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WO2000029084A1 - Systeme de jeu en tournoi et procede correspondant - Google Patents

Systeme de jeu en tournoi et procede correspondant Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2000029084A1
WO2000029084A1 PCT/US1999/027161 US9927161W WO0029084A1 WO 2000029084 A1 WO2000029084 A1 WO 2000029084A1 US 9927161 W US9927161 W US 9927161W WO 0029084 A1 WO0029084 A1 WO 0029084A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tournament
local
information
game
network
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US1999/027161
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Michael Cooper-Hart
Howell Ivy
David Foley
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sega of America Inc
Original Assignee
Sega Enterprises USA Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sega Enterprises USA Inc filed Critical Sega Enterprises USA Inc
Priority to AU16269/00A priority Critical patent/AU1626900A/en
Publication of WO2000029084A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000029084A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/20—Input arrangements for video game devices
    • A63F13/21—Input arrangements for video game devices characterised by their sensors, purposes or types
    • A63F13/213—Input arrangements for video game devices characterised by their sensors, purposes or types comprising photodetecting means, e.g. cameras, photodiodes or infrared cells
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/30—Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers
    • A63F13/35—Details of game servers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/30—Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers
    • A63F13/33—Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers using wide area network [WAN] connections
    • A63F13/335—Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers using wide area network [WAN] connections using Internet
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/30—Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers
    • A63F13/35—Details of game servers
    • A63F13/352—Details of game servers involving special game server arrangements, e.g. regional servers connected to a national server or a plurality of servers managing partitions of the game world
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/70—Game security or game management aspects
    • A63F13/79—Game security or game management aspects involving player-related data, e.g. identities, accounts, preferences or play histories
    • A63F13/798—Game security or game management aspects involving player-related data, e.g. identities, accounts, preferences or play histories for assessing skills or for ranking players, e.g. for generating a hall of fame
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/80—Special adaptations for executing a specific game genre or game mode
    • A63F13/803—Driving vehicles or craft, e.g. cars, airplanes, ships, robots or tanks
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/80—Special adaptations for executing a specific game genre or game mode
    • A63F13/812—Ball games, e.g. soccer or baseball
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/85—Providing additional services to players
    • A63F13/87—Communicating with other players during game play, e.g. by e-mail or chat
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/10—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals
    • A63F2300/1087—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals comprising photodetecting means, e.g. a camera
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/40—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterised by details of platform network
    • A63F2300/407—Data transfer via internet
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/50—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by details of game servers
    • A63F2300/51—Server architecture
    • A63F2300/513—Server architecture server hierarchy, e.g. local, regional, national or dedicated for different tasks, e.g. authenticating, billing
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/50—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by details of game servers
    • A63F2300/55—Details of game data or player data management
    • A63F2300/5513—Details of game data or player data management involving billing
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/50—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by details of game servers
    • A63F2300/55—Details of game data or player data management
    • A63F2300/5546—Details of game data or player data management using player registration data, e.g. identification, account, preferences, game history
    • A63F2300/558—Details of game data or player data management using player registration data, e.g. identification, account, preferences, game history by assessing the players' skills or ranking
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/80—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game specially adapted for executing a specific type of game
    • A63F2300/8011—Ball
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/80—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game specially adapted for executing a specific type of game
    • A63F2300/8017—Driving on land or water; Flying

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to games of skill and, more particularly to a system and method by which players of individual electronic games, such as video games and the like, can play a tournament.
  • tournaments In a tournament, various participants compete individually or in teams. Conventional tournaments, however, suffer from several limitations. For example, for many types of tournaments, the participants must travel considerable distance to get to the playing site and may require expensive overnight accommodations where the tournament lasts more than one day. In addition, conventional tournaments typically require fixed starting times, which force the various tournament participants to adhere to the same schedule. Moreover, some tournaments require use of expensive physical facilities, such as auditoriums, gymnasiums and the like. Such tournament logistics tend to increase the expense and inconvenience for the tournament participants and promoters.
