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WO2001076711A1 - Appareil a jouer et procede - Google Patents

Appareil a jouer et procede Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2001076711A1
WO2001076711A1 PCT/GB2001/001520 GB0101520W WO0176711A1 WO 2001076711 A1 WO2001076711 A1 WO 2001076711A1 GB 0101520 W GB0101520 W GB 0101520W WO 0176711 A1 WO0176711 A1 WO 0176711A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
region
sporting event
interface
game player
incident
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2001/001520
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Michael Gerrard Maranta
Original Assignee
Podia Group Plc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Podia Group Plc filed Critical Podia Group Plc
Publication of WO2001076711A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001076711A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/80—Special adaptations for executing a specific game genre or game mode
    • A63F13/828—Managing virtual sport teams
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/40—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterised by details of platform network
    • A63F2300/407—Data transfer via internet
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/60—Methods for processing data by generating or executing the game program
    • A63F2300/69—Involving elements of the real world in the game world, e.g. measurement in live races, real video
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/80—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game specially adapted for executing a specific type of game
    • A63F2300/8011—Ball

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a game playing apparatus and method.
  • it relates to an apparatus and method for playing a game in which the game itself depends the occurrence of pre-defined incidents in a sporting event.
  • Televised sport has become a major business in recent years; the commercialisation of sport has been made possible by the increasing willingness of sports fans to pay money to watch sporting events, to buy sports related merchandising (e.g. football strips etc.) and to bet money on the outcomes of sporting events.
  • Many games have been thought of which capitalise on sports fans' interests. For example, table soccer games, computer games simulating football, golf etc, so called 'rotisserie leagues' in which individuals manage a virtual football team, are just a small section of sports related games.
  • a major disadvantage in all such games however is that they are substitutes for the 'real' sporting event: consequently, the passion that is associated with a real sporting event is rarely found in any of these conventional games.
  • a game playing apparatus comprising the following:
  • a computerised database to store an indication that prize eligibility is associated with a given identifier, the identifier being linked to a region in which an incident has occurred, the incident forming a part of a list of pre-defined incidents which may occur during the course of the sporting event.
  • the sporting event is football and the location is a football (i.e. soccer) pitch which has been divided into approximately 8000 regions, each region being 1 yard square.
  • Each region may be auctioned off, with a computerised database storing the names and contact information of the successful bidders for each square of 'virtual turf.
  • prizes are awarded to the owner of a region when an incident, such as a goal, is scored from that region.
  • Other benefits may also be provided to the owners of 'virtual turf, such as newsletters, preferential ticket prices, preferential merchandising prices.
  • a goal is scored from a given square, then the identity of that square (using a simple 2-Axis system) is rapidly posted onto a web site and/ or other information delivery media (e.g. WAP push, sms etc.); the 'owner' of that particular square is then entitled to receive a prize, which could be a monetary prize or, preferably, a prize more closely associated with the incident that has occurred: for example, if the incident is a goal, the winning game player could receive the shirt from the goal scorer; one or more tickets to a sporting event; or an invitation to meet one or more sporting personalities.
  • a prize which could be a monetary prize or, preferably, a prize more closely associated with the incident that has occurred: for example, if the incident is a goal, the winning game player could receive the shirt from the goal scorer; one or more tickets to a sporting event; or an invitation to meet one or more sporting personalities.
  • the prize could also be merely having their name publicised on various media; such a prize in effect enables companies to sponsor sporting events and receive publicity when appropriate events occur at their particular 'virtual turf.
  • Many other incidents can also trigger prizes: for example, goal assist, throw-ins, free-kicks, read and yellow cards from a given region can be traced, via the computerised database, to the 'owner' of that region, entitling the owner to a prize.
  • the preferred implementation provides for a souvenir type non-cash prize to be awarded to the owner of the relevant Virtual turf.
  • the ownership of the Virtual square' typically lasts for a season or more; auctions for the next seasons' squares can become an important part of pre-season publicity.
  • the present invention covers betting activities undertaken by bookmakers in which bets are taken on whether one or more incidents (e.g. goals etc.) will occur from defined regions.
  • the interface can take many forms, such as an Internet site, but also includes less technically sophisticated items such as printed forms and tickets.
  • a game player must answer a sport related question before being entitled to the prize.
  • each region is a square of roughly one square yard.
  • the squares are auctioned off to individuals and companies etc. who may wish to participate in the game; an individual or company can purchase exclusive 'ownership' of one or more of the 8000 square yards in a live or Internet based auction.
  • the reserve price in an auction implementation of the football variant may depend on the proximity of the region to the goal; several bands of squares may be provided, each with a different reserve: for example, there could be high, medium and low value regions.
