Interactive broadcast sports gaming

A method of interactive gaming includes identifying a broadcast event, generating interactive questions for the broadcast event based upon a subject of the broadcast event, organizing the generated questions based on a structure of the broadcast event, and providing the organized questions to a user during a broadcast of the broadcast event through an interactive gaming interface based on the structure of the broadcast event.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is generally related to interactive gaming and broadcast sports. More particularly, example embodiments of the present invention are directed interactive gaming during broadcast sporting events.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventionally, interactive gaming involves access to an interactive interface such as, for example, a website. Users of the website interact with other users through a variety of provided tools. For example, instant messaging, commenting, text fields, live audio, live video, and other similar communication means may be integrated within a website to provide for inter-user communication regarding an interactive game.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method of interactive gaming includes identifying a broadcast event, generating interactive questions for the broadcast event based upon a subject of the broadcast event, organizing the generated questions based on a structure of the broadcast event, and providing the organized questions to a user during a broadcast of the broadcast event through an interactive gaming interface based on the structure of the broadcast event.

According to an additional embodiment of the present invention, a system for interactive gaming includes a broadcast event server configured to provide a televised feed of broadcast events, and an interactive gaming web server in communication with the broadcast event server, wherein the interactive gaming server is configured to perform a method of interactive gaming. The method includes identifying a broadcast event, generating interactive questions for the broadcast event based upon a subject of the broadcast event, organizing the generated questions based on a structure of the broadcast event, and providing the organized questions to a user during a broadcast of the broadcast event through an interactive gaming interface based on the structure of the broadcast event.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Further to the brief description provided above and associated textual detail of each of the figures, the following description provides additional details of example embodiments of the present invention.

Embodiments are directed to interactive gaming and broadcast sports. More particularly, example embodiments of the present invention are directed interactive online gaming during broadcast sporting events. For example, an interactive online game may include any game including sports fantasy games. Example embodiments include methods and interfaces for interactive online gaming which provide an enriched user experience geared towards providing fulfilling gaming experiences including group gaming, fantasy role and sports gaming, and other similar experiences based upon a live broadcast event.

For example, an interactive game may be based upon a live sporting event or entertainment event. Prior to broadcast of the event, a series of questions and/or other prompts may be established based upon the event. These questions and prompts may be organized, stored, and served to a user or group of users before, during, and after the event, thereby providing an immersive viewing experience which enriches a user's perception of the event and may provide more satisfaction as compared to gaming and viewing as separate experiences.

Turning now to the several figures, example embodiments are described in more detail.FIG. 1illustrates an example interactive gaming system, according to an example embodiment of the present invention. The system10includes an interactive gaming server11. The server11may be any server or computing apparatus configured to process program instructions disposed to serve a plurality of users with an interactive game based on the methods described herein. For example, an appropriate server may be a web server or server system configured to provide webpage information to user terminals (e.g., terminals14-16) communicating over network13. The network13may be a communication network such as the Internet or other suitable network. The network133may facilitate transmission of information between the terminals14-16and the server11.

The system10further includes broadcast event server12in communication with the network13and the server11. The broadcast event server12may be any suitable server or server system configured to provide broadcast event information. For example, the server12may provide online streaming of a live or broadcast event to terminals14-16and/or provide broadcast event information to server11. However, it should be noted that the broadcast event server12may also be embodied as a television service provider system rather than a typical web server. Thus, the broadcast event server12may also broadcast an event over conventional channels to televisions or other similar devices, in addition to terminals14-16.

According to example embodiments, broadcast events provided by the server12may be interpreted to establish an interactive game for a plurality of users at terminals14-16. The interactive game may be tailored to a typical or target audience. For example, a sports-based game may be established based on a particular sporting event. Further, a movie-trivia game may be established based on a particular movie being broadcast or an awards ceremony being broadcast. As broadcast event information is readily available at server11, new questions or portions of the interactive game may be established on-the-fly, during broadcast of the event, thereby providing a more immersive experience. The actual game may be accessed by a plurality of users as described below.

