TV Signal Latency Equalization for Fair Live 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 'lock out' signals and game data transmission, ensuring all players receive the signal at the same time.
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 differences create unfair competitive advantages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides participants into separate cohorts based on their television signal reception paths (e.g., cable, satellite, over-the-air). Each cohort is assigned a specific latency compensation value, allowing fair competition within each group while maintaining broad participation across different reception systems. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling universal participation while preventing unfair advantages through group-specific latency adjustments.
2Reliability
If latency compensation is applied to equalize delays, then fair competition is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the timing parameter of game data transmission and lockout signals based on measured latency values for each cohort. By changing the transmission time parameter dynamically according to each cohort's latency characteristics, the system achieves fair competition without requiring complex real-time adjustments. The latency compensation is implemented through parameter modification rather than complex system restructuring.
3Manufacturing precision
If participants are grouped by signal reception path, then latency equalization is improved, but measurement and classification complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs automated systems that automatically measure latency and classify participants into cohorts without requiring manual intervention. The system self-determines latency values by analyzing the time difference between game data transmission and receipt at participant devices, and automatically assigns participants to appropriate cohorts based on their reception path characteristics. This self-service approach achieves precise latency equalization while minimizing measurement and classification complexity.
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.