  • a game player might bid a certain amount for a high value square; if the bid is successful, then he or she would be awarded an actual square within the high value region by a random computer controlled selection.
  • the higher the bid value accepted the more valuable (typically based on historic data) is the square actually allotted.
  • the present invention has application to many sports besides football. For example, in golf, much smaller squares on, say, each putting green, could become the 'virtual turf; a winning game player would 'own' the region of green at which the ball comes to rest.
  • Detection apparatus is typically situated at the sporting event; the apparatus is adapted to locate the region in which one or more of the different kinds of incidents occur.
  • the detection apparatus may include one or more cameras.
  • the detection apparatus may include one or more sensors inside that object. More complex forms of detection system using real-time pattern recognition are also possible.
  • systems such as those from PVI, Inc and Orad Inc.
  • a region in a location in which a sporting event occurs the region being selectable by a game player using an interface; characterised in that information linking the region to the game player is stored in a computerised database so that if an incident occurs in the region, the incident forming a part of a list of pre-defined incidents which may occur during the course of the sporting event, then the game player who selected that region is notified.
  • This method can occur in a sports stadium, at a television monitor or personal computer (e.g. at a game player's home) or a betting shop.
  • a sports promotion method comprising the following steps:
  • an interface for a game in which the game is based upon a sporting event taking place in a physical space which is divided into several regions, such that if an incident occurs in a given region, the incident forming a part of a list of predefined incidents which may occur during the course of the sporting event, then the game player who has selected that region is entitled to a benefit; each region being selectable by a game player using the interface.
  • This interface could be a computer connected to a network which the game player can directly access. It could be a network which the game player can indirectly access; for example, the game player could indirectly access the interface by completing a printed form, information from that completed form being transmitted to the interface.
  • a football pitch is divided into approximately 8000 squares of roughly one square yard each.
  • Each pitch in fact has a total of 7,920 squares or 'lots': 7,560 are fixed at 1 yard by 1 yard — these are the main grid.
  • 7920 squares or 'lots' 7,560 are fixed at 1 yard by 1 yard — these are the main grid.
  • 216 lots will be of variable size and occur between the edge of the main grid and the touchline; these lots vary in width only and allow the different widths of virtually all English Premier league football pitches to be taken into account.
  • An additional 140 lots vary in length. These lots run each side of the center line and allow the varying length of pitches to be handled. 4 lots will vary in both length and breadth — these are between the edge of the grid and the touchline and each side of the center line. This format allows the total number of lots to be fixed at 7920.
  • Each pitch is typically divided into three kinds of zones: the 'goal zone', which is a high value zone; the 'danger zone', which is a medium value zone and a 'midfield zone' which is a low value zone.
  • the 'goal zone' and 'danger zone' are each concentric sections, centered on each goal. There are therefore five zones in total.
  • the squares are auctioned off for corporate sponsorship and to enable sports fans to own a piece of the Virtual turf of their team's home ground.
  • the auction process can take place through any number of different forms: an Internet auction site; auction dinners, postal applications, telephone or personal buying tickets etc.
  • a game player simply selects the zone(s) for which he or she wishes to place a bid and the auction continues for a defined time.
  • the reserve price for the midfield zone is lower than that for the danger zone, which in turn is lower than that for the goal zone. If a game player is successful in his or her bid, then a lot within the required zone is randomly selected and allocated to that player.
  • a database stores various details of the game player and the associated lot(s), including e-mail/sms/telephone contact details so that the player can be contacted when necessary; the same database also records when and to whom prizes have been allocated and when those prizes have been claimed.
  • each pitch Surrounding each pitch is a network of eight cameras in fixed positions as high above the pitch as possible. Each camera continuously films a designated part of the pitch during the game. A grid dividing the pitch into the 7,920 lots will have previously been generated, using the pitch boundaries as a guide. The grid can be superimposed onto the image from any camera, enabling a SkillSquare referee to locate an incident in relation to a specific lot when viewing the recorded images from a camera or cameras. The SkillSquare referee enters the type of incident, the relevant lot and the time into a secure database using a secure date entry system. This information is stored together with several video frames of relevance.
  • a Goal The Lot where the goalscorers' boot and the ball make contact.
  • the system determines from its database the identity of the owner of the lot concerned. That owner is immediately contacted by the mechanism stipulated by him or her (e.g. e-mail, telephone, sms, web page) etc. In addition, an announcement could be made in the stadium itself and the televised broadcast.
  • Goals Goal Assists; (optionally) Red Cards - Scoring or offending Players signed Shirt; A. Commemorative Plaque recording the event
