U.S. patent application number 15/801439 was filed with the patent office on 2018-06-07 for navigation aware news service.
The applicant listed for this patent is Conversant Wireless Licensing S.a r.l.. Invention is credited to Toni KOPRA.
Application Number | 20180160187 15/801439 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24321678 |
Filed Date | 2018-06-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180160187 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KOPRA; Toni |
June 7, 2018 |
NAVIGATION AWARE NEWS SERVICE
Abstract
A mobile terminal simultaneously receives an interactive
service, such as a betting service, and a web-based news service
operating in conjunction with the interactive service across a
wireless connection. Both services are simultaneously displayed in
different windows on the same display of the mobile terminal. The
user's selections, navigation of pages and other input in the
interactive service are monitored and used to select related news
items for a scrolling news frame.
Inventors: |
KOPRA; Toni; (ESPOO,
FI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Conversant Wireless Licensing S.a r.l. |
Luxembourg |
|
LU |
|
|
Family ID: |
24321678 |
Appl. No.: |
15/801439 |
Filed: |
November 2, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13965180 |
Aug 12, 2013 |
9826280 |
|
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15801439 |
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09580582 |
May 30, 2000 |
8540574 |
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13965180 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/488 20130101;
H04N 21/44222 20130101; G07F 17/3223 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3288 20130101; G06Q 50/34 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 21/488 20060101
H04N021/488; G07F 17/32 20060101 G07F017/32; G06Q 50/34 20060101
G06Q050/34; H04N 21/442 20060101 H04N021/442 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. A method for providing video game content to a user, the method
comprising the steps of: providing video game content to the user
over a wireless connection, wherein the video game content
includes: an interactive video game service; and a video game
content service operating in conjunction with the interactive video
game service; monitoring user actions in the interactive video game
service; identifying at least one key element associated with at
least one user action in the interactive video game service, the at
least one key element stored in a video game server; determining
video game content relevant to the key element; and pushing the
video game content to the user via the video game content
service.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the key element comprises a
current location of the user.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein the video game content pushed to
the user comprises an event in a video game provided by the
interactive video game service.
5. The method of claim 2 wherein the step of pushing the video game
content comprises: updating a scrolling frame portion of the video
game content service with the information.
6. The method of claim 2 further comprising the steps of: using the
video game content service to monitor user actions relative to the
video game content; and providing the user with detailed video game
content responsive to items in the video game content that are
selected in user actions.
7. The method of claim 2 further comprising the steps of:
integrating interactive video game service data and video game
content data into one signal transmitted over the wireless
connection; and separating, at least in part, the integrated signal
into the interactive video game service data and the video game
content data.
8. The method of claim 2, wherein the key element comprises a
keyword derived from the user actions while in the interactive
video game service.
9. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least
one memory storing computer program code, and storing at least one
key element; wherein the memory and the computer program code are
configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus
to perform at least the following: provide video game content to a
user over a wireless connection, wherein the content includes: an
interactive video game service; and a video game content service
operating in conjunction with the interactive video game service;
monitor user actions in the interactive video game service;
identify at least one of the stored key elements associated with at
least one of the user actions; search a database for video game
content relevant to the identified key element; push the video game
content to the user via the video game content service.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the apparatus is further
caused to: integrate interactive video game service data and video
game content data into one signal; and separate the integrated
signal into the interactive video game service data and the video
game content data.
11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the key element comprises a
current location of the user.
12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the video game content pushed
to the user comprises an event in a video game provided by the
interactive video game service.
13. A method for providing video information to a user, the method
comprising the steps of: providing video content to the user over a
wireless connection, wherein the video content includes: an
interactive video service; and a video information service
operating in conjunction with the interactive service; monitoring
video content items viewed by the user in the interactive video
service; identifying at least one key element associated with the
video content items viewed by the user, the at least one key
element stored in a content server; searching a database associated
with the video content items for video information relevant to the
key element; and pushing the video information to the user via the
video information service.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of pushing the video
information comprises: updating a scrolling frame portion of the
video information service with the video information.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the key element comprises a
keyword derived from the video content items viewed by the user in
the interactive video service.
16. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least
one memory storing computer program code, and storing at least one
key element; wherein the memory and the computer program code are
configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus
to perform at least the following: provide video content to a user
over a wireless connection, wherein the video content includes: an
interactive video service; and a video information service
operating in conjunction with the interactive service; monitor
video content items viewed by the user in the interactive video
service; identify at least one key element associated with at least
one of the video content items viewed by the user; search a
database for video information relevant to the key element; and
push the video information to the user via the video information
service.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the apparatus is caused to
push the video information by: updating a scrolling frame portion
of the video information service with the video information.
18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the key element comprises a
keyword derived from the video content items viewed by the user in
the interactive video service.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to and is a continuation of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/965,180 filed on Aug. 12, 2013,
which is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.
09/580,582 filed on May 30, 2000, now issued as U.S. Pat. No.
8,540,574. This application is also related to U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/580,442 entitled "Chat System for a
Specific Location", not currently published; U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/580,583 entitled "Location Aware Product
Placement and Advertising", now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,175,921;
and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/580,443 entitled "Video
Message Sending", not currently published, all of which were filed
concurrently with the aforementioned application Ser. No.
09/580,582 and all of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to communication services. Particular
aspects of the invention relate to providing a user interface for a
news service operating simultaneously and in conjunction with
another real time service.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] During the last few decades, same-time same-place gambling
has been complemented by same-time-different-place activities.
Telephone betting has a long history that includes activities that
have been proscribed (e.g., starting price or S.P. bookies), that
have been approved (e.g., on-course bookies), and, in some
countries, that have been State-conducted (e.g., phone-betting with
State Government Totalizator Agency Boards or TABs).
[0004] It has long since been recognized that the virtualization of
gambling could result in major changes to society. Whereas in 1975
few people might have contemplated a future in which bets could be
placed on which member of the British Royal Family would die next,
or on which state would next erupt in civil war, such bets can now
be placed in the United Kingdom and in several other nations around
the world. Betting houses offering such services are becoming
readily accessible on the Internet. (See, for example,
www.casinos-gambling.com/osbooks.htm.) Additionally, interactive
networks are emerging from several hitherto separate technologies,
for example, cable transmission, growing out of cable-TV, where the
capacity of the connection is typically split between
high-bandwidth down-channels and low-bandwidth up-channels. The
Internet, with connection to the home and most workplaces via a
conventional public switched telephone network (PSTN) can also be
used.
[0005] Gambling is increasingly becoming a major feature of
interactive networks. So much so, it appears to be one of the
largest sources of revenue generation on the Internet. Use of the
Internet for gambling is especially significant because it is fully
operational, it uses an existing and pervasive infrastructure, and
its market reach is already very wide. In addition to its physical
advantages the growth rate of the Internet is dramatic and it is
intrinsically extra-, and even supra-jurisdictional, making it
extremely resistant to existing regulatory frameworks.
[0006] Satellite and cable infrastructures may be used to operate
services independent from the Internet. It is important to note,
however, that they are also entirely capable of being used as
carrier mechanisms for Internet traffic, and indeed to support both
proprietary and Internet channels at the same time. If satellite
and/or cable come to supplant the public switched telephone network
(PSTN) carried Internet, it will not necessarily supplant the
Internet itself.
[0007] New third-generation wireless communication networks enable
high speed digital services to be delivered to moving receivers.
With a Universal Mobile Terrestrial System (UMTS) or Global System
for Mobile Communication (GSM) mobile phone connected to a laptop
and a DVB-T (terrestrial) receiver plug-in card, browsing the web
at speeds of 2-14 Mb/s and diverse content is possible. However,
the restricted resources of third-generation mobile terminals
require more advanced navigation systems and more intelligent
interaction design patterns. (A design pattern is a problem and the
core of the solution to that problem.)
[0008] Most of the equipment used to create, edit, and distribute
programs is now digital. For example, in delivering a news
broadcast, the field reporter uses digital satellite news gathering
equipment to uplink her report to a programming center. The
material is digitally received, decoded, and compiled with live
program feeds in a studio. The broadcast is then sent digitally
around the world to professional receivers.
[0009] It is common in some modern display technologies, such as
television receivers, to provide functions such as
picture-in-picture (PIP), enhanced audio, and other special
features, as options. Current television receivers incorporate such
modules on a hard-wired basis. The PIP feature requires a composite
video signal from a source other than the television tuner. The
signal from that external video source is displayed on a selected
portion of the cathode ray tube (CRT) viewing screen along with the
main video signal.
