Webcam Game Show System for Simultaneous Online and TV Broadcasting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current game shows require contestants to travel to studios, and online games lack visibility and regulation among players, preventing simultaneous online and television broadcasting with a live studio audience.
Innovation Solution
A game show system where players use web cameras to transmit video, allowing online players to be visible and interact with each other, with a host regulating the game, and enabling simultaneous online and televised broadcasting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If contestants travel to game show studios to play, then the game can be broadcast to a studio audience on television, but contestants incur travel costs and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the game show studio environment through software that displays contestants, game elements, and audience on computer screens. This virtual studio eliminates the need for physical travel while maintaining the broadcasting capability through online transmission and television integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer-based intermediary system that mediates between contestants and the studio environment. The software acts as an intermediary, receiving video feeds from contestant webcams and displaying them in a virtual studio setting, thereby eliminating direct physical presence requirements.
2Ease of operation
If online games are played against virtual players or avatars, then accessibility is improved, but player visibility and interaction are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes visual display technologies to show real contestants on screen, replacing avatars with actual video feeds. The software displays contestant images, game board states, and audience reactions, providing full visual information while maintaining online accessibility through computer screen displays.
3Device complexity
If online games lack host regulation, then device complexity is reduced, but game smoothness and fairness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated host functions through software that automatically regulates game flow, enforces rules, and manages gameplay without requiring a human host. The software handles question delivery, time management, and game state control, maintaining reliability while reducing complexity compared to traditional hosted formats.
Data Source
AI summary
A game show may be played online or may be played online while being simultaneously broadcast on television. The contestants of the game show are internet users who may use a web camera to connect to the online game. The host of the game show may be transmitted to the online game as well as to the television audience. A web-only (non-televised) based game may be used to get qualifying contestants to play in the online/televised game. The object of the game is to be the “last cam standing” by, for example, answering trivia questions correctly and eliminating other players.