  • Electronic tournaments may allow participants to compete without the necessity of travel, strict schedules, or the obtaining of large physical facilities. Because travel and large physical facilities are not required, electronic tournaments may alleviate or overcome many of the disadvantages of conventional tournament play.
  • the present invention overcomes or substantially alleviates prior problems associated with the provision of electronic tournaments.
  • the present invention provides a national host computer coupled over a network, such as the Internet, to multiple local game servers, multiple client computers, and a World Wide Web (www) or hypertext transfer protocol (http) server.
  • the local game servers are located at various remote sites. Each local game server is connected to multiple electronic games and to a local display.
  • the electronic game transmits a game data packet to the local game server.
  • the game data packet may include information such as: player identification information, player score information, the time and date of the game, the locale of the game, the electronic game serial number, the type of game played, and the like.
  • the player identification information may further include the player's name or initials, the player's password, an image of the player and the like.
  • the local game server determines whether the player's score qualifies the player to be ranked in international, national, regional, local or other rankings. If the player's score qualifies the player to be ranked in the local rankings, the local server ranks the player and transmits the player score and player identification information to the local display.
  • each local game server transmits at least a portion of the game data packet information it has received from the various electronic games connected thereto to the host server over a network.
  • the local game server transmits at least a portion of the game data packet information to the host server over the Internet via a local (toll-free) telephone call to a local ISP (Internet Service Provider).
  • the host server updates the various rankings and transmits updated ranking information to the various local game servers.
  • the host server may transmit additional push content such as video and audio advertising and the like.
  • the local game servers upon receipt of the updated ranking information and other push content from the host server display the updated ranking information and other push content on the local display coupled thereto.
  • This bookkeeping information is contained in the various game data packets transmitted from the electronic games to the local servers.
  • This bookkeeping information may include the number of games played during a particular time period, the times of the various games played, the locales in which the various games are played and the like. Such bookkeeping information can be useful in determining the profitability of the various games and in analyzing the financial aspects of game play generally.
  • This bookkeeping, or accounting, information is periodically transmitted from the local servers over the network to the host computer, where the information is compiled by an accounting server.
  • the www or http server of the present invention permits players to access ranking and other tournament information from remote client computers connected to the network. That is, according to the present invention, a player may open a web page that resides on the www server to access tournament information from a client computer that may be conveniently situated at the player's residence or place of employment. In addition, www server permits players to receive e-mail updates regarding changes in their individual rankings, upcoming tournaments, and the like. In this manner, players are not required to travel to a local display to obtain updated tournament information. Instead, they may obtain such information from a client computer by e-mail or by opening a web page residing on the www server. Tournament information on the web page is periodically updated by the host server, which is connected thereto. The www server also maintains a "chat room" for tournament participants to access from client computers. The chat room permits the tournament participants to interact over the network from remote client computers to discuss past, present, or future tournaments.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a tournament system in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating details of a FIG. 1 electronic game
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating details of the FIG. 1 local game server
  • FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a local display assembly according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 4B is a perspective view of another embodiment of a local display assembly according to the present invention
  • FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the local display assembly of FIG. 4B positioned behind and on top of a local game
  • FIG. 5 illustrates details of the local display of FIG. 1; and FIG. 6 illustrates a method of providing an electronic tournament in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a computer network system 100 in accordance with the present invention.
  • the network system 100 includes a plurality of client computers 110, including a client computer A, a client computer B, and other client computers C, each coupled via a computer network 120, such as the Internet, to a www server 130 and to a host server 150.
  • client computers 110 including a client computer A, a client computer B, and other client computers C, each coupled via a computer network 120, such as the Internet, to a www server 130 and to a host server 150.
  • local server computers 140 including a local server A, a local server B, and other local servers C, are also coupled to the host server 150 via the network 120.
  • the local servers 140 are connected to associated local games 170 and send and receive information over the network 120 from the host server 150.
  • the host server 150 can receive game data from games played on local games 170 transmitted from the associated local servers 140 over the network 120.
  • Each local server 140 is illustrated as being connected to a local display 160 and multiple local games 170.
  • the local displays 160 display tournament information, video and audio advertising, local high scores, updated ranking information, and the like.
