U.S. patent application number 11/746195 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-13 for on-line gaming tournament.
Invention is credited to Terry Debono, Gary Shar, John Patrick Solmes.
Application Number | 20080280663 11/746195 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39970025 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080280663 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shar; Gary ; et al. |
November 13, 2008 |
ON-LINE GAMING TOURNAMENT
Abstract
A method and information processing system for allowing a
plurality of users to compete against one another via a network in
at least one game. The method includes providing at least one
virtual environment comprising at least one game tournament for a
game of skill and chance. The game tournament includes a plurality
of hierarchical rounds that include at least a first round and a
second round. A registration service is provided to a plurality of
users for registering to participate in the game tournament. Each
user in the plurality of users is assigned an entry into the first
round thereby resulting in a plurality of Entrants. The
registration service is configured for allowing at least one user
in the plurality of users to register an unlimited number times
wherein the one user is assigned a separate entry into the first
round for each registration by the one user.
Inventors: |
Shar; Gary; (Las Vegas,
NV) ; Solmes; John Patrick; (Las Vegas, NV) ;
Debono; Terry; (Las Vegas, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PAUL D. BIANCO;Fleit Gibbons Gutman Bongini & Bianco PL
21355 EAST DIXIE HIGHWAY, SUITE 115
MIAMI
FL
33180
US
|
Family ID: |
39970025 |
Appl. No.: |
11/746195 |
Filed: |
May 9, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/10 ;
463/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3276 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/10 ;
463/1 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method of allowing a plurality of users to compete against one
another via a network in at least one game, the method on at least
one information processing system comprising: providing at least
one virtual environment comprising at least one game tournament for
a game of skill and chance, wherein the game tournament includes a
plurality of hierarchical rounds, wherein the plurality of
hierarchical rounds include at least a first round and a second
round; and providing a registration service to a plurality of users
for registering to participate in the game tournament, wherein each
user in the plurality of users is assigned an entry into the first
round thereby resulting in a plurality of Entrants, and wherein the
registration service is configured for allowing at least one user
in the plurality of users to register an unlimited number of times
wherein that the one user is assigned a separate entry into the
first round for each registration by the one user.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the game tournament is a poker
tournament.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: advancing a given
number of the Entrants from the first round to the second
round.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein a plurality of the Entrants in
the given number of Entrants is associated with a single user,
wherein the single user is awarded a number of separate entries
into the second round equal to a number of Entrants associated with
the single user in the plurality of Entrants in the given number of
Entrants.
5. The method of claim 3, wherein the given number of Entrants
comprises one winning Entrant that has accumulated all possible
points in the first round.
6. The method of claim 3, wherein the given number of Entrants
comprises at least one Entrant that remained in the first round
longer than at least one other Entrant and has failed to win the
first round.
7. The method of claim 3, wherein the advancing further comprises:
awarding a plurality of Entrants that includes at least one winning
Entrant that has accumulated all possible points in the second
round and at least one Entrant that remained in the second round
longer than at least one other Entrant a substantially identical
non-monetary prize.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein if more than one Entrant in the
plurality of Entrants is associated with a single user, only one
non-monetary prize is awarded to the single user.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein the substantially identical
non-monetary prize is an invitation to participate in a reality
television program.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the virtual environment is at
least one website.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the virtual environment is
associated with an on-line gaming community.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein at least one user in the
plurality of users is a fee-based member of the online-gaming.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the providing the registration
service further comprises: providing an alternative method of entry
that is non-fee based to at least one user for registering to
participate in the game tournament.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: receiving at least
one self-addressed stamped envelope as the alternative method of
entry from the at least one user; and assigning a separate entry
into the first round associated with the user for each
self-addressed stamped envelope received from the user.
15. A method of allowing a plurality of users to compete against
one another via a network in at least one game of skill and chance,
the method on at least one information processing system
comprising: providing at least one virtual environment comprising
at least one game tournament for a game of skill and chance,
wherein the game tournament includes a plurality of hierarchical
rounds, wherein the plurality of hierarchical rounds include at
least a first round, at least one subsequent round, and a final
round; providing a registration service to a plurality of users for
registering to participate in the game tournament, wherein each
user in the plurality of users is assigned an entry into the first
round thereby resulting in a plurality of Entrants, and wherein the
registration service is configured for allowing at least one user
in the plurality of users to register an unlimited number of times
wherein the one user is assigned a separate entry into the first
round for each registration by the one user; advancing a subset of
the plurality of Entrants from the first round to the subsequent
round thereby resulting in a plurality of Entrants for the
subsequent round, wherein the subset of the plurality of Entrants
includes a winning Entrant that has accumulated all possible points
for the first and at least one Entrant that remained in the first
round longer that at least one other Entrant; advancing a subset of
the plurality of Entrants for the subsequent round to the final
round thereby resulting in a plurality of Entrants for the final
round, wherein the subset of the plurality of Entrants for the
subsequent round have includes a winning Entrant that has
accumulated all possible points for the subsequent round and at
least one Entrant that remained in the subsequent round longer that
at least one other Entrant; and awarding a subset of the plurality
of Entrants for the final round a non-monetary prize of
participating in a reality television shown, wherein, the subset of
the plurality of Entrants for the final round includes a winning
Entrant that has accumulated all possible points for the final
round and at least one Entrant that remained in the final round
longer that at least one other Entrant.
