Database driven online distributed tournament system

专利摘要:
A method and a system for a distributed electronic tournament system in which many remotely located players participate in a tournament through input/output devices connected to a central controller which manages the tournament. The method includes the steps of (a) uniquely identifying a player communicating with the central controller via an associated input/output device; (b) responding to payment of an entry fee by the player for allowing the player to participate in a tournament occurring within a fixed time window via an associated input/output device; (c) accessing a database to store in the database player information that is generated as the player participates in the tournament, such information being available for use in a subsequent tournament, which is administered by said controller and in which the player participates; and (d) awarding the player a prize for achieving a pre-established performance level in the tournament. In another preferred embodiment, the method further includes the steps of determining whether the player has been qualified to advance to a subsequent game session, in which at least one player is eliminated from the previous game session; and permitting each player qualified to a subsequent game session to participate in that game session. The system includes software and hardware to implement the method steps.
公开号:US20010004609A1
申请号:US09/768,567
申请日:2001-01-24
公开日:2001-06-21
发明作者:Jay Walker；James Jorasch
申请人:Walker Digital LLC；
IPC主号:G07F17-32

专利说明:
[0001] The present invention relates generally to games, and more particularly to online electronic tournament games. [0001] BACKGROUND
[0002] Competitive games are a popular form of recreation. From the Olympics to the Super Bowl to backyard volleyball games, competitive games consume a large portion of our free time. Whether watching or participating, the allure is undeniable. In addition to the competitive sports, intellectual competitions such as chess or bridge tournaments are also popular. [0002]
[0003] These competitions remain popular because whether a participant or spectator, one is involved. They require people to meet at a central location and specific time, providing a sense of community and camaraderie, as well as a place to socialize. A typical chess tournament, for example, might have fifty players meeting at a central playing site. [0003]
[0004] Such tournaments and competitions suffer from several drawbacks, however, as participants may have to travel considerable distance to get to the playing site and may require expensive overnight accommodations when the tournament lasts more than one day. The start times for most tournaments must also be fixed in advance. The chess players, for example, might meet at 9:00 AM for the start of the first round. This forces all participants to adhere to the same schedule, an increasingly difficult proposition in today's busy world. Furthermore, facilities used to host the tournament, such as hotel meeting rooms, banquet halls, and auditoriums, represent a significant expense to the tournament organizers. [0004]
[0005] To ensure that the rules of the tournament are upheld, most competitions require proctors, arbiters, referees, and the like. Retaining such people can add significant costs to competitions. There may also be a limited supply of individuals qualified to oversee the tournament. For example, if there are only two sanctioned backgammon tournament directors in a city, the backgammon tournament might have to be canceled if both are sick on the day of the competition. Such cancellations can be costly for those participants planning on traveling to the tournament, who would have to cancel flights and hotel registrations. [0005]
[0006] Tournaments geared to a narrower subset of tournament players (niche tournaments) are often economically unfeasible because of the high costs associated with obtaining playing facilities. While it may be possible to hold a martial arts tournament in a city, it may be hard to hold a tournament for a specific subset of the martial arts such as Aikido. The few players that would participate would not justify the cost of the facilities. [0006]
[0007] Electronic tournaments allow participants to “meet” in cyberspace, competing at a virtual location accessible to any player at any time. Because no travel is required, many of the disadvantages of physical tournaments are eliminated, while maintaining the sense of camaraderie. [0007]
[0008] Online games and contests have existed almost since online networks were created. The first online services available to a user with a personal computer and a modem were bulletin board systems or BBSs. They started appearing in the early 1980s and exploded in popularity along with the growth of the personal computer. The most primitive of these systems allowed users to share files and exchange email. The ability to conduct electronic games was quickly added as enthusiasts joined the systems. BBSs were usually operated by computer enthusiasts more as a hobby than as a commercial enterprise. In the late 1980s, corporations began creating online services that could handle thousands of users simultaneously. Online services such as Prodigy, CompuServe, and America Online brought a new level of professionalism and sophistication to the industry. Inelegant text-based user interfaces were replaced with graphical front ends that no longer required users to memorize arcane commands or codes. Game play became more popular as the software became increasingly user-friendly. [0008]
[0009] One of the companies providing games in this new environment is NTN Communications. They offer a trivia game on America Online in which players compete by answering a series of questions. There are five possible answers, with 1000 points being awarded for a correct answer. The player is given a limited amount of time to come up with an answer, and fewer points are awarded for a correct answer as time passes. At the end of the contest, the top scores are displayed to all competitors. The game has a major drawback, however, in that there are no prizes awarded to players. The competitive drive is diminished when there is no prize for winning. It's like playing a game of poker without using money. [0009]
[0010] To increase player interest, several companies have begun to offer online contests with cash prizes. Yoyodyne Entertainment provides an email-based trivia game that is available through the Internet and several online services. Players receive questions via email and must submit their answers before a deadline, which is usually a day or two later. Points are awarded for each correct answer and deducted for each incorrect answer. The winner is the person with the highest score at the end of the contest. [0010]
[0011] Interactive Imaginations also developed online contests for prizes. They created the Riddler site on the World Wide Web. Users are offered a selection of games, including trivia and puzzle games. Like the Yoyodyne site, prize amounts are necessarily limited because there are no entry fees. [0011]
[0012] One company has combined both entry fees and prizes to generate new potential customers. Bert & Associates created an options trading game in which contestants pay an entry fee in order to become eligible for the prizes. The game was merely a peripheral element of their business, however, meant only to attract customers to their brokerage business. [0012]
[0013] Another limitation of the games run by Yoyodyne and Interactive Imaginations is that there is no continuity among the games. The results of one game have no impact on the results of another game. Each game is an independent event; they are not linked together into a more continuous game experience. After registering for one game, the process must be repeated for future games. A player who has become an expert in a trivia game is able to enter the same trivia games again and again, monopolizing the top prizes. Game organizers are unable to prevent this since there are no effective controls on who can register for a game. Games geared exclusively to experts are impossible as there is no effective way to screen the qualifications of participants. [0013]
[0014] Rating systems, popular in chess and backgammon games, are impossible to implement without a way to track a player's progress over a number of games. Handicap systems popular in golf games are similarly restricted in that player results must be tracked over a series of games, not just one game. [0014]
[0015] Online games also lack effective reservation systems; players simply log on at the appropriate time and begin play. If game organizers want to restrict the number of players, they are forced to establish an arbitrary limit on the number of entrants. If such a limit is enforced, however, players will have no way to know in advance whether or not they will be able to register at the time the tournament starts. [0015]
[0016] Existing electronic games also lack the implementation of levels, a progression of increasing difficulty throughout the competition. What is missing is the excitement of elimination found in virtually every other competitive environment. To date, all online contests have involved a single game session. In a trivia game, players answer a series of questions and receive a score based on the number of correct responses. The winner is the player with the highest score. In a puzzle contest, the first correct solution wins. [0016]
[0017] The world of professional sports demonstrates the desirability of levels. Professional basketball, for example, consists of a regular season followed by post-season play. A certain number of teams qualify for post-season play based on their regular season records. These teams then play each other in an elimination format until two teams remain to play in the final series that determines the winner. Advancement to the next round of post-season play depends on a team's performance in the previous round. There is no doubt that the tournament structure adds a great deal of excitement not only to each of the post-season games, but also to the games at the end of the regular season as well. [0017]
[0018] Imagine a basketball season in which the champion was determined by the regular season record alone. The last games of the season would be irrelevant if the current leader were many games ahead of the nearest team. Spectator and player interest would drop dramatically. Teams whose scores would place them in the middle of the pack could be out of contention with dozens of games remaining. There would be little incentive to press for a win in the remaining games. Key competitive match-ups might also be missed. Two teams with top records that were never scheduled to play each other would vie for the title without ever having played. Player curiosity as to which team was really the best would not be satisfied without a head to head competition. [0018]
[0019] All professional sports use an elimination process to make the game more exciting for participants as well as spectators. Professional football, baseball, basketball, and hockey all have regular seasons followed by post-season play in which teams are eliminated from contention. Instead of having a regular season, professional tennis offers a series of games in which the field narrows through a process of elimination until ultimately one competitor remains and is declared the winner. Professional golf tournaments have a cut in which the field is dramatically cut back before the final round of competition begins. [0019]
[0020] It should be apparent from the foregoing that there is a need for an electronic gaming system in which players from different locations can participate in and win awards. The system should not just support stand-alone games, but should also support the coordination of multiple games in which information from one game impacts future games. [0020] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0021] An object of the present invention is to provide methods and devices for effectively operating multiple database-driven distributed electronic game tournaments for remotely located players. It provides numerous advantages over existing tournament systems; such as simplifying the collection of entry fees and the payment of prizes, as well as allowing for rating and handicap systems. [0021]
[0022] In the invented system, players pay entry fees for the right to compete for substantial prizes in electronic tournaments. Unlike existing tournament systems, the present invention allows for the coordination of multiple tournaments, making each tournament part of a whole rather than a stand-alone individual event. [0022]
[0023] In one preferred embodiment, a central controller manages the tournament system, coordinating both the players and game software with which the players compete. The system uniquely identifies each player as they log on, authenticating the associated input/output device that is connected to the central controller. This unique identifier allows other players to know whom they are competing against. Each player typically pays the system an entry fee before participating in a particular tournament, with payment delivered through the associated input/output device. The tournament begins and ends within a fixed time window, typically measured in hours or minutes. [0023]
[0024] After each tournament is over, the system evaluates player performance, awarding prizes to those players achieving pre-established performance levels. [0024]
[0025] Due to the complexity of coordinating multiple tournaments, one preferred embodiment includes the use of a database. In this embodiment the central controller accesses the database to store player information that is generated as the player participates in the tournament. Such information is available for use in a subsequent tournament, which is administered by the controller and in which the player participates. [0025]
[0026] In another preferred embodiment with the central controller, each tournament game is broken down into a series of game sessions in which players must qualify in one game session in order to be eligible to play in the next. This elimination format significantly increases tension and enhances excitement in the games, since only the best players are left fighting for the top prizes in the final game session. In such an embodiment, each subsequent game session has at least one fewer player than a previous game session. [0026]
[0027] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrates by way of example the principles of the invention. [0027] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1 shows a distributed electronic tournament system in the present invention. [0028]
[0029] FIG. 2 shows one preferred embodiment implementing the present invention. [0029]
[0030] FIG. 3 shows one preferred set of steps to uniquely identify a player in the present invention. [0030]
[0031] FIG. 4 shows one preferred set of steps to respond to payment of an entry fee in the present invention. [0031]
[0032] FIG. 5 shows one preferred set of steps to access player information collected from prior tournaments. [0032]
[0033] FIG. 6 shows one preferred set of steps to award a player a prize in the present invention. [0033]
[0034] FIG. 7 shows one preferred set of steps for a player to play in a specific game session with a fixed start time in the present invention. [0034]
[0035] FIG. 8 shows one preferred set of payment steps in the present invention. [0035]
[0036] FIG. 9 shows a screen with a plurality of windows in the present invention. [0036]
[0037] The numerals in FIGS. [0037] 1-9 are assigned to similar elements in all the figures. Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 1-9. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes, as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0038] FIG. 1 shows a distributed electronic tournament system [0038] 100 with a central controller 102 connected to a number of input/output (I/O) devices, 104 and 106, in the present invention. The input/output device may be a video gaming console, a personal computer, handheld electronic device, and the like. The central controller may be a workstation, a minicomputer, or other type of computation device, typically in the form of a server computer connected to a public or private network. The I/O devices are remotely located from the central controller to allow participation in a tournament to be distributed. The I/O devices preferably are connected to the central controller, at least when the I/O devices are involved in games. Such connection may be through a wireless telecommunication network or through a ground-based network 108, such as the Internet. While online, the I/O device typically communicates with the network via a public or private switched network such as the circuit switched public telephone network. The central controller has software which it uses to manage the tournament. In one preferred embodiment, the I/O devices are personal computers connected to an online service such as America Online. The central controller is a workstation computer on America Online that coordinates the tournament activities.
[0039] The tournament databases are preferably relational, in which fields from one database are linked to fields of at least one other database. These databases are controlled by a database management system (DBMS) which organizes, stores, and retrieves the tournament's data/information. The DBMS communicates with the operating system to read data from the storage device. The database is associated with or resides at the central controller. [0039]
[0040] The operating system software runs the central controller hardware and controls and coordinates all of the tournament software applications. These software applications include programs for running the tournament games, registering players, accepting entry fees, and coordinating prize payment. Tournament games might be commercially available software programs such as Microsoft Golf, or proprietary game software designed exclusively for online tournament play. [0040]
[0041] The above hardware and software are configured to implement the tournaments in the present invention. Each tournament has a game format, one or more game sessions, and challenges as will be described in more detail later. The game format is the broad category that describes the type of game being played. [0041]
[0042] Typically, the database system is managed by the central controller and communicates with the game software used to conduct the actual tournament. The game software handles operational issues such as displaying the game format on the I/O device screen, calculating scores, controlling player access to tournaments, etc. [0042]
[0043] FIG. 2 shows one preferred embodiment [0043] 200 implementing the present invention. Although the control of the operations of the I/O devices and the central controller are typically incorporated into software code, such operations can also be embodied in hardware circuits to implement the invention. The preferred embodiment 200 includes: (1) process steps 202 for uniquely identifying a player, who communicates with the central controller via an associated input/output device; (2) process steps 204 responsive to payment of an entry fee by a player for allowing the player to participate in a particular tournament via an associated input/output device; (3) process steps 206 for accessing a tournament database to store player information that is generated as the player participates in the tournament, such information being available for use in a subsequent tournament, which is administered by said controller and in which the player participates; and (4) process steps 208 for awarding a player a prize for achieving a pre-established performance level.
[0044] These process steps are typically implemented by the central computer controller in order to make tournament operations faster and more cost efficient. A number of different preferred embodiments of the above steps will be described to provide a general view of methods to implement each set of process steps. The different ways serve only as examples. After the general overview, more detailed descriptions and examples follow. [0044]
[0045] The process steps [0045] 202, as shown in FIG. 3, for uniquely identifying a player preferably include the steps of a player establishing 300 an online connection between the I/O device and the central controller. The player enters 302 a unique identifier through the associated I/O device. The identifier is assigned by the central controller or chosen by the player. The identifier can be his name, social security number, account number, password of his choosing, etc. It is important to note that although the player may be uniquely identified to the central controller, he may at the same time remain anonymous with respect to the other competitors in the tournament. The unique identifier is then communicated 304 to the central controller via the communication network. The central controller accesses 306 a database and searches 308 the records to determine whether or not the identifier already exists. If the record already exists, the player is identified 310; when the record does not already exist the registration process 312 begins in which the player enters 314 information such as name, age, address, payment preferences, etc. The central controller generates 316 a unique identifier for the player and stores 318 it in the database.
[0046] In one preferred embodiment, a player must pay an entry fee to the central controller through the associated I/O device before he is allowed to participate in a tournament. The process steps [0046] 204, as shown in FIG. 4, responsive to the payment of an entry fee to a tournament typically include the steps of the central controller requesting the player to enter 350 payment information into the I/O device. Details of payment methodologies are described below in more detail. The payment information is communicated 352 to the central controller via the communication network. The central controller receives and updates 354 the player's record in the database to reflect that payment has been made and also updates 356 the player's database record to reflect that the player is eligible to participate in the tournament. In another preferred embodiment, the controller does not have to request information, and no payment information is communicated to the controller. This may be because the player has played before, and the controller is aware of the player's preferences as described below.
[0047] After determining that the player is eligible to play, the controller sends an acknowledgment message to the associated I/O device. When the tournament starts, the player is able to begin play. [0047]
[0048] FIG. 5 describes the process steps [0048] 206 for accessing a tournament database to store player information. The central controller accesses 400 the tournament database and then stores into the database 402 the player's information generated by the player as the tournament progresses.
[0049] Player information stored in the database includes entry fee data, handicap and rating information, player performance data and player preferences. Storing entry fee data, such as a credit card number or bank account number, streamlines the payment process for subsequent tournaments. When paying for a tournament, the player simply provides his unique identifier to the central controller, which pulls his credit card number from the database and credits his card for the appropriate entry fee amount. Because many online environments have yet to implement effective transaction security protocols, reducing the number of times a credit card number is transmitted enhances security. [0049]
[0050] Player performance data can also be carried forward from one tournament to the next. In addition to wins and losses, performance data can include accuracy rates, time required to answer, etc. If a player competes in five trivia tournaments, for example, his average accuracy rate is stored in a database. Such information is crucial in establishing handicap systems, which level the playing field by penalizing the better players and aiding the weaker players. A golf handicap, for example, allows a skilled player to compete with a relatively inexperienced player. Performance data can also be used to generate player ratings, similar to the Elo rating system used by the United States Chess Federation. Ratings are numeric values that represent the skill of the player. The central controller retrieves performance data from a database and applies an algorithm to determine the rating. A player's rating rises and falls depending on the results of his play. Ratings allow tournaments to be easily segmented by skill level. [0050]
[0051] Storing performance data allows the central controller to restrict eligibility to future tournaments. Certain tournaments, for example, may be available only to players having obtained a given level of performance in a number of qualification tournaments. [0051]
[0052] A database of performance data also allows inter-tournament prize pools in which a player is eligible for a prize based not on the results in a single tournament, but on a combination of tournaments. For example, in addition to a normal weekly prize, there may be a grand prize awarded to the player winning the greatest number of weekly prizes over a year period. [0052]
[0053] Continuity between tournaments is improved by storing player preferences. Once a player's preference for method of prize payment is established, for example, the central controller no longer needs to ask how the player wants to be paid. By storing player preferences for tournament formats, the central controller can send tournament details to a player when any tournaments of this type are scheduled in the future. Tournaments are also more fun for players when data are stored as to favorite opponents, allowing the central controller to better allocate players among tournament sections. [0053]
[0054] After player information is stored in the database, it is available for use in a subsequent tournament (administered by the central controller) in which the player participates. [0054]
[0055] The process steps [0055] 208, as shown in FIG. 6, for awarding a player a prize include the steps of the central controller accessing 450 the tournament database to retrieve the pre-established performance levels for the awarding of prizes. The central controller reviews 452 the performance of each player relative to the established performance requirements for the awarding of prizes. Preferably, the central controller updates 454 the winning player's database records to reflect that awards have been allocated to them. The central controller would then arrange for distribution 456 of the prize or prizes. This distribution process can be conducted through online or off-line methods.
[0056] Typically, the pre-established performance level is a relative ranking among players, such as the top five scores of the tournament. Performance criteria can also be fixed, however, with prizes paid to any player exceeding a certain score. A trivia tournament, for example, can award a prize to any player correctly answering at least twenty questions. Fastest time to completion is another way to establish performance levels. [0056]
[0057] Prizes awarded might be $100 for the player getting the top score, $50 for the player with the second highest score, and $25 for the third highest score. Alternatively, top scores could receive free entry fees to future tournaments, or points which may be accumulated and converted later into prizes. Although prizes are typically monetary in nature, prizes such as recognition may be equally appropriate. The recognition of being able to advance from one game session to the next game session can also be considered a prize. [0057]
[0058] Another preferred embodiment includes the step of determining whether a player has qualified for advancement to the next game session. This includes the step of the central controller reviewing the player's score after the just-concluded game session. This score is compared to the scores obtained by all of the other players in the same session. Based on these scores, the central controller produces a list of those participants qualifying for the subsequent session. There are a number of preferred embodiments for the qualifying criteria, including, for example, a minimum required score, a minimum average score over the last several game sessions, or the maximum score within a sub-group of players in the game session. Only those on the qualified list would be allowed to continue to play in the subsequent game session. [0058]
[0059] The central controller generates a list of players qualified for the subsequent game session. In one preferred embodiment, the number of players on the qualification list is at least one fewer than the number playing in the previous game session. Note that in the present invention, a game session includes one or more games with a group of players playing the games within an established time frame. In a trivia tournament of four game sessions, the first session may be composed of ten groups of fifty players each for a total of five hundred players. The second game session may comprise five groups of sixty players each for a total of three hundred players. Although the size of the playing group has increased from fifty to sixty, the overall number of players in the game session has dropped from five hundred to three hundred. In this embodiment, it is at the point of elimination that the boundary of game sessions is defined. [0059]
[0060] In one preferred embodiment, the central controller also prevents those players not qualified to play from participating in a tournament. The central controller generates a game session password which is distributed only to qualified players. Without the correct password, non-qualified players are unable to compete. In one preferred embodiment, players must enter an electronic “chat room” (of the type commonly found on most commercial online systems) in order to obtain the game questions. Access to this room is password protected so that only authorized players are allowed access to the questions. The central controller might also enforce qualification rules by terminating a player's online connection, or by merely preventing a non-qualified player from winning any prize. [0060]
[0061] The following illustrates a number of more detailed examples of the tournament system. Some of these examples also show different preferred embodiments of the system. [0061]
[0062] In terms of game formats, examples include strategy games (chess, checkers, bridge, etc.) and puzzles (crossword, jigsaw, etc.). Each tournament has one or more game sessions which are sub-units of the tournament. After completion of the first game session, one or more players may be eliminated from the tournament. Each game session is further broken down into one or more challenges, which are the puzzles, trivia questions, or games in which the players compete. A trivia tournament, for example, may have three game sessions scheduled for start times of 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM. Each game session may have twenty challenges—in this case multiple-choice questions. After a player completed the twenty questions of the first game session, the central controller would determine whether or not the player had qualified to advance to the next round at 2:00 PM. After the twenty questions of the 3:00 PM game session a winner would be determined and prizes would be awarded. In another example, a golf tournament may be held in which there is one game session and nine challenges—in this case nine holes of electronic golf. The player's score for the tournament is simply the total number of strokes taken to complete the nine holes. [0062]
[0063] Each game session takes place within a fixed time window, and thus has an established start and stop time. The first game session of the puzzle tournament, for example, may start at 1:00 PM and end at 3:00 PM. For some game formats, however, all players do not have to start and stop at the same time. Some players may start later than others, and some players may finish earlier than others. As the tournament progresses, more and more players are eliminated. Although the final game session typically determines the winners for the tournament, merely advancing from one game session to the next may qualify the player for a prize or recognition. Typically, game sessions become progressively harder as the tournament continues. [0063]
[0064] Although the above preferred embodiments have described tournaments based on games of skill, the same tournament structure is equally applicable to games of chance or to games that involve a combination of skill and chance. Computer golf games, for example, require a great deal of skill in the form of hand/eye coordination, but may also contain elements of chance, such as a randomly generated wind speed. [0064]
[0065] In one preferred embodiment, the number of players for each game session has no upper limit and is constrained only by the availability of I/O devices. In another preferred embodiment, the number of players is restricted by an established ceiling, restricting tournament registrations to a fixed maximum. Each tournament thus has a number of open positions which are gradually filled as players register. Although these positions are typically available on a first-come first-served basis, positions can be set aside for a select group of premium players who may be designated as such by the central controller. These positions are held open until a fixed time before the start of the game session. At that preset time, the reserved positions are made available to all players, including those not within the selected group. In a tournament limited to one hundred players, for example, five positions may be held for premium players. After the ninety five open positions are filled, only registrations from premium players are accepted. If no premium players take these positions, they may be made available to all players twenty minutes before the start of the first game session. [0065]
[0066] Tournaments can also accommodate team play. The unique identifier for a player then becomes associated with an identifier for a team so that the central controller can incorporate the player into a team. Scores of the individual members of a team may be averaged to generate a team score, or perhaps the top score from each team represents the team score. In addition to a player's database record indicating the names of any teams that he is on, there might also be a database record for each team listing the players that are members. [0066]
[0067] There are, of course, many different game formats that lend themselves to electronic online tournament competition. The following eight general categories provide a brief summary. [0067]
[0068] Dexterity games are perhaps the most common games seen in an online environment. These games require hand/eye coordination and are usually patterned after arcade video games or personal computer games. Examples include martial arts fighting games or flight simulators. Such games are often referred to as “twitch” games since even the slightest mistake in coordination can prove fatal to a player's chances. Another category of dexterity games is sports games. Computer golf, for example, is played on millions of personal computers. Players enter parameters such as the type of club used, the placement of their feet, the force with which they hit the ball, the direction of the shot, etc. The computer calculates where the ball should go and displays the new ball position on the screen of the I/O device. In an online tournament, players might compete in a “closest to the pin” tournament. The above parameters would be sent to the central controller which calculates where the ball landed The player whose ball lands closest to the pin, for example, may win a prize or qualify to advance to a subsequent game session. [0068]
[0069] The game of golf also lends itself to hole-in-one competitions. For his entry fee, each player gets five virtual golf balls to hit. Starting from a given par three hole, any hole-in-one is awarded with a prize. To prevent players from eventually discovering the optimal mix of parameter inputs (foot placement, force of swing, etc.), game characteristics such as pin placement, tee location, and sand trap location could be varied for every tournament. Course configurations would be stored in the tournament database for every course. [0069]
[0070] Another popular electronic game format involves answering questions with deterministic answers, such as trivia games. Players are presented with questions that have a definite answer. This type of game format is particularly well suited to online tournaments since the amount of information exchanged between the central controller and the I/O devices is minimal due to the text-based nature of the game. A question might require the player to type in the correct answer, or select from a list of potential answers. Linked to the tournament database would be a database devoted to storing questions and answers, from which trivia tournaments would extract questions. In addition to thousands of questions and answers, this database would contain fields for the category of question (sports, movies, geography, etc.), the date in which the question entered the database, the number of times the question had been used, the difficulty of the question (predicted by the tournament organizers), and a list of tournaments that had already used the question. This last database field is especially important given the time and expense associated with creating questions and answers, since the re-use of some questions is almost inevitable. While tournament organizers obviously do not want to have players seeing questions for the second time, they also do not want to throw out a question that only a small percentage of potential tournament participants have seen. Databases provide the best compromise since it is possible to track exactly which tournaments (and thus what players) have seen a question. When questions are selected for a given tournament, the database would be searched to see whether any player in this tournament had participated in another tournament which had already seen the question. [0070]
[0071] Databases also make possible tournaments in which teams of players each gets different questions. On a four player team, the first team member may get the most difficult question while the fourth member of the team may always get the easiest question. The database would simply match the difficulty of the question with player team status. [0071]
[0072] With dozens of tournaments occurring simultaneously, and players competing in multiple tournaments at the same time, another function of the tournament database is to track which players are entered in what tournaments. [0072]
[0073] Prediction games are also gaining popularity in online environments. These games involve the player predicting the outcome of a future event, such as the price performance of a stock over the next thirty days or the temperature of a group of cities the following day at noon. Because player selections must be stored until the event in question has transpired, a database is an essential component of the tournament. The database is especially useful for prediction tournaments in which the player chooses from a selection of target performance levels. Players in a weather prediction tournament might choose five cities from a selection of one hundred, and may also choose the hour at which their temperature prediction is to be assessed for each chosen city. The database would contain fields for possible cities, chosen cities, temperatures, and times. [0073]
[0074] Puzzle games have been popular for many years. Examples include crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, Rubik's Cube, etc. In one embodiment, the puzzle is posted on the World Wide Web at noon on Saturday. Players submit their answers to the game controller with the first three correct responses receiving a prize or advancing to a further game session. In a jigsaw puzzle competition, teams of players compete to put together an electronic jigsaw puzzle in the shortest time. A puzzle database tracks which players are on which teams, and prevents unauthorized players from participating in puzzles. [0074]
[0075] Strategy games are also well represented in online tournaments, partly because there have been parallels in the off-line world for so many years in the form of tournament chess, backgammon, bridge, etc. Although the result is a discrete win/lose/draw, the manner in which the player attains the result is critical. There is no such thing as a “correct” answer. An online chess tournament might start with sixty-four players, dropping to half that number each game session as players are eliminated. [0075]
[0076] Support for complex pairing/matching systems is one of the key benefits provided by tournament databases. After each game session of a Swiss-system (non-elimination) chess tournament, for example, players must be paired again with a different opponent. Information such as the number of previous wins/losses, the color allocation, and the rating of the player all must be incorporated into the pairing in order to ensure the fairness of the competition. Databases also offer the ability to incorporate player preferences into the pairings, allowing a player to list preferred opponents, or people with whom he would rather not play. [0076]
[0077] Because some strategy tournaments such as chess take place over days or even weeks, database systems are especially useful in maintaining order. These databases can communicate with an email system to provide a tournament coordination system in which players are being constantly informed as to when and with whom their next game is scheduled. [0077]
[0078] Judgment games require human judgment to establish who will advance to the next game session or win a prize. Examples include essay writing tournaments or art tournaments. Because these forms of competition have no “correct” answer, they obviously cannot be evaluated by computer and so require the participation of human judges. In an exemplary essay writing tournament, players submit a short essay for scoring by a panel of three judges. The average of these three scores is then compared with the scores of other participants. The top ten percent of the scores, for example, could qualify to advance to the next game session in which a new, possibly more lengthy or detailed essay, was submitted. Judgment tournaments are not restricted to text-based entries. In a skating tournament, participants could videotape their skating performance and send a digitized version to the central controller for judging in much the same way that the written essays were submitted. [0078]
[0079] The database record for every tournament participant might contain all of their submissions to judgment tournaments. This would prevent a player, for example, from submitting the same essay to more than one essay tournaments since all essay submissions could be checked against past submissions. [0079]
[0080] Databases of judges scores would allow tournament organizers to check the comparability of their scores, determining whether one judge was consistently giving low marks, or whether some judges were giving excessively high marks to a particular player. [0080]
[0081] Tournaments can also be based on games of luck or chance in which a player has no control over his progression through the tournament. One example is a slot machine tournament in which advancement to the next game session depends on the slot machine payout over the current game session. Since the slot machine payout is determined randomly, each participant in the tournament has the exactly same chance to win. A database of all slot machine outcomes would of course be helpful in verifying the randomness of the algorithms used to create the outcomes. [0081]
[0082] Lastly, tournaments in which time to completion is the primary method of differentiating among players are also popular. One example is electronic car race simulations in which the shortest lap times receive prizes or awards. A tournament might consist of ten laps around a track, with the shortest time to completion declared the winner. [0082]
[0083] Many games, of course, exhibit characteristics from two or more of the above categories. A poker tournament, for example, contains elements of both strategy (the way you bet) and luck (the cards you draw). [0083]
[0084] Tournaments may be held contemporaneously with a live event. A trivia tournament, for example, could be based on a popular television situation comedy with questions based on the actions of characters in the show. Questions could also be asked regarding the anticipated actions of the show's characters, creating a prediction format for the tournament. [0084]
[0085] In one preferred embodiment, there may be several different game formats represented in a tournament or game session. A tournament, for example, may start with three groups of players—one group answers trivia questions, the next solves a crossword puzzle, while the last group plays electronic football. Qualification to advance to the next game session is based on a player's performance relative to the mean performance of their own group. Each player's score is normalized by converting it into a number of standard deviations above or below the mean. Comparisons are then made among players competing in entirely different games. Any player scoring better than one standard deviation above the mean of his group qualifies for advancement to the next round. In addition to the normalization process, standard deviations can be subjectively adjusted by some numeric constant in order to reflect a perceived difference in the difficulty of the different game formats. [0085]
[0086] Another variation is to have competitors play the same game format, but with different game parameters. In a golf game, for example, the trajectory of the ball may be affected by wind speed, humidity levels, slickness of the grass, etc. Two competitors hitting a ball with the same club using the same force and the same foot placement might have their ball land in a different spot due to the different game parameters. The wind for one player's shot my be five miles per hour out of the East, while the second player faced a wind speed of twenty miles per hour out of the South. [0086]
[0087] In another preferred embodiment, the difficulty level of a game session is adjusted as the game session is played. In a conventional trivia tournament, for example, the difficulty of the questions is determined in advance. A tournament might have a series of ten questions that are prepared before the contest. A prize may be awarded to the player with the best score. If there are a large number of participants, however, there may be a number of perfect scores at the end of the contest. In order to increase the probability that there is only one winner at the end, more difficult questions can be used. The problem with this strategy, however, is that less skilled players will feel frustration because of their poor performance. Ideally, questions would become more difficult only if it seemed as though there was a chance of multiple perfect scores. This would allow easy or moderate questions at the beginning of the game to make beginners feel more comfortable, while allowing for more difficult questions to be included if more differentiation is required. Reflexive software provides just such a solution. A pool of game questions are assigned a difficulty level in advance. The first question of the contest is always fairly easy, but the difficulty of subsequent questions is based on the accuracy rate achieved on prior questions. If players are doing well, the questions get harder. Although these techniques are well suited to trivia games, they are also applicable to almost any other game format. [0087]
[0088] In one preferred embodiment, the time window for a game session has a fixed end time, which means that all the games within the game session must be completed by a certain time. The fixed end time for the game session could be applied only to players in contention for prizes. In a crossword puzzle tournament, for example, after the fixed end time for the final game session has been reached the winners have already been determined. Players who have not yet finished the puzzle can of course continue to work on it beyond the fixed end time, although they are out of contention for prizes. [0088]
[0089] In another preferred embodiment, the time window for a game session has a fixed start time, which means that all the games or questions within the game session start at the same time. As an example, trivia games preferably should have a fixed start time since a player who starts later would have the advantage of knowing the questions posted to players who had started earlier. This would give the later player the ability to look up the answers in advance of answering them himself, resulting in an unfair advantage. Not all game formats require a fixed start time. Dexterity game formats, for example, may involve a staggered start of players. In a closest to the pin golf tournament, a player beginning after another player has finished is at no particular advantage or disadvantage. [0089]
[0090] One preferred embodiment notifies a player of impending start or end times for tournaments. FIG. 7 shows an example of such a notification process [0090] 550 for a tournament with a fixed start time. In that example, the game session has a number of game formats. First, the player enters 552 the game format he prefers to play via the associated I/O device. The preference is communicated 554 to the central controller, which registers 556 the preference. When the game session is five minutes from starting, the central controller sends a start message 558 to the I/O device of the player through the communication network. This communication would typically be electronic mail, although it could take other forms such as audible or visual alerts. Similar mechanisms may be used to alert the player that a game session is about to end.
[0091] Note that the game software described does not have to reside completely at the central controller. Part of the game software may reside in the central controller and part of it may reside within the I/O device. This configuration can be implemented in a client/server environment. In the case of an online tournament golf game, for example, if the client/server model is not used then the I/O device acts as a dumb terminal. All of the game software resides on the game controller (server machine), receiving input from the I/O device and sending back the results. The game parameters such as club selection and force of swing are transmitted to the game controller which calculates the new position of the ball. A graphics screen depicting the new ball placement is then downloaded to the I/O device. Because the downloading of detailed graphics screens is such a bandwidth-intensive function, the time of transmission is normally long. Players are forced to wait for a period of time even with relatively fast modems. Although increasing modem speeds are beginning to alleviate these delays in the transmission of graphics, game software graphics usually increase in screen resolution (and hence bandwidth requirement) as new versions are released, partially counteracting the hardware improvements. [0091]
[0092] Switching to a client/server model for bandwidth-intensive functions may be more appropriate. In the case of the golf game described above, much of the game software can be handled by the I/O device. The I/O device would send the game parameters up to the central controller which would calculate the coordinates of the new ball position. These coordinates would then be sent back down to the I/O device where the game software would generate the graphics display of the new ball position. The time of data transmission is dramatically reduced since no bandwidth intensive functions (transmission of graphics) are required. [0092]
[0093] There are many different ways for a player to pay his entry fee. In one preferred embodiment, the process steps [0093] 204 responsive to payment of an entry fee include the step of providing a number of payment options for the player before he participates in a game session. Payments may be processed non-electronically, such as with cash or checks, or may be communicated electronically with the online transmission of credit card number, digital cash, debit card number, or bank account information for electronic fund transfers. Players may also register any one of the above electronic payment methods with the central controller and then simply use a unique payment identification number for future transactions. A player, for example, could register his credit card number and a password with the central controller. From that time forward, the player would only have to present his password for payment. The central controller would look up the password to find the player's credit card number and would bill the card for the tournament entry fee. This preferred embodiment has the added advantage of eliminating the need for secure transmission of the payment information. A hacker intercepting the player's payment communication with the central controller would get only the password, not the more valuable credit card number. The password has little value as any winnings obtained from the use of another player's account would be credited to that player's credit card and thus would not benefit the hacker.
[0094] FIG. 8 shows another type [0094] 600 of payment option in which the player approves automatic payments. The player first chooses a preferred method of payment, such as by credit card. This preference is stored 602 at the central controller. The payment option is then activated 604 by any tournament activity by the player. If the player's unique identifier is used in tournament registration, his credit card is automatically charged for the appropriate amount.
[0095] The entry fee can also be tied to the amount of time that the player participates in the tournament—the longer he plays, the larger the entry fee. In this preferred embodiment, the tournament system keeps track of the amount of time the player spends in the tournament, billing the player at the end of the tournament. This procedure may be applicable in a flight simulator tournament in which players score points for perfect landings. The more time the player spends at the simulation, the greater the number of opportunities to land. [0095]
[0096] Much like a student who must complete required pre-requisite courses before attending higher level classes, participation in some tournaments may require a confirmation of the player's performance data. Entry into the Star Trek Master's tournament, for example, might require previous participation in at least five of seven Star Trek category tournaments. When the player tries to register for the Master's tournament, the central controller looks up the player's unique identifier to check past performance data. If the performance data do not meet the criteria of the tournament, registration is denied. The player is given a list of the missing qualifications, as well as the starting times of future tournaments that would satisfy those criteria. [0096]
[0097] Prior tournament history can also be used to handicap players. In registering for a golf tournament, for example, part of the registration process involves the central controller checking to see whether the player has won any prior tournaments, or whether he has simply played in many tournaments. The player receives a handicap value from one to ten, depending on his level of experience. When the tournament starts, players with the most experience start from the tees farthest away from the pin, and face the strongest winds. [0097]
[0098] A database system allows for creative applications of a common prize pool, which is a set of prizes not associated with a particular tournament. If there are ten trivia tournaments, for example, there could be a prize for the longest string of consecutive correct answers. This could be the longest string within a given tournament, or it could span tournaments so that a player finishing a tournament with a string of correct answers could continue this string in the next tournament he enters. The common prize pool thus spans a number of individual tournaments. Other criteria that could be used include the greatest number of standard deviations above the mean, the greatest number of standard deviations above the lowest score, the best score by a senior citizen, the most consecutive correct answers by a player under thirty years of age, etc. [0098]
[0099] Databases also allow for entry fees to be paid based on the actions taken within the tournament. In a hole-in-one tournament, players could hit as many balls as they want to, but would be charged for each ball that they hit. In this respect, entry fees are no longer paid in advance, but after the tournament. The number of balls hit can be stored in a database so that the player can participate in multiple tournaments before paying. [0099]
[0100] Tournament promotions can make extensive use of the information contained within the tournament database. Electronic mail about future bridge tournaments, for example, can go out to any player participating in at least two bridge tournaments in the last year. Tournament databases would also be valuable to companies promoting goods and services. Star Trek videos, for example, could be marketed to those players competing in at least three Star Trek tournaments per year. [0100]
[0101] Player complaints about activity from prior tournaments are easily handled by the tournament database. If a player complains that he has not received payment for a tournament victory six months prior, the central controller would pull up the database record for that tournament to see if the player was indeed one of the winners. If he was, the central controller would then access the player's database record to discover whether or not he had be paid. [0101]
[0102] Normally, tournament prizes are established before the tournament begins. In one preferred embodiment, however, the prizes for a game session depend on the number of players participating in the game session—the more players participating, the larger the prizes. [0102]
[0103] In another preferred embodiment, each I/O device includes secure memory (RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, and the like) for storing tournament data. This memory is contained within a secure perimeter, which may include physical, electronic, or a combination of physical and electronic features to resist tampering. For example, physical features could include encapsulation while electronic features could include a silicon firewall. Combination features could include self-zeroing, or otherwise volatile memory, or memory that electrically modifies its contents upon detection of tampering. Such tampering might include physically stressing the device, attempting to change the clock rate by replacing the external power source with a battery outside allowable current or voltage ranges, or attempting to change the clock rate by replacing external power sources with an AC power source operating outside an allowable frequency range. Alternatively, the secure perimeter could be merely tamper-evident. In that case, the device might be returned to the tournament organizers before any large prize could be claimed. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a great variety of tamper-resistant/tamper-evident techniques can be deployed, and will not be enumerated in detail herein. Therefore, as a matter of convenience, terms such as “tamper resistant/tamper-evident” or “secure” shall be understood to refer to any of the aforementioned or other security measures throughout this discussion. [0103]
[0104] Many preferred tournament embodiments are improved through the use of a secure perimeter. One example is a puzzle tournament in which the time to solution is the critical component of the player's score. One game session may require the player to solve ten short puzzles with the number of seconds required to solve the puzzles being the player's score for that game session. If there is a delay in the communication of the player's answers, perhaps due to latency problems in the online network, the player is penalized by factors outside of his control. If the times of puzzle completion are stored locally in the secure perimeter of the player's I/O device, however, the player may not be penalized. His times would be sent to the central controller at the end of the game session and compared with the times registered by the game controller over the online connection. The player would be credited with the times registered by the processor within the secure perimeter of the I/O device. The secure tamper-resistant nature of the secure perimeter would prevent players from altering their times to solution before they were sent to the central controller. [0104]
[0105] Payment information likewise benefits from the use of a secure perimeter. An I/O device may store cryptographic keys within the secure perimeter to encrypt credit card information before it is communicated to the game controller. [0105]
[0106] FIG. 9 shows another preferred embodiment, in which each I/O device includes a screen [0106] 650 having multiple windows 652, 654 thereon, with one window 652 displaying the tournament game session in which the associated player is currently participating. The other windows may be displaying documents that the player is working on, while he is playing in the tournament. In one preferred embodiment, the player may enter preferences that determine the size of the window displaying the tournament game session. This entering process can be similar to the player entering his game format preference, as shown in FIG. 7. A player might opt to have the game session window take up a small portion of the I/O device screen at the beginning of a tournament, but expand to a full sized window as the player advances to further game sessions of a given tournament. Thus, the tournament window expands as the possibility of receiving prizes increases.
[0107] In one preferred embodiment, the database includes the following fields, and each field includes the corresponding information: [0107]
[0108] 1. Player Information/Demographics [0108]
[0109] Name [0109]
[0110] Address [0110]
[0111] Age [0111]
[0112] Sex [0112]
[0113] Preferences [0113]
[0114] Billing Type [0114]
[0115] Favorite tournament format [0115]
[0116] Start/stop times [0116]
[0117] Opponents [0117]
[0118] Language [0118]
[0119] 2. Billing Systems [0119]
[0120] Credit card numbers of players [0120]
[0121] Bank account numbers for electronic fund transfer (EFT) [0121]
[0122] Digital cash accounts [0122]
[0123] Total revenues [0123]
[0124] Aging of accounts receivable [0124]
[0125] Desired frequency of billing [0125]
[0126] Billing dates [0126]
[0127] Payment dates [0127]
[0128] Mailing addresses for prize payments by check [0128]
[0129] 3. Tournament Information [0129]
[0130] Format (trivia, strategy, prediction, etc.) [0130]
[0131] Start date/time [0131]
[0132] Stop date/time [0132]
[0133] Duration of tournament [0133]
[0134] Scheduled breaks [0134]
[0135] Scheduled times for player notification/warning [0135]
[0136] Prizes [0136]
[0137] Players currently registered [0137]
[0138] Players currently logged on [0138]
[0139] Cash entry fees received [0139]
[0140] Credit entry fees received [0140]
[0141] Number of game sessions [0141]
[0142] Player qualification requirements [0142]
[0143] Requirements for advancement to subsequent game sessions [0143]
[0144] 4. Player history [0144]
[0145] List of tournaments played [0145]
[0146] Prizes won [0146]
[0147] Average score [0147]
[0148] Number of times in final round [0148]
[0149] Average time to answer [0149]
[0150] Entry fees paid [0150]
[0151] 5. Question/Parameter/Answer Database [0151]
[0152] Format (trivia, strategy, etc.) [0152]
[0153] Creation date [0153]
[0154] Difficulty [0154]
[0155] Number of times it has been used [0155]
[0156] Tournaments that it has been used in [0156]
[0157] Scheduled deletion date [0157]
[0158] Percentage of correct responses [0158]
[0159] Parameter values (wind speed, speed of greens, etc.) [0159]
[0160] Results of prediction variables [0160]
[0161] The above-described database fields are not meant to be a comprehensive description of a tournament database system. It will be understood by those skilled in the art of tournaments that there are many other possible variations. [0161]
[0162] Other preferred embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of this specification or practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims. [0162]

