Case 5:16-cv-00349-NC Document 19-5 Filed 04/11/16 Page 1 of 23
`
`
`Exhibit 2
`
`

`
`Case 5:16-cv-00349-NC Document 19-5 Filed 04/11/16 Page 2 of 23
`Case 5‘16'°“'°°349'”° D°°””"‘Tl|l|l|M|||f|||i|I|Ill|l|“||I||‘|l||lllilllflllllllfilllllllllll
`
`US006758754B1
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Lavanchy et al.
`
`(10) Patent N0.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 6,758,754 B1
`Jul. 6, 2004
`
`(54) SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTERACTIVE
`GAME_pLAY SCHEDULED BASED ON
`REAL_LIFE EVENTS
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors, Eric R0be1,tLaVanchy, NeWY0rk’ NY
`.
`.
`(US) A“th"_“y Frank Zlm’ Brooklyn’
`NY (US); Rlchard Edward L3mb>
`Pelham MaI10f> NY (US)
`
`.
`(73) Asslgneei ACTV, 1110, New York, NY (US)
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`( * ) Notice:
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`USC. 154(1)) by 0 days.
`
`(21) App1.No.: 09/373,578
`~
`.
`Aug‘ 13’ 1999
`(22) med‘
`(51)
`Int. Cl.7 ......................... .. A63F 13/00; A63F 9/24;
`G06F 17/00; G06F 19/00; G09B 3/00;
`G09B 7/00
`............................. .. 463/42; 463/1; 463/23;
`463/30; 463/31; 463/32; 463/37; 463/40;
`463/43; 434/350; 434/354
`(58) Field of Search ............................ .. 463/1-4, 7, 43,
`463/23, 25, 29-36, 40, 41, 42; 434/350,
`354
`
`(52) US. Cl.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`.......... .. 463/42 X
`7/1998 Walker et al.
`5,779,549 A *
`.... ..
`. 395/200.54
`8/1998 Davis et al.
`5,796,952 A
`9/1998 Polnerow et al.
`.
`...... .. 707/10
`5,813,006 A
`10/1998 Goldberg et al.
`.
`463/42
`5,823,879 A
`12/1998 Junkin ............ ..
`463/42
`5,846,132 A
`1/1999 Eiba ............ ..
`463/42
`5,855,516 A
`4/1999 Macri et al.
`434/247
`5,890,906 A
`4/1999 Yen ........................... .. 463/42
`5,890,963 A
`4/1999 Grimm et al.
`.... .. 395/200.57 X
`5,894,556 A *
`6/1999 Thacher et al.
`5,917,725 A
`8/1999 Takemoto et al.
`5,941,774 A
`9/1999 Walker et al.
`........ .. 434/354 X
`5,947,747 A *
`6,009,458 A * 12/1999 Hawkins et al.
`...... .. 709/203 X
`6,023,729 A *
`2/2000 Samuel et al.
`........ .. 709/228 X
`6,080,063 A
`6/2000 Khosia
`6,082,887 A *
`7/2000 Feuer et al.
`........... .. 364/410.1
`213$’??? 2
`13/3888 iifilmo et ,1.
`....... .. 704/270
`6,292,780 B1 *
`9/2001 Doederlein et al.
`RE37,957 E *
`1/2003 Garfield .................... .. 273/308
`
`
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`PCT—International Search Report dated Oct. 5, 2001 for
`Application No. PCT/US00/22091’ filed Aug. 14’ 2000.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Exami/1er—Teresa Walberg
`Assistant Exami/1er—Binh-An D. Nguyen
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Morrison & Foerster LLP
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`.
`.
`.
`.
`A method and system for providing on-line game competi-
`tion are provided. Players select their favorite teams, join
`with other fans of the team and compete against players on
`.
`’
`.
`.
`the OIEJPOSIIE team. "lfizams ctompgte agatilnsit leachfothclzrlén
`ma“ 95> W “C ma“ C5 are
`age 0“ SC 8 “ es 0 tea ' 1 3
`events, such as sports schedules or entertainment schedules.
`Players are grouped with other players associatedwith their
`favorite teams, and matches are organized. Various trivia
`questions may be presented, and players have a predeter-
`mined period of time to answer the questions. Points may be
`awarded based on a player’s Success in Competition and the
`~
`~
`overall
`teams success in matches. Further, prizes are
`awarded based 0“ poms recelved by a player‘
`
`2/1986 shtick
`4572509 A
`6/1986 Fascenda et al‘ “““““ " 273/1 E
`495929546 A
`10/1989 Hartsfield ................. .. 434/350
`4,877,408 A
`5/1992 Tfllery et al.
`5,114,155 A
`5,359,510 A * 10/1994 Sabaliauskas ......... .. 364/410 X
`5,462,275 A 4 10/1995 Lowe et al.
`273/94 X
`5,536,257 A as 12/1996 Perlman .... N
`463/42 X
`5,586,937 A * 12/1996 Menashe .
`463/41 X
`5,593,349 A *
`1/1997 Miguel et a1.
`463/30 X
`5,637,844 A *
`6/1997 Eiba ------------- --
`- 235/375 X
`5,679,075 A
`10/1997 Forrest et al.
`............... .. 463/9
`011
`0 OIII
`. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
`S]°nnIe’(11’hJr' ‘ital’
`463/1 X
`3/1998 Brown ...... ..
`
`5/1998 Shepherd . . . . .
`. . . . .. 705/57
`6/1998 Von Kohorn .............. .. 463/42
`SCHEDULED
`mmM.m,,.,
`svsrsn/is
`an
`
`
`
`5:730:654 A *
`5,748,731 A *
`5,759,101 A
`
`31 Claims, 9 Drawing Sheets
`
`PLAVER
`svsrsm
`
`5“
`
`am 1
`SVSTEM
`so
`
`manner
`
`PLAYER
`svsrm
`
`500
`
`Sm
`
`
`
`mus
`
`sons
`
`TEAMAFANS
`
`mm a was
`m
`
`510
`?
`M
`
`em
`item:
`
`spouse»:
`5:4
`B
`Loam F09:
`mm. A
`
`Loam a
`E,
`
`5,5
`
`