[0010] An intelligent TV is for receiving communication services by
connecting a TV to a value added network (VAN). The intelligent TV
includes an information signal processing unit for receiving
information communication data (hereinafter, "information data")
when the intelligent TV is connected to the VAN, and for generating
information RGB signals, and switching control signals in order to
display the information data on a screen. The intelligent TV
selects and displays on the screen one of the information data
signals processed in the information signal processing unit and a
TV RGB signal processed in a TV signal processing unit, in
accordance with the switching control signal output from the
information signal processing unit. Intelligent TV makes it
possible to view, through a TV screen, several communication
services, such as stock quotes, news services, weather reports, and
TV program lists, being transmitted through the VANs. Therefore, it
has an advantage that persons who are not familiar with the usage
of a computer can easily receive communication services. Even
though intelligent TV has the advantage of receiving communication
services through the TV screen, it cannot display multiple signals
at the same time. Information signals for displaying information
data on a screen, a TV signal, a Picture-In-Picture (PIP) signal
for enabling two screens to be viewed simultaneously, and a TV
on-screen-display (OSD) signal must be displayed one at a time.
Therefore, signals are displayed according to a predetermined
priority. For example, an information signal is displayed
preferentially over a TV signal, a PIP signal is displayed
preferentially over an information signal, and a TV OSD signal is
displayed preferentially over a PIP signal.
[0011] Current information delivery services described above lack
many features that would enhance their usability and desirability
by the public. As mentioned, the intelligent TV lacks an ability to
display multiple signals simultaneously. In addition, an online
connection of two delivery services with one of the services being,
for example, an interactive application, is not available. Current
technologies are dependent on stationary receivers. Since multiple
signals cannot be integrated by the IRD, information delivery is
dependent on the location or site.
[0012] particular regard to betting, real-time betting is quite
difficult to carry out when the competition is ongoing in one
location and the betting is done in several different remote
places. Current systems do not show the possibility of betting once
a competition begins since there is no connection to the betting
environment. Existing systems do not offer the possibility of
betting during television program reception on the basis of the
second screen on the display. Further, bettors are not shown a
table for inputting the betting values to be sent to the betting
system in real-time. Therefore, current systems are not intuitive
or easy to use by a majority of bettors.
[0013] Real-time, interactive services can present problems
regarding timing and presentation of information. With particular
regard to betting services, the user needs to be aware of the
betting window available. A slow or non-responsive user interface
can cause a bettor to miss the window and loose a betting
opportunity. Different bettors may rely on different information or
desire the information to be presented in a particular format. The
format of the information may detract from the betting experience
or impair the calculating abilities of some bettors. However,
current systems provide a standardized format without being aware
of, and responsive to, the respective preferences of different
bettors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The disclosed embodiments provide methods and systems
utilizing a graphical user interface (GUI) for simultaneously
providing an interactive service, such as a betting service, and a
web-based news service operating in conjunction with the
interactive service across a wireless connection. Both services are
preferably simultaneously displayed in different windows on the
same display of third generation mobile terminals. The methods and
systems according to the invention monitor the user's navigation of
pages and other input in the interactive service. The invention
increases usability and the user's feeling that the GUI is aware of
his selections in the interactive service. To present betting
information in an attractive format and maximize the information
available to the bettor, the user interface to the betting service
is integrated with an enhanced news service that has a scrolling
news frame that is aware of the user's navigation in betting pages.
In real-time, the bettor may receive automatic news information
concerning the betting opportunities in which he displays an
interest. Since most bettors prefer to have as much information as
possible when betting, they prefer to wait until the last possible
moment to bet.
[0015] The invention provides the bettor with being window
information and the latest information concerning the prospective
wagers. Moreover, the user interface is designed to provide such
information in a manner that both attracts the attention of the
bettor and provides the information in a useful, easy to follow and
navigate format in Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) equipped
mobile stations. Scrolling news items are retrieved from a database
based on selections that the user mates in the interactive service.
The news items are shown to a user one by one. User behavior in the
web site of the interactive service is traced all the time and
every move is registered into a log file or database. Every time a
subject, sport or team of interest changes, a new set of scrolling
news will be fetched and displayed.