权利要求:
Claims (104)
[1" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00001] 1. A distributed electronic tournament system in which a plurality of remotely located players participate in a tournament through input/output devices connected to a central controller which manages the tournament, the system comprising:
(a) means for uniquely identifying a player communicating with the central controller via an associated input/output device;
(b) means responsive to payment of an entry fee by the player for allowing the player to participate in a tournament occurring within a fixed time window via an associated input/output device;
(c) means for accessing a database to store in the database player information that is generated as the player participates in the tournament, such information being available for use in a subsequent tournament, which is administered by said controller and in which the player participates; and
(d) means for awarding the player a prize for achieving a pre-established performance level in the tournament.
[2" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00002] 2. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 1 wherein:
the system further comprises game software; and
part of the game software resides in the central controller and part of the game software resides in the input/output devices.
[3" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00003] 3. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 2 wherein the part of the game software residing in the input/output device performs bandwidth-intensive functions.
[4" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00004] 4. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 1 wherein each input/output device includes secured memory storing tournament-related data.
[5" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00005] 5. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 4 wherein the tournament-related data include signals representing time.
[6" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00006] 6. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 1 wherein the entry fee for the tournament is based on the amount of time the player participates in the tournament.
[7" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00007] 7. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 1 wherein the attainment of the pre-established performance level requires dexterity.
[8" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00008] 8. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 1 wherein the attainment of the pre-established performance level involves answering questions with deterministic answers.
[9" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00009] 9. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 1 wherein the attainment of the pre-established performance level involves prediction.
[10" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00010] 10. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 1 the attainment of the pre-established performance level involves solving puzzles.
[11" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00011] 11. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 1 wherein the attainment of the pre-established performance level involves strategy.
[12" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00012] 12. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 1 wherein the attainment of the pre-established performance level involves chance.
[13" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00013] 13. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 1 wherein the pre-established performance level includes the amount of time required to achieve that level.
[14" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00014] 14. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 1 wherein solutions to problems posed in tournaments are not deterministic and evaluating them requires judgment.
[15" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00015] 15. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 1 wherein the tournament time window has a fixed end time.
[16" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00016] 16. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 15 wherein the attainment of the pre-established performance level requires dexterity.
[17" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00017] 17. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 15 further comprising means for notifying players who are participating in the tournament that the tournament is about to end.
[18" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00018] 18. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 1 wherein the tournament time window has a fixed start time.
[19" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00019] 19. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 18 wherein the attainment of the pre-established performance level involves answering questions with deterministic answers.
[20" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00020] 20. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 18 further comprising means for notifying players who have registered for the tournament that the tournament is about to start.
[21" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00021] 21. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 1 wherein the prize for the tournament depends on the number of players participating in the tournament.
[22" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00022] 22. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 1 wherein the number of players in the tournament is restricted to be below a preset value.
[23" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00023] 23. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 1 wherein a pre-determined number of positions for players are reserved for a selected group of players until the starting time of the tournament is a preset time away, at which time the reserved positions will be made available to all players, including those not within the selected group.
[24" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00024] 24. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 1 wherein the means responsive to payment of an entry fee provides the option for the player to pay before the player participates in the tournament.
[25" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00025] 25. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 24 wherein the means responsive to payment of an entry fee provides the option for the player to enter a password, which is linked to the player's credit card number to automatically charge the entry fee to the credit card account.
[26" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00026] 26. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 1 wherein the means responsive to payment of an entry fee provides a plurality of payment options.
[27" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00027] 27. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 26 wherein the means responsive to payment of an entry fee:
stores the payment option selected by the player in the tournament; and
automatically activates that option after the player has been identified in a subsequent tournament.
[28" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00028] 28. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 1 wherein there are a plurality of games in the tournament and the games are different.
[29" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00029] 29. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 28 wherein each game in the tournament is governed by a set of parameters, whose values change as a function of time.
[30" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00030] 30. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 1 wherein:
the tournament includes at least one game; and
that game is based on a contemporaneous live event.
[31" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00031] 31. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 1 wherein:
the tournament includes a plurality of games; and
each player participates in a plurality of games.
[32" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00032] 32. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 1 wherein:
there are a plurality of games in the tournament;
a number of games have different game formats;
different players are involved in games in different game formats;
the outcomes of the games are statistically normalized to facilitate comparison among different game formats; and
the players in games in different game formats compete against each other to win common prizes.
[33" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00033] 33. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 8 wherein the system keeps track of the amount of time the player participates in the tournament.
[34" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00034] 34. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 1 wherein each player has to complete a qualifying event before the player can participate in the tournament.
[35" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00035] 35. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 34 wherein the system determines if a player is eligible to participate in a subsequent tournament based on the results of the player's participation in the present tournament.
[36" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00036] 36. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 1 wherein the difficulty level of the tournament is adjusted as the tournament is played.
[37" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00037] 37. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 1 wherein:
the tournament includes games; and
the games in the tournament are based on a recently concluded event.
[38" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00038] 38. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 1 wherein each input/output device comprises a screen having multiple windows thereon, with one window displaying the tournament in which the associated player is currently participating.
[39" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00039] 39. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 38 further comprising means for the player to enter preferences which determine the size of the window displaying the tournament.
[40" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00040] 40. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 1 wherein the player information includes payment information.
[41" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00041] 41. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 1 wherein the player information includes the player's performance information.
[42" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00042] 42. A distributed electronic tournament system as recited in
claim 1 wherein the player information includes the player's preferences.
[43" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00043] 43. A distributed electronic elimination tournament system in which a plurality of remotely located players participate in a tournament having multiple game sessions through input/output devices connected to a central controller which manages the tournament, the system comprising:
(a) means for uniquely identifying a player communicating with the central controller via an associated input/output device;
(b) means responsive to payment of an entry fee by the player for allowing the player to participate in a particular game session occurring within a fixed time window via an associated input/output device;
(c) means for determining whether the player has been qualified to advance to a subsequent game session, in which at least one player is eliminated from the previous game session;
(d) means for awarding the player a prize for being qualified to advance to a subsequent game session; and
(e) means for permitting each player qualified to a subsequent game session to participate in that game session.
[44" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00044] 44. A distributed electronic elimination tournament system as recited in
claim 43 wherein a database associated with the central controller manages the game sessions, said database containing information on individual players.
[45" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00045] 45. A distributed electronic elimination tournament system as recited in
claim 43 wherein:
the system further comprises game software; and
for each game session, part of the game software resides in the central controller and part of the game software resides in the input/output devices.
[46" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00046] 46. A distributed electronic elimination tournament system as recited in
claim 43 wherein each input/output device includes secured memory storing game-session-related data.
[47" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00047] 47. A distributed electronic elimination tournament system as recited in
claim 46 wherein the game-session-related data include signals representing time.
[48" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00048] 48. A distributed electronic elimination tournament system as recited in
claim 46 wherein the game-session-related data include payment information.
[49" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00049] 49. A distributed electronic elimination tournament system as recited in
claim 43 wherein the game session time window has a fixed end time.
[50" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00050] 50. A distributed electronic elimination tournament system as recited in
claim 43 wherein the game session time window has a fixed start time.
[51" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00051] 51. A distributed electronic elimination tournament system as recited in
claim 50 further comprising means for notifying players who have registered for a game session that the game session is about to start.
[52" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00052] 52. A distributed electronic elimination tournament system as recited in
claim 43 wherein the number of players in a game session is restricted to be below a preset value.
[53" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00053] 53. A distributed electronic elimination tournament system as recited in
claim 43 wherein a pre-determined number of positions for players are reserved for a selected group of players until the starting time of the game session is a preset time away, at which time the reserved positions will be made available to all players, including those not within the selected group.
[54" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00054] 54. A distributed electronic elimination tournament system as recited in
claim 43 where in the means for a player to pay an entry fee provides a plurality of payment options.
[55" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00055] 55. A distributed electronic elimination tournament system as recited in
claim 54 wherein the means for a player to pay an entry fee:
stores the payment option selected by a player in a previous game session; and
automatically activates that option after the player has been identified.
[56" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00056] 56. A distributed electronic elimination tournament system as recited in
claim 43 wherein:
a game session includes at least one game; and
the game sessions are based on a contemporaneous live event.
[57" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00057] 57. A distributed electronic elimination tournament system as recited in
claim 43 wherein:
there are a plurality of games in a game session;
a number of games have different game formats;
different players are involved in games having different game formats;
the outcomes of the games are statistically normalized to facilitate comparison among different game formats; and
the players in games in different game formats compete against each other to win common prizes.
[58" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00058] 58. A distributed electronic elimination tournament system as recited in
claim 43 wherein each player has to complete a qualifying event before the player can participate in a game session.
[59" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00059] 59. A distributed electronic elimination tournament system as recited in
claim 58 wherein the system determines if a player is eligible to participate in a game session based on the results of the player's past participation.
[60" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00060] 60. A distributed electronic elimination tournament system as recited in
claim 43 wherein the difficulty level of a game session is adjusted as the game session is played.
[61" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00061] 61. A distributed electronic elimination tournament system as recited in
claim 43 wherein:
a game session includes games; and
the games in the game session are based on a recently concluded event.
[62" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00062] 62. A method of using a distributed electronic tournament system in which a plurality of remotely located players participate in a tournament through input/output devices connected to a central controller which manages the tournament, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) uniquely identifying a player communicating with the central controller via an associated input/output device;
(b) responding to payment of an entry fee by the player for allowing the player to participate in a tournament occurring within a fixed time window via an associated input/output device;
(c) accessing a database to store in the database player information that is generated as the player participates in the tournament, such information being available for use in a subsequent tournament, which is administered by said controller and in which the player participates; and
(d) awarding the player a prize for achieving a pre-established performance level in the tournament.
[63" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00063] 63. A method as recited in
claim 62 wherein:
the system further comprises game software; and
part of the game software resides in the central controller and part of the game software resides in the input/output devices.
[64" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00064] 64. A method as recited in
claim 63 wherein the part of the game software residing in the input/output device performs bandwidth-intensive functions.
[65" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00065] 65. A method as recited in
claim 62 wherein each input/output device includes secured memory storing tournament-related data.
[66" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00066] 66. A method as recited in
claim 65 wherein the tournament-related data include signals representing time.
[67" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00067] 67. A method as recited in
claim 65 wherein the tournament-related data include payment information.
[68" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00068] 68. A method as recited in
claim 62 wherein the entry fee for the tournament is based on the amount of time the player participates in the tournament.
[69" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00069] 69. A method as recited in
claim 62 wherein the attainment of the pre-established performance level requires dexterity.
[70" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00070] 70. A method as recited in
claim 62 wherein the attainment of the pre-established performance level involves answering questions with deterministic answers.
[71" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00071] 71. A method as recited in
claim 62 wherein the attainment of the pre-established performance level involves prediction.
[72" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00072] 72. A method as recited in
claim 62 wherein the attainment of the pre-established performance level involves solving puzzles.
[73" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00073] 73. A method as recited in
claim 62 wherein the attainment of the pre-established performance level involves strategy.
[74" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00074] 74. A method as recited in
claim 62 wherein the attainment of the pre-established performance level involves chance.
[75" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00075] 75. A method as recited in
claim 62 wherein the pre-established performance level includes the amount of time required to achieve that level.
[76" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00076] 76. A method as recited in
claim 62 wherein solutions to problems posed in tournaments are not deterministic and evaluating them requires judgment.
[77" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00077] 77. A method as recited in
claim 62 wherein the tournament time window has a fixed end time.
[78" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00078] 78. A method as recited in
claim 77 wherein the attainment of the pre-established performance level requires dexterity.
[79" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00079] 79. A method as recited in
claim 77 further comprising the step of notifying players who are participating in the tournament that the tournament is about to end.
[80" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00080] 80. A method as recited in
claim 62 wherein the tournament time window has a fixed start time.
[81" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00081] 81. A method as recited in
claim 80 wherein the attainment of the pre-established performance level involves answering questions with deterministic answers.
[82" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00082] 82. A method as recited in
claim 80 further comprising the step of notifying players who have registered for the tournament that the tournament is about to start.
[83" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00083] 83. A method as recited in
claim 62 wherein the prize for the tournament depends on the number of players participating in the tournament.
[84" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00084] 84. A method as recited in
claim 62 wherein the number of players in the tournament is restricted to be below a preset value.
[85" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00085] 85. A method as recited in
claim 62 wherein a pre-determined number of positions for players are reserved for a selected group of players until the starting time of the tournament is a preset time away, at which time the reserved positions will be made available to all players, including those not within the selected group.
[86" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00086] 86. A method as recited in
claim 62 wherein the step of responding to payment provides the option for the player to pay before the player participates in the tournament.
[87" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00087] 87. A method as recited in
claim 86 wherein the step of responding to payment provides the option for the player to enter a password, which is linked to the player's credit card number to automatically charge the entry fee to the credit card account.
[88" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00088] 88. A method as recited in
claim 62 wherein the step of responding to payment provides a plurality of payment options.
[89" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00089] 89. A method as recited in
claim 88 wherein the step of responding to payment includes the steps of:
storing the payment option selected by the player in the tournament; and
automatically activating that option after the player has been identified in a subsequent tournament.
[90" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00090] 90. A method as recited in
claim 62 wherein the re are a plurality of games in the tournament and the game s are different.
[91" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00091] 91. A method as recited in
claim 90 wherein each game in the tournament is governed by a set of parameters, whose values change as a function of time.
[92" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00092] 92. A method as recited in
claim 62 wherein:
the tournament includes at least one game; and
that game is based on a contemporaneous live event.
[93" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00093] 93. A method as recited in
claim 62 wherein:
the tournament includes a plurality of games; and
each player participates in a plurality of games.
[94" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00094] 94. A method as recited in
claim 62 wherein:
there are a plurality of games in the tournament;
a number of games have different game formats;
different players are involved in games in different game formats;
the outcomes of the games are statistically normalized to facilitate comparison among different game formats; and
the players in games in different game formats compete against each other to win common prizes.
[95" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00095] 95. A method as recited in
claim 68 wherein the system keeps track of the amount of time the player participates in the tournament.
[96" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00096] 96. A method as recited in
claim 62 wherein each player has to complete a qualifying event before the player can participate in the tournament.
[97" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00097] 97. A method as recited in
claim 96 wherein the system determines if a player is eligible to participate in a subsequent tournament based on the results of the player's participation in the present tournament.
[98" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00098] 98. A method as recited in
claim 62 wherein the difficulty level of the tournament is adjusted as the tournament is played.
[99" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00099] 99. A method as recited in
claim 62 wherein:
the tournament includes games; and
the games in the tournament are based on a recently concluded event.
[100" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00100] 100. A method as recited in
claim 62 wherein each input/output device comprises a screen having multiple windows thereon, with one window displaying the tournament in which the associated player is currently participating.
[101" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00101] 101. A method as recited in
claim 100 further comprising the step of entering by the player preferences which determine the size of the window displaying the tournament.
[102" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00102] 102. A method as recited in
claim 62 wherein the player information includes payment information.
[103" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00103] 103. A method as recited in
claim 62 wherein the player information includes the player's performance information.
[104" id="US-20010004609-A1-CLM-00104] 104. A method as recited in
claim 62 wherein the player information includes the player's preference.