FIG. 2illustrates an example interactive gaming method, according to an example embodiment of the present invention. The method200includes receiving a set of user credentials at block21. The set of user credentials may include credentials identifying a user, a user account, type of user, location of a user, or any suitable combination of the same. For example, the set of credentials may include a username and password used to verify a user account. The set of credentials may further include information associated with the username and password. Thus, block21includes receiving user information associated with a user including any user information stored or associated with a user's account.

The method20further includes identifying broadcast events based on the user credentials at block22. For example, identifying the broadcast events may include querying a database of past, present, and future events to determine if any events are applicable to the user based on the credentials. An applicable event may include a local event, an event matching a user's preferences, an event a particular user has registered to view, or any other suitable events.

Upon identifying the applicable events, the method20includes providing event information to the user at block23. Providing the event information may include rendering, at a user terminal, a webpage or other interface graphically or textually identifying events with available interactive games. Upon providing, the method20includes receiving user selections for the events at block24. For example, a user may select one or more available events at the rendered webpage or interface. Subsequently, the method20includes initiating interactive online content based on the selections at block25.

Therefore, example embodiments of the present invention include identifying a user through a set of user credentials, identifying applicable and available broadcast events based on the credentials, providing the events' information to a user, and initiating interactive online content based on a user's selections of the provided events. Initiating interactive online content may include initiating and/or serving an interactive online game to a user. The interactive online game may be based upon the actual event and may be determined before and during the actual event, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 3.

FIG. 3illustrates an example interactive gaming method, according to an example embodiment of the present invention. The method30includes identifying a broadcast event at block31. The broadcast event may be identified as an event which may draw a desire for interactive online gaming. Alternatively, the event may be identified by a user as a selection in method20. In response to the identifying, the method30includes generating interactive online questions and/or content based upon the event at block32. For example, sports-related or player-related questions may be chosen/generated based on a type of sporting event and/or teams associated with the event. The content may be organized based on the event at block33, and may be stored for presentation to a user during the broadcast event at block34.

The content may be organized based upon the type of event, based on a duration of the event, or based on other suitable attributes. For example, content may be organized into segments relating to known portions of an event, such as innings in a baseball game or categories in an awards ceremony. Therefore, during broadcast of those portions of the event or immediately prior to broadcasting of those portions, the content may be provided to users engaging in the online game. The questions and content may vary for each broadcast event and may have a different value (e.g., the more difficult the question, the higher point value). Further, new content may be continuously generated and/or chosen based upon the situations occurring in the broadcast event. The new content may also be presented to users based upon the event, in synch with the event, or in response to different portions of the event being currently broadcast. Therefore, example embodiments provide on-the-fly content to users which may be updated periodically or continuously during a broadcast event, thereby improving a user's experience. The content may be provided as a series of questions or prompts related to the event, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 4.

FIG. 4illustrates an example interactive gaming method, according to an example embodiment of the present invention. The method40includes transmitting an online question related to a broadcast event to a user at block41. The online question may be provided through a webpage or web interface served by an interactive online server as described above. The online question may be provided before or during a portion or segment of an associated broadcast event. For example, a question or series of questions related to a current baseball player may be provided immediately before or during the current baseball player's position at bat. The question may be related to a history of the player, or related to an expected outcome of the player's performance (e.g., if the player strikes a homerun).

The method40further includes receiving initial user answers to the question(s) provided at block42. Correct answers may be tallied at block43and a user's rank may be established based on a pool of users at block44. The pool of users may include a portion of users engaging in the interactive online game. The pool of users may be related to the user as friends or users with similar interests. Thereafter, the ranking results may be displayed for the user at block45. Thus, a user interacting with the online questions during an associated broadcast event may view gaming results compared to other users on-the-fly based on questions answered by the user. The user may continue to interact for the duration of the broadcast event.