[0016] The betting services themselves can also be personalized in
any number of ways to provide an advanced betting system. For
example, the system can collect information of each bettor's
preferred betting subjects or sports teams and provide personalized
betting services according to the preferences indicated by the
collected betting information.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The disclosed inventions will be described with reference to
the accompanying drawings, which show important sample embodiments
of the invention and which are incorporated in the specification
hereof by reference, wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of the creation, reception,
and response to interactive services.
[0019] FIG. 2 depicts an example of the structure of a server
containing databases for the betting data and news content.
[0020] FIG. 3 depicts an integrated display with a live video teed
and interactive content.
[0021] FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of the viewer's connectivity
and interaction with the provided interactive services.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a diagram depicting a possible interactive
display.
[0023] FIG. 6 depict a flowchart of the interactive betting
process.
[0024] FIG. 7 depicts a block diagram of a first sample embodiment
of the betting provider architecture.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example method of
providing an automatic news service in conjunction with an
interactive betting service.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the process of selecting
and showing relevant news items to the bettor in an interactive
betting service
[0027] FIG. 10 depicts a betting login page which includes Login
and Password fields for logging on to the interactive service.
[0028] FIG. 11 depicts a main betting page supplied by the betting
server to the user at logon.
[0029] FIG. 12 depicts a window showing the status of currently
available betting opportunities.
[0030] FIG. 13 depicts a table representing the user selection of
colors and when the different colors can be shown.
[0031] FIG. 14 depicts skins which can be configured according to
user preference.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032] The numerous innovative teachings of the present application
will be described with particular reference to preferred
embodiments. However, it should be understood that this class of
embodiments provides only a few examples of the many advantageous
uses of the innovative teachings herein. In general, statements
made in the specification of the present application do not
necessarily delimit any of the various claimed inventions.
Moreover, some statements may apply to some inventive features but
not to others.
[0033] The preferred embodiments of the disclosed innovations
involves the simultaneous reception and display of an interactive
service and display of dynamic news content on a mobile terminal.
The dynamic news content is like that of a wireless terminal, e.g.,
a mobile phone, a media phone, or an electronic book. The
embodiments of the disclosed method and system will be described
using interactive betting as an example of interactive content
supplied to an end viewer. However, it should be noted that
interactive betting is just one of many services that can be
provided with the disclosed embodiments.
[0034] In the various disclosed embodiments, an interactive
application, betting, for example, is facilitated. FIG. 1 depicts a
block diagram of the creation, reception, and response to
interactive services in the presently preferred embodiment. Digital
news content 120 is received, compressed, and converted for
streaming onto the Internet 118 by a news database. Betting
information is also created or obtained and then streamed onto the
Internet 108 and 110. A mobile betting client 102 can display the
news content 120 and the betting information simultaneously and a
viewer can interactively select betting via the mobile betting
client 102. Finally, the mobile betting client 102 transmits
information to the host facility 108 by connecting to a network 116
linked with the host facility 108, for example, the Internet.
[0035] Alternatively, a single host facility 108 can integrate
betting data and news content to be supplied to the mobile betting
client in an integrated signal. The mobile betting client 102
receives the integrated signal and separates the integrated signal
into betting data and the supplied dynamic news content. FIG. 2
shows an example of the structure of a server containing databases
for the betting data 201 and news content 202 and which shows in
part key elements, e.g., a keyword list, enabling the functionality
of the invention described below. Every request from a mobile
betting client is handled in the server and navigation parameters
are inserted into database tables. Business objects handle requests
from mobile betting clients and, if the key subject of interest is
changed, a more appropriate set of news will be retrieved from the
database for a user of the interactive betting service.
[0036] Digital broadcast technology allows for services that can
present many-to-one, many-to-many, and one-to-one communication.
DVB has defined delivery media for satellite services (DVB-S,
direct-to-home viewing, cable (DVB-C) run in several countries, and
terrestrial, or "over the air", (DVB-T) planned for 17 countries.
Use of return channels enables digital receivers to provide a
variety of services including Internet, television, and web
content. Processing of the digital signal can be accomplished on a
desktop or laptop computer.