  • the local servers 140 relieve the system resources of the local games 170 from performing these functions, thus making local game system resources more available for running the associated game.
  • the client computers 110 can access tournament information over the network 120 from the www server 130.
  • users at the client computers 110 can access player ranking information, tournament rules, news, e- commerce merchandise, upcoming tournament information, and the like.
  • the www server 130 transmits e-mail updates to tournament players regarding, for example, changes in player tournament ranking.
  • An accounting server 180 is also connected to the host server 150.
  • the accounting server receives data from the host server relating to the number and frequency of tournament games played on each of the local games 170. Using this data, the accounting server generates game earnings reports for each of the local games 170 by the serial numbers of the games as well as invoices and other financial reports.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a local game 170 including a Central Processing Unit (CPU) 210.
  • An input device 220, a game display 230, a communication interface 240, a data storage device 250, and Random Access Memory (RAM) 260 are connected to the CPU 210 via a signal bus 270.
  • the input device 220 may include a trackball, a joystick, physical buttons, or a combination of these.
  • the game display 230 includes a cathode ray tube and audio speakers to respectively display the video and audio components of the game as it is played.
  • the communication interface 250 interconnects the CPU 210 and the local server 140.
  • the communication interface 250 includes a PC board that receives the game data packet information from the CPU 210 at the completion of a game and formats the game data packet information so that it is readable by the associated local server 140.
  • the game data packet may include the serial number of the local game 170, the date and time of the game played, the player's identification information, and player's score.
  • a game application 280 is typically stored on the data storage device 250. The game application 280 controls the local video game and is loaded into the RAM 260 for execution. Additional local games 170 may be coupled to the communication interface
  • the communication interface can collect game data from up to thirty two separate local games and transmit the collected game data to the local server 140.
  • the local game 170 that includes the communication interface 250 is configured as a master to the other local games 170, which are configured as slaves.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a local server 140.
  • the local server 140 includes a CPU 310, a data storage device 320, a local game communication interface 330, a camera 340, a local display interface 350, a network communication interface 360, and a Random Access Memory (RAM) 370.
  • the data storage device 320, local game communication interface 330, camera 340, local display interface 350, network communication interface 360, and the RAM 370 are coupled to each other and to the CPU 310 via a data bus 380.
  • a ranking application 385 and a local display driver 390 are typically stored in the data storage device 320 and are loaded into RAM 370 for execution.
  • the local game communication interface 330 connects the local server 140 to the various local games 170. In one embodiment, as many as thirty two local games 170 are simultaneously coupled to the local server 140 via the local game communication interface 330.
  • the various local games 170 connected to the local game need not comprise the same type of game. Indeed, the local games may be of various types, including, for example, car racing games and golf games.
  • the various local games 170 transmit game data packets to the local computer 140 via the local game communication interface 330.
  • the local game 170 transmits a game data packet to the associated local server 140.
  • the game data packet advantageously includes information such as: player identification information, player score information, the time and date of the game, the locale of the game, the electronic game serial number, the type of game played, and the like.
  • the player identification information may further include the player's name or initials, the player's password, an image of the player and the like.
  • the ranking application 385 of the local game server 140 determines whether the player's score qualifies the player to be ranked in international, national, regional, local or other rankings. If the player's score qualifies the player to be ranked in the local rankings, the local server ranks the player and transmits the player score and player identification information to the associated local display 160 for display thereon. Then, if the player's score so qualifies, information from the game data packet or the entire game data packet is transmitted over the network 120 (FIG. 1) to the host server
  • all game data packets received by the local game server 140 are transmitted to the host server 150.
  • the game data packets, or information from the game data packets, are periodically transmitted from the local servers 140 via the network communication interface 360 over the network 120 to the host server 150.
  • the local game server 130 transmits the game data packets, or information from the game data packets, to the host server 150 over the Internet via a local (toll-free) telephone call to a local ISP (Internet Service Provider).
  • the network communication interface 360 may include a modem and advantageously transmits updated information over the . network 120 to the host server 150 on a periodic basis, such as every fifteen to thirty minutes.