It should be appreciated that as users may interact during a broadcast event, and that as questions or prompts may be provided based upon actual circumstances in the event (e.g., overtime, player statistics, etc.), additional interaction from users may be promoted through provision of questions within the actual broadcast event. Thus, in combination with questions being provided through a website or interface, a spokesperson or game representative may actually be broadcast live (or pre-recorded) in the actual event feed prompting users for answers. A user may input answers through the interactive online gaming website for tallying score and rankings as described above.

In addition to a simple sequence of interactive questions, bonus or special questions may also be provided, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 5.FIG. 5illustrates an example interactive gaming method, according to an example embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the method50includes generating a bonus question at block51. The generated bonus question(s) may be provided through the broadcast event and/or through the interactive online gaming system. The method50further includes receiving user answers at block52to determine and award winners at blocks53-54. It should be understood that prizes may also be awarded during normal game-play as described above in addition to bonus question rounds or segments described inFIG. 5. Furthermore, a live announcer or on-air talent may announce the winner's name (e.g., during a sign-off period for the event, further enhancing a user's experience.

As described above, example embodiments of the present invention provide interactive online gaming based on broadcast events which promote a rich user experience as compared to gaming and event viewing alone. The interactive online gaming is facilitated through user interfaces provided from an interactive online gaming server of an interactive online gaming system.

FIG. 6illustrates an example interactive gaming interface, according to an example embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the interface60includes a plurality of interface portions representing a broadcast event and users engaging with the interactive online gaming system. Broadcast event statistics including gaming statistics, occurrences in the broadcast event, user information, and or other information may be displayed through at least one broadcast event statistics graphical portion61. Further, interactive communications including inter-user communications, messaging, blog or questions posts, and other suitable information may be displayed through at least one messaging graphical portion62. Moreover, participant ranking and gaming results may be displayed through at least one results graphical portion64. Even further, additional or current questions may be provided through at least one interaction graphical portion65.

Additionally, advertising and/or promotions may be provided through at least one advertising graphical portion63. Therefore, example embodiments provide a variety of manners in which to incorporate sponsorships, and traditional & interactive banner advertisements.

It should be understood that although illustrated in a particular format and orientation, the graphical portions described above should not be so limited. For example, more or less graphical portions may be arranged according to any applicable interactive game.

Hereinafter, a more detailed arrangement of the graphical portions described above is provided with reference toFIGS. 7-17, in which a plurality of renderings of a gaming interface100, are illustrated.

Turning toFIG. 7, the interface100includes header101displaying information related to the interactive online content. The header101may include a plurality of navigation portions and tabs configured to allow user access to different graphical portions of the interface100. The interface100may allow an online offering that coincides with available events broadcast nationally and regionally. This may include regular programming, special events, sports games, and associated playoff games. Using the interface100, users may participate in as many games as they choose. As described above, live scoring may be used throughout the game so the participant can track progress online during the broadcast event.

The interface100further includes informational section102displaying information related to a current interactive online game or available games through portions121,122,123, and124. For example, the next four unfinished and non-postponed broadcast events on the sporting schedule are shown in portions121,122,123, and124. Games may be listed from left to right, top to bottom according to scheduled start date then scheduled start time.

Each available event displayed in portions121,122,123, and124includes event and game information. Furthermore, game and/or event status may be displayed (e.g., delayed, date/time, etc.).

A “Play” button may always present in portions121,122,123, and124such that a user can make picks for the associated game, review picks during the game, or review picks after the game. Clicking the “Play” button will take the user to the individual game's “Game Pick” page (FIG. 13). If not registered or logged in, it will take them to the proper spot then redirect to the “Game Pick” page. If the user does not yet have an entry, it will take them to the “Create Entry” page (FIG. 9) before redirecting to the “Game Pick” page.

The portions121-124may also include broadcast event information including a television channel or web address at which to view the broadcast event, and may provide selection portions to allow a user to select a particular game to play.

The interface100further includes a user information portion104which may allow a user to enter credentials and view associated login information. For example, upon logging in, portion104may display an entry name, the owner of the entry's screen name, highest finish in an individual game during the season, the number of games played, total points for the season, and/or average points per game for the season.