16. An information processing system adapted to allow a plurality
of users to compete against one another via a network in at least
one game, the information processing system comprising: a memory; a
processor communicatively coupled to the memory; at least one
virtual environment comprising at least one game tournament for a
game of skill and chance, wherein the game tournament includes a
plurality of hierarchical rounds, wherein the plurality of
hierarchical rounds include at least a first round and a second
round; and a registration service that is provided to a plurality
of users for registering to participate in the game tournament,
wherein each user in the plurality of users is assigned an entry
into the first round thereby resulting in a plurality of Entrants,
and wherein the registration service is configured for allowing at
least one user in the plurality of users to register an unlimited
number of times wherein the one user is assigned a separate entry
into the first round for each registration by the one user.
17. The information processing system of claim 16, the on-line
gaming tournament is adapted to: advancing a given number of the
Entrants from the first round to the second round, wherein a
plurality of the Entrants in the given number of Entrants is
associated with a single user, wherein the single user is awarded a
number of separate entries into the second round equal to a number
of Entrants associated with the single user in the plurality of
Entrants in the given number of Entrants.
18. The information processing system of claim 17, wherein if the
second round is a final round of the game tournament, awarding a
plurality of Entrants that includes at least one winning Entrant
that has accumulated all possible points in the second round and at
least one Entrant that remained in the second round longer than at
least one other Entrant a substantially identical non-monetary
prize.
19. The information processing system of claim 18, wherein the
substantially identical non-monetary prize is an invitation to
participate in a reality television program.
20. The information processing system of claim 16, wherein the
registration service is adapted to: providing an alternative method
of entry that is non-fee based to at least one user for registering
to participate in the game tournament; receiving at least one
self-addressed stamped envelope as the alternative method of entry
from the at least one user; and assigning a separate entry into the
first round associated with the user for each self-addressed
stamped envelope received from the user.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of
on-line gaming tournaments, and more particularly relates to
providing a multi-tiered on-line gaming tournament.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] On-line gaming has become very popular over the recent
years. One example of on-line gaming is on-line poker, which has
developed into one of the most widely played on-line games.
Although on-line poker provides entertainment to many people, it
also provides many legal concerns. For example, users from
different states and countries can access an on-line poker site.
However, each state (or country) can have different laws regarding
gambling, thereby making it difficult to comply to each state's
laws.
[0003] Another problem with current on-line gaming sites is they
are limited to only a virtual environment. Stated differently,
on-line poker tournaments, for example, are held and when a winner
is declared the tournament is over. Current on-line gaming sites do
not offer a reality experience such as a winning an invitation to
participate on a reality television program.
[0004] Therefore a need exists to overcome the problems with the
prior art as discussed above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Briefly, in accordance with the present invention, disclosed
is a method and information processing system for allowing a
plurality of users to compete against one another via a network in
at least one game. The method includes providing at least one
virtual environment comprising at least one game tournament for a
game of skill and chance. The game tournament includes a plurality
of hierarchical rounds that include at least a first round and a
second round. A registration service is provided to a plurality of
users for registering to participate in the game tournament. Each
user in the plurality of users is assigned an entry into the first
round thereby resulting in a plurality of Entrants. The
registration service is configured for allowing at least one user
in the plurality of users to register an unlimited number times
wherein the one user is assigned a separate entry into the first
round for each registration by the one user.
[0006] In another embodiment, another method for allowing a
plurality of users to compete against one another via a network in
at least one game of skill and chance is disclosed. The method
includes providing at least one virtual environment comprising at
least one game tournament for a game of skill and chance. The game
tournament includes a plurality of hierarchical rounds that include
at least a first round, at least one subsequent round, and a final
round. A registration service is provided to a plurality of users
for registering to participate in the game tournament. Each user in
the plurality of users is assigned an entry into the first round
thereby resulting in a plurality of Entrants. The registration
service is configured for allowing at least one user in the
plurality of users to register multiple times so that the one user
is assigned a separate entry into the first round for each
registration by the one user.