`
`Case 5:16-cv-00349-NC Document 19-5 Filed 04/11/16 Page 3 of 23
`Case 5:16—cv—OO349—NC Document 19-5 Filed 04/11/16 Page 3 of 23
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 6, 2004
`
`Sheet 1 of 9
`
`US 6,758,754 B1
`
`t
`
`x
`
`‘
`
`‘
`
`Q
`
`LOGSN/REETETRATION
`
`
`MATCH MANAGEMENT
`
`MATCHFiAY
`
`NNARDWKSSCORES
`
`4
`
`8
`
`8
`
`AWARDING PRIZES
`
`‘(V10
`
`FIG. 1
`
`SCHIELED
`MATCH TRIVIA
`GAME.
`
`SYSTE M S
`
`100
`
`PLAYER
`SYSTEM
`
`INTERNET
`
`SYSTEM
`
`PLAYER
`
`PLAYER
`SYSTEM
`
`50
`
`FIG. 2
`
`

`
`Case 5:16-cv-00349-NC Document 19-5 Filed 04/11/16 Page 4 of 23
`Case 5:16—cv—OO349—NC Document 19-5 Filed 04/11/16 Page 4 of 23
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 6, 2004
`
`Sheet 2 of 9
`
`US 6,758,754 B1
`
`122
`
`102
`
`ADVERTISING!
`
`SPONSOR
`MODULE
`
`SHE”
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`CHAT MODULE
`
`112 '
`
`GAME LOGLC
`MODULE
`
`INTERACTION
`SERVER
`
`108
`
`PLAYER MANAGEMENT
`MODULE
`
`GAME MANAGEMENT
`MODULE
`
`MATCH MANAGEMENT
`
`MODULE
`
`PRIZEIWINNER
`MODULE
`
`FIG. 3
`
`

`
`Case 5:16-cv-00349-NC Document 19-5 Filed 04/11/16 Page 5 of 23
`Case 5:16—cv—OO349—NC Document 19-5 Filed 04/11/16 Page 5 of 23
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 6, 2004
`
`Sheet 3 of 9
`
`US 6,758,754 B1
`
`300
`
`
`
`TO FIG. 4B
`
`302
`N0
`
`AT LEASTSHUMAN
`"W“‘§,§gIE””‘“
`
`314
`
`/
`
` 5 MINUTES
`GHECKIOSEEIF
`PASSED SINCE
`MULTIPLE MATCHES
`
`cm BE comsmeo?
`ROOM CREATED?
`
`
`
`304
`
`305
`
`308
`
`YES
`
`REFEREE ANNOUNCES
`'TIIE SHOIIIIOOWN WILL
`BEGIN IN I MINUTE,
`WAITING FOR MORE
`PLAYERS’
`
`WAIT I MINUTE
`
`
`
`FILL SIDE WITH
`FEWER PLAYERS
`WITH ENOUGH
`BOTS TO MAKE
`BOTH SIDES EQUAL
`
`REFEREE
`
`ANNOUNCES 'THE
`SI-IOWDOWN IS
`ABOUT TO BEGIN-
`
`FANS GET READY?
`
`I5 SECONDS
`
`
`
`TO FIG. 4B
`
`FIG. 4A
`
`