类似技术:

---

公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题

---

US5779549A|1998-07-14|Database driven online distributed tournament system

---

US7192352B2|2007-03-20|System and method for facilitating play of a video game via a web site

---

US20070117619A1|2007-05-24|System and method for facilitating play of a video game via a web site

---

US6837793B2|2005-01-04|Method and apparatus for gaming machines with a quasi-competition play bonus feature

---

US6371855B1|2002-04-16|Fantasy internet sports game

---

US20140148238A1|2014-05-29|Skill based lottery system

---

US8342959B2|2013-01-01|Methods and systems for betting with pari-mutuel payouts

---

JP4074651B2|2008-04-09|Computer-based interactive real-time card selection game

---

US7740539B2|2010-06-22|Multi-person games for parimutuel betting on live events

---

US6929550B2|2005-08-16|Network game method and network game system

---

US20060247060A1|2006-11-02|Internet professional sports

---

US20060128453A1|2006-06-15|System and method for on-line blackjack tournament

---

US20070087804A1|2007-04-19|Method and apparatus for wagering on event outcomes of a game

---

US20060241795A1|2006-10-26|Networked, electronic game tournament method and system

---

CA2506101A1|2004-06-03|Method and system for gaming over a computer network

---

US10092825B2|2018-10-09|System, method, and apparatus for a game of skill

---

US20140274324A1|2014-09-18|Online Fantasy Sports System

---

Tsai2015|Fantasy | Sports: the future prospect of fantasy sports betting amongst organized multiplayer video game competitions

---

EP1904195A2|2008-04-02|Methods and systems for betting with pari-mutuel payouts

---

US20150273345A1|2015-10-01|Systems and methods for playing a fantasy legend game

---

US20200242722A1|2020-07-30|Method for calculating performance indicators for daily fantasy sports

---

Tsai2016|Fantasy | Sports: The Future Prospect of Fantasy Sports Betting Amongst Organized Multiplayer Video Game Competitions

---

WO2004060511A1|2004-07-22|Game and method for electronic interactive media

同族专利:

---

公开号 | 公开日

---

US6224486B1|2001-05-01|

---

WO1997039811A1|1997-10-30|

---

US5779549A|1998-07-14|

---

EP1021228A1|2000-07-26|

---

US6425828B2|2002-07-30|

---

JP2000508940A|2000-07-18|

---

AU2934697A|1997-11-12|

---

EP1021228A4|2001-01-31|

引用文献:

---

公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题

---

US20020128061A1|2001-03-09|2002-09-12|Blanco Victor Keith|Method and apparatus for restricting access to content in a gaming system|

---

US20020128068A1|2001-03-09|2002-09-12|Randall Whitten Jon Marcus|Method and apparatus for managing data in a gaming system|

---

US20020126846A1|2001-03-09|2002-09-12|Multerer Boyd C.|Multiple user authentication for online console-based gaming|

---

US20020137565A1|2001-03-09|2002-09-26|Blanco Victor K.|Uniform media portal for a gaming system|

---

US20020161833A1|2001-02-28|2002-10-31|Niven Bruce David Gordon|Methods for registering and notifying wireless devices|

---

EP1304667A2|2001-10-18|2003-04-23|Konami Corporation|System, apparatus and method for a video game|

---

EP1372122A1|2002-06-13|2003-12-17|Yeong Gil Moon|Wire/wireless internet lottery system using random-number generator|

---

US20040005923A1|2001-03-09|2004-01-08|Allard James E.|Saving audio source identifiers for soundtracks in a gaming system|

---

US20040152516A1|2002-09-18|2004-08-05|Incredible Technologies, Inc.|Data delivery and management system and method for game machines|

---

US20040152504A1|2002-12-05|2004-08-05|Herrmann Mark E.|Game of chance and system and method for playing games of chance|

---

US20040215914A1|2003-04-23|2004-10-28|Dussud Patrick H.|Systems and methods for multiprocessor scalable write barrier|

---

US20040249788A1|2003-03-17|2004-12-09|Robert Dant|Network-based database communication system|

---

US20050001837A1|2002-03-01|2005-01-06|Shannon Michael P.|Method and internet based software for graphing sport statistics|

---

US20050043089A1|2003-08-18|2005-02-24|Igt|Tournament game system and method using a tournament game card|

---

US20050043094A1|2003-08-18|2005-02-24|Igt|System and method for permitting a tournament game on different computing platforms|

---

WO2005020164A2|2003-08-18|2005-03-03|Igt|Tournament gaming method and system|

---

EP1516297A2|2002-06-19|2005-03-23|Igt|Elimination games for gaming machines|

---

US20050129237A1|2001-11-13|2005-06-16|Microsoft Corporation|Architecture for manufacturing authenticatable gaming systems|

---

US20050209717A1|2004-03-08|2005-09-22|Flint Michael S|Competitor evaluation method and apparatus|

---

US20050233794A1|2001-06-01|2005-10-20|Igt|Gaming machines and system offering simultaneous play of multiple games and methods of gaming|

---

US20050235120A1|2004-04-15|2005-10-20|Microsoft Corporation|System and method for performing garbage collection on a large heap|

---

US20050239553A1|2004-02-24|2005-10-27|Wilson F L|Chess notation device|

---

US20050239552A1|2004-04-23|2005-10-27|Clifton Lind|Gaming apparatus and method for providing enhanced player participation in lottery games|

---

US20050261062A1|2004-05-20|2005-11-24|Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. |Systems and methods for delivering content over a network|

---

US20050273408A1|2004-06-07|2005-12-08|Bandman Jeffery M|System and method for managing financial market information|

---

US20050288080A1|2004-06-28|2005-12-29|Airplay Network, Inc.|Methods and apparatus for distributed gaming over a mobile device|

---

US20050288101A1|2004-06-28|2005-12-29|Airplay Network, Inc.|Methods and apparatus for distributed gaming over a mobile device|

---

US20060080702A1|2004-05-20|2006-04-13|Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.|Systems and methods for delivering content over a network|

---

GB2419998A|2004-11-06|2006-05-10|Igt Uk Ltd|Remote game-play on simulated gaming machines|

---

US20060157934A1|2005-01-20|2006-07-20|Shuffle Master, Inc.|Multiple site poker tournament|

---

US20060160625A1|2005-01-18|2006-07-20|Wms Gaming Inc.|Wagering game with alternating picks|

---

US20060178202A1|2004-12-06|2006-08-10|Darryl Hughes|Virtual tournament establishment in a wagering game environment|

---

US20060247055A1|2005-04-19|2006-11-02|Microsoft Corporation|System and method for providing feedback on game players and enhancing social matchmaking|

---

US20060281555A1|2004-12-30|2006-12-14|Jason Kellerman And Marc Marin|Computer networked game system utilizing subscription based membership and alternative methods of entry|

---

US20070015584A1|2005-07-14|2007-01-18|Frenkel Ventures, Llc|Interactive gaming among a plurality of players systems and methods|

---

US20070021163A1|2005-07-19|2007-01-25|Multimedia Games, Inc.|Electronic lottery system for increasing the usage of tickets in a lottery game|

---

US20070028272A1|2005-08-01|2007-02-01|Airplay Network, Inc.|Live television show utilizing real-time input from a viewing audience|

---

US20070026930A1|2000-03-08|2007-02-01|Brian Frost|Automatic table game|

---

US20070038543A1|2005-06-07|2007-02-15|Weinstein Bernard A|Enhanced System and Method for Managing Financial Market Information|

---

US20070054695A1|2005-06-20|2007-03-08|Airplay Network, Inc.|Method of and system for managing client resources and assets for activates on computing devices|

---

US20070099694A1|2005-10-31|2007-05-03|Sbc Knowledge Ventures L.P.|System and method to deliver video games|

---

WO2006084122A3|2005-02-02|2007-09-20|Gamelogic Inc|Systems and methods for playing games of chance or skill using an alternate method of entry|

---

US20070233291A1|2006-03-06|2007-10-04|Cbs Corporation|Online waiting room system, method & computer program product|

---

US20070243936A1|2006-03-06|2007-10-18|Cbs Corporation|Interactive tournament contest|

---

US20070270210A1|2003-06-26|2007-11-22|Song Seung J|On-Line Game Tournament System the Prize Money of Which is Determined by the Winning Number and the Method for the Same|

---

WO2007141632A2|2006-06-06|2007-12-13|Spencer Leonard James Mcnally|Tournament system for multi-player games with dynamic server balancing|

---

US20070298871A1|2003-04-10|2007-12-27|Asher Joseph M|Real-time interactive wagering on event outcomes|

---

US20080032759A1|2004-08-04|2008-02-07|Konami Digital Enterainment Co., Ltd.|Game Device and Game System|

---

US20080039211A1|2004-08-09|2008-02-14|Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.|Game Machine, Game Machine Control Method,and Information Storage Medium|

---

US20080045334A1|2006-08-16|2008-02-21|Omer Shvili|Method for progressive card game tournament|

---

US20080081684A1|2006-09-28|2008-04-03|Lutnick Howard W|Products and processes for processing information related to weather and other events|

---

WO2008051796A2|2006-10-20|2008-05-02|Wms Gaming, Inc.|A wagering game community environment|

---

US7370194B2|2002-06-10|2008-05-06|Microsoft Corporation|Security gateway for online console-based gaming|

---

US20080132331A1|2006-09-19|2008-06-05|Cyberscan Technology, Inc.|Regulated gaming - virtual display|

---

US20080167737A1|2007-01-04|2008-07-10|Schmidt Steve|Golf Scoring System and Method|

---

US20080176624A1|2006-11-10|2008-07-24|Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty, Ltd.|Systems And Methods For Competition Roulette|

---

US20080200242A1|2000-05-01|2008-08-21|Ginsberg Philip M|Real-time interactive wagering on event outcomes|

---

US7428638B1|2001-11-13|2008-09-23|Microsoft Corporation|Architecture for manufacturing authenticatable gaming systems|

---

US20080261680A1|2003-07-11|2008-10-23|Dugac Remote Systems, Llc|Method and system for dynamically leveling game play in electronic gaming environments|

---

US20080268935A1|2007-04-30|2008-10-30|Acres-Fiore, Inc.|Gaming device and method utilizing at least two rng outcomes|

---

US20080318654A1|2007-06-21|2008-12-25|Microsoft Corporation|Combat action selection using situational awareness|

---

US20090005175A1|2007-06-29|2009-01-01|World Sports Challenge Ltd.|Parlay-based tournament including successive games|

---

US20090023494A1|2007-07-18|2009-01-22|Cnet Networks|Gaming event management system|

---

US20090088256A1|2006-02-10|2009-04-02|Kotsugai Yoshinori|Game system and game managing server|

---

US20090131156A1|2007-11-12|2009-05-21|Acres-Fiore Inc.|Method for configuring gaming devices via a network|

---

US20090264171A1|2008-04-16|2009-10-22|Acres-Fiore, Inc.|Generating a score related to play on gaming devices|

---

US20090275375A1|2008-04-30|2009-11-05|Acres-Fiore, Inc.|Multiple outcome display for gaming devices|

---

US20090326356A1|2008-06-30|2009-12-31|Medtronic, Inc.|Cardiac signal sensor control|

---

US20090325711A1|2008-06-27|2009-12-31|Microsoft Corporation|Scheduled programmatic game content|

---

US20100056248A1|2008-09-04|2010-03-04|Acres-Fiore, Inc.|Gaming device having variable speed of play|

---

US20100124980A1|2008-11-17|2010-05-20|Acres-Fiore Patents| method for configuring casino operations|

---

US20100151928A1|2007-05-06|2010-06-17|Playtech Software Limited| method of attracting clients to preferentially participate in a computerized game|

---

US20100210356A1|2007-09-05|2010-08-19|Playtech Software Limited|System for computerized multiplayer tournament gaming and a method thereof|

---

US20110081964A1|2009-10-01|2011-04-07|Acres-Fiore Patents|Method and system for implementing mystery bonus in place of base game results on gaming machine|

---

US20110086690A1|2009-10-14|2011-04-14|Acres-Fiore Patents|Outcome determination method for gaming device|

---

US7980942B2|2004-08-03|2011-07-19|Game Logic, Inc.|System and method for playing a role-playing game|

---

US8002618B1|2006-01-10|2011-08-23|Winview, Inc.|Method of and system for conducting multiple contests of skill with a single performance|

---

US8070583B2|2006-06-13|2011-12-06|Igt|Server based gaming system and method for selectively providing one or more different tournaments|

---

US8149530B1|2006-04-12|2012-04-03|Winview, Inc.|Methodology for equalizing systemic latencies in television reception in connection with games of skill played in connection with live television programming|

---

US20120115617A1|2009-11-03|2012-05-10|Young-June Kim|System for tournament on-line game by batch processing|

---

US8221238B1|2005-04-19|2012-07-17|Microsoft Corporation|Determination of a reputation of an on-line game player|

---

WO2013109790A1|2012-01-19|2013-07-25|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Time enabled hybrid games|

---

US8540577B2|2006-08-16|2013-09-24|Playtech Software Limited|System for computerized multiplayer tournament gaming and a method thereof|

---

WO2013148113A1|2012-03-30|2013-10-03|Cfph, Llc|Multi-level gaming competitions|

---

US8562445B2|2011-06-02|2013-10-22|Gamblit Gaming, LLC.|Systems and methods for flexible gaming environments|

---

US8602881B2|2011-11-19|2013-12-10|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Sponsored hybrid games|

---

US8602866B2|2008-03-21|2013-12-10|Patent Investment & Licensing Company|Method and apparatus for generating a virtual win|

---

US8632395B2|2010-03-01|2014-01-21|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Enriched game play environmentfor casino applications|

---

US8636577B2|2011-11-30|2014-01-28|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Gambling game objectification and abstraction|

---

US8657660B2|2011-11-19|2014-02-25|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Skill calibrated hybrid game|

---

US8657675B1|2011-11-30|2014-02-25|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Bonus jackpots in enriched game play environment|

---

US8668581B2|2011-06-01|2014-03-11|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Systems and methods for regulated hybrid gaming|

---

US8672748B2|2011-07-12|2014-03-18|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Personalizable hybrid games|

---

US8684829B2|2011-08-04|2014-04-01|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Side betting for enriched game play environmentfor casino applications|

---

US8684813B2|2011-08-04|2014-04-01|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Interactive game elements as lottery ticket in enriched game play environmentfor casino applications|

---

US20140106869A1|2007-11-09|2014-04-17|Igt|Gaming system and method for providing team play|

---

US8702490B2|2009-07-24|2014-04-22|Patent Investment & Licensing Company|Gaming device having multiple game play option|

---

US8705195B2|2006-04-12|2014-04-22|Winview, Inc.|Synchronized gaming and programming|

---

WO2014063047A1|2012-10-19|2014-04-24|Gkps Llc|System, method, and computer readable storage media for managing and processing golf data|

---

US8708808B2|2011-08-26|2014-04-29|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Collective enabling elements for enriched game play environmentfor casino applications|

---

US8715068B2|2011-10-17|2014-05-06|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Anti-sandbagging in head-to-head gaming for enriched game play environment|

---

US8715069B2|2011-10-17|2014-05-06|Gamblit Gaming, Inc.|Head-to-head and tournament play for enriched game play environment|

---

US8734238B2|2011-11-10|2014-05-27|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Anti-cheating hybrid game|

---

US8740690B2|2010-12-06|2014-06-03|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Enhanced slot-machine for casino applications|

---

US8790170B2|2011-09-30|2014-07-29|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Electromechanical hybrid game with skill-based entertainment game in combination with a gambling game|