  • Each football club will have their own input regarding the quality and volume of prizes on offer. There will be end of season draws for Lot owners who have not won anything during the season — e.g. a draw to win a Car. There will also be a draw for Lot owners who have won a prize e.g. a hospitality box for the next season. If such prizes are won by an overseas Lot owner then a suitable prize will be substituted. The cost of all prizes will be borne out of revenue received from the auction or from associated sponsorships.
  • the purpose of the system is to provide video and/or still pictures which evidence the point on a playing area at which a given event took place (e.g., the point on a football pitch from which a goal was scored.)
  • a number of cameras are installed in the stadium, each providing a static view of an area of the playing surface.
  • suitable camera and lens can readily be selected to provide the optimum trade-off between equipment cost, size and image quality.
  • Such a camera and lens combination enables a single camera to cover an area of the pitch taking in some 17 yards of the touch line, and advancing to the middle of the pitch. A one-hundred yard side of the pitch therefore requires at least six cameras to provide adequate coverage.
  • a second angle on the action is provided by cameras stationed at each end of the pitch, offering a wider view. Because it is expected that pictures from these cameras will be used only when the side view is obscured, the specified picture definition from these vantage points is lower.
  • An installation to cover the whole of a football pitch therefore requires at least fourteen cameras.
  • An installation to cover only from the goal line to thirty yards in, requires at least ten cameras.
  • each stadium determines actual camera requirements: it may be that lines of sight are obscured, or that the sites available for cameras restrict their angle of view. If this were the case, additional positions might be required.
  • the venue is surveyed by SkillSquare technicians and by installation sub-contractors.
  • the cameras specified for the operation are small (approx. 200 x 80 x 80 mm) and operate on 12V power supplies. They are housed in weather-proof protection and are expected to require no more than annual inspection after installation. The positions are fixed and there are no moving parts. Lenses are of fixed focus. 2.3 Camera connections
  • the cameras are powered from the control room (see below) by means of a remote sensing transformer which compensates for voltage drops over cable length: the output at the camera is guaranteed.
  • a second cable from the camera carries the video signal back to the control room. This is standard PSF 1/3 professional grade coaxial video cable.
  • a further similar cable carries camera control signals from the control room to the cameras, enabling the camera iris to be varied, so allowing for differing Hghting conditions in and across the stadium (e.g. changing areas of sunlight and shade as the sun moves throughout a game.)
  • Cables will be mounted and tied on standard trays meeting the venue's safety and other operational requirements. An installation plan is then prepared and submitted to the venue for approval, after site survey. Cable installation is estimated to take some seven working days
  • the playing area is physically marked out by a surveyor, with reference points for a yard-square grid; i.e. marker points at 1 yard intervals are placed along the by lines, touch lines and centre lines.
  • a picture is then shot and recorded from each camera. Using this picture, the reference points are used to "draw" in a computer graphics programme, a yard square grid onto the picture. The grid is therefore in correct perspective for the camera picture.
  • a grid is created for each camera. The pictures are then discarded, and the grids retained in computer memory.
  • the graphics software can superimpose the grid on any picture subsequently shot by the appropriate camera. System calibration is estimated to take some two working days
  • Each camera is linked to a hard disc recorder with capacity to store some 150 minutes of video at the required resolution.
  • a "hot spare" hard disc recorder is provided with the installation in case of failure of a recorder. The spare can be immediately switched into operation.
  • the system is backed up by VHS machines. Once again, there is a machine for every camera and a switchable spare. The VHS tapes are retained and stored for a period in case of disputes arising after the game.
  • One crew members is detailed to monitor the operation of the recording equipment and be available to take action in any instance of equipment failure.
  • the picture from each camera is monitored by an engineer.
  • One black & white monitor is provided for each camera enabling the engineer to judge whether the camera is correctly adjusted for available light.
  • Light levels entering the camera through the iris, and other parameters, are controlled using the miniature camera remote unit.
  • the picture from each camera can be switched to a high grade colour monitor, to enable correct colour adjustment for each camera, white and black balancing etc. All of the engineer's equipment will be accommodated at one desk position with monitor stack above.
  • All recorders are "ganged” and linked to a single controller. When an incident occurs, therefore, and the time of its occurrence is noted, all ten recorders can be ordered by one command to "spool back" to the time of the incident (NB all recorders read and write simultaneously - recording therefore continues whilst the disc is read.) Bespoke software interprets the output from the controller to the hard disc devices. (c) all recorders are linked via a conventional hub, as a Windows NT® network, to the "master” graphics station, enabling image files to be transferred from any recorder to the master station for processing.
  • the control room will also have available a feed of the broadcast coverage of the event, viewed on a colour monitor, solely for reference purposes.
  • the master work station runs a graphics system which stores in memory a "virtual grid" (see system calibration at 2.3 above) appropriate to each camera's picture.
  • the room must accommodate, if full coverage of the pitch is to be provided: 4 x 19" racks, each 600 x 750 x 2000 mm (WxDxH) with access to rear for engineers
  • Lighting must meet H&S requirements for VDU operators.
  • the estimated area required is some 200 square feet.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)