`
`Case 5:16-cv-00349-NC Document 19-5 Filed 04/11/16 Page 6 of 23
`Case 5:16—cv—OO349—NC Document 19-5 Filed 04/11/16 Page 6 of 23
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 6, 2004
`
`Sheet 4 of 9
`
`US 6,758,754 B1
`
`FROM FIG. 4A
`
`316
`
`iNACTlVE=\§/
`
`N0
`
`318
`HAIL MARY QUESTION?
`(((W{) >7(CI ' 12
`
`
`
`QUESTION
`
`15 SECONDS
`
`10 SECONDS
`
`CORRECT: TOTAL = row + 1
`mcoaaecr: mm = TOTAL . 1
`PASS/1NACTlVE:TOTAL=TOTAL
`as HARL MARY ouesnon, TOTAL=
`TOTAL *3J
`
`330
`
`TALL‘!
`(ENSPLAYTOTALSFDR.
`EACH TE-LAM)
`
`332
`
`334
`
`LASmU&@
`
`YES
`
`SHOWDOWN
`RESULTS
`
`335
`
`FIG. 4B
`
`FROM FIG. 4A
`
`

`
`Case 5:16-cv-00349-NC Document 19-5 Filed 04/11/16 Page 7 of 23
`Case 5:16—cv—OO349—NC Document 19-5 Filed 04/11/16 Page 7 of 23
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 6, 2004
`
`Sheet 5 of 9
`
`US 6,758,754 B1
`
`250
`
`7
`259 /_____
`
`QUESTION #8
`
`260 /
`ANSWERA
`ANSWERB
`
`ANSWERC
`
`PLAYER B2
`
`PLAYER B3
`
`PLAYER B4
`
`PLAYER B5
`
`PLAYER 35
`PLAYER B7
`
`PLAYER 33
`
`THAT WAS me HARDEST ouesnon YET.
`
`TEAM 8 RULES!!!
`
`wens mums YOU!
`
`YOU DONT STAND A CHANCE‘?!
`
`PLAYER A3, DIDN'T YOU THINK THE LAST ANSWER wAs 8?
`
`FIG. 5
`
`

`
`Case 5:16-cv-00349-NC Document 19-5 Filed 04/11/16 Page 8 of 23
`Case 5:16—cv—OO349—NC Document 19-5 Filed 04/11/16 Page 8 of 23
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 6, 2004
`
`Sheet 6 of 9
`
`US 6,758,754 B1
`
`mew:OH
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`3.03
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`mg352.29$E2.81as122.1.3%.,3%
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`
`Case 5:16-cv-00349-NC Document 19-5 Filed 04/11/16 Page 9 of 23
`Case 5:16—cv—OO349—NC Document 19-5 Filed 04/11/16 Page 9 of 23
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 6, 2004
`
`Sheet 7 of 9
`
`US 6,758,754 B1
`
`<o.m_.._29¢
`
`SN«com20%
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`
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`
`Case 5:16-cv-00349-NC Document 19-5 Filed 04/11/16 Page 10 of 23
`Case 5:16—cv—OO349—NC Document 19-5 Filed 04/11/16 Page 10 of 23
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 6, 2004
`
`Sheet 8 of 9
`
`US 6,758,754 B1
`
`500
`
`)
`
`504
`
`SPONSOR
`
`TEAM A FANS
`
`LQI-EQIMFER
`
`TEAM B FANS
`
`508
`
`x
`
`LOGIN FOR
`TEAM 8
`
`FIG. 7
`
`

`
`Case 5:16-cv-00349-NC Document 19-5 Filed 04/11/16 Page 11 of 23
`Case 5:16—cv—OO349—NC Document 19-5 Filed 04/11/16 Page 11 of 23
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 6, 2004
`
`Sheet 9 of 9
`
`US 6,758,754 B1
`
`402
`
`404
`
`JOE SMITH
`DETROIT, MI
`
`GAMES PLAYED
`
`WINILOSS RECORD
`
`WiNN1NG %
`
`# OF QUESTIONS SEEN
`
`# OF CORRECT ANSWERS
`
`17
`
`10/7
`
`58.8%
`
`196
`
`112
`
`CORRECT ANSWER %
`
`57.1%
`
`PRIZE POINTS EARNED
`
`240
`
`TEAM A RANKING
`
`ALL PRO
`
`400
`
`SPONSOR
`
`408
`
`406
`
`FIG. 8
`
`