[0007] A subset of the plurality of Entrants is advanced from the
first round to the subsequent round thereby resulting in a
plurality of Entrants for the subsequent round. The subset of the
plurality of Entrants includes a winning Entrant that has
accumulated all possible points for the first and at least one
Entrant that remained in the first round longer that at least one
other Entrant. A subset of the plurality of Entrants for the
subsequent round is advanced to the final round thereby resulting
in a plurality of Entrants for the final round. The subset of the
plurality of Entrants includes a winning Entrant that has
accumulated all possible points for the subsequent and at least one
Entrant that remained in the subsequent round longer that at least
one other Entrant. A subset of the plurality of Entrants for the
final round is awarded a non-monetary prize of participating in a
reality television shown. The subset of the plurality of Entrants
includes a winning Entrant that has accumulated all possible points
for the final round and at least one Entrant that remained in the
final round longer than at least one other Entrant.
[0008] In another embodiment, an information processing system
adapted to allow a plurality of users to compete against one
another via a network in at least one game is disclosed. The
information processing system includes a memory and a processor
communicatively coupled to the memory. The information processing
system also includes at least one virtual environment comprising at
least one game tournament for a game of skill and chance. The game
tournament includes a plurality of hierarchical rounds that include
at least a first round and a second round. A registration service
that is provided to a plurality of users for registering to
participate in the game tournament. Each user in the plurality of
users is assigned an entry into the first round thereby resulting
in a plurality of Entrants. The registration service is configured
for allowing at least one user in the plurality of users to
register an unlimited number of times so that the one user is
assigned a separate entry into the first round for each
registration by the one user.
[0009] One of the advantages of the present invention is that an
on-line gaming tournament is provided that allows multiple users to
participate in a reality television program. The on-line gaming
tournament allows a single user to have multiple entries into a
first level round. Top-finishing Entrants in the first level round
are able to advance to a subsequent round.
[0010] Multiple Entrants from the same game and/or multiple games
(if the level comprises multiple tournaments) within the first
level round may advance to the subsequent round. Multiple Entrants
from the subsequent level are then advanced to a Masters round. As
with the first level round, multiple Entrants from the same game
and/or multiple games (if the level comprises multiple tournaments)
within the subsequent round may advance to the Masters round. Users
associated with top-finishing Entrants are awarded substantially
the same non-monetary such as an invitation to participate in a
reality television program.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The accompanying figures where like reference numerals refer
to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the
separate views, and which together with the detailed description
below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve
to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various
principles and advantages all in accordance with the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 1 is block diagram illustrating an exemplary system
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a
multi-tiered on-line gaming tournament according to an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating multiple Entrants
advancing to subsequent rounds in the on-line gaming tournament
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a information
processing system according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 5 is an operational flow diagram illustrating a process
of providing an on-line gaming tournament according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 6 is an operational flow diagram illustrating a process
of advancing one or more Entrants from a first level round of the
on-line gaming tournament to a subsequent round according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 7 is an operational flow diagram illustrating a process
of advancing one or more Entrants from a subsequent round in an
on-line gaming tournament to a Masters round in the on-line gaming
tournament according to an embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0019] FIG. 8 is an operational flow diagram illustrating a process
of awarding a user an invitation to participate in a reality
television program based according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention
are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the
disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention, which
can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural
and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted
as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a
representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to
variously employ the present invention in virtually any
appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases
used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide
an understandable description of the invention.
[0021] The terms "a" or "an", as used herein, are defined as one or
more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as
two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined
as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as
used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The
term coupled, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not
necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.
[0022] Exemplary Network
[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, as
shown in FIG. 1, an exemplary system 100 for providing on-line
gaming servers is shown. FIG. 1 shows a network 102 that connects
user systems 104, 106, 108 to various servers 110, 112. The network
102 can comprise various networking technologies such as wired,
wireless, IrDA, and the like. The user systems 104, 106, 108 can
include personal computers, cellular phones, smart phones, personal
digital assistants, gaming systems, and the like.
[0024] In one embodiment, one or more of the server systems 110,
112 provide a virtual community 114 for members with a shared
interest in gaming. The virtual community 114 can comprise regular
members and premium members. Premium members pay a time-based
subscription fee such as a monthly fee to receive additional
benefits. The additional benefits can include complimentary
merchandise, coupons, exclusive chat rooms, and other exclusive
content providing real value in the form of products and services
such as clothing, video/music downloads, travel discounts, and the
like for the membership fee.
[0025] The virtual community 114 provides an on-line meeting place
for members such as user A 104, user B 106, and user N 108 to
interact and compete with other members in various games of skill
and chance. For example, members can play against one another in
different types games such as poker games, blackjack, roulette,
chess, and the like. However, games such as blackjack and roulette
are not configured to have players compete directly against one
another; instead they compete against the house. Therefore, members
can have profiles associated with them that track a member's
progress for each type of game. In this embodiment, members can
indirectly compete against one another as they play individual
based games. For example, user A 104 can subscribe to a roulette
group. As user A 104 plays roulette games, user A's progress is
recoded in his/her profile.
