TV Reception Latency Equalization for Synchronized Skill Games
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Solution Overview
Problem
Games of skill that rely on television signal reception for real-time entertainment face latency issues due to systemic propagation delays, arbitrarily imposed delays, and variances in broadcast times, leading to unfair competitive advantages and user dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that equalize latency differences by grouping participants based on their television signal reception paths, determining and adjusting delays through various methodologies, including participant feedback, GPS location determination, and automated signal sampling, to synchronize the receipt of television signals and lockout signals across all participants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If participants are allowed to play games of skill simultaneously across different television reception systems, then user participation and engagement are improved, but latency disparities create unfair competitive advantages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments participants into distinct cohorts based on their television signal reception paths (e.g., satellite, cable, over-the-air). Each cohort is assigned specific delay adjustments to compensate for their unique latency characteristics, ensuring that all cohorts have equalized timing conditions for fair competition while maintaining simultaneous participation across different systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting time delay parameters for different cohorts. The system determines specific delay amounts for each cohort and modifies the timing of game data transmission and lockout signals accordingly. This parameter adjustment equalizes the effective latency experience across all participants, transforming unequal physical transmission conditions into equal competitive conditions.
2Reliability
If delay adjustments are made to equalize latency, then fairness is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where participants automatically provide information about their television reception system and signal timing characteristics. The system uses this self-provided data to automatically determine appropriate delay adjustments, reducing the need for manual configuration or complex centralized control while maintaining fairness across different reception systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where participants provide information about their signal reception timing, and the system uses this feedback to calculate and apply appropriate delay adjustments. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically adapt to different reception conditions and maintain fairness without requiring overly complex predetermined configurations for every possible scenario.
3Measurement precision
If precise timing measurement methods are implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary elements such as synchronization signals and timing markers that facilitate precise measurement of transmission delays. These intermediaries serve as reference points that simplify the measurement process by providing known temporal anchors, making it easier to detect and measure the actual delay between different signal paths without requiring complex direct measurement techniques.
Data Source
AI summary
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.