---

US8813112B1|2007-10-23|2014-08-19|Winview, Inc.|Method of and apparatus for utilizing SMS while running an application on a mobile device controlling a viewer's participation with a broadcast|

---

US8808086B2|2012-02-22|2014-08-19|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Insurance enabled hybrid games|

---

US8821264B2|2011-12-09|2014-09-02|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Controlled entity hybrid game|

---

US8834263B2|2011-12-19|2014-09-16|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Credit and enabling system for virtual constructs in a hybrid game|

---

US8845420B2|2012-03-14|2014-09-30|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Autonomous agent hybrid games|

---

US8905840B2|2011-11-30|2014-12-09|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Substitution hybrid games|

---

US20150031431A1|2013-07-26|2015-01-29|Jack Ten Suited|Method and Apparatus for Electronic Gaming|

---

WO2015035207A1|2013-09-06|2015-03-12|Jack Ten Suited|Method and apparatus for electronic gaming|

---

US8998707B2|2012-02-17|2015-04-07|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Networked hybrid game|

---

US9039508B1|2013-11-22|2015-05-26|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Multi-mode multi-jurisdiction skill wagering interleaved game|

---

US9047735B2|2012-01-05|2015-06-02|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Head to head gambling hybrid games|

---

US9058723B2|2012-01-05|2015-06-16|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Credit and enabling system for virtual constructs in a hybrid game|

---

US9056251B2|2006-01-10|2015-06-16|Winview, Inc.|Method of and system for conducting multiple contests of skill with a single performance|

---

US9135774B2|2001-08-09|2015-09-15|Igt|3-D reels and 3-D wheels in a gaming machine|

---

US9165435B2|2009-12-03|2015-10-20|Patent Investment & Licensing Company|Gaming device having advance game information analyzer|

---

US9218714B2|2013-11-18|2015-12-22|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|User interface manager for a skill wagering interleaved game|

---

US9302175B2|2012-05-29|2016-04-05|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Sudoku style hybrid game|

---

US9336656B2|2011-12-06|2016-05-10|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Multilayer hybrid games|

---

US9355528B2|2013-09-17|2016-05-31|Igt|Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with shifting symbols between multiple symbol display position matrices|

---

US9384623B2|2013-02-26|2016-07-05|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Resource management gambling hybrid gaming system|

---

US9390587B2|2013-09-17|2016-07-12|Igt|Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with multiple symbol display position symbols|

---

US9418518B2|2013-09-17|2016-08-16|Igt|Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with interacting symbols|

---

US9460587B2|2013-09-17|2016-10-04|Igt|Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with shifting symbols in different directions between multiple symbol display position matrices|

---

US9466175B2|2012-01-19|2016-10-11|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Transportable variables in hybrid games|

---

US9468855B2|2011-06-30|2016-10-18|Salesforce.Com, Inc.|Systems and methods for creating and joining tournaments in a multi-tenant database system environment|

---

US9472065B2|2013-09-17|2016-10-18|Igt|Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with interacting symbols|

---

US9478103B2|2013-02-11|2016-10-25|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Gambling hybrid gaming system with a fixed shooter|

---

US9483165B2|2013-01-31|2016-11-01|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Intermediate in-game resource hybrid gaming system|

---

US9489797B2|2013-03-01|2016-11-08|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Intermediate credit hybrid gaming system|

---

US9495837B2|2013-02-12|2016-11-15|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Passively triggered wagering system|

---

US9511287B2|2005-10-03|2016-12-06|Winview, Inc.|Cellular phone games based upon television archives|

---

US9533216B2|2012-09-25|2017-01-03|Igt|Gaming system and method for providing a multiple player game|

---

US9564008B2|2012-04-25|2017-02-07|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Difference engine hybrid game|

---

US9564015B2|2011-10-17|2017-02-07|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Skill normalized hybrid game|

---

US9569929B2|2012-11-08|2017-02-14|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Systems for an intermediate value holder|

---

US9576427B2|2014-06-03|2017-02-21|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Skill-based bonusing interleaved wagering system|

---

US9589417B2|2005-07-14|2017-03-07|Ag 18, Llc|Interactive gaming among a plurality of players systems and methods|

---

US9613498B2|2008-06-20|2017-04-04|Ag 18, Llc|Systems and methods for peer-to-peer gaming|

---

US9659438B2|2014-09-15|2017-05-23|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Delayed wagering interleaved wagering system|

---

US9672698B2|2013-09-18|2017-06-06|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Second chance lottery skill wagering interleaved game system|

---

US9691223B2|2013-11-20|2017-06-27|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Selectable intermediate result interleaved wagering system|

---

US9691226B2|2013-11-07|2017-06-27|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Side pool interleaved wagering system|

---

US9691224B2|2014-02-19|2017-06-27|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Functional transformation interleaved wagering system|

---

US9715790B2|2012-11-08|2017-07-25|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Tournament management system|

---

US9721424B2|2013-10-07|2017-08-01|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Supplementary mode of an interleaved wagering system|

---

US9728043B2|2010-12-29|2017-08-08|Patent Investment & Licensing Company|Means for enhancing game play of gaming device|

---

US9741207B2|2014-12-03|2017-08-22|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Non-sequential frame insertion interleaved wagering system|

---

US9741201B2|2014-01-28|2017-08-22|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Connected interleaved wagering system|

---

US9747744B2|2007-11-09|2017-08-29|Igt|Gaming system, gaming device, and gaming method for shifting symbols from a staging area to a symbol matrix|

---

US9747747B2|2014-04-15|2017-08-29|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Alternative application resource interleaved wagering system|

---

US9761085B2|2014-01-30|2017-09-12|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Record display of an interleaved wagering system|

---

US9786126B2|2014-07-31|2017-10-10|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Skill-based progressive interleaved wagering system|

---

US9792763B2|2014-03-21|2017-10-17|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Inverted mechanic interleaved wagering system|

---

US9805552B2|2014-01-28|2017-10-31|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Multi-state opportunity interleaved wagering system|

---

US9811974B2|2015-01-14|2017-11-07|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Multi-directional shooting interleaved wagering system|

---

US9818262B2|2013-03-27|2017-11-14|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Game world server driven triggering for gambling hybrid gaming system|

---

US9830767B2|2013-03-14|2017-11-28|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Game history validation for networked gambling hybrid gaming system|

---

US9836920B2|2010-12-06|2017-12-05|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Hybrid game with manual trigger option|

---

US9842465B2|2013-12-14|2017-12-12|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Fungible object award interleaved wagering system|

---

US9858759B2|2014-08-08|2018-01-02|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Fungible object interleaved wagering system|

---

US9858758B2|2013-10-07|2018-01-02|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Bonus round items in an interleaved wagering system|

---

US9875618B2|2014-07-24|2018-01-23|Igt|Gaming system and method employing multi-directional interaction between multiple concurrently played games|

---

US9875610B2|2005-07-14|2018-01-23|Ag 18, Llc|Monitoring of interactive gaming systems|

---

US9881454B2|2014-04-15|2018-01-30|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Multifaceted application resource interleaved wagering system|

---

US9881461B2|2014-06-18|2018-01-30|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Enhanced interleaved wagering system|

---

US9881446B2|2010-12-06|2018-01-30|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Hybrid gaming system having omniscience gambling proposition|

---

US9881452B2|2013-12-14|2018-01-30|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Augmented or replaced application outcome interleaved wagering system|

---

US9881451B2|2013-01-10|2018-01-30|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Gambling hybrid gaming system with accumulated trigger and deferred gambling|

---

US9911275B2|2015-03-27|2018-03-06|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Multi-control stick interleaved wagering system|

---

US9911283B2|2014-03-20|2018-03-06|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Pari-mutuel-based skill wagering interleaved game|

---

US9916723B2|2014-06-20|2018-03-13|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Application credit earning interleaved wagering system|

---

US9919210B2|2005-10-03|2018-03-20|Winview, Inc.|Synchronized gaming and programming|

---

US9922495B2|2014-08-01|2018-03-20|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Transaction based interleaved wagering system|

---

US9928682B2|2009-11-16|2018-03-27|Patent Investment & Licensing Company|Method for displaying gaming result|

---

US9940789B2|2011-07-18|2018-04-10|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Credit contribution method for a hybrid game|

---

US9947179B2|2012-11-08|2018-04-17|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Standardized scoring wagering system|

---

US9947180B2|2015-05-20|2018-04-17|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Pari-mutuel interleaved wagering system|

---

US9953487B2|2014-01-15|2018-04-24|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Bonus element interleaved wagering system|

---

US9953485B2|2013-05-14|2018-04-24|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Variable opacity reel in an interactive game|

---

US9953490B2|2009-12-03|2018-04-24|Patent Investment & Licensing Company|Rapid play poker gaming device|

---

US9978206B2|2015-03-05|2018-05-22|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Match evolution interleaved wagering system|

---

US9990798B2|2014-09-28|2018-06-05|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Multi-mode element interleaved wagering system|

---

US9997016B2|2013-02-28|2018-06-12|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Parallel AI hybrid gaming system|

---

US10019871B2|2014-06-04|2018-07-10|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Prepaid interleaved wagering system|

---

US10019870B2|2012-04-25|2018-07-10|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Randomized initial condition hybrid games|

---

US10026263B2|2014-03-07|2018-07-17|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Skill level initiated interleaved wagering system|

---

US10026261B2|2013-05-29|2018-07-17|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Dynamic wager updating gambling hybrid game|

---

US10032330B2|2013-05-14|2018-07-24|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Dice game as a combination game|

---

US10032331B2|2015-01-20|2018-07-24|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Color alteration interleaved wagering system|

---

US10032338B2|2015-09-23|2018-07-24|Igt|Gaming system and method providing a gaming tournament having a variable average expected point payout|

---

US10037654B2|2013-05-29|2018-07-31|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|User selectable gamblng game hybrid game|

---

US10037658B2|2014-12-31|2018-07-31|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Billiard combined proposition wagering system|

---

US10043347B2|2013-01-07|2018-08-07|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Systems and methods for a hybrid entertainment and gambling game using an object alignment game|

---

US10046243B2|2012-11-08|2018-08-14|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Fantasy sports wagering system|

---

US10049528B2|2013-10-16|2018-08-14|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Additional wager in an interleaved wagering system|

---

US10055936B2|2015-01-21|2018-08-21|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Cooperative disease outbreak interleaved wagering system|

---

US10055935B2|2013-06-20|2018-08-21|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Multi-mode multi-jurisdiction skill wagering interleaved game|

---

US10055930B2|2015-08-11|2018-08-21|Igt|Gaming system and method for placing and redeeming sports bets|

---

US10062238B2|2014-05-12|2018-08-28|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Stateful real-credit interleaved wagering system|

---

US10068423B2|2013-07-29|2018-09-04|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Lottery system with skill wagering interleaved game|

---

US10068415B2|2014-04-08|2018-09-04|Igt|Gaming system and method providing a multiplayer secondary game having an outcome determined based on play of a primary game of at least one, but not all, of the multiplayer secondary game players|

---

US10068427B2|2014-12-03|2018-09-04|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Recommendation module interleaved wagering system|

---

US10074239B2|2013-04-30|2018-09-11|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Integrated gambling process for games with explicit random events|

---

US10083575B2|2015-09-25|2018-09-25|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Additive card interleaved wagering system|

---

US10089825B2|2015-08-03|2018-10-02|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Interleaved wagering system with timed randomized variable|

---

US10121311B2|2012-11-05|2018-11-06|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Interactive media based gambling hybrid games|

---

US10121314B2|2013-03-29|2018-11-06|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Gambling hybrid gaming system with variable characteristic feedback loop|

---

US10127768B2|2012-06-30|2018-11-13|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Hybrid game with manual trigger option|

---

US10176667B2|2015-01-15|2019-01-08|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Distributed anonymous payment wagering system|

---

US10192406B2|2013-06-25|2019-01-29|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Screen activity moderation in a skill wagering interleaved game|

---

US10204484B2|2015-08-21|2019-02-12|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Skill confirmation interleaved wagering system|

---

US10210701B2|2013-01-07|2019-02-19|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Systems and methods for a hybrid entertainment and gambling game using a slingshot trigger|

---

US10223863B2|2012-06-30|2019-03-05|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Hybrid gaming system having omniscience gambling proposition|

---

US10226698B1|2004-07-14|2019-03-12|Winview, Inc.|Game of skill played by remote participants utilizing wireless devices in connection with a common game event|

---

US10235835B2|2011-08-04|2019-03-19|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Game world exchange for hybrid gaming|

---

US10242530B2|2013-10-31|2019-03-26|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Dynamic multi-currency interleaved wagering system|

---

US10242529B2|2015-03-17|2019-03-26|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Object matching interleaved wagering system|

---

US10262492B2|2012-11-08|2019-04-16|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Gambling communicator system|

---

US10290182B2|2012-04-25|2019-05-14|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Draw certificate based hybrid game|

---

US10311675B2|2015-04-13|2019-06-04|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Level-based multiple outcome interleaved wagering system|

---

US10319178B2|2013-11-15|2019-06-11|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Distributed component interleaved wagering system|

---

US10319180B2|2013-03-29|2019-06-11|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Interactive application of an interleaved wagering system|

---

US10332338B2|2015-04-13|2019-06-25|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Modular interactive application interleaved wagering system|

---

US10347080B2|2013-06-10|2019-07-09|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Adapted skill wagering interleaved game|

---

US10347077B2|2011-07-12|2019-07-09|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Hybrid game element management|

---

US10347089B2|2016-03-25|2019-07-09|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Variable skill reward wagering system|

---

US10373436B2|2010-12-06|2019-08-06|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Coincident gambling hybrid gaming system|

---

US10380846B2|2013-10-23|2019-08-13|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Market based interleaved wagering system|

---

US10395476B2|2013-04-30|2019-08-27|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Integrated gambling process for games with explicit random events|

---

US10424162B2|2016-09-23|2019-09-24|Igt|Gaming system and method providing a gaming tournament with a dynamic equalizer feature|

---

US10424169B2|2013-12-03|2019-09-24|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Hotel themed interleaved wagering system|

---

US10438440B2|2014-05-07|2019-10-08|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Integrated wagering process interleaved skill wagering gaming system|

---

US10453301B2|2015-07-24|2019-10-22|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Interleaved wagering system with precalculated possibilities|

---

US10497220B2|2008-06-20|2019-12-03|Ag 18, Llc|Location based restrictions on networked gaming|

---

US10504325B2|2013-09-03|2019-12-10|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Pre-authorized transaction interleaved wagering system|

---

US10504334B2|2015-12-21|2019-12-10|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Ball and paddle skill competition wagering system|

---

US10510213B2|2016-10-26|2019-12-17|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Clock-synchronizing skill competition wagering system|

---

US10510215B2|2013-06-25|2019-12-17|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Tournament entry mechanisms within a gambling integrated game or skill wagering interleaved game|

---

US10515510B2|2015-06-05|2019-12-24|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Interleaved wagering system with reconciliation system|

---

US10540844B2|2014-05-15|2020-01-21|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Fabrication interleaved wagering system|

---

US10540849B2|2014-03-13|2020-01-21|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Alternate payment mechanism interleaved skill wagering gaming system|

---

US10546462B2|2014-09-18|2020-01-28|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Pseudo anonymous account wagering system|

---

US10553071B2|2016-01-21|2020-02-04|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Self-reconfiguring wagering system|

---

US10553069B2|2014-09-18|2020-02-04|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Multimodal multiuser interleaved wagering system|

---

US10553072B2|2009-11-10|2020-02-04|Patent Investment & Licensing Company|System and method for measuring gaming player behavior|

---

US10565822B2|2014-02-21|2020-02-18|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Catapult interleaved wagering system|

---

US10586424B2|2016-02-01|2020-03-10|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Variable skill proposition interleaved wagering system|

---

US10607453B2|2015-12-03|2020-03-31|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Skill-based progressive pool combined proposition wagering system|

---

US10614674B2|2017-04-11|2020-04-07|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Timed skill objective wagering system|

---

US10621828B2|2016-05-16|2020-04-14|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Variable skill objective wagering system|

---

US10621821B2|2014-09-15|2020-04-14|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Topper system for a wagering system|

---

US10643427B2|2014-08-25|2020-05-05|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Threshold triggered interleaved wagering system|

---

US10665057B2|2013-01-10|2020-05-26|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Gambling hybrid gaming system with accumulated trigger and deferred gambling|

---

US10692325B2|2008-06-20|2020-06-23|Ag 18, Llc|Location based restrictions on networked gaming|

---

US10713887B2|2010-12-06|2020-07-14|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Enhanced slot-machine for casino applications|

---

US10721543B2|2005-06-20|2020-07-21|Winview, Inc.|Method of and system for managing client resources and assets for activities on computing devices|

---

US10720009B2|2008-06-20|2020-07-21|Ag 18, Llc|Location based restrictions on networked gaming|

---

US10726667B2|2012-11-08|2020-07-28|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Systems for an intermediate value holder|

---

US10733838B2|2018-11-16|2020-08-04|Igt|Gaming system and method providing tournament-style free activation feature|

---

US10733844B2|2016-05-16|2020-08-04|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Variable skill objective wagering system|

---

US10783742B2|2010-12-29|2020-09-22|Acres Technology|Event-based gaming operations for gaming device|

---

US10796525B2|2017-09-12|2020-10-06|Gamblit Gaming, Llc|Outcome selector interactive wagering system|

---

US10958985B1|2008-11-10|2021-03-23|Winview, Inc.|Interactive advertising system|

---

US10964161B2|2005-07-14|2021-03-30|Ag 18, Llc|Mechanisms for detection of gambling rule violations including assisted or automated gameplay|

---

US11017626B2|2010-12-29|2021-05-25|Acres Technology|Means for controlling payback percentage of gaming device|

---

US11082746B2|2006-04-12|2021-08-03|Winview, Inc.|Synchronized gaming and programming|US5370399A|1981-11-12|1994-12-06|Richard Spademan, M.D.|Game apparatus having incentive producing means|

---

GB2112989B|1982-01-02|1986-02-26|David Leslie Mcneight|Competitive question and answer game|

---

US4592546A|1984-04-26|1986-06-03|David B. Lockton|Game of skill playable by remote participants in conjunction with a live event|

---

CA1245361A|1984-06-27|1988-11-22|Kerry E. Thacher|Tournament data system|

---

GB8428156D0|1984-11-07|1984-12-12|Jpm Automatic Machines Ltd|Apparatus for games|

---

US4926255A|1986-03-10|1990-05-15|Kohorn H Von|System for evaluation of response to broadcast transmissions|

---

US5213337A|1988-07-06|1993-05-25|Robert Sherman|System for communication using a broadcast audio signal|

---

US5083800A|1989-06-09|1992-01-28|Interactive Network, Inc.|Game of skill or chance playable by several participants remote from each other in conjunction with a common event|

---

US5108115A|1989-12-07|1992-04-28|Robert Berman|Interactive game show and method for achieving interactive communication therewith|

---

US5127044A|1990-02-20|1992-06-30|Golf Scoring Systems Unlimited, Inc.|Automatic golf scoring and scheduling system|

---

US5114155A|1990-06-15|1992-05-19|Arachnid, Inc.|System for automatic collection and distribution of player statistics for electronic dart games|

---

US5359510A|1990-11-28|1994-10-25|Sabaliauskas Anthony L|Automated universal tournament management system|

---

US5429361A|1991-09-23|1995-07-04|Bally Gaming International, Inc.|Gaming machine information, communication and display system|

---

DE4222896A1|1992-07-11|1994-01-13|Peter Eiba|System and method for the automatic handling of tournaments|

---

US5544892A|1993-02-25|1996-08-13|Shuffle Master, Inc.|Multi-tiered wagering method and game|

---

DE4402419A1|1994-01-27|1995-08-03|Peter Eiba|Process and system for the automatic handling of tournaments|

---

US5558339A|1994-05-05|1996-09-24|Perlman; Stephen G.|Network architecture to support recording and playback of real-time video games|

---

US5593349A|1994-09-09|1997-01-14|Valley Recreation Products Inc.|Automated league and tournament system for electronic games|

---

US5813913A|1995-05-30|1998-09-29|Interactive Network, Inc.|Game of skill playable by remote participants in conjunction with a common game event where participants are grouped as to skill level|

---

US5643088A|1995-05-31|1997-07-01|Interactive Network, Inc.|Game of skill or chance playable by remote participants in conjunction with a common game event including inserted interactive advertising|

---

US5871398A|1995-06-30|1999-02-16|Walker Asset Management Limited Partnership|Off-line remote system for lotteries and games of skill|

---

WO1997005557A1|1995-07-27|1997-02-13|Denis Ernestovich Lvov|Electronic game system, a method of managing and regulating said system|

---

US5813398A|1996-03-29|1998-09-29|Tecnol Medical Products, Inc.|Combined anti fog and anti glare features for face masks|

---

US5816918A|1996-04-05|1998-10-06|Rlt Acquistion, Inc.|Prize redemption system for games|

---

US5779549A|1996-04-22|1998-07-14|Walker Assest Management Limited Parnership|Database driven online distributed tournament system|

---

US5983200A|1996-10-09|1999-11-09|Slotznick; Benjamin|Intelligent agent for executing delegated tasks|US7904187B2|1999-02-01|2011-03-08|Hoffberg Steven M|Internet appliance system and method|

---

US8352400B2|1991-12-23|2013-01-08|Hoffberg Steven M|Adaptive pattern recognition based controller apparatus and method and human-factored interface therefore|

---

US5292127C1|1992-10-02|2001-05-22|Arcade Planet Inc|Arcade game|

---

US7766329B1|1992-10-02|2010-08-03|Sierra Design Group|Wheel indicator and ticket dispenser apparatus|

---

US7832727B1|1992-10-02|2010-11-16|Bally Gaming Inc.|Illuminated wheel indicators|

---

US6193520B1|1993-05-10|2001-02-27|Yugengaisha Adachi International|Interactive communication system for communicating video game and karaoke software|

---

RU95103479A|1994-03-11|1996-12-27|Уолкер Эссет Мэнеджмент Лимитед Партнершип |Game system, game computer, method for playing or drawing lottery when player participates in it|

---

US5655961A|1994-10-12|1997-08-12|Acres Gaming, Inc.|Method for operating networked gaming devices|

---

US7329187B1|1995-02-21|2008-02-12|Oneida Indian Nation|Cashless computerized video game system and method|

---

US5818438A|1995-04-25|1998-10-06|Bellsouth Corporation|System and method for providing television services|

---

US6402614B1|1995-06-30|2002-06-11|Walker Digital, Llc|Off-line remote system for lotteries and games of skill|

---

US7452270B2|2000-06-29|2008-11-18|Walker Digital, Llc|Systems and methods for presenting an outcome amount via a total number of events|

---

US7179168B1|1995-06-30|2007-02-20|Walker Digital, Llc|Systems and methods for allocating an outcome amount among a total number of events|

---

US20130080281A1|1995-11-13|2013-03-28|Lakshmi Arunachalam|Method and apparatus for enabling real-time bi-directional transactions on a network|

---

US8092224B2|1995-11-22|2012-01-10|James A. Jorasch|Systems and methods for improved health care compliance|

---

US7553234B2|1995-11-22|2009-06-30|Walker Digital, Llc|Method and apparatus for outputting a result of a game via a container|

---

US5823879A|1996-01-19|1998-10-20|Sheldon F. Goldberg|Network gaming system|

---

US6264560B1|1996-01-19|2001-07-24|Sheldon F. Goldberg|Method and system for playing games on a network|

---

US9530150B2|1996-01-19|2016-12-27|Adcension, Llc|Compensation model for network services|

---

US6513069B1|1996-03-08|2003-01-28|Actv, Inc.|Enhanced video programming system and method for providing a distributed community network|

---

US20020049832A1|1996-03-08|2002-04-25|Craig Ullman|Enhanced video programming system and method for incorporating and displaying retrieved integrated internet information segments|

---

US8235821B2|1996-11-14|2012-08-07|Bally Gaming, Inc.|Progressive controller and TCP/IP in gaming system|

---

US8052518B1|1996-11-14|2011-11-08|Bally Gaming, Inc.|Networked gaming system|

---

US6293865B1|1996-11-14|2001-09-25|Arcade Planet, Inc.|System, method and article of manufacture for tournament play in a network gaming system|

---

US6758755B2|1996-11-14|2004-07-06|Arcade Planet, Inc.|Prize redemption system for games executed over a wide area network|

---

US6645068B1|1996-11-14|2003-11-11|Arcade Planet, Inc.|Profile-driven network gaming and prize redemption system|

---

US8454432B2|1996-11-14|2013-06-04|Agincourt Gaming, Llc|Method for providing network gaming system|

---

US8821258B2|1996-11-14|2014-09-02|Agincourt Gaming, Llc|Method for providing games over a wide area network|

---

US8944909B2|1996-11-14|2015-02-03|Bally Gaming, Inc.|Gaming system having a plurality of players and randomly incremented progressive prize|

---

US7033276B2|1996-04-22|2006-04-25|Walker Digital, Llc|Method and system for adapting casino games to playing preferences|

---

US7192352B2|1996-04-22|2007-03-20|Walker Digital, Llc|System and method for facilitating play of a video game via a web site|