[0026] Information such as games won, games lost, total points,
total virtual money, and the like can be recorded. A leader board
for the roulette group can be setup to track which of the roulette
group members are at the top of various categories. As can be seen,
this is one example of how members can compete against one another
in individual-based games. It should be noted that the present
invention is not limited to gaming (chance type) games any type of
game is applicable to the present invention, such as games of skill
like Chess.
[0027] Other aspects of the virtual community 114 include hosting
various tournaments for one or more games of skill or chance
utilizing promotions, contests, sweepstakes, and the like. For
example, one or more of the servers 110, 112 can host on-line game
tournaments 116, 118 such as a poker tournament. In one embodiment,
an on-line poker tournament 116 is hosted that provides a one or
more winning players and a plurality of top finishing players to
appear as finalists on a reality television show such as a
televised poker game or tournament. Therefore, a game tournament
can comprise two stages, an on-line stage and a televised
stage.
[0028] The On-line Stage, in one embodiment, is based on an on-line
poker tournament conducted through one or more online poker sites,
which can be hosted by one or more of the servers 110, 112. The
online poker tournaments, in one embodiment, are structured in a
plurality of levels or rounds. One non-limiting example is
illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows one implementation of the
On-line Stage where three levels are used. Entrants 202 enter in
Level 1 204 where a given number of top-finishing Entrants in the
Level I round advance to a Level 2 round 206. Each of the Level 1
round 204 and Level 2 round 206 includes a plurality of
corresponding games or "tables". For example, each game in a Level
1 round 204 and Level 2 round 206 can be limited to a number of
Entrants.
[0029] Therefore, if there are 1000 Entrants for the Level 1 round
204, a plurality of games or virtual tables are created. FIG. 2
shows the Level 1 and Level 2 rounds 204, 206 including a plurality
of virtual tables such as Level 1 Table (A) 216 and Level 2 Table
(A) 218, respectively. In one embodiment, each level 204, 206
comprises multiple tournaments. In this embodiment, a single user
can be associated with a single Entrant registered in the multiple
tournaments. However, in another embodiment, a plurality of
Entrants from each virtual table in a tournament can be associated
with a single user. Also, Entrants may be required to play more
than one game per round 204, 206, 208 before the top-finishers are
determined for advancement to subsequent rounds.
[0030] A given number of top-finishing Entrants in the Level 2
round advance to a Masters round 208, where one or more top
finishing players receive an invitation to the Televised Stage 210.
It should be noted that the term "Entrant" refers to a reserved
"seat" in a level. For example, in one embodiment, a single user
can be assigned multiple "seats" in a level of the tournament, but
may only have one seat in each tournament in a level. In other
words, if a level comprises twenty tournaments, a single user can
be associated with multiple Entrants, but may only register once
for each of the twenty tournaments. An Entrant, in one embodiment,
gains entry to a Level 2 206 or Masters Tournament 208 by winning
previous levels. However it is important to note that an individual
Entrant 202, regardless of the method of entry can win multiple
spots in each of the Level 1 rounds 204, the Level 2 rounds 206,
and Masters rounds 208. In one embodiment, two different methods of
entry can be used by a user 104, 106, 108 to gain entry to a Level
I round 204.
[0031] For example, all premium members 212 of the virtual
community 114 may enter Level I rounds 204. Additionally, an
Alternative Method of Entry (A.M.O.E) 214 can be used by a
potential participant. One example of an A.M.O.E. is a Self
Addressed Stamped Envelope (S.A.S.E). The A.M.O.E participant 214
sends in registration information to receive an access code for a
single entry for a Level 1 round 204. Participants may submit as
many S.A.S.E's as they choose and receive as many access codes for
Level I rounds 204, but each code is only good for one entry in a
Level I round 204.
[0032] In one embodiment, there is not a limit to the number of
Level 1 rounds 204 that can be entered by either the premium
members 212 or the A.M.O.E 214 participants. Each Entrant that
places as a top-finisher in a Level 1 round 204 is awarded an entry
to a corresponding Level 2 round 206. Likewise, each Entrant that
places as a top-finisher in of the Level 2 round 206 is awarded an
entry to a corresponding Masters Level round 208. All Entrants are
treated alike during the poker play, regardless of the means of
entry used. Accordingly, it is possible for a member to win
multiple entries to each subsequent level. Stated differently,
Entrant A and Entrant AA in FIG. 3 is the same member and they have
earned two spots in Level 2 and subsequently earned two seats in
the Masters Level.