  • the host server 150 updates the international, national, regional, and local tournament rankings.
  • the host server 150 transmits the updated ranking information to the various local servers 140 and to the www server 130.
  • the host server 150 transmits push content, such as video and audio data, to the various local servers 140.
  • This push content may include advertising, sponsor, or other promotional information.
  • Each local server 140 then receives the updated ranking information, together with any push information, from the host server 150 via the network communication interface 360.
  • the local display driver 390 displays this information, which may comprise video data, audio data, or both, on the associated local display 160 via the local display interface 350 using the local display driver module 390. In this manner, updated ranking information, together with video and audio data may be displayed by the various local displays 160.
  • the system In addition to presenting the updated ranking information on the local displays, the system also displays the updated ranking information on a web page residing on the www server 130.
  • tournament participants may access periodically updated tournament information by using a browser on a client computer 110 to open the web page.
  • those who wish to converse regarding the tournament may do so via remote client computers 1 10 via a "chat room" provided by the www server 130.
  • the www server transmits updated tournament information to certain tournament participants whenever their position, or ranking, in one of the tournaments changes.
  • the host server 150 identifies which tournament participants have changed rankings with each update. Then, the www server transmits, via e-mail, to these identified participants updated tournament information.
  • FIG. 4A illustrates a local display assembly 400 according to the present invention.
  • the local display assembly 400 includes a base 402, vertical supports 404, a platform 406, a video display 408, and audio speakers 410.
  • a video game housing 412 is shown in phantom to illustrate the manner in which the local display assembly 400 may be positioned about a video game housing 412.
  • a local server housing 416 is shown as being mounted on the vertical supports
  • the local server housing 416 is a container, which houses the local server 140 (FIG. 1). Mounting the local server housing 416 in close proximity to the video display 408, the audio speakers 410, and the game housing 412 facilitates communication between the local server 140 and these components.
  • the base 402 is shown as including two horizontally oriented members 420 connected by a transverse member 422 disposed therebetween.
  • the vertical supports 404 are mounted on the base 402 at the transverse member 422 by brackets 424. As such, the vertical supports 404 are maintained in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the base 402.
  • the video display 408, which may comprise a VGA monitor, is generally maintained in an elevated position by the vertical supports 404.
  • the platform 406 is securely fixed to the vertical supports 404 in a cantilever fashion.
  • the platform 406 supports the video display 408, the video display 408 being securely mounted on the platform 406.
  • the audio speakers 410 are shown as being mounted to the video display 408 and are, thus, also supported by the platform 406.
  • the assembly 400 is well balanced with the display 408 and the speakers 410 cantilevered over the base 402.
  • the assembly 400 is adapted to permit the video game housing 412 to fit between the base 402 and the video display 408.
  • the horizontal members 420 of the base 402 are configured to rest securely on a floor surface with a game housing 412 resting thereon.
  • FIGS. 4B and 4C show an alternate embodiment of a local display assembly according to the present invention.
  • FIGS. 4B and 4C show a local display assembly 450, which includes, in series, a base apparatus 452, a local server housing 454, and vertical supports 456.
  • the local server housing 454 houses a local server computer 140.
  • a video display 458, such as a VGA video display monitor is mounted, in cantilever fashion, on the top of the vertical supports 456.
  • the video display 458 further comprises audio speakers 460 to output an audio component of the video game.
  • FIG. 4C illustrates the local display assembly 450 positioned behind a video game housing 462.
  • the video game housing 462 is disposed in the region 464 (FIG. 4B.
  • the video display 458 is positioned above the video game housing 462 to permit players to view ranking or other tournament information as well as push content, such as advertising on the video display 458.
  • the local display 160 could also be mounted on the wall or ceiling of the locale in which the local games 170 are located.
  • the local display 160 comprises a 27-inch monitor connected to a local server 140 and is mounted on the wall or the ceiling of the local in which the associated local games 170 are located by a conventional Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) wall or ceiling mounting unit.