The interface further includes advertisement portion103for displaying advertisements, and headlines portion105for displaying current headlines related to broadcast events (e.g., related news, upcoming events, etc.). Furthermore, additional content including marketing or promotion may be provided through additional content portion106and associated portions161-162.

Turning now toFIG. 8, a “LEADERBOARD” view of the interface100is illustrated. The leaderboard section107includes an ordered list based on points for users associated with the interactive game. For example, the ordered list includes rank, entry name, user's screen name, best finish in an individual game during the season (if more than one of same, show count in parenthesis), number of games played, average points per game and total points. Furthermore, an entire row may also be a dynamic web-link to the entry home page (FIG. 10) for user for viewing of individual statistics/information.

Turning toFIG. 9, a “CREATE ENTRY” view of interface100is illustrated. As shown, a new entry portion108is rendered which provides interface portions181and182for the creation of new entries for a particular broadcast event.

Turning toFIG. 10, an “ENTRY HOME PAGE” view of interface100is illustrated. As shown, user statistics portion109is rendered which displays information related to recent games a user has played, including associated game information, points per game, and rankings.

Turning toFIG. 11, an “ENTRY GAME LIST” view of interface100is illustrated. As shown, a game list portion109is provided for viewing of available, current, or previously player games through listing191.

Turning toFIG. 12, an “ENTRY SETTINGS” view of interface100is illustrated. As shown, entry portion108is rendered which provides interface portions181and182for the adjustment of entries for a particular broadcast event.

Turning toFIG. 13, a “GAME MATCHUP” view of interface100is illustrated. As shown, game matchup portion201is rendered which provides portion202for answering of interactive questions through portions221and223. For example, portion221may be a bonus question portion for entry of an answer to a bonus question near the end of an interactive game (e.g., 7thinning).) Portion223may provide individual interactive questions227-229for user interaction. Portion222may provide statistics224-226related to different attributes of an interactive game (e.g., player statistics, types of players, etc.). Additionally, an “Expert's Picks” portion230may be provided which outlines options selected by known people associated with a broadcast event (e.g., famous players, coaches, etc.).

According toFIG. 13, interactive questions may be divided into groups. Each question group is worth a predetermined number of points. The questions and potential answers may be dynamically driven by feeds and preset question types with token swaps. The questions can be answered during the duration of a game or during a particular window for answering. Each question may have a different point value, for example, to reduce the possibility of a tie. The point value for each question may be displayed with the question. Furthermore, as a game progresses and broadcast event completes, a background color around a question will turn green for an official correct answer, yellow for a temporary correct (e.g., after midway through a broadcast event), or red for an official incorrect answer. The number representing point value will be clearly marked.

Answers are initially listed by order of descending fantasy value or alphabetical depending on the question type. When live scoring kicks in, they are ordered by accuracy with the most correct answer at the top. Ties result in all top answers receiving points.

Each question may include a potential answer listed along with a popularity mete (e.g., see224-226).