[0033] However, as discussed in greater detail below, if multiple
Entrants are associated with a single user and advance to the
Masters Level comprising a single tournament only one Entrant
associated with the user is assigned a seat. It should be noted
that this is only one embodiment and depending on the game
configuration, rules, and the like, a single user can also have
multiple Entrants in a single tournament or even at the same
virtual table. If the Masters Level comprises multiple tournaments
a single user can have multiple Entrants at same/different tables
in each tournament, a single Entrant per tournament, and the
like.
[0034] In one embodiment, top finishers in the poker rounds are
determined by a point in time during game play when an Entrant lost
all of his/her points. Stated differently, top-finishers are
determined by how long an Entrant stayed in a game. For example, a
set number of points are assigned to each Entrant at the beginning
of the Level 1 round 204. Points can be used like chips to bet
during the poker games, but are not redeemable for cash. Entrants
are awarded points during game play that can represent chips.
During game play Entrants "bet" points and the Entrant with the
best hand (in a poker example) wins the points in the current pot.
Therefore, Entrants can win and lose points during a game. When an
Entrant loses all of his/her points the Entrant can no longer play
in the game. The Entrant who has won all of the other players'
points at the end of the game is deemed the winner of that
particular game. In one embodiment, the various poker games within
a round 204, 206, 208 can end either by a single Entrant winning
all of the Entrants' points at the table or Entrants forfeiting.
Top-finishing Entrants are determined from all of the Entrants who
did not win. For example, the last five Entrants to loose all of
their points can be considered the top five finishing Entrants.
[0035] As discussed above, the prize awarded in the Masters Level
round 208 is a non-transferable invitation to participate in a
reality television show. No prizes such as cash, cash-equivalents,
notes, or prizes that have inherent and/or immediate value are
disbursed. Multiple Entrants can be top-finishing Entrants in the
Masters Level round 208, but if a single user is associated with
two or more of the winning Entrants only a single invitation to
participate in the reality television show is awarded to the user.
In another embodiment, the Masters Level round 208 can be
considered a semifinalist round where the final round is the
Television stage 210. In one embodiment, additional semifinalists
can be awarded the invitation to participate in the reality
television show. For example, FIG. 2 shows semifinalists from
promotional partners or non-U.S. semifinalists being awards the
invitation to participate in the reality television show. It should
be noted that the value of the semi-finalist prizes, the (e.g.,
trip to Las Vegas, participation in the finalist selection events
for the reality television show) is fixed and does not depend on
the number of points accumulated, the number of players, or any
other variable related to the game. Semi-finalists who accumulate
more points than other semi-finalists do not win larger prizes. In
other words, every user that is a top-finisher in the Masters Level
round 208 is awarded the same non-monetary prize.
[0036] The Televised Stage 210, in one embodiment, is a sequence of
reality television programs entitled, for example, "The
Championships." The potential top prize in "The Championships" is a
substantial monetary and merchandise prize. The finalists play
casino games and participate in other activities at a Las Vegas
licensed casino. At the end of each show the finalists vote to
eliminate one of the contestants. In the penultimate episode, the
two remaining finalists go head-to-head in a game such as poker,
with the winner advancing. On the final show, the remaining
finalist has a chance to play all-or-nothing for a substantial
monetary and merchandise prize, or can take a lesser prize.
[0037] Each episode can include an opportunity for viewers to vote
on an aspect of the show via text message, telephone, the internet,
or the like. Voting also enters the viewer into a sweepstakes. The
finalists for "The Championships", which can be any given number
but 10 is used for this example, are chosen from among a plurality
of semi-finalists (the top-finishers of the Masters Level rounds
208). Each of the semi-finalists is provided with an all expense
paid trip to Las Vegas for an invitational poker tournament and
other activities. The winner of the invitational poker tournament
becomes one of the given number of finalists such as 10, with the
other remaining finalists selected subjectively by judges based on
personality, talent, appearance, charisma or other factors as
displayed during the finalist event.
[0038] In one embodiment, a given number of the semi-finalists for
"The Championships," are from the Online-Stage offered in the
United States as discussed above. Another given number of
semifinalists is chosen by promotional partners in their own
promotions. In another embodiment, semifinalists chosen by
promotional partners are smaller than the number of the
semi-finalists from the U.S. Online-Stage. In still another
embodiment, the Las Vegas casino where the television program is to
be filmed can also choose a number of semifinalists. Additional
semifinalists can also be selected from a non-U.S. pay-to-play
poker tournament offered where legal outside the United States. A
series of electronic filters can be used to ensure that only
non-U.S. Entrants are able to enter the pay-to-play poker
tournament.
[0039] FIG. 3 shows one example of multiple Entrants advancing to
subsequent rounds of the On-line stage. It should be noted that
FIG. 3 only shows three rounds for the On-Line Stage as an
illustrative example. One or more rounds can be added or removed.