  • CRT Cathode Ray Tube
  • One example of a conventional CRT wall or ceiling mounting unit is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,139,223, which is incorporated herein by this reference. Audio speakers may be mounted on the CRT to provide additional amplification of the audio component of the display.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of the output of the video display 408. As shown, the results of both a local tournament 502 and a national tournament 504 are displayed on the display 408. For each displayed ranking, the player's place or ranking 510, the player's photograph 512, the player's name or initials 514, the player's score or time 516, and the player's locale 518 are shown. Advertisements 520 may also be displayed.
  • push content such as video and/or audio advertisements or other promotional material may also be displayed on the video display 408 and the associated audio speakers.
  • FIG. 6 is a flowchart 600 that illustrates a method for providing an electronic tournament in accordance with the present invention.
  • a tournament participant plays a tournament game on one of the local electronic games 170 pursuant to block 602.
  • the local electronic game 170 transmits, via the communication interface 240 (FIG. 2), a game data packet to the associated local server 140 pursuant to block 604.
  • the associated local server 140 receives the game data packet via the local game communication interface 330 (FIG. 3).
  • the local server 140 transmits the game data packets received, via the network communication interface 360, over the network 150 to the host server 150 pursuant to block 606.
  • the host server 150 updates the current rankings in the various ongoing tournaments pursuant to block 608
  • the host server 150 transmits the updated ranking information to the www server 130 so that individuals at client computers 110 can open web pages residing on the www server 130 to view updated tournament information pursuant to block 610
  • the host server 150 transmits the updated ranking information to the various local servers 140
  • the host server transmits push information, such as video and audio data, to the various local servers 140 pursuant to block 614
  • the local servers 140 upon receipt of the updated ranking information and the push information, display the same on the associated local displays 160 pursuant to block 616 In particular, the local servers 130 receive the updated ranking information and the push information via the network communication interface 360 Once the updated ranking and push information are received, the local display driver 390 causes the information to be displayed on the local displays 160 via the associated local display interface 350
  • the www servei 130 transmits an e-mail message to each player whose ranking has changed in any of the ongoing tournaments due to the most recent update

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Information Transfer Between Computers (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de jeu de tournoi et un procédé correspondant permettant à des joueurs de s'affronter dans des tournois électroniques internationaux, régionaux, nationaux et locaux sur un réseau (120), du type Internet. Un serveur hôte (150) couplé via le réseau (120) à plusieurs serveurs locaux (140) contrôle les différents tournois. Les serveurs locaux (140) sont reliés individuellement à une série de jeux locaux (170) dans chaque lieu. Les jeux locaux (170) transmettent les données de jeu aux serveurs locaux (140) qui, à leur tour, transmettent périodiquement ces données au serveur hôte (150). Le serveur hôte actualise l'information de classement et transmet cette information mise à jour ainsi que d'autres éléments aux serveurs locaux (140). Chaque serveur local (140) affiche ensuite l'information et les éléments reçus depuis l'ordinateur hôte sur un afficheur local (160) auquel il est relié. Un serveur HTTP (130) est également relié au serveur hôte (150) pour la publication d'informations relatives aux tournois sur des pages Web via Internet et dans des messages électroniques envoyés aux joueurs. Un serveur de comptabilité (180) est relié au serveur hôte pour établir les factures et autres documents comptables sur la base des informations reçues par le serveur hôte (150) depuis les différents serveurs locaux (140).