An example question group for portions222-229may include the following questions directed towards a broadcast baseball game event:A. Best Fantasy Daya. Which of the following players will have the best fantasy day?i. Top 6 available position players on two rosters (based on fantasy $ value)ii. Next 6 available position players on two rosters (based on fantasy $ value)iii. Each team's starting pitchers.B. Player-specific Propsa. Of the following players, who will be the FIRST to ACTION in the game? Choose from list of 8 players. Also include “None”.i. Homerii. Score a Runiii. Drive in a Runiv. Doublev. Triplevi. Strike outvii. Walkviii. Steal a baseix. Ground into a Double Playx. Hit a Sac Flyxi. Sac Buntxii. Make an Errorb. Of the following players, who will accumulate the most ACTION in the game? Choose from list of 8 players.i. Home Runsii. Singlesiii. Doublesiv. Triplesv. Walksvi. Runsvii. RBIviii. 2-out RBIix. Pitches Seenx. Assistsxi. Putoutsxii. Stolen Basesxiii. Runners Left on Basec. Of the two starting pitchers, who will accumulate the most ACTON in the game?i. Strike outsii. Pitches Throwniii. Innings Pitchedd. Of the two starting pitchers, who will accumulate the fewest ACTON in the game?i. Walks Allowedii. Hits Allowediii. Home Runs Allowediv. Baserunners Allowedv. Earned Runs Allowede. How many ACTION will PLAYER accumulate during the game?i. Actions1. Hits2. RBI3. SB4. Runsii. Count1. 02. 13. 24. 35. 4+f. Of the following TEAM players, who will be the first to enter as a pinch-hitter? Include “none”.C. Team-specific Propsa. What inning will the TEAM score the most runs?i. 3-8b. Which team will accumulate the most ACTION?i. Hitsii. Runsiii. Home Runsiv. Strike Outsv. Stolen Basesvi. Walksvii. Baserunnersc. Which team will go with a reliever first? Include “neither”.d. Which team will have its manager ejected first? Include “neither”.e. Which team will have a player ejected first? Include “neither”.f. Which team will be the first to use a pinch-hitter? Include “neither”.g. Which team will strand the most runners in the Xth inning?h. Which team will strand the most runners in scoring position?i. Which team will get the most 2-out hits?j. Which team will turn more double-plays?k. How many ACTIONS will the two teams combine for in the game?i. Runs1. 0-42. 5-83. 9-124. 13-165. 17+ii. Y Hits1. 0-82. 9-163. 17-244. 25+iii. Y Strikeouts1. 0-82. 9-163. 17-244. 25+iv. Y Home Runs1. 0-22. 3-43. 5-64. 7-85. 9+D. Bonus Questionsa. Odd, tough to research statistical fact from Game Notesb. 7thor 8thinning specific question in similar vein to those abovei. Of the following players, who will be the first to college a ACTION in the 8thinning?ii. Which team will collect the most ACTION in the 8thinning?

Turning toFIG. 14, a “GAME MATCHUP” view of the interface100is illustrated when a broadcast event is not available. As shown, instructions related to when a game becomes available are provided for user reference.

Turning toFIG. 15, a “GAME MATCHUP” view of the interface100is illustrated when a broadcast event is occurring (e.g., during a game). As shown, a game leaderboard portion203displays an ordered list of all entries with user picks for a game. The list includes rank, entry name, user's screen name, and points earned. In the list, if picks are locked (end of second or end of 7th) for the game, the row is a link to the Game Pick for the associated entry. If picks are not locked, the row is not a link but the entry name is a link to the entry home page for the user. As also shown, the community section204displays summary totals and rank for at least two participating “Fans of” official groups involved in the broadcast event (e.g., sports teams playing). As also shown, game message board205displays recent messages for the specific game shown. The message board205includes user's screen name, date and time of message, and the message. The portion205may also include an icon to flag a message for review, may be set to auto-refresh continuously during a game until an end of a game, and may include a link to a full message board rendering of interface100(FIG. 16). As shown inFIG. 16, a game leaderboard portion207may be provided to display top entries for a specific game. The display may include rank, entry name, user's screen name, and points earned for game thus far, and may include a link to view an entire game's leaderboard.

Turning toFIG. 17, a “SEASON LEADERBOARD” view of interface100is provided, which includes portions to display results and rankings for an entire season of broadcast events.

As described above, through interaction with interface100during a broadcast event, a user may traverse any or all available interface portions, register for new events, view game statistics, view event information, and perform other interactions associated with the interactive online game and broadcast events.

The methodologies and systems of example embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. For example,FIG. 18illustrates an example computing apparatus configured to perform the methods described herein. The apparatus70includes memory71, processor72, input devices73, and display device74. Embodiments may be implemented in software or firmware that is stored in memory71and that is executed by a suitable instruction execution system. These systems may include any or a combination of the following technologies, which are all well known in the art: a discrete logic circuit(s) having logic gates for implementing logic functions upon data signals, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) having appropriate combinational logic gates, a programmable gate array(s) (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc.