screens.

93. The game server as claimed in claim 81 wherein at least one of the one of more lockout signals is generated by an observer physically present at an event utilizing a device coupled to the game server via a cellular connection.

94. The game server as claimed in claim 81 wherein at least one of the one or more lockout signals is generated by an observer physically present at an event utilizing a device coupled to the game server via a web connection.

95. The game server as claimed in claim 81 wherein at least one of the one or more lockout signals is based on information from an observer physically present at an event.

96. The game server as claimed in claim 81 wherein the one or more lockout signals are sent at appropriate times to optionally prevent users from submitting the response to the game of skill or chance or other entertainment, wherein determining the appropriate time includes utilizing a person in physical attendance at a location corresponding to the broadcast.

97. The game server as claimed in claim 81 wherein the one or more lockout signals are sent at appropriate times to optionally prevent users from submitting the response to the game of skill or chance or other entertainment, wherein determining the appropriate time includes utilizing a live data feed originating from a venue of the televised sports event.

98. The game server as claimed in claim 96 wherein the location comprises a physical venue for an event.

99. The game server as claimed in claim 98 wherein the person observes the event at the physical venue and is in communication with one or more producers of the game of skill or chance or other entertainment.

100. The game server as claimed in claim 98 wherein a live data feed originating from the physical venue is utilized to determine the appropriate time.

101. The game server as claimed in claim 81 wherein the appropriate time for the lockout signal occurs immediately before competitors are able to see a play unfold.

102. The game server as claimed in claim 81 wherein the appropriate time for the one or more lockout signals occurs immediately before competitors are able to see or hear relevant live action unfold.

103. The game server as claimed in claim 81 wherein the appropriate time for the one or more lockout signals occurs immediately before a scoring chance in an event.

104. The game server as claimed in claim 81 wherein the appropriate time for the one or more lockout signals involves an in-progress play, not during a stoppage, and preventing submitting the response before a critical element of the in-progress play unfolds.

105. The game server as claimed in claim 81 wherein the one or more lockout signals are able to apply for a limited amount of time and then removed permitting user input after the lockout signal is removed.

106. The game server as claimed in claim 105 wherein the one or more lockout signals are able to be initiated before a scoring chance in the game of skill or chance or other entertainment and additional user input is allowed after the scoring chance is resolved.

107. The game server as claimed in claim 106 wherein the additional user input is allowed at same odds as before the lockout signal.

108. The game server as claimed in claim 106 wherein the additional user input is allowed at different odds than before the lockout signal.

109. The game server as claimed in claim 81 wherein the one or more lockout signals are able to apply for an action lasting a limited amount of time.

110. The game server as claimed in claim 81 wherein sending the one or more lockout signals comprises sending multiple lockout signals.

111. The game server as claimed in claim 81 wherein the measured amount of delay is based on latency of video signals received by a producer producing the one or more real-time games of skill or chance or other entertainment.