---

US5779549A|1996-04-22|1998-07-14|Walker Assest Management Limited Parnership|Database driven online distributed tournament system|

---

US20060287069A1|1996-04-22|2006-12-21|Walker Jay S|Method and system for adapting casino games to playing preferences|

---

US5761647A|1996-05-24|1998-06-02|Harrah's Operating Company, Inc.|National customer recognition system and method|

---

DE19624321A1|1996-06-18|1998-01-02|Atronic Casino Technology Dist|Procedure for determining a proportional jackpot profit|

---

AU755912B2|1996-06-28|2003-01-02|Silicon Gaming, Inc.|Dynamic tournament gaming method and system|

---

US6287202B1|1996-06-28|2001-09-11|Silicon Gaming, Inc.|Dynamic tournament gaming method and system|

---

US5862223A|1996-07-24|1999-01-19|Walker Asset Management Limited Partnership|Method and apparatus for a cryptographically-assisted commercial network system designed to facilitate and support expert-based commerce|

---

US5890963A|1996-09-30|1999-04-06|Yen; Wei|System and method for maintaining continuous and progressive game play in a computer network|

---

JP3592004B2|1996-10-31|2004-11-24|キヤノン株式会社|Information sharing management system and information sharing system management apparatus and method|

---

US6246917B1|1996-11-18|2001-06-12|Kenneth D. Smith|Electronic scoring process|

---

US7806763B2|1996-12-30|2010-10-05|Igt|System and method for remote automated play of a gaming device|

---

US6964611B2|1996-12-30|2005-11-15|Walker Digital, Llc|System and method for automated play of lottery games|

---

US7476153B2|1996-12-30|2009-01-13|Walker Digital, Llc|System and method for remote automated play of a gaming device|

---

US20060035697A1|1996-12-30|2006-02-16|Packes John M|Systems and methods for facilitating play of lottery games|

---

US6634942B2|1996-12-30|2003-10-21|Jay S. Walker|System and method for automated play of multiple gaming devices|

---

US6110041A|1996-12-30|2000-08-29|Walker Digital, Llc|Method and system for adapting gaming devices to playing preferences|

---

US6039648A|1997-03-04|2000-03-21|Casino Data Systems|Automated tournament gaming system: apparatus and method|

---

US8113935B2|1997-03-12|2012-02-14|Igt|System and method for presenting payout ranges and audiovisual clips at a gaming device|

---

US20040230495A1|1997-04-04|2004-11-18|Mikhail Lotvin|Computer systems and methods supporting on-line interaction with content, purchasing, and searching|

---

US5907831A|1997-04-04|1999-05-25|Lotvin; Mikhail|Computer apparatus and methods supporting different categories of users|

---

US6234896B1|1997-04-11|2001-05-22|Walker Digital, Llc|Slot driven video story|

---

US8328624B2|1997-04-11|2012-12-11|Igt|Slot driven video story|

---

US5944605A|1997-04-21|1999-08-31|Microsoft Corporation|System and method for composing an image with fragments which conform to the size and shape of a grid|

---

US6102796A|1997-04-21|2000-08-15|Microsoft Corporation|System and method for composing an image with fragments|

---

US6213873B1|1997-05-09|2001-04-10|Sierra-On-Line, Inc.|User-adaptable computer chess system|

---

US6074312A|1997-07-28|2000-06-13|Dynamic Solutions International|Golf handicap system and methods|

---

US6511377B1|1997-08-07|2003-01-28|Casino Data Systems|Cashless gaming system: apparatus and method|

---

US6076100A|1997-11-17|2000-06-13|Microsoft Corporation|Server-side chat monitor|

---

JP2001523869A|1997-11-19|2001-11-27|サーノ，ロバート・エイ|Method, apparatus and system for lottery games|

---

US8021222B2|1997-12-31|2011-09-20|Igt|Game based on speed of play|

---

DE19801134C2|1998-01-14|2001-08-09|Nsm Ag|Amusement game machine|

---

US6769990B2|1998-02-06|2004-08-03|Robert Cohen|Networked search and tracking games|

---

MY121817A|1998-02-19|2006-02-28|Swisscom Mobile Ag|Game system, corresponding method and adapted devices|

---

US6170014B1|1998-03-25|2001-01-02|Community Learning And Information Network|Computer architecture for managing courseware in a shared use operating environment|

---

US7364510B2|1998-03-31|2008-04-29|Walker Digital, Llc|Apparatus and method for facilitating team play of slot machines|

---

US6049779A|1998-04-06|2000-04-11|Berkson; Stephen P.|Call center incentive system and method|

---

US7606355B2|1998-04-22|2009-10-20|Echarge Corporation|Method and apparatus for ordering goods, services and content over an internetwork|

---

US6607441B1|1998-04-28|2003-08-19|Acres Gaming Incorporated|Method for transferring credit from one gaming machine to another|

---

JP2000000376A|1998-06-12|2000-01-07|Namco Ltd|Ranking display method of game device|

---

JP3886260B2|1998-07-22|2007-02-28|株式会社バンダイナムコゲームス|GAME DEVICE AND INFORMATION RECORDING MEDIUM|

---

DE19840694A1|1998-08-25|2000-03-02|Deutsche Telekom Ag|Method and arrangement for an online gaming system|

---

WO2000013158A2|1998-08-26|2000-03-09|Winning Enterprises Ltd.|Analysis and training system and method|

---

US6872187B1|1998-09-01|2005-03-29|Izex Technologies, Inc.|Orthoses for joint rehabilitation|

---

US6988732B2|1998-09-11|2006-01-24|Mikohn Gaming Corporation|Knowledge-based casino game and method therefor|

---

US6321128B1|1998-10-02|2001-11-20|Costin, Iv William Gilmore|Virtual golf game|

---

US6267672B1|1998-10-21|2001-07-31|Ayecon Entertainment, L.L.C.|Product sales enhancing internet game system|

---

US6453348B1|1998-11-06|2002-09-17|Ameritech Corporation|Extranet architecture|

---

US6409602B1|1998-11-06|2002-06-25|New Millenium Gaming Limited|Slim terminal gaming system|

---

AU1626900A|1998-11-17|2000-06-05|Sega Enterprises , Inc.|Tournament game system and method|

---

EP1140304A1|1998-12-22|2001-10-10|John Klayh|Remote establishment of game formulae and parameters, e.g. from an administration terminal|

---

US6375568B1|1999-01-13|2002-04-23|Interbet Corporation|Interactive gaming system and process|

---

US7749089B1|1999-02-26|2010-07-06|Creative Kingdoms, Llc|Multi-media interactive play system|

---

US20060287030A1|1999-02-26|2006-12-21|Briggs Rick A|Systems and methods for interactive game play|

---

US6287201B1|1999-03-12|2001-09-11|Midway Games West|Arcade game with keypad input|

---

US6505236B1|1999-04-30|2003-01-07|Thinmail, Inc.|Network-based mail attachment storage system and method|

---

US11117033B2|2010-04-26|2021-09-14|Wilbert Quinc Murdock|Smart system for display of dynamic movement parameters in sports and training|

---

US20080076580A1|2000-05-12|2008-03-27|Murdock Wilbert Q|Smart internet sports apparatus with multiple wireless protocols|

---

US7789742B1|1999-05-12|2010-09-07|Wilbert Q. Murdock|Smart golf club multiplayer system for the internet|

---

JP2000350868A|1999-06-10|2000-12-19|Namco Ltd|Game device|

---

US7606760B2|1999-06-18|2009-10-20|Echarge Corporation|Method and apparatus for ordering goods, services and content over an internetwork using a virtual payment account|

---

US7249097B2|1999-06-18|2007-07-24|Echarge Corporation|Method for ordering goods, services, and content over an internetwork using a virtual payment account|

---

US7416537B1|1999-06-23|2008-08-26|Izex Technologies, Inc.|Rehabilitative orthoses|

---

US8050982B2|1999-06-29|2011-11-01|Priceplay, Inc.|Systems and methods for transacting business over a global communications network such as the internet|

---

US8494917B2|1999-06-29|2013-07-23|Priceplay.Com, Inc.|Systems and methods for transacting business over a global communications network such as the internet|

---

US20060036511A1|1999-06-29|2006-02-16|Lin Wayne W Y|Systems and methods for transacting business over a global communications network such as the internet|

---

US6735487B1|1999-07-01|2004-05-11|Ods Properties, Inc.|Interactive wagering system with promotions|

---

US7839399B2|1999-07-29|2010-11-23|Benman William J|System and method for volumetric display of video images extracted from arbitrary background environments|

---

US7870479B2|1999-07-29|2011-01-11|Electronic Arts Inc.|Electronic in-application postcards|

---

US20020124247A1|1999-08-03|2002-09-05|Houghton William C.|Polling interactive television viewers|

---

JP4371183B2|1999-08-04|2009-11-25|株式会社セガ|Data communication method in game system|

---

US20020155885A1|1999-08-12|2002-10-24|Omer Shvili|Computer systems and methods for on-line user community where users can bet against each other|

---

US6758754B1|1999-08-13|2004-07-06|Actv, Inc|System and method for interactive game-play scheduled based on real-life events|

---

US6352479B1|1999-08-31|2002-03-05|Nvidia U.S. Investment Company|Interactive gaming server and online community forum|

---

US6270411B1|1999-09-10|2001-08-07|Wms Gaming Inc.|Gaming machine with animated reel symbols for payoff|

---

JP2001198363A|1999-09-14|2001-07-24|Sega Corp|Data processing method|

---

US7120871B1|1999-09-15|2006-10-10|Actv, Inc.|Enhanced video programming system and method utilizing a web page staging area|

---

US6571143B1|1999-09-19|2003-05-27|James Mallamo|Golf scoring system for a golf competition|

---

US8002617B1|1999-09-27|2011-08-23|Nokia Corporation|Sponsored network games|

---

US7949722B1|1999-09-29|2011-05-24|Actv Inc.|Enhanced video programming system and method utilizing user-profile information|

---

US8239408B2|2000-10-24|2012-08-07|Blumberg J Seth|Corporate and entertainment management interactive system using a computer network|

---

US20030088482A1|2000-10-24|2003-05-08|Blumberg J. Seth|Grouping and pooling of economic and design resources relating to products and services|

---

US7743070B1|1999-10-07|2010-06-22|Blumberg J Seth|Entertainment management interactive system using a computer network|

---

US6240415B1|1999-10-07|2001-05-29|J. Seth Blumberg|Corporate and entertainment management interactive system using a computer network|

---

US6827670B1|1999-10-11|2004-12-07|Izex Technologies, Inc.|System for medical protocol management|

---

US6394899B1|1999-10-29|2002-05-28|Stephen Tobin Walker|Method of playing a knowledge based wagering game|

---

GB2356079B|1999-11-06|2003-12-03|Games Network Ltd|An entertainment machine|

---

JP2001137556A|1999-11-12|2001-05-22|Akihiro Mino|Device and method for sport expecting game, memory medium and transmission medium|

---

US6755743B1|1999-12-08|2004-06-29|Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises|Communication game system and processing method thereof|

---

WO2001044895A2|1999-12-14|2001-06-21|Gtech Rhode Island Corporation|Computer-based techniques for storing and processing data|

---

US20010049297A1|1999-12-16|2001-12-06|Hibscher John M.|System for online creation, playing and administering of user defined puzzles|

---

US6488580B1|2000-01-11|2002-12-03|Skill Safari, Llc|Method and apparatus for casino system for, e.g., skill based games|

---

US6514139B2|2000-01-18|2003-02-04|Jvl Corporation|Coin and bill video game terminal system|

---

US6860808B2|2000-05-25|2005-03-01|Jvl Corporation|Coin and bill video game terminal system|

---

CA2348317C|2000-05-25|2005-08-30|Jvl Corporation|Coin and bill video game terminal system|

---

AUPQ517500A0|2000-01-19|2000-02-10|Inter.Sports.Net Pty Ltd|Interactive games using real participant data|

---

US8452687B2|2000-02-03|2013-05-28|Igt|Method and apparatus for facilitating and monitoring monetary transactions and rewards in a gaming environment|

---

US20020039921A1|2000-02-03|2002-04-04|Rick Rowe|Method and apparatus for monitoring player loss in a gaming environment|

---

US20020002075A1|2000-02-03|2002-01-03|Rick Rowe|Method and apparatus for facilitating monetary and reward transactions and accounting in a gaming environment|

---

US8407595B1|2000-02-11|2013-03-26|Sony Corporation|Imaging service for automating the display of images|

---

US7810037B1|2000-02-11|2010-10-05|Sony Corporation|Online story collaboration|

---

US6312337B1|2000-02-11|2001-11-06|Sony Corporation|Online digital photography game system|

---

US7262778B1|2000-02-11|2007-08-28|Sony Corporation|Automatic color adjustment of a template design|

---

US7500917B2|2000-02-22|2009-03-10|Creative Kingdoms, Llc|Magical wand and interactive play experience|

---

US7445550B2|2000-02-22|2008-11-04|Creative Kingdoms, Llc|Magical wand and interactive play experience|

---

US6761637B2|2000-02-22|2004-07-13|Creative Kingdoms, Llc|Method of game play using RFID tracking device|

---

US7878905B2|2000-02-22|2011-02-01|Creative Kingdoms, Llc|Multi-layered interactive play experience|

---

US9446319B2|2003-03-25|2016-09-20|Mq Gaming, Llc|Interactive gaming toy|

---

US6749513B2|2000-02-24|2004-06-15|Park Jong-Hyouk|Method of the game for one to many persons on the online|

---

JP2005287521A|2000-03-06|2005-10-20|Bld Oriental Kk|Game system|

---

US8055509B1|2000-03-10|2011-11-08|Walker Digital, Llc|Methods and apparatus for increasing and/or for monitoring a party's compliance with a schedule for taking medicines|

---

US6767284B1|2000-03-14|2004-07-27|John R. Koza|Skill games|

---

WO2001071677A2|2000-03-17|2001-09-27|Elottery, Inc.|System and method for facilitating play of on-line games|

---

US7294058B1|2000-03-30|2007-11-13|Case Venture Management Llc|Computerized game with cascading strategy and full information|

---

US6494762B1|2000-03-31|2002-12-17|Matsushita Electrical Industrial Co., Ltd.|Portable electronic subscription device and service|

---

EP1266522B1|2000-03-31|2012-02-15|OpenTV, Inc.|System and method for local meta data insertion|

---

CA2402994A1|2000-04-05|2001-10-25|Ods Properties, Inc.|Systems and methods for cross-platform access to a wagering interface|

---

US7883417B2|2000-04-07|2011-02-08|Igt|Gaming machine communicating system|

---

US7927211B2|2002-04-02|2011-04-19|Igt|Gaming environment including portable transaction devices|

---

US8876608B2|2000-04-07|2014-11-04|Igt|Virtually tracking un-carded or anonymous patron session data|

---

US6682421B1|2000-04-07|2004-01-27|Igt|Wireless gaming environment|

---

AUPQ675800A0|2000-04-07|2000-05-11|Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd|Gaming machine with prize meter|

---

US6877096B1|2000-04-11|2005-04-05|Edward J. Chung|Modular computer applications with expandable capabilities|

---

JP2001306770A|2000-04-20|2001-11-02|Taisei Corp|Group action will determination support system for group action|

---

US7353274B1|2000-05-09|2008-04-01|Medisys/Rjb Consulting, Inc.|Method, apparatus, and system for determining whether a computer is within a particular location|

---

US6790138B1|2000-05-12|2004-09-14|Martin Erlichman|System and method for providing and scoring an interactive puzzle|

---

JP4020567B2|2000-05-15|2007-12-12|株式会社コナミデジタルエンタテインメント|Game machine and game environment setting network system thereof|

---

US20020072412A1|2000-05-17|2002-06-13|Electronic Arts Inc.|Online gaming with prize incentives|

---

EP1287506A2|2000-05-19|2003-03-05|Europrint Holdings Limited|Method and system for implementing a game|

---

EP1290533A2|2000-05-25|2003-03-12|Echarge Corporation|Secure transaction protocol|

---

JP3622144B2|2000-05-30|2005-02-23|コナミ株式会社|Personal identification information communication method and wireless system|

---

US10173128B2|2000-06-02|2019-01-08|Milestone Entertainment Llc|Games, and methods for improved game play in games of chance and games of skill|

---

US6565084B1|2000-06-02|2003-05-20|Milestone Entertainment|Games, and methods for improved game play in games of chance and games of skill|

---

US7951002B1|2000-06-16|2011-05-31|Igt|Using a gaming machine as a server|

---

US7699699B2|2000-06-23|2010-04-20|Igt|Gaming device having multiple selectable display interfaces based on player's wagers|

---

US7695363B2|2000-06-23|2010-04-13|Igt|Gaming device having multiple display interfaces|

---

US6941353B1|2000-06-29|2005-09-06|Auran Holdings Pty Ltd|E-commerce system and method relating to program objects|

---

KR20020006074A|2000-07-11|2002-01-19|오무영|A system and method for drawing a premium with game using an internet|

---

KR20020007092A|2000-07-15|2002-01-26|양호철|System for Managing Network Game Championship Having Automatic Game Matching and Automatic Game Results Recognition Function and Managing Method thereof|

---

JP2002035429A|2000-07-21|2002-02-05|Konami Co Ltd|Network game apparatus, game system and recording medium|

---

JP2002035428A|2000-07-21|2002-02-05|Konami Co Ltd|Game system, network game apparatus, game apparatus client apparatus and recording medium|

---

US6692360B2|2000-07-21|2004-02-17|Konami Corporation|Game system, commercial game apparatus, network game apparatus, client device, and recording medium|

---

US20020019851A1|2000-07-26|2002-02-14|Jordan Pollack|System and method for the electronic mail based management and manipulation of stored files|

---

EP1307269A1|2000-08-02|2003-05-07|Timothy James Ball|Simulation system|

---

KR20000063921A|2000-08-10|2000-11-06|정광수|Creation of profit about an event game entry fee|

---

US7194511B2|2000-08-10|2007-03-20|Digeo, Inc.|System and method to manage participant input for an interactive show|

---

US6604997B2|2000-08-17|2003-08-12|Worldwinner.Com, Inc.|Minimizing the effects of chance|

---

US6676521B1|2000-08-18|2004-01-13|Cariocas, Inc.|Enhanced online game mechanisms|

---

US20040039677A1|2000-08-18|2004-02-26|Commerce Games, Inc.|Enhanced auction mechanism for online transactions|

---

US7058602B1|2000-08-18|2006-06-06|Luckysurf.Com, Inc.|Enhanced auction mechanism for online transactions|

---

US8932136B2|2000-08-25|2015-01-13|Opentv, Inc.|Method and system for initiating an interactive game|

---

US6780103B2|2000-08-31|2004-08-24|Igt|Gaming device having skill/perceived skill bonus round|

---

US6761632B2|2000-08-31|2004-07-13|Igt|Gaming device having perceived skill|

---

US7273415B2|2000-09-07|2007-09-25|Igt|Gaming device having a bonus scheme with multiple selection groups|

---

JP2002078986A|2000-09-11|2002-03-19|Tenyo Co Ltd|System for magic trick game|

---

US7099620B2|2000-09-22|2006-08-29|Medical Council Of Canada|Method and apparatus for administering an internet based examination to remote sites|

---

US8727853B2|2000-09-27|2014-05-20|Milestone Entertainment, LLC|Methods and apparatus for enhanced play in lottery and gaming environments|

---

US6488280B1|2000-09-27|2002-12-03|Milestone Entertainment|Games, and methods and apparatus for game play in games of chance|

---

US7798896B2|2000-09-27|2010-09-21|Milestone Entertainment Llc|Apparatus, systems and methods for implementing enhanced gaming and prizing parameters in an electronic environment|

---

US6648760B1|2000-09-27|2003-11-18|Midway Amusement Games, Llc|Skill mapping method and apparatus|

---

US7976389B2|2000-09-29|2011-07-12|Igt|Method and apparatus for gaming machines with a tournament play bonus feature|

---

AU2013202667B2|2000-09-29|2015-01-22|Igt|Method and apparatus for gaming machines with a tournament play bonus feature|

---

US7225233B1|2000-10-03|2007-05-29|Fenton James R|System and method for interactive, multimedia entertainment, education or other experience, and revenue generation therefrom|

---

ZA200103659B|2000-10-09|2001-11-26|Ajay Ganesh Ubale|Net related interactive quiz game.|

---

US6802772B1|2000-10-11|2004-10-12|Walker Digital, Llc|Systems and methods wherein at least one set of possible input parameters to a physics simulation will produce a successful game result|

---

US8317616B2|2000-10-13|2012-11-27|Rite-Solutions, Inc.|System, method, and article of manufacture for multi-player gaming from an off-site location|

---

US7066781B2|2000-10-20|2006-06-27|Denise Chapman Weston|Children's toy with wireless tag/transponder|

---

US6775580B2|2000-10-24|2004-08-10|Gyro Golf Systems, Inc.|Interactive real time computer processed golf tournament system|

---

US6793575B2|2000-11-10|2004-09-21|Case Venture Management, Llc|Racing game|

---

US7244181B2|2000-11-14|2007-07-17|Netamin Communication Corp.|Multi-player game employing dynamic re-sequencing|

---

US6749505B1|2000-11-16|2004-06-15|Walker Digital, Llc|Systems and methods for altering game information indicated to a player|

---

JP2002153677A|2000-11-17|2002-05-28|Square Co Ltd|Information terminal, information providing server, on- line game method and recording medium|

---

JP5219012B2|2000-11-29|2013-06-26|和明 神代|Sweepstakes winner determination device, sweepstakes winner determination method, and recording medium|

---

US6688982B2|2000-11-29|2004-02-10|Agency.Com Ltd.|Wireless communications system for a quiz game|

---

US6884162B2|2000-12-01|2005-04-26|Sony Corporation|System and method to support gaming in an electronic network|

---

US20050153766A1|2000-12-05|2005-07-14|Harmon Matthew C.|E-Commerce Role Playing Platform|

---

US20020068632A1|2000-12-06|2002-06-06|Shayne Dunlap|Interconnection of users via a communications network, for competitive gaming|

---

US7972214B2|2000-12-07|2011-07-05|Igt|Methods and devices for downloading games of chance|

---

US7121962B2|2000-12-19|2006-10-17|Reeves G George|Golf round data system with cellular telephone and player help features|

---

US6929544B2|2000-12-21|2005-08-16|Michael Osterer|Internet gaming system|

---

US6872137B2|2000-12-22|2005-03-29|Tara Chand Singhal|Method and apparatus for an educational game and dynamic message entry and display|

---

US6569012B2|2001-01-09|2003-05-27|Topcoder, Inc.|Systems and methods for coding competitions|

---

US7883403B2|2001-01-30|2011-02-08|Igt|Gaming device having competition configuration, attack and countermeasure game|

---

US7192344B2|2001-01-30|2007-03-20|Igt|Gaming device having an award level determination competition|

---

US6749510B2|2001-02-07|2004-06-15|Wms Gaming Inc.|Centralized gaming system with modifiable remote display terminals|

---

CA2340562A1|2001-02-28|2002-08-28|Midway Amusement Games, Llc|Tournament network for linking amusement games|

---

US20020151359A1|2001-03-15|2002-10-17|Richard Rowe|Player account access and management system|

---

US20020142842A1|2001-03-29|2002-10-03|Easley Gregory W.|Console-based system and method for providing multi-player interactive game functionality for use with interactive games|

---

US6996444B2|2001-04-13|2006-02-07|Games, Inc.|Rating method, program product and apparatus|

---

US6824469B2|2001-05-03|2004-11-30|Sony Pictures Entertainment, Inc.|System and method for awarding prizes|

---

US6468155B1|2001-05-08|2002-10-22|Skillgames, Inc.|Systems and methods to facilitate games of skill for prizes played via a communication network|

---

US6786824B2|2001-05-25|2004-09-07|Igt|Method, apparatus, and system for providing a player with opportunities to win a feature event award|

---

JP3429286B2|2001-05-29|2003-07-22|株式会社コナミコンピュータエンタテインメント大阪|NET GAME SYSTEM AND NET GAME MANAGEMENT METHOD|

---

JP3422784B2|2001-05-30|2003-06-30|株式会社コナミコンピュータエンタテインメント大阪|NET GAME SYSTEM AND NET GAME MANAGEMENT METHOD|

---

GB2375970B|2001-05-31|2005-11-23|Nokia Corp|Electronic gaming|

---

JP4091752B2|2001-05-31|2008-05-28|株式会社エヌ・ティ・ティ・ドコモ|Program participation restriction method and server|

---

AUPR559001A0|2001-06-08|2001-07-12|Ainsworth Game Technology Limited|Gaming system|

---

JP2002360937A|2001-06-08|2002-12-17|Konami Computer Entertainment Osaka:Kk|Data delivery system, data delivery server, and video game device|

---

JP2003062351A|2001-06-12|2003-03-04|Sony Computer Entertainment Inc|Tournament system, tournament performing method, server device, tournament performing program, and computer read-out recording medium with tournament performing program recorded thereon|

---

US6623357B2|2001-06-26|2003-09-23|Igt|Paper token and complementary coupon dispenser|

---

US7153211B2|2001-07-10|2006-12-26|Bect Power, Inc.|Method and system to optimize group achievement employing group members' collective intelligence|

---

US7416488B2|2001-07-18|2008-08-26|DuplicateInc.|System and method for playing a game of skill|

---

US7112138B2|2001-08-03|2006-09-26|Igt|Player tracking communication mechanisms in a gaming machine|

---

US8210927B2|2001-08-03|2012-07-03|Igt|Player tracking communication mechanisms in a gaming machine|

---

US8784211B2|2001-08-03|2014-07-22|Igt|Wireless input/output and peripheral devices on a gaming machine|

---

US20030037149A1|2001-08-07|2003-02-20|Hess Lawrence D.|Distributed and fault tolerant server system and method|

---

US20030031996A1|2001-08-08|2003-02-13|Adam Robinson|Method and system for evaluating documents|

---

US7452279B2|2001-08-09|2008-11-18|Kabushiki Kaisha Sega|Recording medium of game program and game device using card|

---

US20040197753A1|2001-08-09|2004-10-07|Kirsch Warren J.|Games and methods for changing behavior and attitudes|

---

GB0120135D0|2001-08-17|2001-10-10|Massey Graham P|A system for playing interactive games|

---

US20030045336A1|2001-09-04|2003-03-06|Eric Cherry|Game based on the outcomes of multiple sequential wagering events|

---

US20030070178A1|2001-09-09|2003-04-10|Boyd Robert A.|Poker tournament system|

---

GB2397403A|2001-09-18|2004-07-21|Acres Gaming Inc|Player specific game system|

---

US7785194B2|2001-09-18|2010-08-31|Igt|Player specific rewards|

---

AU2002341626A1|2001-09-20|2003-04-01|Develop Your Game, Inc.|Data processing method and system for processing and managing repetitive motion data between diverse geographic locations|

---

US20030060264A1|2001-09-21|2003-03-27|Chilton Ward W.|Gaming device providing tournament entries|

---

US20030064807A1|2001-09-25|2003-04-03|Walker Jay S.|Method and apparatus for linked play gaming|

---

US9626837B2|2001-09-26|2017-04-18|Milestone Entertainment Llc|System for game play in an electronic environment|

---

US8393946B2|2001-09-26|2013-03-12|Milestone Entertainment Llc|Apparatus and method for game play in an electronic environment|

---

US6790141B2|2001-09-28|2004-09-14|Igt|Sequential gaming|

---

US8678901B1|2005-09-07|2014-03-25|Bally Gaming|System gaming|

---

US7892097B2|2001-09-28|2011-02-22|Igt|Adventure sequence activities|

---

US9454872B2|2001-09-28|2016-09-27|Igt|Adventure sequence activities|

---

US8506394B2|2005-09-07|2013-08-13|Bally Gaming, Inc.|Tournament gaming systems, gaming devices and methods|

---

US6852027B2|2001-09-28|2005-02-08|Igt|Gaming device having rate dependent game|

---

US8678902B2|2005-09-07|2014-03-25|Bally Gaming, Inc.|System gaming|

---

US7351146B2|2001-10-05|2008-04-01|Igt|Gaming device and method for activating multiple paylines upon the wager of a single credit|

---

US20030073494A1|2001-10-15|2003-04-17|Kalpakian Jacob H.|Gaming methods, apparatus, media and signals|

---

JP2003117243A|2001-10-17|2003-04-22|Konami Co Ltd|Program and method for controlling game progress, and video game apparatus|

---

US20030073471A1|2001-10-17|2003-04-17|Advantage Partners Llc|Method and system for providing an environment for the delivery of interactive gaming services|

---

EP1304150A1|2001-10-17|2003-04-23|Konami Corporation|Device, method and program storage medium for a game|

---

US6853973B2|2001-10-24|2005-02-08|Wagerworks, Inc.|Configurable and stand-alone verification module|

---

US7370366B2|2001-11-16|2008-05-06|International Business Machines Corporation|Data management system and method|

---

US6688973B2|2001-11-20|2004-02-10|James E. Satloff|System for using trading cards interactively through an electronic network|

---

JP2003225469A|2001-11-30|2003-08-12|Konami Co Ltd|Game server device, game management method, game management program and game device|

---

US7169041B2|2001-12-04|2007-01-30|Igt|Method and system for weighting odds to specific gaming entities in a shared bonus event|

---

US6939137B1|2001-12-12|2005-09-06|Cantor Fitzgerald, Lp|Method and system for training traders|

---

US20030113694A1|2001-12-18|2003-06-19|Develop Your Game, Inc.|Data processing method and system for processing and managing repetitive motion data between diverse geographic locations|

---

US7125336B2|2001-12-18|2006-10-24|Nokia Corporation|Distributed game over a wireless telecommunications network|

---

US6837793B2|2001-12-19|2005-01-04|Igt|Method and apparatus for gaming machines with a quasi-competition play bonus feature|

---

US6902478B2|2001-12-19|2005-06-07|Igt|Method and apparatus for an interactive bonus game|

---

US20030119576A1|2001-12-20|2003-06-26|Mcclintic Monica A.|Gaming devices and methods incorporating interactive physical skill bonus games and virtual reality games in a shared bonus event|

---

US20030125107A1|2001-12-21|2003-07-03|Cannon Lee E.|Method and apparatus for competitive bonus games based upon strategy or skill|

---

US7052392B2|2001-12-31|2006-05-30|Igt|Method and apparatus for providing an advantage to a player in a bonus game|

---

US7478056B1|2001-12-31|2009-01-13|Aol Llc, A Delaware Limited Liability Company|Activating a communications system|

---

ES2345187T3|2002-01-07|2010-09-17|Nds Limited|INTERACTIVE TILE GAME OUT OF SAFE LINE.|

---

US20030149619A1|2002-02-01|2003-08-07|Tim Stanley|Multi-property enterprise promotions|

---

US20060035692A1|2002-02-08|2006-02-16|Keith Kirby|Collectible item and code for interactive games|

---

US20050287925A1|2003-02-07|2005-12-29|Nathan Proch|Collectible item and code for interactive games|

---

US20040043806A1|2002-02-08|2004-03-04|Keith Kirby|Online vehicle collection and play activity|

---

US20030154128A1|2002-02-11|2003-08-14|Liga Kevin M.|Communicating and displaying an advertisement using a personal video recorder|

---

AU2003209088A1|2002-02-13|2003-09-04|Igt|Casino game having player control of award level|

---

US8747205B2|2002-02-15|2014-06-10|Wms Gaming Inc.|Gaming machine with block wagering|

---

US8221224B2|2002-02-28|2012-07-17|Igt|Method for distributing large payouts with minimal interruption of a gaming session|

---

WO2003076033A1|2002-03-08|2003-09-18|Charles Samberg|System for playing duplicate backgammon tournaments, scoring and handicaping tournaments and awarding points on outcome of tournament|

---

US20030186734A1|2002-03-12|2003-10-02|Lemay Steven G.|Gaming machine including a lottery ticket dispenser|

---

US6997803B2|2002-03-12|2006-02-14|Igt|Virtual gaming peripherals for a gaming machine|

---

US8597116B2|2002-03-12|2013-12-03|Igt|Virtual player tracking and related services|

---

US20030186744A1|2002-03-26|2003-10-02|Jed Bradell|Multi-tiered tournament|

---

US7169047B2|2002-03-28|2007-01-30|Igt|Providing an indication of a hidden bonus on a casino gaming apparatus|

---

US8025569B2|2002-03-29|2011-09-27|Igt|Simulating real gaming environments with interactive host and players|

---

US6908390B2|2002-03-29|2005-06-21|Igt|Apparatus and method for a gaming tournament network|

---

US20030187736A1|2002-04-02|2003-10-02|David Teague|Patron tracking system|

---

EP1493133A4|2002-04-04|2006-09-27|Yahoo Inc|Online league and tournament system|

---

US6967566B2|2002-04-05|2005-11-22|Creative Kingdoms, Llc|Live-action interactive adventure game|

---

US20070066396A1|2002-04-05|2007-03-22|Denise Chapman Weston|Retail methods for providing an interactive product to a consumer|

---

US8776042B2|2002-04-08|2014-07-08|Topcoder, Inc.|Systems and methods for software support|

---

US20070220479A1|2006-03-14|2007-09-20|Hughes John M|Systems and methods for software development|

---

US20060248504A1|2002-04-08|2006-11-02|Hughes John M|Systems and methods for software development|

---

US7778866B2|2002-04-08|2010-08-17|Topcoder, Inc.|Systems and methods for software development|

---

AU2003224850A1|2002-04-08|2003-10-27|Topcoder, Inc.|System and method for soliciting proposals for software development services|

---

AU2003230946A1|2002-04-19|2003-11-03|Walker Digital, Llc|Method and apparatus for linked play gaming with combined outcomes and shared indicia|

---

EP1523376A2|2002-04-30|2005-04-20|Waterleaf Limited|System for playing a game|

---

US20040002369A1|2002-05-06|2004-01-01|Walker Jay S.|Method and apparatus for modifying a game based on results of game plays|

---

US20030209853A1|2002-05-09|2003-11-13|Sabin Harris|Weather lottery game|

---

KR20030088516A|2002-05-11|2003-11-20|주식회사 네오액트|Method for marching game using a tournament|

---

US20030216961A1|2002-05-16|2003-11-20|Douglas Barry|Personalized gaming and demographic collection method and apparatus|

---

US20030224856A1|2002-05-30|2003-12-04|Antonin Bukovsky|Internet gaming system|

---

US6939234B2|2002-06-10|2005-09-06|Wms Gaming, Inc.|Dynamic configuration of gaming system|

---

US20030228908A1|2002-06-10|2003-12-11|Daniel Caiafa|Statistics system for online console-based gaming|

---

US20040009815A1|2002-06-26|2004-01-15|Zotto Banjamin O.|Managing access to content|

---

US7502610B2|2002-06-28|2009-03-10|Qualcomm Incorporated|System and method for application management through threshold events|

---

US6893344B2|2002-07-01|2005-05-17|Leif Eric Brown|Casino style gaming machine|

---

US6755345B2|2002-07-10|2004-06-29|Golf Reporting Solutions, Llc|Golf handicap smart card system|

---

US7674184B2|2002-08-01|2010-03-09|Creative Kingdoms, Llc|Interactive water attraction and quest game|

---

AU2003236126A1|2002-08-20|2004-03-11|Universal Entertainment Corporation|Game server and program|

---

US8986121B2|2002-09-13|2015-03-24|Bally Gaming, Inc.|Networked gaming system communication protocols and methods|

---

US10803694B2|2004-09-16|2020-10-13|Sg Gaming, Inc.|Player gaming console, gaming machine, networked gaming system|

---

JP3546206B2|2002-09-30|2004-07-21|株式会社コナミコンピュータエンタテインメント東京|GAME DEVICE AND PROGRAM|

---

US20040063498A1|2002-09-30|2004-04-01|Sony Corporation|System and method for flexibly implementing a wireless gaming network|

---

US20040098455A1|2002-11-14|2004-05-20|Motorola, Inc.|Method and apparatus for controlling communications between subscriber units|

---

US20040097287A1|2002-11-14|2004-05-20|Richard Postrel|Method and system for gaming over a computer network|

---

JP3862649B2|2002-11-29|2006-12-27|任天堂株式会社|GAME DEVICE, GAME PROGRAM, BACKUP WRITE CONTROL METHOD, AND GAME INFORMATION RECORDING MEDIUM|

---

US6942568B2|2002-12-13|2005-09-13|Igt|Gaming device having skill and dexterity element|

---

US7156733B2|2002-12-20|2007-01-02|Electronics Arts Inc.|Using shared files in a game console or computer for cross-game state sharing|

---

JP4518739B2|2002-12-27|2010-08-04|株式会社ユニバーサルエンターテインメント|Game system|

---

US7930716B2|2002-12-31|2011-04-19|Actv Inc.|Techniques for reinsertion of local market advertising in digital video from a bypass source|

---

AU2003296387A1|2002-12-31|2004-07-29|Qp Games Inc.|Game and method for electronic interactive media|

---

US20040137976A1|2003-01-14|2004-07-15|Serguei Pijine|Kniteks-a board game|

---

US20040142750A1|2003-01-22|2004-07-22|Acres Gaming Incorporated|Method and apparatus for use of a network by a casino|

---

US8131649B2|2003-02-07|2012-03-06|Igware, Inc.|Static-or-dynamic and limited-or-unlimited content rights|

---

US20100017627A1|2003-02-07|2010-01-21|Broadon Communications Corp.|Ensuring authenticity in a closed content distribution system|

---

US7136617B2|2003-02-07|2006-11-14|Agilemath, Inc.|Computer assisted game for teaching cooperative resource allocation and multi-party negotiation skills|

---

US8025571B2|2003-03-01|2011-09-27|The Directv Group, Inc.|Television interactive gaming having local storage of game portal|

---

US20040192443A1|2003-03-24|2004-09-30|Merit Industries, Inc.|Amusement device communication system|

---

US7867083B2|2003-03-25|2011-01-11|Igt|Methods and apparatus for limiting access to games using biometric data|

---

US7850524B2|2003-03-25|2010-12-14|Wms Gaming Inc.|Progressive jackpot game with special bonus|

---

US8123616B2|2003-03-25|2012-02-28|Igt|Methods and apparatus for limiting access to games using biometric data|

---

JP2004298234A|2003-03-28|2004-10-28|Univ Shizuoka|Pairing apparatus, method, and program|

---

US7331870B2|2003-05-16|2008-02-19|Healing Rhythms, Llc|Multiplayer biofeedback interactive gaming environment|

---

JP2004358059A|2003-06-06|2004-12-24|Samii Kk|Device, method and program for controlling game machine network|

---

GB0313012D0|2003-06-06|2003-07-09|Igt Uk Ltd|Entertainment machines|

---

CA2470588A1|2003-06-09|2004-12-09|Blue Diamond International Capital Inc.|Pull-tab skill tournament poker|

---

US7410422B2|2003-06-13|2008-08-12|Harrah's Operating Company, Inc.|Unified player rewards|

---

US8090602B2|2003-06-15|2012-01-03|Mordechai Teicher|Method and apparatus for leisure and entertainment merchandising|

---

US7305398B2|2003-06-15|2007-12-04|Mordechai Teicher|Apparatus and method for managing social games|

---

US7761386B2|2003-06-15|2010-07-20|Mordechai Teicher|Method and apparatus for arranging social meetings|

---

CN100585662C|2003-06-20|2010-01-27|汤姆森普罗梅特里克公司|System and method for computer based testing using cache and cacheable objects to expand functionality of a test driver application|

---

US8418196B2|2003-06-30|2013-04-09|At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.|Interactive content with enhanced network operator control|

---

US8635643B2|2003-06-30|2014-01-21|At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.|System and method for providing interactive media content over a network|

---

US20040268404A1|2003-06-30|2004-12-30|Gray James Harold|System and method for message notification|

---

US20040268416A1|2003-06-30|2004-12-30|Gray James Harold|System and method for providing enhanced hot key control|

---

US20040268385A1|2003-06-30|2004-12-30|Gray James Harold|User originated content notification|

---

US7963846B2|2003-07-02|2011-06-21|Wms Gaming Inc.|Gaming machine having multiple level progressive feature with player controlled outcome|

---

US7662040B2|2003-07-02|2010-02-16|Wms Gaming Inc.|Gaming machine having a community game with side wagering|

---

US7780531B2|2003-07-02|2010-08-24|Wms Gaming Inc.|Gaming machine having a community game with side wagering|

---

US9466179B2|2003-07-02|2016-10-11|Bally Gaming, Inc.|Gaming machine having a community game with side wagering|

---

US8043152B2|2003-07-03|2011-10-25|Igt|Methods and system for providing paper-based outcomes|

---

JP3993142B2|2003-07-04|2007-10-17|アルゼ株式会社|Mahjong game system and mahjong ranking display method|

---

EP1493470A1|2003-07-04|2005-01-05|Aruze Corp.|Game providing system, game server, and gaming machine|

---

US7314408B2|2003-07-23|2008-01-01|Igt|Methods and apparatus for a competitive bonus game with variable odds|

---

WO2005020126A1|2003-08-20|2005-03-03|Mallamo James A|Golf scoring, ranking, and odds making system|

---

US7311600B2|2003-08-22|2007-12-25|Gameline, Llc|Game based upon fluctuations of an objective environment|

---

US9773373B2|2004-09-01|2017-09-26|Milestone Entertainment Llc|Systems for implementing enhanced gaming and prizing parameters in an electronic environment|

---

US20050059472A1|2003-09-11|2005-03-17|Joshi Shridhar P.|Gaming machine with multi-level progressive jackpot|

---

AU2004282819B2|2003-09-12|2009-11-12|Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd|Communications interface for a gaming machine|

---

US20070135211A1|2003-09-12|2007-06-14|Block Rory L|Gaming system using single player-identification card for performing multiple functions|

---

WO2005032674A2|2003-09-12|2005-04-14|Wms Gaming Inc.|Player identification feature for restricted-access wagering games|

---

US7464272B2|2003-09-25|2008-12-09|Microsoft Corporation|Server control of peer to peer communications|

---

JP2005115122A|2003-10-09|2005-04-28|Univ Shizuoka|System for measuring refinement of game system, and method and program therefor|

---

US8585479B2|2003-10-20|2013-11-19|Tipping Point Group, Llc|System to decode video signal from electronic gaming device and to determine play information|

---

US7775870B2|2003-11-21|2010-08-17|Sierra Design Group|Arcade game|

---

JP3647854B1|2003-12-10|2005-05-18|コナミ株式会社|Game progress management device, game progress management method, and game progress management program|

---

US8286203B2|2003-12-19|2012-10-09|At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.|System and method for enhanced hot key delivery|

---

AU2005208971B2|2004-01-28|2011-02-24|Igt|Gaming device having a partial selectable symbol matrix|

---

FI20040187A0|2004-02-06|2004-02-06|Nokia Corp|Charging in a communications system|

---

US7686689B2|2004-02-10|2010-03-30|Wms Gaming, Inc.|Basic wagering game having a continuously modified pay table|

---

US7828652B2|2004-02-12|2010-11-09|Igt|Player verification method and system for remote gaming terminals|

---

AU2005215786A1|2004-02-17|2005-09-01|Nielsen Media Research, Inc. Et Al.|Methods and apparatus for monitoring video games|

---

US6955611B2|2004-02-20|2005-10-18|Kimmel Bradley D|Method and apparatus for playing a game of golf|

---

US8616967B2|2004-02-25|2013-12-31|Cfph, Llc|System and method for convenience gaming|

---

US8092303B2|2004-02-25|2012-01-10|Cfph, Llc|System and method for convenience gaming|

---

US20050192852A1|2004-02-26|2005-09-01|Sorensen Vicki L.|Method for promoting individual fitness|

---

WO2005082480A1|2004-02-26|2005-09-09|Wms Gaming Inc.|Method and apparatus for utilizing tickets to progress game play in a gaming machine|

---

US20050192124A1|2004-03-01|2005-09-01|Ultimate Golf Challenge, Inc.|Method and system for implementing a closest to the pin challenge|

---

US20050234467A1|2004-03-08|2005-10-20|James Rains|Screw guide|

---

US7744468B2|2004-03-15|2010-06-29|Igt|Event calendar at electronic gaming device|

---

US20050227792A1|2004-03-18|2005-10-13|Hbl Ltd.|Virtual golf training and gaming system and method|

---

US7980938B2|2004-03-29|2011-07-19|Wms Gaming Inc.|Wagering game with video lottery bonus game|

---

WO2005099425A2|2004-03-30|2005-10-27|Wms Gaming Inc.|Wagering game providing free game play as a progressive award|

---

WO2005099845A1|2004-03-31|2005-10-27|Wms Gaming Inc.|Symbol driven contributions for a prize pool in a wagering game|

---

GB0409224D0|2004-04-26|2004-05-26|Waterleaf Ltd|Tournament system and method of operation thereof|

---

US20110014972A1|2007-12-26|2011-01-20|Herrmann Mark E|System and method for managing content delivery and measuring engagement|

---

US8038529B2|2004-05-07|2011-10-18|Gamelogic, Inc.|Method and apparatus for conducting a game of chance|

---

US9129476B2|2004-05-07|2015-09-08|Scientific Games Holdings Limited|Method and apparatus for providing player incentives|

---

US8157635B2|2004-05-07|2012-04-17|Scientific Games Holdings Limited|Method and apparatus for providing player incentives|

---

US8425300B2|2004-05-07|2013-04-23|Scientific Games Holdings Limited|Method and apparatus of conducting a game of chance including bingo|

---

US8047917B2|2004-05-07|2011-11-01|Scientific Games Holdings Limited|Method and apparatus for conducting a game of chance|

---

US7815502B2|2004-05-07|2010-10-19|Gamelogic Inc.|Method and apparatus for conducting a game of chance|

---

US8029361B2|2004-05-07|2011-10-04|Gamelogic Inc.|Method and apparatus for providing player incentives|

---

US7766739B2|2004-05-07|2010-08-03|Gamelogic, Inc.|Method and apparatus for conducting a game of chance|

---

US8435119B2|2007-12-26|2013-05-07|Scientific Games Holdings Limited|User-controlled sweepstakes entries|

---

US8512134B2|2004-05-07|2013-08-20|Dow K. Hardy|Method and apparatus for providing player incentives|

---

US7959502B2|2004-05-07|2011-06-14|Gamelogic Inc.|Method of playing a game of chance including a computer-based game|

---

US8118667B2|2006-02-08|2012-02-21|Scientific Games Holdings Limited|Multiplayer gaming incentive|

---

US8025567B2|2004-05-07|2011-09-27|Gamelogic Inc.|Method and apparatus for conducting a game of chance|

---

US8100759B2|2004-05-07|2012-01-24|Scientific Games Holdings Limited|Method and apparatus for providing player incentives|

---

US8109828B2|2004-05-07|2012-02-07|Scientific Games Holdings Limited|System and method for playing a game having online and offline elements|

---

US8727867B2|2004-05-07|2014-05-20|Scientific Games Holdings Limited|Method and apparatus for conducting a first and second level game and a game of chance|

---

US8512133B2|2004-05-07|2013-08-20|Scientific Games Holdings Limited|Method and apparatus for providing player incentives|

---

US7819747B2|2004-05-07|2010-10-26|Gamelogic Inc.|Method and apparatus for conducting a game of chance|

---

US7666082B2|2004-05-07|2010-02-23|Gamelogic Inc.|Method and apparatus for conducting a game of chance|

---

US8845409B2|2004-05-07|2014-09-30|Scientific Games Holdings Limited|Method and apparatus for reinvesting winnings|

---

US7771264B2|2004-05-07|2010-08-10|Gamelogic Inc.|Method and apparatus for conducting a wagering game of chance including a prize wheel game|

---

US8425297B2|2004-05-07|2013-04-23|Scientific Games Holdings Limited|Method and apparatus for conducting a game of chance including a ticket|

---

US20060082056A1|2004-05-07|2006-04-20|Kane Steven N|Method and apparatus for conducting a game tournament|

---

US7976374B2|2004-05-07|2011-07-12|Gamelogic, Inc.|Method and apparatus for conducting a game of chance|

---

US8047907B2|2004-05-07|2011-11-01|Scientific Games Holdings Limited|Method and apparatus for conducting a game of chance using pull-tab tickets|

---

US9330530B2|2004-05-13|2016-05-03|Bally Gaming, Inc.|Bank wagering game|

---

WO2005113093A1|2004-05-18|2005-12-01|Wms Gaming Inc.|Wagering game with enhanced progressive game|

---

US7854653B2|2004-05-25|2010-12-21|Gamelogic, Inc.|System and method for playing a role-playing game|

---

US20050266925A1|2004-05-25|2005-12-01|Ongame E-Solutions Ab|System and method for an online duel game|

---

US7354345B2|2004-05-25|2008-04-08|Microsoft Corporation|Multilevel online tournament|

---

US7207563B2|2004-06-02|2007-04-24|Charles Samberg|Process for removing element of chance from games of skill|

---

US7874909B2|2004-06-04|2011-01-25|Wms Gaming Inc.|Wagering game having animation for special symbols|

---

US7510473B2|2004-06-30|2009-03-31|Wms Gaming Inc.|Wagering game having progressive amounts represented in various ways|

---

JP2008504911A|2004-07-07|2008-02-21|レッド・テック・リミテッド|Game system and method|

---

US20060030407A1|2004-07-16|2006-02-09|Dixon Thayer|Multiple player real-time on-line sports competition system|

---

US8016667B2|2004-07-22|2011-09-13|Igt|Remote gaming eligibility system and method using RFID tags|

---

US8353753B2|2004-07-28|2013-01-15|Wms Gaming Inc.|Wagering game with randomly funded progressive amounts|

---

US8137180B2|2004-07-28|2012-03-20|Wms Gaming Inc.|Wagering game having progressive amounts displayed in a matrix|

---

AU2005271582B2|2004-08-03|2010-09-16|Igt|Gaming method and device involving progressive wagers|

---

US8202165B2|2004-08-06|2012-06-19|Labtronix Concept Inc.|Method and system for providing asynchronous tournament participations|

---

US20060035706A1|2004-08-13|2006-02-16|Alfred Thomas|Wagering game with payoff rounding feature|

---

US7963847B2|2004-08-19|2011-06-21|Igt|Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards|

---

US8021230B2|2004-08-19|2011-09-20|Igt|Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards|

---

US8251791B2|2004-08-19|2012-08-28|Igt|Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards|

---

US7892093B2|2004-08-19|2011-02-22|Igt|Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards|

---

CN101043922A|2004-08-19|2007-09-26|Igt公司|Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards|

---

CN101090759A|2004-08-20|2007-12-19|Igt公司|Gaming device and method having a first interactive game which determines a function of a second wagering game|

---

US20060055113A1|2004-09-14|2006-03-16|Zone4Play, Inc.|Multiplayer card tournaments and methods|

---

WO2006033840A2|2004-09-15|2006-03-30|Wagerworks, Inc.|Casino card game|

---

JP3774465B2|2004-09-15|2006-05-17|コナミ株式会社|Game results evaluation method and apparatus|

---

US9117342B2|2004-09-16|2015-08-25|Bally Gaming, Inc.|Networked gaming system communication protocols and methods|

---

US8529349B2|2004-09-16|2013-09-10|Bally Gaming, Inc.|Networked gaming system communication protocols and methods|

---

US8992326B2|2006-09-06|2015-03-31|Bally Gaming, Inc.|Networked gaming system communication protocols and methods|

---

US9082260B2|2004-09-16|2015-07-14|Bally Gaming, Inc.|Networked gaming system communication protocols and methods|

---

US8568237B2|2004-09-16|2013-10-29|Bally Gaming, Inc.|Networked gaming system communication protocols and methods|

---

US20060074755A1|2004-09-24|2006-04-06|Jeanette Juetten|Online loyalty program|

---

US7666088B2|2004-09-28|2010-02-23|Igt|Methods and apparatus for playing a gaming pool for a feature event bonus game|

---

US8545304B2|2004-09-30|2013-10-01|Wms Gaming Inc.|Wagering game with bonus game triggered by linked terminal|

---

US7775873B2|2004-09-30|2010-08-17|Wms Gaming, Inc.|Wagering game with shared payoff based on multiple player selections|

---

US20060073897A1|2004-10-01|2006-04-06|Wms Gaming Inc.|Wagering game with group jackpot|

---

US7874920B2|2004-10-01|2011-01-25|Vms Gaming Inc.|Wagering game with unilateral player selection for developing a group|

---

US8113947B2|2004-10-01|2012-02-14|Wms Gaming Inc.|Wagering game with award unlocking feature|

---

US7841933B2|2004-10-05|2010-11-30|World Series Of Golf, Inc.|Method for conducting sports tournaments with wagering|

---

US20060234796A1|2004-10-18|2006-10-19|Marc Nobrega|Device and method of termination for open-ended cooperative games|

---

US20060094495A1|2004-10-29|2006-05-04|Philip Gelber|Wagering game with competitive multi-tier event|

---

US8308794B2|2004-11-15|2012-11-13|IZEK Technologies, Inc.|Instrumented implantable stents, vascular grafts and other medical devices|

---

EP1819278A4|2004-11-15|2009-04-08|Izex Technologies Inc|Instrumented orthopedic and other medical implants|

---

US8425331B2|2004-12-07|2013-04-23|Microsoft Corporation|User interface for viewing aggregated game, system and personal information|

---

US7887419B2|2004-12-07|2011-02-15|Microsoft Corporation|Game achievements system|

---

US8876606B2|2004-12-07|2014-11-04|Microsoft Corporation|User-centric method of aggregating information sources to reinforce digital identity|

---

US7621813B2|2004-12-07|2009-11-24|Microsoft Corporation|Ubiquitous unified player tracking system|

---

US7677970B2|2004-12-08|2010-03-16|Microsoft Corporation|System and method for social matching of game players on-line|

---

US20060128453A1|2004-12-10|2006-06-15|Hoffman Anthony H|System and method for on-line blackjack tournament|

---

JP2006158810A|2004-12-10|2006-06-22|Aruze Corp|Game system|

---

KR20070088726A|2004-12-10|2007-08-29|가부시키가이샤 코나미 데지타루 엔타테인멘토|Game progress managing method and its device|

---

US20060136079A1|2004-12-17|2006-06-22|Max Stern|Method for organizing tournaments|

---

US20060135254A1|2004-12-20|2006-06-22|Alfred Thomas|Gaming terminal with special-event wager having different denomination increment than basic wagering game|

---

JP4213659B2|2004-12-20|2009-01-21|株式会社東芝|Nonaqueous electrolyte battery and positive electrode active material|

---

US20090259581A1|2004-12-21|2009-10-15|Horowitz Kenneth A|Financial activity relating to natural peril events|

---

US7783543B2|2004-12-21|2010-08-24|Weather Risk Solutions, Llc|Financial activity based on natural peril events|

---

US7783542B2|2004-12-21|2010-08-24|Weather Risk Solutions, Llc|Financial activity with graphical user interface based on natural peril events|

---

US7693766B2|2004-12-21|2010-04-06|Weather Risk Solutions Llc|Financial activity based on natural events|

---

US7584134B2|2004-12-21|2009-09-01|Weather Risk Solutions, Llc|Graphical user interface for financial activity concerning tropical weather events|

---

US7584133B2|2004-12-21|2009-09-01|Weather Risk Solutions Llc|Financial activity based on tropical weather events|

---

US8266042B2|2004-12-21|2012-09-11|Weather Risk Solutions, Llc|Financial activity based on natural peril events|

---

US7783544B2|2004-12-21|2010-08-24|Weather Risk Solutions, Llc|Financial activity concerning tropical weather events|

---

GB0428213D0|2004-12-23|2005-01-26|Waterleaf Ltd|Broadcast System|

---

US20060142079A1|2004-12-29|2006-06-29|Igt|Universal progressive game pool|

---

US20060160605A1|2005-01-18|2006-07-20|Wms Gaming Inc.|Wagering game with enhanced payline-ordering feature|

---

US8175726B2|2005-01-24|2012-05-08|Microsoft Corporation|Seeding in a skill scoring framework|

---

US20060189376A1|2005-01-31|2006-08-24|Wms Gaming, Inc.|Wagering game with enhancement feature for allowing additional wager during performance of the wagering game|

---

US7927209B2|2005-02-07|2011-04-19|Wms Gaming Inc.|Wagering games with pooling of awards|

---

US7980947B2|2005-02-16|2011-07-19|Igt|Flexible determination of progressive awards|

---

US8062121B2|2005-03-09|2011-11-22|Igt|Printer interpreter for a gaming machine|

---

US20060247060A1|2005-04-15|2006-11-02|Larry Hanson|Internet professional sports|

---

US7775875B2|2005-04-18|2010-08-17|Igt|Gaming methods and systems|

---

US8506373B2|2005-05-03|2013-08-13|Ami Entertainment Network, Inc.|Amusement device prize awarding system and method|

---

CA2608237A1|2005-05-06|2006-11-16|Wms Gaming Inc.|Wagering game with time-based bonus|

---

US7980954B2|2005-05-19|2011-07-19|Wms Gaming Inc.|Wagering game system with shared outcome determined by a gaming machine|

---

AU2006252627B2|2005-05-31|2011-02-24|Bally Gaming, Inc.|Progressive wagering game with funding distribution feature|

---

AU2006252613B2|2005-05-31|2012-05-31|Bally Gaming, Inc.|Adjustment of awards in progressive system based on wager|

---

US7833094B2|2005-06-06|2010-11-16|Wms Gaming Inc.|Wagering game with community award based on best selection from all players|

---

US20060279044A1|2005-06-14|2006-12-14|Wms Gaming, Inc.|Wagering game with variable wager denominations|

---

US7419430B1|2005-06-16|2008-09-02|Wms Gaming, Inc.|Wagering game for tracking various types of wager inputs|

---

US20070005692A1|2005-06-18|2007-01-04|Rodney Gist|System for instant collaboration|

---

US10510214B2|2005-07-08|2019-12-17|Cfph, Llc|System and method for peer-to-peer wireless gaming|

---

US7534169B2|2005-07-08|2009-05-19|Cfph, Llc|System and method for wireless gaming system with user profiles|

---

US20100328099A1|2005-07-13|2010-12-30|Vitality, Inc.|Night Light With Embedded Cellular Modem|

---

US20070026916A1|2005-07-28|2007-02-01|Idx, Inc.|Vending machine having a game of chance|

---

US7905777B2|2005-08-04|2011-03-15|Igt|Methods and apparatus for auctioning an item via a gaming device|

---

US8070604B2|2005-08-09|2011-12-06|Cfph, Llc|System and method for providing wireless gaming as a service application|

---

US7637810B2|2005-08-09|2009-12-29|Cfph, Llc|System and method for wireless gaming system with alerts|

---

US20070060358A1|2005-08-10|2007-03-15|Amaitis Lee M|System and method for wireless gaming with location determination|

---

US20070077975A1|2005-08-15|2007-04-05|Roswitha Warda|Software application for conducting online knowledge-based competitions|

---

US20070060332A1|2005-08-15|2007-03-15|Anderson Peter R|Gaming machine having additional features for tracked players|

---

US8591311B2|2005-08-16|2013-11-26|Wms Gaming Inc.|Gaming system with challenge feature|

---

US7865423B2|2005-08-16|2011-01-04|Bridgetech Capital, Inc.|Systems and methods for providing investment opportunities|

---

US7753773B2|2005-08-26|2010-07-13|Igt|Gaming device having physical concentric symbol generators which are operable to provide a plurality of different games to a player|

---

US9640017B2|2005-08-31|2017-05-02|Igt|Gaming system and method employing rankings of outcomes from multiple gaming machines to determine awards|

---

US20070060326A1|2005-08-31|2007-03-15|Idx, Inc.|Method of cashless gaming and player tracking|

---

US8328626B2|2005-09-01|2012-12-11|Wms Gaming Inc.|Wagering game with progressive game triggered by multiple players|

---

US7597621B2|2005-09-06|2009-10-06|Igt|Gaming device having progressive awards and supplemental awards|

---

US7753782B2|2005-09-06|2010-07-13|Igt|Gaming system and method for providing multiple players multiple bonus awards|

---

US7500913B2|2005-09-06|2009-03-10|Igt|Gaming system which provides multiple players multiple bonus awards|

---

US7819745B2|2005-09-06|2010-10-26|Igt|Gaming system which provides multiple players multiple bonus awards|

---

US7828649B2|2005-09-06|2010-11-09|Igt|Gaming system and method for providing group play with divided bonus features|

---

US20070054729A1|2005-09-08|2007-03-08|Hornik Jeremy M|Wagering game with secondary prize feature|

---

US8128491B2|2005-09-09|2012-03-06|Igt|Server based gaming system having multiple progressive awards|

---

US8216065B2|2005-09-09|2012-07-10|Igt|Gaming system having multiple adjacently arranged gaming machines which each provide a component for a multi-component game|

---

US8137188B2|2005-09-09|2012-03-20|Igt|Server based gaming system having multiple progressive awards|

---

US8303402B2|2005-09-09|2012-11-06|Wms Gaming Inc.|Wagering game with special event shared by adjacent gaming machines|

---

US7841939B2|2005-09-09|2010-11-30|Igt|Server based gaming system having multiple progressive awards|

---

US7887420B2|2005-09-12|2011-02-15|Igt|Method and system for instant-on game download|

---

US8287379B2|2005-09-12|2012-10-16|Igt|Distributed game services|

---

US20070077994A1|2005-10-05|2007-04-05|Betteridge Albert E|Networked video game wagering|

---

US20070093307A1|2005-10-20|2007-04-26|Cocoroma Holding B.V.|System and device for golf swing practising and gaming|

---

US7811172B2|2005-10-21|2010-10-12|Cfph, Llc|System and method for wireless lottery|

---

US20070090599A1|2005-10-21|2007-04-26|Russell Hamilton|Method and apparatus for a card game tournament|

---

US7813821B1|2005-11-02|2010-10-12|David Howell|System, method and computer program product for determining a tennis player rating|

---

US8548610B1|2005-11-02|2013-10-01|Universal Tennis, LLC|Universal system, method and computer program product for determining a tennis player rating and ranking|

---

EP1954362A4|2005-11-22|2011-08-24|Igt Reno Nev|Regulated gaming-staging multi-act games|

---

US20070135208A1|2005-12-08|2007-06-14|Betteridge Albert E Iv|Networked video game wagering with player-initiated verification of wager outcomes|

---

US8814669B2|2005-12-08|2014-08-26|Igt|Systems and methods for post-play gaming benefits|

---

US8262448B2|2005-12-09|2012-09-11|Igt|Gaming system, method and device including player/dealer role reversal for modified blackjack game|

---

US8317618B2|2005-12-15|2012-11-27|At&T Intellectual Property I, Lp|System, method and computer program for enabling an interactive game|

---

US10556183B2|2006-01-10|2020-02-11|Winview, Inc.|Method of and system for conducting multiple contest of skill with a single performance|

---

US8161412B2|2006-01-13|2012-04-17|At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.|Systems, methods, and computer program products for providing interactive content|

---

US7997987B2|2006-01-20|2011-08-16|Microsoft Corporation|Computer-based gaming teams|

---

US20070173324A1|2006-01-20|2007-07-26|Microsoft Corporation|Computer-based gaming groups|

---

WO2007084720A2|2006-01-20|2007-07-26|Topcoder, Inc.|System and method for design development|

---

WO2007087297A2|2006-01-23|2007-08-02|Wms Gaming Inc.|Wagering game with tournament-play features|

---

US20070178959A1|2006-01-30|2007-08-02|Wms Gaming Inc.|Gaming machine having gameplay sequence designators|

---

CA2677824A1|2006-02-08|2008-08-16|Gamelogic Inc.|Method and system for remote entry in frequent player programs|

---

US8402503B2|2006-02-08|2013-03-19|At& T Intellectual Property I, L.P.|Interactive program manager and methods for presenting program content|

---

US7618315B2|2006-02-10|2009-11-17|Wms Gaming Inc.|Wagering game with wrap-around paylines|

---

EP1862955A1|2006-02-10|2007-12-05|Microsoft Corporation|Determining relative skills of players|

---

JP3977401B2|2006-02-15|2007-09-19|株式会社コナミデジタルエンタテインメント|Game server, spectator evaluation method, and program|

---

WO2007098105A2|2006-02-21|2007-08-30|Topcoder, Inc.|Internet contest|

---

US20070243929A1|2006-03-01|2007-10-18|Pokermatic, Inc.|Multiple gaming|

---

US8065710B2|2006-03-02|2011-11-22|At& T Intellectual Property I, L.P.|Apparatuses and methods for interactive communication concerning multimedia content|

---

US8172685B2|2006-03-07|2012-05-08|Wms Gaming Inc.|Wagering game with persistent state of game assets affecting other players|

---

US7780520B2|2006-03-15|2010-08-24|Igt|Gaming device having multiple different types of progressive awards|

---

US7459624B2|2006-03-29|2008-12-02|Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.|Game controller simulating a musical instrument|

---

US20070238510A1|2006-04-05|2007-10-11|Wms Gaming, Inc.|Wagering game with symbol animation on moving reels|

---

WO2007117502A2|2006-04-05|2007-10-18|Wms Gaming Inc.|Wagering game with multiplier for progressive fund pool|

---

US20070235938A1|2006-04-06|2007-10-11|Robert William Soderstrom|Team play poker|

---

WO2007120741A2|2006-04-12|2007-10-25|Netamin Communication Corp.|Team-based networked video gaming and automatic event management|

---

US8224696B2|2006-04-17|2012-07-17|Yahoo! Inc.|Automated reward management for network-based contests|

---

US7644861B2|2006-04-18|2010-01-12|Bgc Partners, Inc.|Systems and methods for providing access to wireless gaming devices|

---

US20070265092A1|2006-04-21|2007-11-15|Albert Betteridge|Exchange-based and challenge-based networked video game wagering|

---

US20070250378A1|2006-04-24|2007-10-25|Hughes John M|Systems and methods for conducting production competitions|

---

USRE46405E1|2006-04-27|2017-05-16|Bally Gaming, Inc.|Community wagering game with multiple player selections|

---

US8317598B2|2006-04-27|2012-11-27|Spencer Leonard McNally|Handicapping and differential reward system for skill-based games|

---

US20080052146A1|2006-05-01|2008-02-28|David Messinger|Project management system|

---

US20060178185A1|2006-05-01|2006-08-10|Weis Richard K|Session timed method for conducting a poker tournament|

---

US10783458B2|2006-05-01|2020-09-22|Topcoder, Inc.|Systems and methods for screening submissions in production competitions|

---

US7549576B2|2006-05-05|2009-06-23|Cfph, L.L.C.|Systems and methods for providing access to wireless gaming devices|

---

US8939359B2|2006-05-05|2015-01-27|Cfph, Llc|Game access device with time varying signal|

---

US10062062B1|2006-05-25|2018-08-28|Jbshbm, Llc|Automated teller machineproviding money for loyalty points|

---

US8684265B1|2006-05-25|2014-04-01|Sean I. Mcghie|Rewards program website permitting conversion/transfer of non-negotiable credits to entity independent funds|

---

US8342399B1|2006-05-25|2013-01-01|Mcghie Sean I|Conversion of credits to funds|

---

US8162209B2|2006-05-25|2012-04-24|Buchheit Brian K|Storefront purchases utilizing non-negotiable credits earned from a game of chance|

---

US7703673B2|2006-05-25|2010-04-27|Buchheit Brian K|Web based conversion of non-negotiable credits associated with an entity to entity independent negotiable funds|

---

US9704174B1|2006-05-25|2017-07-11|Sean I. Mcghie|Conversion of loyalty program points to commerce partner points per terms of a mutual agreement|

---

US8201734B1|2006-05-25|2012-06-19|Mcghie Sean I|Conversion of non-negotiable credits associated with an entity into entity independent negotiable funds|

---

US8267315B1|2006-05-25|2012-09-18|Mcghie Sean I|Exchange of non-negotiable credits for entity independent funds|

---

US8668146B1|2006-05-25|2014-03-11|Sean I. Mcghie|Rewards program with payment artifact permitting conversion/transfer of non-negotiable credits to entity independent funds|

---

US8376224B2|2006-05-25|2013-02-19|Sean I. Mcghie|Self-service stations for utilizing non-negotiable credits earned from a game of chance|

---

KR100864398B1|2006-06-07|2008-10-20|엔에이치엔|Online tournament game open system and method thereof, and ranking determine system and method thereof|

---

US20070293322A1|2006-06-16|2007-12-20|Yahoo! Inc.|System and method for use in a multi-team game|

---

US20070293321A1|2006-06-16|2007-12-20|Yahoo! Inc.|System and method for creating an affinity between persons and an online entity|

---

US7841946B2|2006-06-29|2010-11-30|Spawn Labs, Inc.|System for remote game access|

---

JP2009544354A|2006-07-20|2009-12-17|ダブリューエムエス・ゲイミング・インコーポレーテッド|A gambling game with special event qualification features based on passive gameplay|

---

US20080026846A1|2006-07-25|2008-01-31|Mcmaster Jason|Structured gaming system|

---

US9205329B2|2006-07-25|2015-12-08|Mga Entertainment, Inc.|Virtual world electronic game|

---

US8512130B2|2006-07-27|2013-08-20|Igt|Gaming system with linked gaming machines that are configurable to have a same probability of winning a designated award|

---

EP2047417A4|2006-08-01|2011-08-31|Gamelogic Inc|Method for playing multi-level games of chance|

---

WO2008016656A2|2006-08-02|2008-02-07|Martin Reiner|Methods and system for game playability and expectation wager payout|

---

US8070597B2|2006-08-03|2011-12-06|Igt|Gaming device and method having multiple progressive award levels and a secondary game for advancing through the progressive award levels|

---

WO2008021449A2|2006-08-15|2008-02-21|Wms Gaming Inc.|Wagering game with progressive feature|

---

US20080042352A1|2006-08-16|2008-02-21|Richard Darling|Method and device for playing a game with elimination|

---

US8012014B2|2006-08-22|2011-09-06|Igt|Gaming system having awards provided based on rate of play|

---

US7762557B2|2006-09-06|2010-07-27|Gregory Davidzon|Trivia game and method of play|

---

US20080064533A1|2006-09-08|2008-03-13|Keith Norman|Golf Game and Scoring System|

---

US7674180B2|2006-09-27|2010-03-09|Igt|Server based gaming system having system triggered loyalty award sequences|

---

US8616959B2|2006-09-27|2013-12-31|Igt|Server based gaming system having system triggered loyalty award sequences|

---

US7862430B2|2006-09-27|2011-01-04|Igt|Server based gaming system having system triggered loyalty award sequences|

---

US20080103614A1|2006-10-06|2008-05-01|Julian Ellison|Prediction method and system|

---

US8241100B2|2006-10-11|2012-08-14|Milestone Entertainment Llc|Methods and apparatus for enhanced interactive game play in lottery and gaming environments|

---

US8523665B2|2006-10-11|2013-09-03|Igt|Gaming system and method having multi-level mystery triggered progressive awards|

---

US9508225B2|2006-10-11|2016-11-29|Milestone Entertainment Llc|Methods and apparatus for enhanced interactive game play in lottery and gaming environments|

---

US20080090632A1|2006-10-12|2008-04-17|Waterleaf Limited|Method and system for providing deal-making in multiplayer tournaments|

---

US7684017B2|2006-10-26|2010-03-23|Callaway Golf Company|Laser range finder for use on a golf course|

---

US9306952B2|2006-10-26|2016-04-05|Cfph, Llc|System and method for wireless gaming with location determination|

---

US8292741B2|2006-10-26|2012-10-23|Cfph, Llc|Apparatus, processes and articles for facilitating mobile gaming|

---

US20080103997A1|2006-10-31|2008-05-01|Gene Fein|Archival learning and future performance projection|

---

US7857699B2|2006-11-01|2010-12-28|Igt|Gaming system and method of operating a gaming system having a bonus participation bidding sequence|

---

WO2008057356A2|2006-11-02|2008-05-15|Wms Gaming Inc.|Wagering game with progressive award indicator having an incrementing feature|

---

US7789755B2|2006-11-06|2010-09-07|Igt|Gaming system and method having award distribution using shares|

---

US20080108401A1|2006-11-06|2008-05-08|Igt|Gaming system and method providing a multi-player game having an auction for determining player actions in the game|

---

US7967677B2|2006-11-08|2011-06-28|Igt|Gaming system and method for providing virtual drawings|

---

US20080108430A1|2006-11-08|2008-05-08|Igt|Gaming system and method which provides players an opportunity to win a progressive award|

---

US9047733B2|2006-11-08|2015-06-02|Igt|Gaming system and method for providing multiple level progressive awards with increased odds of winning higher level progressive awards|

---

US7963845B2|2006-11-08|2011-06-21|Igt|Gaming system and method with multiple progressive award levels and a skill based determination of providing one of the progressive award levels|

---

US8105149B2|2006-11-10|2012-01-31|Igt|Gaming system and method providing venue wide simultaneous player participation based bonus game|

---

US8645709B2|2006-11-14|2014-02-04|Cfph, Llc|Biometric access data encryption|

---

US8510567B2|2006-11-14|2013-08-13|Cfph, Llc|Conditional biometric access in a gaming environment|

---

US9411944B2|2006-11-15|2016-08-09|Cfph, Llc|Biometric access sensitivity|

---

GB2444766A|2006-11-22|2008-06-18|Bawden & Associates|Internet trivia quiz gaming system|

---

JP2007115268A|2006-12-06|2007-05-10|Casio Comput Co Ltd|Communication terminal and display control method|

---

US20080167960A1|2007-01-08|2008-07-10|Topcoder, Inc.|System and Method for Collective Response Aggregation|

---

US8888597B2|2007-01-09|2014-11-18|Bally Gaming, Inc.|Systems for providing amusement|

---

US7976373B2|2007-01-09|2011-07-12|Bally Gaming, Inc.|Apparatus for providing amusement|

---

AU2008200181A1|2007-01-17|2008-07-31|Acei Ab|A method of gaming and a gaming system|

---

KR101397567B1|2007-01-24|2014-05-22|가부시키가이샤 한도오따이 에네루기 켄큐쇼|Method of crystallizing semiconductor film and method of manufacturing semiconductor device|

---

US20080196000A1|2007-02-14|2008-08-14|Fernandez-Lvern Javier|System and method for software development|

---

US8771058B2|2007-02-15|2014-07-08|Cfph, Llc|Zone dependent payout percentage|

---

US20080200257A1|2007-02-16|2008-08-21|Merit Industries, Inc.|Electronic value-operated and battery powered portable amusement device|

---

WO2008106203A2|2007-02-27|2008-09-04|Cameron Johnson|Innovation system|

---

US20080222055A1|2007-03-07|2008-09-11|Hughes John M|System and Method for Creating Musical Works|

