Method and apparatus for interactive real time distributed gaming

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus, system and method for playing interactive distributed gaming. One embodiment of the method comprises transmitting a performance prediction to a scoring database on a game server and determining an actual performance outcome. The actual performance outcome representation is transmitted to a remote terminal. The performance prediction is scored based on the actual performance outcome. In at least one embodiment, a predetermined ruleset is used to score the performance prediction based on the actual performance outcome.

Description

CLAIM FOR PRIORITY [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 115,976 filed Apr. 27, 2005 titled “Method and Apparatus for Interactive Real Time Distributed Gaming”, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 032,683 filed Jan. 10, 2005 titled “Method and Apparatus for Interactive Real Time Distributed Gaming”, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 989,258 filed Nov. 20, 2001 titled “Method and Apparatus for Interactive Real Time Distributed Gaming”, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,840,861 issued Jan. 11, 2005, which is related to, and claims benefit of and priority from, Provisional Application No. 60 / 252,118 dated Nov. 20, 2000, titled “Method and Apparatus for Interactive Real Time Distributed Gaming”, the complete subject matter of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.CONTRACTUAL ORIGIN OF INVENTION [0002] Not Applicable. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] 1. Field of th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] embodiment relates to a method for playing an interactive distributed game. This embodiment of the method comprises transmitting a performance prediction to a scoring database on a game server and determining an actual performance outcome. The actual performance outcome representation is transmitted to a remote terminal. The performance prediction is scored based on the actual performance outcome. In at least one embodiment, a predetermined ruleset is used to score the performance prediction based on the actual performance outcome.

[0016] Yet another embodiment of the invention relates to a method for performing an interactive distributed game. The embodiment comprises receiving a next performance prediction at a scoring database on a game server and determining an actual performance outcome. An actual performance outcome representation is transmitted and the performance prediction based on the actual performance outcome is scored using a predetermined ruleset.

[0017] Yet another embodiment relates to a interactive distributed game. The game comprises a game server, a scoring database and a remote terminal. The game server is adapted to determine a performance-stopped-state and receive a next performance prediction during a submit-prediction-mode over a communication interface. The scoring database stores a participant score in a scoring memory. The remote terminal is adapted to submit the next performance prediction to the game server, and is responsive to an actual performance outcome representation to update a participant score based on the actual performance outcome and the next performance prediction.

Problems solved by technology

A bewildering array of possible predictions are possible, with the additional complication that certain combinations are valid only for RUN or PASS situations.

However, Prime Time Player can be somewhat intimidating for casual football viewers who, for example, may not know a tight end from a wide receiver.

The drawbacks associated with prior interactive games not only limits the number of participants in the games and the resultant level of competition, but also the generated revenue streams.

Furthermore, such prior interactive games were generally limited to web browser interfaces.

As a result, a large number of potential participants without access to an Internet enabled personal computer (e.g., those attending a sporting event, for example) could not play.

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