`
`Case 5:16-cv-00349-NC Document 19-5 Filed 04/11/16 Page 12 of 23
`Case 5:16—cv—OO349—NC Document 19-5 Filed 04/11/16 Page 12 of 23
`
`US 6,758,754 B1
`
`1
`SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTERACTIVE
`GAME-PLAY SCHEDULED BASED ON
`REAL-LIFE EVENTS
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates generally to games, and
`more specifically to online electronic team games of trivia
`scheduled based on real-life events.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Competitive games are a well known form of recreation.
`These games may include physical activities, such as bas-
`ketball or baseball, or more inactive games, such as “board
`games” like MonopolyTM and Trivial Pursuit” Advances in
`technology have added new games and altered existing
`games. These advances in technology allow games such as
`basketball, baseball, or MonopolyTM to played in an elec-
`tronic format.
`
`Competitive games may be enjoyable because partici-
`pants can interact with others in friendly competition. Elec-
`tronic games, however, may suffer from the drawback of
`reducing the number of people who can participate together
`in a game. Many current electronic video games are limited
`to two players competing against each other. This limits who
`can participate.
`Additionally, many conventional games are limited by
`geography. Players may only compete with other players
`nearby. To participate, a player may have to travel large
`distances at great expense to reach a competition. This may
`discourage players from competing in various contests.
`Conventional electronic games may also have a drawback
`of not establishing competition among a community of
`players with common interests. Many electronic games are
`limited to a schedule(s) created by the game manufacturer.
`These games do not incorporate real-life competition and/or
`preexisting loyalties held by players. While a player may
`have a preexisting loyalty to a college football team, for
`example, existing electronic games do not specifically use
`these loyalties to promote competition in the electronic
`games.
`These and other drawbacks exist.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`An object of the present invention is to overcome these
`and other drawbacks in existing systems and methods.
`Another object of the invention is to provide systems and
`methods for allowing a plurality of players to electronically
`compete in contests against each other.
`Another object of the invention is to provide systems and
`methods for allowing a plurality of players to be teamed
`together, based at
`least
`in part on player profiles, and
`matching teams of players against each other in a competi-
`tion.
`
`Another object of the invention is to provide systems and
`methods for matching teams of players against each other in
`competition based on real-life events.
`Another object of the invention is to provide systems and
`methods for grouping players into teams based on player-
`selected sports teams and matching teams according to a
`real-life sports schedule.
`Another object of the invention is to provide systems and
`methods for creating a compelling multi-player experience
`as well as foster a community of like-minded sports fans.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`2
`Another object of the invention is to provide systems and
`methods for fostering player loyalty driven by pre-existing,
`strongly held loyalties to sports teams.
`Another object of the invention is to provide systems and
`methods for allowing a player to receive a score for a contest
`based on the performance of the player in the contest and
`based on the performance of the player’s team in the contest.
`Another object of the invention is to provide systems and
`methods for allowing a plurality of players to compete in a
`trivia based competition by presenting players with a series
`of questions and tallying the responses provided by the
`players.
`Another object of the invention is to provide systems and
`methods for providing the opportunity for players to accu-
`mulate chances to win prizes while participating in compe-
`tition with and against a plurality of other players.
`Another object of the invention is to provide systems and
`methods for providing branding opportunities for partners
`and clients who sponsor player competition.
`Another object of the invention is to provide systems and
`methods for providing a sizable value-added content
`to
`existing online sports content providers who sponsor player
`competition.
`These and other objects of the invention are accomplished
`according to various embodiments of the invention. Accord-
`ing to one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of
`players register to compete. Players are placed on teams
`based on a player’s indication of team preferences. Teams
`are matched based on real-life events. The score of the
`
`competition is tallied, and the players are awarded scores
`based on the player’s individual performance and teams
`performance.
`Other objects and advantages exist for the present inven-
`tion.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a flowchart of am embodiment of a method
`
`according to the invention.
`FIG. 2 depicts a schematic diagram of a hardware system
`according to an embodiment of the invention.
`FIG. 3 depicts a schematic diagram of a system according
`to an embodiment of the invention.
`
`FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method of login and registration
`according to an embodiment of the invention.
`FIG. 5 illustrates a graphical user interface according to
`an embodiment of the invention.
`
`FIG. 6 is a flowchart of match play according to an
`embodiment of the invention.
`
`FIG. 7 illustrates a graphical user interface depicting a
`game page according to an embodiment of the invention.
`FIG. 8 illustrates a graphical user interface depicting a
`personal trading card according to an embodiment of the
`invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`invention is described in relation to an
`The present
`internet based world wide web interface system that players
`access using a web browser. In this environment, the present
`invention provides online electronic team-oriented games of
`trivia with matches that are scheduled based on real-life
`
`events. Nonetheless, the characteristics and parameters per-
`taining to the electronic team games are equally applicable
`to other types of competition.
`
`