---

US8581721B2|2007-03-08|2013-11-12|Cfph, Llc|Game access device with privileges|

---

US9183693B2|2007-03-08|2015-11-10|Cfph, Llc|Game access device|

---

US8073792B2|2007-03-13|2011-12-06|Topcoder, Inc.|System and method for content development|

---

US8319601B2|2007-03-14|2012-11-27|Cfph, Llc|Game account access device|

---

US8814647B2|2007-03-19|2014-08-26|Igt|Gaming device and method of operating a gaming device including player controlled targeting|

---

US20080234023A1|2007-03-23|2008-09-25|Ajmal Mullahkhel|Light game|

---

US7716120B2|2007-04-02|2010-05-11|Bgc Partners, Inc.|Apparatus and methods for placing and transmitting trading orders|

---

US7711633B2|2007-04-02|2010-05-04|Bgc Partners, Inc.|Apparatus and methods to use test orders to determine locking preferences|

---

US7769675B2|2007-04-02|2010-08-03|Bgc Partners, Inc.|Test trading|

---

US8398489B2|2007-04-05|2013-03-19|Cfph, Llc|Sorting games of chance|

---

US8192270B2|2007-04-16|2012-06-05|Case Venture Management, Llc|Bingo game, method, and elimination tournament|

---

US20080265509A1|2007-04-24|2008-10-30|Spin Master Ltd.|Online racing system using electronic trading cards|

---

WO2008143790A2|2007-05-14|2008-11-27|Wms Gaming Inc.|Wagering game|

---

WO2008144536A1|2007-05-17|2008-11-27|Walker Digital, Llc|Group play of lottery game|

---

US20090319238A1|2007-05-21|2009-12-24|Raynald Bedard|Simulation scoring systems|

---

US8147322B2|2007-06-12|2012-04-03|Walker Digital, Llc|Multiplayer gaming device and methods|

---

US8678896B2|2007-06-14|2014-03-25|Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.|Systems and methods for asynchronous band interaction in a rhythm action game|

---

EP2206540A1|2007-06-14|2010-07-14|Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.|System and method for simulating a rock band experience|

---

US20090005141A1|2007-06-26|2009-01-01|Nokia Corporation|Personalized Multiplayer Media Game or Quiz|

---

US7985133B2|2007-07-30|2011-07-26|Igt|Gaming system and method for providing an additional gaming currency|

---

US8118658B2|2007-07-31|2012-02-21|Hughes Michael L|Rolling raffle game|

---

US8602865B2|2007-08-06|2013-12-10|Igt|Gaming system and method providing a group bonus event for linked gaming devices|

---

US8900053B2|2007-08-10|2014-12-02|Igt|Gaming system and method for providing different bonus awards based on different types of triggered events|

---

US7976376B2|2007-08-13|2011-07-12|Bally Gaming, Inc.|Methods for providing amusement|

---

US20090070198A1|2007-09-12|2009-03-12|Sony Corporation|Studio farm|

---

US8096874B2|2007-09-27|2012-01-17|Igt|Gaming system and method having progressive awards with meter increase events|

---

US9142097B2|2007-10-26|2015-09-22|Igt|Gaming system and method for providing play of local first game and remote second game|

---

US8197337B2|2007-10-29|2012-06-12|Igt|Gaming system and method for providing multi-level personal progressive awards|

---

AU2008319355B2|2007-11-01|2012-03-08|Bally Gaming, Inc.|Gaming system having free spin enhancement features|

---

US8500548B2|2007-11-08|2013-08-06|Igt|Gaming system and method for providing team progressive awards|

---

WO2009061696A1|2007-11-08|2009-05-14|Wms Gaming Inc.|Wagering game with community event poker game|

---

US10699524B2|2007-11-08|2020-06-30|Igt|Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing multi-level progressive awards|

---

US8357034B2|2007-11-08|2013-01-22|Igt|Gaming system and method providing third party promotions|

---

US20090124323A1|2007-11-09|2009-05-14|Russell Brooke Dunn|Roulette game using cards as an indication of game outcome|

---

US20090192849A1|2007-11-09|2009-07-30|Hughes John M|System and method for software development|

---

US8651947B2|2007-11-09|2014-02-18|Igt|Gaming system and method providing a multiple-player bonus redemption game|

---

US8231448B2|2007-11-09|2012-07-31|Igt|Gaming system and method for providing purchasable bonus opportunities|

---

US8177634B2|2007-12-26|2012-05-15|Scientific Games Holdings Limited|System and method for collecting and using player information|

---

JP5288094B2|2008-01-11|2013-09-11|株式会社セガ|GAME SYSTEM AND GAME CONTROL METHOD|

---

WO2009089447A1|2008-01-11|2009-07-16|Topcoder, Inc.|System and method for conducting competitions|

---

US20090191969A1|2008-01-25|2009-07-30|Roland Moreno|Method of organizing a collective on-line game|

---

US20090191953A1|2008-01-25|2009-07-30|Roland Moreno|Method of organizing a collective on-line game|

---

US8662985B2|2008-01-28|2014-03-04|Bradley W. Johnson|Adding secondary game to conventional gaming machines|

---

US8535134B2|2008-01-28|2013-09-17|Milestone Entertainment Llc|Method and system for electronic interaction in a multi-player gaming system|

---

US8753199B2|2008-01-31|2014-06-17|Wms Gaming, Inc.|Instant player profiler|

---

US7823883B1|2008-02-29|2010-11-02|Bally Gaming Inc.|Wheel indicator and ticket dispenser apparatus|

---

JP4650516B2|2008-04-09|2011-03-16|ソニー株式会社|Imaging data management method and imaging apparatus|

---

US8152612B1|2008-04-22|2012-04-10|Renald Poisson|Online gaming system for simulating a football game|

---

US8187896B1|2008-04-22|2012-05-29|Renald Poisson|Online gaming system for simulating a baseball game|

---

US8187066B1|2008-04-22|2012-05-29|Renald Poisson|Online gaming system for simulating a basketball game|

---

US8187065B1|2008-04-22|2012-05-29|Renald Poisson|Video card gaming system for simulating a football game|

---

US8229755B2|2008-04-30|2012-07-24|Felice David A|System and method of networked wagering|

---

US20090287570A1|2008-05-14|2009-11-19|Adamousky Glenn D|E-commerce website|

---

US20090319304A1|2008-06-23|2009-12-24|Smith Daniel R|Event scheduling method and system|

---

US8663013B2|2008-07-08|2014-03-04|Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.|Systems and methods for simulating a rock band experience|

---

US8118666B2|2008-07-15|2012-02-21|Igt|Gaming system, gaming devices, and method for providing an enhanced multiple-player bonus redemption game|

---

US8393968B2|2008-09-03|2013-03-12|Igt|Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing a strategy game having a plurality of awards|

---

US8187069B2|2008-09-22|2012-05-29|Renald Poisson|Online gaming system for simulating a soccer game using an electronic deck of playing cards|

---

US10235832B2|2008-10-17|2019-03-19|Igt|Post certification metering for diverse game machines|

---

US8376836B2|2008-11-07|2013-02-19|Igt|Server based gaming system and method for providing deferral of bonus events|

---

WO2010054061A1|2008-11-10|2010-05-14|Wms Gaming Inc.|Gaming system having system wide tournament features|

---

US20100121695A1|2008-11-12|2010-05-13|Star Prog, Llc|Web-based marketing method|

---

US20140095279A1|2008-11-12|2014-04-03|David Everett Benge Ward|Web-based Marketing Method|

---

US8152630B2|2008-11-13|2012-04-10|Igt|Gaming system and method having bonus event and bonus event award in accordance with a current wager and one or more accumulated bonus event points|

---

US8449386B2|2008-11-13|2013-05-28|Wms Gaming Inc.|Gaming system having bonus awards entered into tournament features|

---

US8187089B2|2009-03-03|2012-05-29|Wms Gaming Inc.|Wagering game providing player options for time-based special event|

---

EP2425599A4|2009-04-28|2013-04-03|Ongame Services Ab|Client account managing arrangement on an online gaming system|

---

US8409010B2|2009-05-05|2013-04-02|Microsoft Corporation|Massively multiplayer game with shared gameplay experience|

---

US8210925B2|2009-05-26|2012-07-03|Microsoft Corporation|Adjusting difficulty level of a multiplayer game|

---

US8449360B2|2009-05-29|2013-05-28|Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.|Displaying song lyrics and vocal cues|

---

US8292720B2|2009-05-29|2012-10-23|Igt|Gaming system, gaming device and method providing competitive wagering games|

---

US8465366B2|2009-05-29|2013-06-18|Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.|Biasing a musical performance input to a part|

---

US20100311495A1|2009-06-09|2010-12-09|Roland Moreno|On-line betting game|

---

US9039516B2|2009-07-30|2015-05-26|Igt|Concurrent play on multiple gaming machines|

---

US20110039610A1|2009-08-12|2011-02-17|Igt|Gaming apparatus and methods for providing one or more gaming sessions|

---

US8419546B2|2009-08-31|2013-04-16|Igt|Gaming system and method for selectively providing an elimination tournament that funds an award through expected values of unplayed tournament games of eliminated players|

---

AU2010224318B2|2009-09-21|2013-04-18|Bally Gaming, Inc.|Competitive-collaborative community event|

---

AU2010233759B8|2009-10-15|2013-02-21|Bally Gaming, Inc.|Wagering game with multi-level progressive jackpot with partial reset|

---

WO2011056657A2|2009-10-27|2011-05-12|Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.|Gesture-based user interface|

---

US9981193B2|2009-10-27|2018-05-29|Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.|Movement based recognition and evaluation|

---

US8622805B2|2009-10-28|2014-01-07|Wms Gaming Inc.|Wagering game for awarding positional game modifiers in a plurality of plays|

---

US8562418B2|2009-10-28|2013-10-22|Wms Gaming Inc.|Gaming system with non-cash-based progressive awards|

---

CN201569368U|2009-11-06|2010-09-01|英群企业股份有限公司|Improved structure of dart board and electronic device employing same|

---

US8613664B2|2009-11-13|2013-12-24|Wms Gaming Inc.|Wagering interface for a gaming system|

---

US8342947B2|2009-11-13|2013-01-01|Igt|Gaming system, gaming device and method for determining an outcome of a secondary game based on one or more events which occur in association with a primary game|

---

US9237294B2|2010-03-05|2016-01-12|Sony Corporation|Apparatus and method for replacing a broadcasted advertisement based on both heuristic information and attempts in altering the playback of the advertisement|

---

US8874243B2|2010-03-16|2014-10-28|Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.|Simulating musical instruments|

---

US8398475B2|2010-04-27|2013-03-19|Igt|Gaming system, gaming device and method providing a first game and a plurality second wagering games each associated with a separate activatable component of the first game|

---

US8562403B2|2010-06-11|2013-10-22|Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.|Prompting a player of a dance game|

---

US8702485B2|2010-06-11|2014-04-22|Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.|Dance game and tutorial|

---

US9358456B1|2010-06-11|2016-06-07|Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.|Dance competition game|

---

US8628400B2|2010-07-21|2014-01-14|Wms Gaming Inc.|Progressive wagering game having symbol-triggering award feature|

---

US8956231B2|2010-08-13|2015-02-17|Cfph, Llc|Multi-process communication regarding gaming information|

---

US8974302B2|2010-08-13|2015-03-10|Cfph, Llc|Multi-process communication regarding gaming information|

---

US20120149458A1|2010-08-23|2012-06-14|Holiday Golf International, Inc.|Networked sports simulator and method|

---

US9024166B2|2010-09-09|2015-05-05|Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.|Preventing subtractive track separation|

---

US8360851B2|2010-10-15|2013-01-29|Wms Gaming Inc.|Wagering game with progressive game award values associated with reel symbols|

---

WO2012052899A2|2010-10-20|2012-04-26|Jajagaming Ltd.|Method and system for a-synchronous multi-player network-based gaming|

---

US9832528B2|2010-10-21|2017-11-28|Sony Corporation|System and method for merging network-based content with broadcasted programming content|

---

US8641520B2|2010-10-27|2014-02-04|Wms Gaming Inc.|Wager equalized bonus trigger allocation and redemption|

---

US8506390B2|2010-11-04|2013-08-13|Wms Gaming Inc.|Wagering game having game assets with multiple levels of enhancement|

---

US8753194B2|2010-11-11|2014-06-17|Igt|Escrow accounts for use in distributing payouts with minimal interruption to game play|

---

US20120142429A1|2010-12-03|2012-06-07|Muller Marcus S|Collaborative electronic game play employing player classification and aggregation|

---

US9613492B2|2011-05-10|2017-04-04|Bally Gaming, Inc.|Gaming system having system wide tournament features|

---

GB201108118D0|2011-05-13|2011-06-29|Waterleaf Ltd|System for playing multiplayer games|

---

US9058714B2|2011-05-23|2015-06-16|Wms Gaming Inc.|Wagering game systems, wagering gaming machines, and wagering gaming chairs having haptic and thermal feedback|

---

US9142083B2|2011-06-13|2015-09-22|Bally Gaming, Inc.|Convertible gaming chairs and wagering game systems and machines with a convertible gaming chair|

---

US8810380B2|2011-07-01|2014-08-19|Gerald F. Leitz|Golf scoring management system|

---

US8506378B2|2011-09-21|2013-08-13|Igt|Gaming system, gaming device, and method providing advertising messages to players based on a determination of a positive winning gaming session|

---

US8366533B1|2011-09-21|2013-02-05|Igt|Gaming system, gaming device, and method providing an obstacle board slot game|

---

US8366532B1|2011-09-21|2013-02-05|Igt|Gaming system, gaming device, and method providing an obstacle board slot game|

---

US8545312B2|2011-09-22|2013-10-01|Igt|Gaming system, gaming device, and method changing awards available to be won in pending plays of a game based on a quantity of concurrently pending plays of the game|

---

US8585481B2|2011-09-23|2013-11-19|Multimedia Games, Inc.|Wagering game method, gaming machine, gaming system, and program product facilitating tournament play|

---

US9430908B2|2011-09-23|2016-08-30|Everi Games, Inc.|Wagering game method, gaming machine, gaming system, and program product facilitating tournament play|

---

US8924432B2|2011-09-26|2014-12-30|Ami Entertainment Network, Llc|Portable hand held controller for amusement device|

---

US8905831B2|2011-09-28|2014-12-09|Igt|Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a multiple player persistent game|

---

US8475265B2|2011-09-28|2013-07-02|Igt|Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a multiple player persistent game|

---

US8662980B2|2011-09-28|2014-03-04|Igt|Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a multiple player persistent game|

---

US9792451B2|2011-12-09|2017-10-17|Echarge2 Corporation|System and methods for using cipher objects to protect data|

---

US20130166420A1|2011-12-23|2013-06-27|Fluor Technologies Corporation|Enterprise inventory asset control with transaction stacker|

---

US9342956B2|2012-02-24|2016-05-17|Igt|Gaming system, gaming device and method for shifting progressive award contribution rates|

---

TWI627987B|2012-02-28|2018-07-01|Ｃｆｐｈ有限責任公司|Method and apparatus of providing gameing service|

---

US8795063B2|2012-03-27|2014-08-05|Igt|Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a multiple player game|

---

US8979635B2|2012-04-02|2015-03-17|Wms Gaming Inc.|Systems, methods and devices for playing wagering games with distributed and shared partial outcome features|

---

US9564007B2|2012-06-04|2017-02-07|Bally Gaming, Inc.|Wagering game content based on locations of player check-in|

---

US8814664B2|2012-06-06|2014-08-26|Cfph, Llc|Method and apparatus for challenge-based gaming using points and/or money|

---

US8708804B2|2012-06-22|2014-04-29|Igt|Gaming system and method providing a collection game including at least one customizable award collector|

---

GB2505158A|2012-06-29|2014-02-26|Pridefield Ltd|System for rake allocation in an online multiplayer game|

---

US9305433B2|2012-07-20|2016-04-05|Bally Gaming, Inc.|Systems, methods and devices for playing wagering games with distributed competition features|

---

CA2880492A1|2012-08-01|2014-02-06|Sears Brands, Llc|Contests and sweepstakes|

---

US9214067B2|2012-09-06|2015-12-15|Igt|Gaming system and method for providing a streaming symbols game|

---

US8616981B1|2012-09-12|2013-12-31|Wms Gaming Inc.|Systems, methods, and devices for playing wagering games with location-triggered game features|

---

US9524614B2|2012-09-25|2016-12-20|Igt|Gaming system and method for permanently increasing the average expected payback percentage of a game for a player|

---

US9039512B2|2012-09-27|2015-05-26|Igt|Gaming system and method for providing a game which populates symbols along a path|

---

US9028318B2|2012-09-27|2015-05-12|Igt|Gaming system and method for providing a game which populates symbols along a path|

---

US8992301B2|2012-09-27|2015-03-31|Igt|Gaming system and method for providing a game which populates symbols along a path|

---

US9489804B2|2012-09-28|2016-11-08|Bally Gaming, Inc.|Community gaming system with varying eligibility criteria|

---

US8702486B1|2012-11-05|2014-04-22|PuzzleSocial LLC|System and method for providing an online platform for gameplay of crossword puzzles and other word-based games|

---

US8753186B2|2012-11-05|2014-06-17|PuzzleSocial LLC|System and method of providing a platform for providing sweepstakes and sponsored puzzles for crossword puzzles and other word-based games|

---

WO2014078844A1|2012-11-19|2014-05-22|Cfph, Llc|Amusement devices and games involving progressive jackpots|

---

US8998719B1|2012-12-14|2015-04-07|Elbo, Inc.|Network-enabled game controller|

---

US20140187302A1|2012-12-31|2014-07-03|Jared Jeremy Ginsberg|Predictive Sports-Based Platforms|

---

US9514611B2|2013-03-06|2016-12-06|Igt|Gaming system and method for providing a game with unlockable features|

---

US8851979B2|2013-03-07|2014-10-07|Igt|Gaming system and method for providing a symbol elimination game|

---

US8784191B1|2013-03-07|2014-07-22|Igt|Gaming system and method for providing a symbol elimination game|

---

US9390585B2|2013-07-17|2016-07-12|Igt|Gaming system and method for providing team play benefits|

---

US9607479B2|2013-09-20|2017-03-28|Bally Gaming, Inc.|Tournament gaming system with shared elements|

---

US20150119123A1|2013-10-25|2015-04-30|Kizzang Llc|System and method for conducting on-line poker tournaments|

---

US9098968B1|2014-02-12|2015-08-04|Igt|Gaming system and method for accumulating and redeeming community game tokens|

---

US10169957B2|2014-02-13|2019-01-01|Igt|Multiple player gaming station interaction systems and methods|

---

US10888789B2|2015-07-10|2021-01-12|Versus Llc|Systems and methods for creating and maintaining real money tournaments for video games|

---

US10242538B2|2014-07-22|2019-03-26|Versus Llc|Systems and methods for creating and maintaining real money tournaments for video games|

---

US9990804B2|2014-09-24|2018-06-05|Bally Gaming, Inc.|Wagering game having interlinked progressive values with shared increment|

---

US10204361B2|2014-10-17|2019-02-12|Givling, Inc.|Method and system for gamified crowdfunding|

---

US9972171B2|2015-09-24|2018-05-15|Igt|Gaming system and method for providing a triggering event based on a collection of units from different games|

---

CN107073335A|2015-10-26|2017-08-18|世嘉飒美创意股份有限公司|Games system and method for displaying image|

---

CN107547492A|2016-06-29|2018-01-05|无敌媒体有限公司|For the system and method for the influence for reducing network interruption|

---

CN107537157A|2016-06-29|2018-01-05|无敌媒体有限公司|System and method for reducing the fraud in the electronic game with ideal money|

---

CN107545131A|2016-06-29|2018-01-05|君富有限公司|System and method for protecting ideal money safety and enhancing electronic product|

---

US10186106B2|2016-09-21|2019-01-22|Igt|Gaming system and method for determining awards based on interacting symbols|

---

US10744400B2|2018-06-07|2020-08-18|Virtual Vectors, Llc.|Electronic gaming device|

---

US10607445B2|2018-07-10|2020-03-31|Igt|System and method for providing financial account rewards programs|

---

US11055951B2|2019-03-01|2021-07-06|Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited|Individual metamorphic linked jackpots|

---

USD931300S1|2019-08-23|2021-09-21|Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited|Display screen with animated graphical user interface|

---

US11128636B1|2020-05-13|2021-09-21|Science House LLC|Systems, methods, and apparatus for enhanced headsets|

法律状态:
2001-05-31| AS| Assignment|Owner name: WALKER, JAY, CONNECTICUT Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WALKER DIGITAL, LLC;REEL/FRAME:011874/0792 Effective date: 20010531 Owner name: WALKER, JAY,CONNECTICUT Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WALKER DIGITAL, LLC;REEL/FRAME:011874/0792 Effective date: 20010531 |

---

2002-07-11| STCF| Information on status: patent grant|Free format text: PATENTED CASE |

---

2003-02-13| AS| Assignment|Owner name: JSW INVESTMENTS, LLC, CONNECTICUT Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WALKER DIGITAL, LLC;REEL/FRAME:013740/0219 Effective date: 20021226 |

---

2005-06-27| AS| Assignment|Owner name: WALKER DIGITAL, LLC, CONNECTICUT Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:JSW INVESTMENTS, LLC;REEL/FRAME:017783/0080 Effective date: 20050527 |

---

2005-12-06| AS| Assignment|Owner name: WALKER DIGITAL, LLC, CONNECTICUT Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:JSW INVESTMENTS, LLC;REEL/FRAME:018668/0615 Effective date: 20050527 |

---

2006-01-06| FPAY| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 4 |

---

2009-12-30| FPAY| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 8 |

---

2012-08-21| RR| Request for reexamination filed|Effective date: 20120703 |

---

2013-12-17| AS| Assignment|Owner name: INVENTOR HOLDINGS, LLC, CONNECTICUT Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WALKER DIGITAL, LLC;REEL/FRAME:031797/0629 Effective date: 20131101 |

---

2014-01-30| FPAY| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 12 |

---

2014-08-08| AS| Assignment|Owner name: IGT, NEVADA Free format text: LICENSE;ASSIGNORS:WALKER DIGITAL GAMING, LLC;WALKER DIGITAL GAMING HOLDING, LLC;WDG EQUITY, LLC;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:033501/0023 Effective date: 20090810 |

---

2015-03-27| AS| Assignment|Owner name: WALKER DIGITAL, LLC, CONNECTICUT Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WALKER ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP;REEL/FRAME:035276/0107 Effective date: 19991124 Owner name: WALKER ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, CONNE Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:WALKER, JAY S.;JORASCH, JAMES A.;REEL/FRAME:035275/0958 Effective date: 19960711 |

---

2015-08-18| LIMR| Reexamination decision: claims changed and/or cancelled|Free format text: CLAIMS 1-4 AND 8-10 ARE CANCELLED. CLAIMS 5-7 WERE NOT REEXAMINED. Filing date: 20120703 Effective date: 20150813 |

优先权:

---

申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

---

US08/635,576|US5779549A|1996-04-22|1996-04-22|Database driven online distributed tournament system|

---

US09/028,781|US6224486B1|1996-04-22|1998-02-24|Database driven online distributed tournament system|

---

US09/768,567|US6425828B2|1996-04-22|2001-01-24|Database driven online distributed tournament system|US09/768,567| US6425828B2|1996-04-22|2001-01-24|Database driven online distributed tournament system|

---

US09/962,065| US7033276B2|1996-04-22|2001-09-25|Method and system for adapting casino games to playing preferences|

---

US10/159,945| US7192352B2|1996-04-22|2002-05-30|System and method for facilitating play of a video game via a web site|

---

US11/219,447| US20070060360A1|1996-04-22|2005-09-02|Method and system for adapting casino games to playing preferences|

---

US11/423,916| US20070135213A1|1996-04-22|2006-06-13|Method and system for adapting casino games to playing preferences|

---

US11/423,913| US20070135212A1|1996-04-22|2006-06-13|Method and system for adapting casino games to playing preferences|

---

US11/423,904| US20060287069A1|1996-04-22|2006-06-13|Method and system for adapting casino games to playing preferences|

---

US11/461,630| US20060287046A1|1996-04-22|2006-08-01|System and method for facilitating play of a video game via a web site|

---

US11/624,764| US7985132B2|1996-04-22|2007-01-19|System and method for facilitating play of a video game via a web site|

---

US11/624,716| US20070117618A1|1996-04-22|2007-01-19|System and method for facilitating play of a video game via a web site|

---

US11/624,798| US7438642B2|1996-04-22|2007-01-19|System and method for facilitating play of a video game via a web site|

---

US11/624,752| US7390255B2|1996-04-22|2007-01-19|System and method for facilitating play of a video game via a web site|

---

US11/624,787| US20070117641A1|1996-04-22|2007-01-19|System and method for facilitating play of a video game via a web site|

---

US11/624,737| US20070123347A1|1996-04-22|2007-01-19|System and method for facilitating play of a video game via a web site|

---

US13/172,408| US20110256936A1|1996-04-22|2011-06-29|System and method for facilitating play of a video game via a web site|

---

US14/091,302| US20140087885A1|1996-04-22|2013-11-26|Method and system for adapting casino games to playing preferences|