FIG. 3 shows the Level 1 round 304, Level 2 round 306, Masters
round 308, and the Television Stage 310. The Level 1 round 304 and
the Level 2 round 306 each comprise a plurality of games shown as
tables in FIG. 3. For example, the Level 1 round 304 comprises six
virtual tables 320 each comprising five Entrants 302. FIG. 3 also
shows that a level such as Level 1 304 can comprise of multiple
tournaments such as Level 1A 328, Level 1B 330, Level 1N 332, and
the like.
[0040] As discussed above, a single user can be associated with
multiple Entrants. For example, Entrant A 302 and Entrant N 322 can
be associated with a single user. As can be seen from FIG. 3
although these Entrants 302, 322 are associated with the same user,
they are registered in different tournaments in the Level 1 round
304. Entrant A 302 is registered in a Level 1A tournament 328 and
Entrant N 322 is registered in a Level 1B tournament 322. A
registration mechanism 334 is associated with each Level round 304,
306, 308 for facilitating and managing Entrant registration for
each tournament within a Level round 304, 306, 308.
[0041] Although one embodiment of the present invention allows a
user to be associated with multiple Entrants, which are each in a
separate and distinct tournament within a level, the present
invention is not limited by this embodiment. For example, depending
on how a game is configured, rules set by the administrators of the
game, and the like, a user can be associated with multiple Entrants
in the same tournament of a round or at the same virtual table
320.
[0042] At the end of the Level 1 tournament 328, 330, 332, the
Entrant who has won all of the other Entrant's points in that
tournament is deemed the winner of that particular tournament. Each
of the winning Entrants are then assigned a seat in a subsequent
such as the Level 2 round 306. In one embodiment, a given number of
top-finishing Entrants (that can be a different number for each
tournament) are also assigned seats in the subsequent round. For
example, the Level 2 round 204, which can also comprise multiple
tournaments, comprises three virtual tables 320 each comprising a
winning Entrant from the previous Level round. In this example,
Entrant G 336, Entrant S 338, and Entrant T 340 were all winning
Entrants in their respective Level 1 tournaments 328, 330, 332. In
the example of FIG. 3 each of these winning Entrants is seated at
separate tables 302, however, in one embodiment, this is not
required. It should also be noted that the number of virtual tables
320 and Entrants shown in FIG. 3 are only illustrative and do not
limit the present invention in any way.
[0043] In another embodiment, a final tournament for each Level
comprising multiple tournaments can be held within the particular
Level round. For example, each of the winning Entrants from the
Level 1 tournaments 328, 330, 332 can play a Final Level 1
tournament to determine the overall winner for the Level 1 round
304. The winning Entrant and a given number of top-finishing
Entrants are then assigned a seat in the subsequent round.
[0044] As discussed above, if a single user is associated with
multiple winning Entrants, each of the winning Entrants is assigned
a seat at a different virtual table in the subsequent Level round.
For example, a single user can be associated with two of more of
Entrant T 340, Entrant S 338, and Entrant G 336 Therefore, in one
embodiment, the Entrants associated with the single user are seated
at different virtual tables 302. These virtual tables 302 can be in
different tournaments, as discussed above, or can be in the same
tournament. If a game is configured to hold a Final Level
tournament for a Level round and two or more Entrants associated
with a single user advance to the Final Level tournament, only one
Entrant is given a seat. However, depending on the game or game
configuration, multiple Entrants associated with a single user can
be sat at the same virtual table.
[0045] The above examples are applicable to each subsequent Level
round, their associated tournaments, and the Masters Level round
308. Depending on the game configuration, a single winning Entrant
and a given number of top-finishing Entrants are assigned a seat in
a Master Level round 308. Alternatively, if a Level round comprises
multiple tournaments, multiple winning Entrants and multiple sets
of top-finishing Entrants can be assigned seats in the Master Level
Round 308. For example, FIG. 3 shows a Masters Level round 308
including a virtual table 302 comprising a plurality of Entrants.
These Entrants can comprise the winning Entrant from each
tournament of the previous Level round and a given number of
top-finishing Entrants. For example, Entrant A 342, Entrant J 344,
and Entrant T 340 can all be winning Entrants from respective
tournaments in the previous Level round. The remaining Entrants can
all be top-finishing Entrants.
[0046] However, the Master Level round 308 can also comprise a
single winning Entrant from a Final tournament in the previous
round as discussed above. The Master Level round 308 can also
comprise multiple tournaments wherein each tournament yields a
winner and top-finishers. Alternatively, the Master Level 308 can
comprise a single virtual table as shown in FIG. 3 or a single
tournament with multiple virtual tables 302. A single winning
Entrant or multiple winning Entrants (depending on how the game is
configured) is then determined along with a given number of
top-finishing Entrants. The users associated with the identified
Entrants are then awarded the same non-monetary prize, e.g., an
invitation to participate in a reality television program as
discussed above. For example, FIG. 3 shows a Live Poker round 310
comprising a plurality of Entrants.