[0037] Mobile betting client 102 is able to act as an Internet
browser and preferably has a very thin applet for socket connection
with the server as described in more detail below. Along with web
browsing functions, the mobile betting client is equipped with a
display and secure connection capabilities. The mobile betting
client 102 preferably has PIP functionality.
[0038] This functionality allows the viewer to simultaneously view
the betting service and the news service in two separate
windows.
[0039] FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of the connectivity of mobile
betting client 102 and interaction with the provided interactive
services. In the preferred embodiments, the mobile betting client
102 receives an integrated digital broadcast signal (DVB-T).
Reception of the signal can be accomplished through various means.
In the presently preferred embodiment, the mobile betting client
receives the signal over a GSM, GSM++, POTS, UMTS, or other type of
connection 104. The mobile connection 104 is itself connected to a
network such as an extranet, intranet, or the Internet 116. Mobile
connection to the network 116 takes place in a conventional manner
over Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) using a modem pool 112 with
user dial-in and authentication services 114.
[0040] FIG. 7 depicts a block diagram of a betting provider
architecture. In this preferred embodiment, the betting provider
information is protected from network snooping by a security device
such as a firewall 106. At least one betting provider server 108
resides behind the firewall. Software running on the server tracks
viewers (bettors) in various competitions.
[0041] One task of the server 108 is to authenticate viewers. In
the presently preferred embodiment, a user information (UI)
database 702 is maintained. The UI database 702 stores user names
and associated passwords, user account information, user
preferences, and other user specific information. In addition to
tracking viewers, the server I 08 receives and accepts bets that
have been requested by the viewer to a betting server 110 running
on the network side of the firewall 106 and connected to a network
such as an extranet, intranet, or the Internet 116. This betting
server 110 acts as an interface between users of the interactive
services and the actual betting provider.
[0042] The betting provider server 108 receives betting content
(questions to the user) and the odds of the particular bets from a
betting controller 704. The betting controller 704 is responsible
for creating betting content, controlling the betting event, i.e.,
opening and closing of betting, etc. Betting control software is
used to enter and calculate betting content and odds and send them
to the betting provider server 108. In the presently preferred
embodiment, the betting provider server 108 stores the betting
content and odds in a database (BCO) 706. The betting controller
704, via betting control software tracks, the results of the
betting question and reports the results to the betting provider
server 108.
[0043] The results of the bets are stored in a database (BR) 708.
Once the results of a particular question are known and stored by
the betting provider server 108, software on the server calculates
payments to the bettors on the particular question. In the
presently preferred embodiment, electronic accounts stored in the
UI database 702 are used for tracking betting wins and losses. The
results of the event and sub-events (betting questions) are
reported to the betting server 110. The mobile betting client 102
can then receive the results from the betting server 110.
[0044] FIG. 5 is a diagram depicting a possible interactive display
for betting services. Directions at the top of the display 502
inform the viewer of the status or title of the interactive
activity, in this case, betting. For an application such as
betting, a dialog-type box 504 is used to inform the viewer of the
current question on which bets can be placed. In the context of an
auto race, a question such as "Who will turn the fastest 13th lap"
may be presented. A pull-down menu or radio button dialog box 506
may be presented depending on the type of question. In the above
example, all of the drivers remaining in the race may be presented
in a pull-down menu. Dialog boxes specific to wagering: stakes 508;
odds 510; and payout 512, may also be presented. A statement of
account 514 with a betting services provider may also be presented.
The account is dynamic throughout the competition, registering
winnings and debits as each occurs. A response dialog 516 informing
the user of bets being received and the current allowable wagers
may also be provided. Such a response window is also dynamically
updated as available bets are made or changed addition to the
displays listed above, dialog boxes presenting last minute betting
advice or information can also be displayed. Such advice can
include, for example, up to the minute status of race participants
riot currently being shown on the broadcast or the injury status of
key players at an event. FIG. 3 depicts an integrated display with
a live video feed and interactive content.
[0045] FIG. 10 depicts a betting login page which includes Login
and Password fields for logging on to the interactive service. In
order to participate in the service, the user will need to register
with the betting provider server 108. New users will need to
register. Registration information includes information about the
device the user is connecting with, the bandwidth of the
connection, and the style sheet (or skin) the user prefers. New
users generally are kept from participating in the service until an
active betting supervisor or administrator enables the user
logon.