Abstract

Appareil pour jouer à un jeu, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend (a) une interface permettant aux joueurs de sélectionner une ou plusieurs régions dans un emplacement dans lequel se déroule une manifestation sportive ; (b) une base de données informatisée mémorisant des informations définissant chaque région sélectionnée, conjointement avec un identificateur associé au joueur qui a sélectionné cette région ; et (c) une base de données informatisée destinée à mémoriser une indication spécifiant que l'attribution du prix est associée à un identificateur donné, l'identificateur étant lié à une région dans laquelle un événement s'est produit, ledit événement formant une partie d'une liste d'événements pré-définis pouvant se présenter au cours de la manifestation sportive.
PCT/GB2001/001520 2000-04-06 2001-04-06 Appareil a jouer et procede WO2001076711A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB0008493.9A GB0008493D0 (en) 2000-04-06 2000-04-06 Game playing apparatus and method
GB0008493.9 2000-04-06

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001076711A1 true WO2001076711A1 (fr) 2001-10-18

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ID=9889370

Family Applications (1)

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PCT/GB2001/001520 WO2001076711A1 (fr) 2000-04-06 2001-04-06 Appareil a jouer et procede

Country Status (2)

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GB (1) GB0008493D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2001076711A1 (fr)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2382033A (en) * 2001-07-16 2003-05-21 Samantha Bhalla A sports analysis system intended for use in a betting game
EP1539313A4 (fr) * 2002-08-12 2005-11-09 Razor Sports Inc Systeme de loterie reposant sur l'aptitude
WO2014158029A1 (fr) * 2013-03-26 2014-10-02 Parcels In Sport As Programme de fidélisation pour rencontres sportives
WO2015015389A1 (fr) * 2013-07-27 2015-02-05 Craig Mckenzie Propriété de zones virtuelles d'un territoire de jeu
EP3102997A4 (fr) * 2014-02-04 2017-08-02 Parcels In Sport AS Dispositif, système et procédé permettant une meilleure expérience pour un spectateur souffrant d'une déficience visuelle

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1998046029A1 (fr) * 1997-04-04 1998-10-15 Orad Hi-Tec Systems Limited Systemes video graphiques
US5971854A (en) * 1989-10-27 1999-10-26 William Junkin Trust Interactive contest system

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5971854A (en) * 1989-10-27 1999-10-26 William Junkin Trust Interactive contest system
WO1998046029A1 (fr) * 1997-04-04 1998-10-15 Orad Hi-Tec Systems Limited Systemes video graphiques

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2382033A (en) * 2001-07-16 2003-05-21 Samantha Bhalla A sports analysis system intended for use in a betting game
EP1539313A4 (fr) * 2002-08-12 2005-11-09 Razor Sports Inc Systeme de loterie reposant sur l'aptitude
WO2014158029A1 (fr) * 2013-03-26 2014-10-02 Parcels In Sport As Programme de fidélisation pour rencontres sportives
WO2015015389A1 (fr) * 2013-07-27 2015-02-05 Craig Mckenzie Propriété de zones virtuelles d'un territoire de jeu
EP3102997A4 (fr) * 2014-02-04 2017-08-02 Parcels In Sport AS Dispositif, système et procédé permettant une meilleure expérience pour un spectateur souffrant d'une déficience visuelle

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0008493D0 (en) 2000-05-24

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