PCT/US1999/027161 1998-11-17 1999-11-16 Systeme de jeu en tournoi et procede correspondant Ceased WO2000029084A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU16269/00A AU1626900A (en) 1998-11-17 1999-11-16 Tournament game system and method

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10878598P 1998-11-17 1998-11-17
US60/108,785 1998-11-17

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000029084A1 true WO2000029084A1 (fr) 2000-05-25

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1999/027161 Ceased WO2000029084A1 (fr) 1998-11-17 1999-11-16 Systeme de jeu en tournoi et procede correspondant

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU1626900A (fr)
WO (1) WO2000029084A1 (fr)

Cited By (17)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1206954A1 (fr) * 2000-11-17 2002-05-22 Square Co., Ltd. Appareil de jeu, système de serveur, procédé de service d'information et support d'enregistrement
EP1262218A3 (fr) * 2001-05-29 2003-01-08 Konami Computer Entertainment Osaka, Inc. Dispositif serveur pour jeu en réseau, méthode de gestion de jeu en réseau, programme de gestion de jeu en réseau, et support d'enregistrement correspondant
EP1262217A3 (fr) * 2001-05-29 2003-01-08 Konami Computer Entertainment Osaka, Inc. Dispositif serveur pour jeu en réseau, méthode de gestion de jeu en réseau, programme de gestion de jeu en réseau, et support d'enregistrement correspondant
EP1262216A3 (fr) * 2001-05-29 2003-01-08 Konami Computer Entertainment Osaka, Inc. Dispositif serveur pour jeu en réseau, méthode de gestion de jeu en réseau, programme de gestion de jeu en réseau, et support d'enregistrement correspondant
EP1262215A3 (fr) * 2001-05-29 2003-01-08 Konami Computer Entertainment Osaka, Inc. Dispositif serveur pour jeu en réseau, méthode de gestion de jeu en réseau, programme de gestion de jeu en réseau, et support d'enregistrement correspondant
EP1262219A3 (fr) * 2001-05-29 2003-01-08 Konami Computer Entertainment Osaka, Inc. Dispositif serveur pour jeu en réseau, méthode de gestion de jeu en réseau, programme de gestion de jeu en réseau, et support d'enregistrement correspondant
ES2186532A1 (es) * 2001-04-04 2003-05-01 Arino Miguel Angel Quetglas Sistema para disputar partidas y competiciones entre maquinas de juego electronicas, tales como para el juego de dardos, situadas en un mismo local o en ubicaciones remotas.
WO2003017214A3 (fr) * 2001-08-17 2003-06-26 Graham Peter Massey Procede et appareil de jeux en direct
EP1475939A1 (fr) * 2003-05-09 2004-11-10 Microsoft Corporation Jeux en ligne incorporés dans une messagerie instantanée
KR100473393B1 (ko) * 2003-01-03 2005-03-10 주식회사 타이젬 Ｍ:ｎ 방식의 온라인 바둑대국 시스템, 그 방법 및 이를프로그램화하여 수록한 컴퓨터로 읽을 수 있는 기록매체
EP1371403A3 (fr) * 2002-06-10 2005-03-16 Microsoft Corporation Système de statistiques pour jeux en ligne à base de console
US7175530B2 (en) 2001-05-30 2007-02-13 Konami Computer Entertainment Osaka, Inc. Server device for net game, net game management method, net game management program and recording medium which stores net game management program
US7674166B2 (en) 2001-05-30 2010-03-09 Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. Server device for net game, net game management method, net game management program and recording medium which stores net game management program
DE102009049998A1 (de) 2008-10-31 2010-05-06 Quetglas Ariño, Miguel Angel, Sallent System zum Dartspielen
US7753790B2 (en) 2002-03-29 2010-07-13 Igt Apparatus and method for gaming tournament network
US7967681B2 (en) 2004-06-25 2011-06-28 Stern Pinball, Inc. System and method for providing enhanced amusement game tournament play
US8025569B2 (en) 2002-03-29 2011-09-27 Igt Simulating real gaming environments with interactive host and players

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US4572509A (en) * 1982-09-30 1986-02-25 Sitrick David H Video game network
US5083271A (en) * 1984-06-27 1992-01-21 John A. Klayh Tournament data system with game score communication between remote player terminal and central computer
US5779549A (en) * 1996-04-22 1998-07-14 Walker Assest Management Limited Parnership Database driven online distributed tournament system

Cited By (25)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1206954A1 (fr) * 2000-11-17 2002-05-22 Square Co., Ltd. Appareil de jeu, système de serveur, procédé de service d'information et support d'enregistrement
ES2186532A1 (es) * 2001-04-04 2003-05-01 Arino Miguel Angel Quetglas Sistema para disputar partidas y competiciones entre maquinas de juego electronicas, tales como para el juego de dardos, situadas en un mismo local o en ubicaciones remotas.