[0046] Logging on allows users of the service to make bets and
watch both live and on-demand streaming broadcasts. FIG. 11 depicts
a main betting page supplied by the betting server 110 to the user
at logon. Information such as the current time, last use, and
account balance information is displayed. Information such as the
number of other users currently participating can also be
displayed.
[0047] Users can navigate from the main betting page to other pages
by navigating with the arrow or cursor control keys. FIG. 8 shows
an example method of providing an automatic news service in
conjunction with the user's navigation through betting pages in the
interactive betting service. At step 810, the user enters his
personal betting page. He can scroll the list of different topics
and select the ones that are interesting (Step 820). The news
service server monitors the user's action on the betting pages
(Step 830). The server automatically checks in the database for any
news information relating to items selected on betting page(s)
(Step 840). If such a relating news information is not found or is
not available (Step 850), the news service server continues to
monitor the user's actions at Step 830. If such a relating news
information is found and is available, the news service updates the
scrolling news frame or window of the betting page (Step 860). If
the user wishes to see more about the item of interest, he can
click on the news item in the news frame (Step 870). The entire new
story is then shown to the user (Step 880). If the user does not
wish to see more about the item of interest, the news service
server continues to monitor the user's actions at Step 830.
[0048] Of course, the method of operating the news service in
conjunction with the betting service shown in FIG. 8 is only
exemplary. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating another process of
selecting and showing relevant news items to the bettor in an
interactive betting service. Similarly, the process depends upon
the user navigating through items in the betting service window
(Step 910) and selecting an item of interest (Step 920). But at
this point, the mobile betting client 102 must connect to the
server (Step 930). Preferably, this is done by sending a client to
the server. This request can be handled with Java Servlets (or
other server side technology available from companies such as
Microsoft Corp., of Redmond, Wash.) that will call business
objects. Preferably, a thin applet in mobile betting client 102
uses LiveConnect technology from Netscape Corporation of Mountain
View, Calif. and Document Object Model (DOM) tree manipulation to
update the Hypertext Mark-Up Language (HTML) source in the news
frame. The business objects will interpret the user selection and
insert the information into a log database or into ASCII or XML log
files. After the user's selection has been registered, servlets
form a response to the clients request using business objects. This
response is delivered over HTTP.
[0049] The server then compares the user's keywords in the betting
service to keywords in the news database (Step 940). If the
keywords do not match, then a default of general news items is
shown (Step 970). If the keywords do match (Step 1650), the
matching news item is selected (Step 960) and automatically shown
to the user in the display of mobile betting client 102 (Step 960).
The business objects in the server update the news item in the news
service window by "pushing" through a raw socket protocol rather
than being "pulled" by hypertext transfer protocol.
[0050] FIG. 12 depicts a page showing the status of currently
available betting opportunities. The betting window, that is the
times during which placed bets will be valid is also displayed. The
page functionality is shown as visual or graphical illustrations.
The page can contain and present betting information in many
different forms, for example, warning lights. The page depicted in
FIG. 12 has blinking lights in the form of traffic lights 1202. The
traffic lights are designed to provide advanced notification to the
user of situations in the betting window. For example, one
situation would be the amount of time left in the betting window.
For another example, a change in the betting information which
could affect the choice of bets placed. In the presently preferred
embodiment, the traffic lights use color to indicate the importance
or immediacy of particular information: e.g., red, orange and
green.
[0051] FIG. 13 depicts a table representing the user selection of
colors and when the different colors can be shown. The color
preference choice can be made at registration. In the presently
preferred embodiment, the orange traffic light is configured to
appear a day or two prior to the close of the betting window. The
red light is configured to appear when only a few minutes of
betting are available. In the presently preferred embodiment, the
user cannot change the appearance of the utmost important color.
The utmost important color is set by the rules of the betting
administrator, usually red.
[0052] In addition to traffic signals, the window can have flashing
or blinking colors impart information to the user. Again, the
flashing or blinking of text can be made at registration. The user
interface database 702 in the betting provider server 08 contains
the skin preference information i.e., titles of the pages,
background information selections, font selection, color selection
etc.
[0053] FIG. 14 depicts skins which can be configured according to
user preference. In the presently preferred embodiment, the user's
personal information page allows changes in skin preferences. For
example, if player is a NHL Dallas Stars fanatic, the user can
change color of pages, icons, and push buttons, to green and gold
tones.