[0047] If a user is associated with multiple winning Entrants,
top-finishing Entrants, or a combination thereof, a single
non-monetary prize is awarded to the user. In one embodiment, if a
user is associated with multiple winning Entrants, top-finishing
Entrants, or a combination thereof, only one of those Entrants is
considered for the non-monetary prize. In one embodiment, a number
of other Entrants corresponding to the number of Entrants
associated with the single user that were not considered for the
non-monetary prize are selected to receive the non-monetary
prize.
[0048] Example of Information Processing System Hardware to Host
Online Poker
[0049] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed view of
the information processing system 110 according to an embodiment of
the present invention. The information processing system 110, in
one embodiment, is based upon a suitably configured processing
system adapted to implement the exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. Any suitably configured processing system is similarly
able to be used as the information processing system 110 by
embodiments of the present invention, for example, a personal
computer, workstation, or the like.
[0050] The information processing system 110 includes a computer
402. The computer 402 has a processor 404 that is communicatively
connected to a main memory 406 (e.g., volatile memory),
non-volatile storage interface 408, a terminal interface 410, and a
network adapter hardware 412. A system bus 414 interconnects these
system components. The non-volatile storage interface 408 is used
to connect mass storage devices, such as data storage device 416 to
the information processing system 106. One specific type of data
storage device is a computer readable medium such as a CD drive,
which may be used to store data to and read data from a CD or DVD
418 or floppy diskette (not shown). Another type of data storage
device is a data storage device configured to support, for example,
NTFS type file system operations.
[0051] The main memory 406, in one embodiment, includes the virtual
community 114 and on-line game tournament 116, both of which have
been discussed above in greater detail. In one embodiment, the
information processing system 110 utilizes conventional virtual
addressing mechanisms to allow programs to behave as if they have
access to a large, single storage entity, referred to herein as a
computer system memory, instead of access to multiple, smaller
storage entities such as the main memory 406 and data storage
device 416. Note that the term "computer system memory" is used
herein to generically refer to the entire virtual memory of the
information processing system 110
[0052] Although only one CPU 404 is illustrated for computer 402,
computer systems with multiple CPUs can be used equally
effectively. Embodiments of the present invention further
incorporate interfaces that each includes separate, fully
programmed microprocessors that are used to off-load processing
from the CPU 404. Terminal interface 410 is used to directly
connect one or more terminals 420 to computer 402 to provide a user
interface to the computer 402. These terminals 420, which are able
to be non-intelligent or fully programmable workstations, are used
to allow system administrators and users to communicate with the
thin client. The terminal 420 is also able to consist of user
interface and peripheral devices that are connected to computer 402
and controlled by terminal interface hardware included in the
terminal I/F 410 that includes video adapters and interfaces for
keyboards, pointing devices, and the like.
[0053] An operating system (not shown), according to an embodiment,
can be included in the main memory 406 and is a suitable
multitasking operating system such as the Linux, UNIX, Windows XP,
and Windows Server 2003 operating system. Embodiments of the
present invention are able to use any other suitable operating
system, or kernel, or other suitable control software. Some
embodiments of the present invention utilize architectures, such as
an object oriented framework mechanism, that allows instructions of
the components of operating system (not shown) to be executed on
any processor located within the client. The network adapter
hardware 412 is used to provide an interface to the network 402.
Embodiments of the present invention are able to be adapted to work
with any data communications connections including present day
analog and/or digital techniques or via a future networking
mechanism.
[0054] Although the exemplary embodiments of the present invention
are described in the context of a fully functional computer system,
those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments are
capable of being distributed as a program product via floppy disk,
e.g. floppy disk 418, CD ROM, or other form of recordable media, or
via any type of electronic transmission mechanism.
[0055] Process of Providing an On-line Game Tournament
[0056] FIG. 5 is an operational flow diagram illustrating a process
of providing an on-line game tournament for the On-line Stage
discussed above. The operational flow diagram of FIG. 5 begins at
step 502 and flows directly to step 504. A virtual community 114,
at step 504, is provided that comprises at least one game
tournament 116 for a game of skill and chance. A registration
means, at step 506, is provided to a plurality of users 104 for
participating in the game tournament 116. For example, premium
members are able to sign up on-line for the game tournament 116.
Alternative Methods Of Entry are also provided to non-premium
members such as using a Self Addressable Stamped Envelope.
[0057] Each user 104, at step 508, that has registered is assigned
an entry into the first round 204. A single user, at step 510, is
analyzed to determine if he/she has registered multiple times. If
the result of this determination is positive, the user, at step
512, 104 is assigned an entry into the game tournament 116 for each
registration made by the user 104. However, in one embodiment, a
limited number of seats at a virtual table 320 may exist. In this
embodiment, an Entrant is only assigned a seat(s) if there is room
at the virtual table 320. Furthermore, but not required, a user
that has registered multiple times is only assigned a single seat
per tournament within a level, as discussed above. The control flow
then exits at step 514. If the result of this determination is
negative, the control flow then exits at step 514.