EP1262215A3 (fr) * 2001-05-29 2003-01-08 Konami Computer Entertainment Osaka, Inc. Dispositif serveur pour jeu en réseau, méthode de gestion de jeu en réseau, programme de gestion de jeu en réseau, et support d'enregistrement correspondant
EP1262218A3 (fr) * 2001-05-29 2003-01-08 Konami Computer Entertainment Osaka, Inc. Dispositif serveur pour jeu en réseau, méthode de gestion de jeu en réseau, programme de gestion de jeu en réseau, et support d'enregistrement correspondant
EP1262216A3 (fr) * 2001-05-29 2003-01-08 Konami Computer Entertainment Osaka, Inc. Dispositif serveur pour jeu en réseau, méthode de gestion de jeu en réseau, programme de gestion de jeu en réseau, et support d'enregistrement correspondant
EP1262219A3 (fr) * 2001-05-29 2003-01-08 Konami Computer Entertainment Osaka, Inc. Dispositif serveur pour jeu en réseau, méthode de gestion de jeu en réseau, programme de gestion de jeu en réseau, et support d'enregistrement correspondant
EP1262217A3 (fr) * 2001-05-29 2003-01-08 Konami Computer Entertainment Osaka, Inc. Dispositif serveur pour jeu en réseau, méthode de gestion de jeu en réseau, programme de gestion de jeu en réseau, et support d'enregistrement correspondant
US6821205B2 (en) 2001-05-29 2004-11-23 Konami Computer Entertainment Osaka, Inc. Server device for net game, net game management method, net game management program and recording medium which stores net game management program
US6607444B2 (en) 2001-05-29 2003-08-19 Konami Computer Entertainment Osaka, Inc. Server device for net game, net game management method, net game management program, and recording medium which stores net game management program
US7674166B2 (en) 2001-05-30 2010-03-09 Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. Server device for net game, net game management method, net game management program and recording medium which stores net game management program
US7175530B2 (en) 2001-05-30 2007-02-13 Konami Computer Entertainment Osaka, Inc. Server device for net game, net game management method, net game management program and recording medium which stores net game management program
GB2395589A (en) * 2001-08-17 2004-05-26 Graham Massey On-line gaming method and apparatus
WO2003017214A3 (fr) * 2001-08-17 2003-06-26 Graham Peter Massey Procede et appareil de jeux en direct
US7470197B2 (en) 2001-08-17 2008-12-30 Graham Peter Massey On-line gaming with independent player matching
US8025569B2 (en) 2002-03-29 2011-09-27 Igt Simulating real gaming environments with interactive host and players
US7753790B2 (en) 2002-03-29 2010-07-13 Igt Apparatus and method for gaming tournament network
EP1371403A3 (fr) * 2002-06-10 2005-03-16 Microsoft Corporation Système de statistiques pour jeux en ligne à base de console
KR100473393B1 (ko) * 2003-01-03 2005-03-10 주식회사 타이젬 Ｍ:ｎ 방식의 온라인 바둑대국 시스템, 그 방법 및 이를프로그램화하여 수록한 컴퓨터로 읽을 수 있는 기록매체
AU2004201342B2 (en) * 2003-05-09 2010-03-25 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Instant messaging embedded games
US7549924B2 (en) 2003-05-09 2009-06-23 Microsoft Corporation Instant messaging embedded games
EP2015539A3 (fr) * 2003-05-09 2010-09-15 Microsoft Corporation Jeux avec messagerie instantanée intégrée
EP1475939A1 (fr) * 2003-05-09 2004-11-10 Microsoft Corporation Jeux en ligne incorporés dans une messagerie instantanée
US7967681B2 (en) 2004-06-25 2011-06-28 Stern Pinball, Inc. System and method for providing enhanced amusement game tournament play
DE102009049998A1 (de) 2008-10-31 2010-05-06 Quetglas Ariño, Miguel Angel, Sallent System zum Dartspielen
ES2354403A1 (es) * 2008-10-31 2011-03-10 Arino Miguel Angel Quetglas Sistema para la practica del juego de dardos.

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