[0054] FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart of the interactive betting
process. First, a mobile betting client wishing to interactively
bet connects to the betting provider (Step 602). Once connected, a
secure network connection, using, for example, encryption or secure
sockets, is established (Step 604). Once a secure connection is
established, an authentication process occurs, comparing user name
and password entered by the client to entries in a database of user
information (Step 606). Once authenticated, the client can select
the type of competition to bet on, for example, auto racing,
hockey, or football. (Step 608). If live video and audio is
available, the competition can be shown or played (Step 610) if the
resources of the client permit. The interactive betting
opportunities currently available for the chosen competition are
then displayed to the client (Step 612). The betting opportunities
are dynamic and will be continuously updated. The client informs
the betting provider of its desire to bet (Step 614) and the stakes
(Step 616). The stakes can be variable amounts or limited to
selections presented in a choice menu. The betting selection and
the stakes are sent to the betting provider across the secure
connection (Step 618). The betting provider verifies the entries
made by the client (Step 620). Further checks, including client
payment history and credit reports can be included in this
verification step (Step 620). If any of the entries is invalid, a
valid entry is requested (Step 622). Entries can be invalid for
several reasons, for example, incorrect selection, closing of the
requested betting selection prior to the bet being received, or the
client's inability to cover the stakes.
[0055] If the entries are valid, the betting provider informs the
client of that the particular wager has been accepted (Step 624).
Different bets open and close during the course of the competition.
Once the bet has been made and accepted, the client may continue to
view the competition, personally monitoring the outcome of its
wager and making other bets on the same competition (Step 626). The
client may also choose a different competition to view and possibly
bet on (Step 628). If the client does not wish to view or bet on
any other competitions, the connection between the client and the
betting provider is closed (Step 630). At some point after the dose
of a particular wager, the participants are informed of the result
and appropriate adjustments to betting accounts are made. If the
client is still connected to the betting provider when the results
are known, the client can be informed of the results. Otherwise,
the client can be informed of the status of any outstanding wagers
the next time a connection to the betting provider is
established.
[0056] As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the
innovative concepts described in the present application can be
modified and varied over a tremendous range of applications, and
accordingly the scope of patented subject matter is not limited by
any of the specific exemplary teachings given.
[0057] For example, the indicators for changes in betting situation
in the presently preferred embodiments are traffic signals.
However, other indicators can be used to highlight the importance
or display information to the user. For example, the interface
depicting the time left in a betting window can be textual,
graphic, animation, audio, or video media.
[0058] For another example, the mobile betting client monitor has
been described. The monitor can be any type of display. For
example, a television or computer monitor, including flat panel
type displays.
[0059] The mobile client itself can be any type of unit capable of
receiving and displaying signals. For instance, the mobile client
can be an HDTV with a PIP module and web browser capability. On the
opposite end of the mobility and size spectrum, the mobile betting
client can be a hand-held cellular phone with a small display.
[0060] Depending on the capabilities of the mobile client,
intermediate protocols and network connections may not be required
to achieve connection to the streaming data and interactive
servers.
[0061] The databases containing betting and user information can be
designed with any number of differing architectures, for example,
relational, hierarchical, or object oriented.
[0062] While interactive sports betting has been described, other
interactive events can be integrated and broadcast. Such events can
include, for example, video games, shopping, and educational
activities.
[0063] The preferred context of the disclosed embodiments
contemplates digital delivery of broadcasts. However, depending on
the hardware setup, analog signals may be used for delivery of the
event broadcast and the interactive display.
[0064] The preferred context of the disclosed embodiments
contemplates delivery of events and betting information. However, a
software stand-alone version, for example, an interactive CD-ROM
video game, can be created having the functionality of the network
and servers and terminals. Random generation can simulate live
events. The video or interactive content of the game can remain the
same with the random generation providing the variation needed for
multiple plays.
[0065] In another context, software, for example, an interactive
CD-ROM video game, can be created which depends on interactivity
with the network and servers of a betting provider to generate the
random events and betting opportunities in a simulated game. Such a
game can be played interactively with other participants at remote
locations all receiving the same randomly generated events and
betting opportunities.
* * * * *
References