[0058] Process of Advancing Entrants from a First Round to a
Subsequent Round
[0059] FIG. 6 is an operational flow diagram illustrating a process
of advancing one or more Entrants from the Level 1 round 204 to a
subsequent round 206. The control flow of FIG. 6 begins at step 602
and flows directly to step 604. Each Entrant, at step 604, is
awarded one or more points during the Level 1 round 204 based on
the performance of the Entrant. For example, a user is awarded
points based on the pot size won during a game. The Level 1 round
204, at step 606, is determined to have ended. A winning Entrant
for the first round, at step 608, is identified. Top-finishing
Entrants, at step 609, are identified based on how long the
Entrants remained in the game. If the Level comprises multiple
tournaments, a wining Entrant and top-finishing Entrants for each
tournament or a Final level tournament are determined.
[0060] The identified Entrants, at step 610, are analyzed to
determine if two or more of the Entrants are associated with a
single user. If the result of this determination is positive, the
user, at step 612, is assigned a corresponding number of spots
seated at different virtual tables 320 (either in separate
tournaments or the same tournament) in the subsequent round 206.
The control flow then exits at step 614. It should be noted that
Entrants associated with a single user are not limited to being
seated at different virtual tables 320. Stated differently,
Entrants associated with a single user can be seated at the same
virtual table. If the result of this determination is negative, the
user associated with the Entrant, at step 616, is assigned a single
spot in the subsequent round 206. The control flow then exits at
step 616.
[0061] Process of Advancing Entrants from a Subsequent Round to a
Masters Round
[0062] FIG. 7 is an operational flow diagram illustrating a process
of advancing one or more Entrants from the subsequent round 206 to
a Masters round 208. The control flow of FIG. 7 begins at step 702
and flows directly to step 704. Each Entrant, at step 704, is
awarded one or more points during the subsequent round 206 based on
the performance of the Entrant. For example, a user is awarded
points based on the pot size won during a game. The subsequent
round 206, at step 706, is determined to have ended. A winning
Entrant for the subsequent round, at step 708, is identified.
Top-finishing Entrants, at step 709, are identified based on how
long the Entrants remained in the game.
[0063] The identified Entrants, at step 710, are analyzed to
determine if two or more of the Entrants are associated with a
single user. If the result of this determination is positive, the
user, at step 712, is assigned a corresponding number of spots
seated at different virtual tables 320 in the Masters round 208. It
should be noted that the discussions regarding multiple
tournaments, multiple Entrants associated with a single user, and
the like also apply to the Master Level round 208. The control flow
then exits at step 716. It should be noted that Entrants associated
with a single user are not limited to being seated at different
virtual tables 320. Stated differently, Entrants associated with a
single user can be seated at the same virtual table 320. If the
result of this determination is negative, the user associated with
the Entrant, at step 714, is assigned a single spot in the Masters
round 208. The control flow then exits at step 716.
[0064] Process of Awarding a User an Invitation to Participate in a
Reality Television Program
[0065] FIG. 8 is an operational flow diagram illustrating a process
of awarding a user an invitation to participate in a reality
television program. The control flow of FIG. 8 begins at step 802
and flows directly to step 804. Each Entrant, at step 804, is
awarded one or more points during the Masters round 208 based on
the performance of the Entrant. For example, a user is awarded
points based on the pot size won during a game. The Masters round
208, at step 806, is determined to have ended. A winning Entrant
for the Masters round, at step 808, is identified. Top-finishing
Entrants, at step 809, are identified based on how long the
Entrants remained in the game. If the Masters round 208 comprises
multiple tournaments, multiple winning Entrants and multiple sets
of top-finishing Entrants can be identified.
[0066] Each user associated with the identified Entrants is awarded
with substantially the same non-monetary prize such as an
invitation to participate in a reality television program. In one
embodiment, a user is only awarded a single non-monetary prize no
matter how many Entrants associated with the user are top finishers
in the Masters round. However, in another embodiment, a user can be
awarded a given number of non-monetary prizes corresponding to the
number of Entrants associated with the user that are top finishers
in the Masters round. The control flow then exits at step 812.
[0067] Non-Limiting Examples
[0068] Although specific embodiments of the invention have been
disclosed, those having ordinary skill in the art will understand
that changes can be made to the specific embodiments without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of
the invention is not to be restricted, therefore, to the specific
embodiments, and it is intended that the appended claims cover any
and all such applications, modifications, and embodiments within
the scope of the present invention.
* * * * *