`
`Case 5:16-cv-00349-NC Document 19-5 Filed 04/11/16 Page 13 of 23
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`
`US 6,758,754 B1
`
`3
`invention, an
`For purposes of explaining the present
`embodiment of the present invention is set forth. A player
`may use a browser to connect over the internet to a server
`program and logon to an electronic team game of trivia. A
`player profile may include teams a player selects to be
`associated with or against, such as a favorite team and a
`least-favorite or rival team.
`
`Using the browser, the player logs on to the system and
`selects a team to play for. Aplayer may be prevented from
`playing for a least favorite team or against a favorite team.
`Ateam page may be presented to the player, and may display
`a game to be played, where the game corresponds to a
`real-life schedule, and various matches. Matches involve
`players from one team competing against players from
`another team. A player may be placed in an appropriate
`match by the system, may select to join a match, or may
`create a new match. Computer-controlled players, or “bots,”
`may be added to keep sides even. A match may begin with
`the system presenting a question and various answer possi-
`bilities to the players, who may select an answer or pass on
`a question. After a predetermined period of time has passed,
`the system may present the correct answer to the player. The
`number of correct answers for each player, as well as for the
`teams, may be tallied after each answer is presented. A
`match may comprise a predetermined number of questions.
`Scores may be awarded based on the number of correct
`answers, both by the team as a whole and by the individual
`players. At the end of the match, a player may be awarded
`a final score based on the number of questions correctly
`answered, the match results and the team results. Tickets
`may be used as a method of counting awards points for a
`player based on a players score, with more tickets being
`awarded for higher scores. Prizes may be raffled by drawing
`from the tickets awarded to players. A more detailed expla-
`nation of various features and elements of the present
`invention will now be given.
`According to an embodiment of the invention, a multi-
`player game, such as a trivia game, may be provided in
`which players cooperatively determine the outcome of
`matches which are scheduled based on real-life games/
`schedules. According to an embodiment of the invention, a
`player may use any known internet browser, such as
`Netscape” 4.0 or higher, or Microsoft Internet Explorer”
`4.0 or higher, or other browsers may also be used. The player
`may use this browser 50 to connect over the internet 60 to
`a server, as shown in FIG. 2. The method of implementing
`the present invention may comprise various steps, including
`login/registration, match management, match play, award-
`ing scores, and awarding prizes. Other steps may also be
`included.
`
`FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the
`present
`invention,
`including the steps of “Login/
`Registration” (step 2), “Match Management” (step 4),
`“Match Play” (step 6), “Awarding Scores” (step 8), and
`“Awarding Prizes” (step 10). The present invention may also
`include additional steps, or may be performed without
`certain steps. The steps associated with FIG. 1 that may be
`included in the present invention are now described in more
`detail.
`
`As noted above, the system provides for players to login
`and register before playing a game in login/registration step
`2. First
`time players may register with the system by
`entering information to allow identification of that player.
`Upon registering, the player may be assigned or may select
`a username and password for logging into the system. Once
`a player registers, or if a player has previously registered, a
`player may log into a system. Other login procedures may
`also be used.
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`In step 4, the system initiates procedures to manage a
`match. The system may organize a plurality of players into
`teams and match a plurality of teams to allow for competi-
`tion. Players may be organized into a team based on player
`profiles. Teams may then compete in matches against one or
`more other teams. According to an embodiment of the
`invention, teams comprise a limited number of players per
`match. Computer-controlled players, or “bots” may be used
`to ensure that each team has the desired number of players.
`For example, if a match was set to be six on six, but one side
`only had five players when the match was scheduled to
`begin, a bot would be added to make the sixth player. The
`scores of each player may be weighted depending upon the
`number of players on a team. For example, if one team has
`eight players and another team has four players, the scores
`of the eight player team may be worth only half as much as
`the score of the four player team. Other embodiments may
`also be used.
`
`is
`A player may be directly placed into a team that
`currently competing in a match. According to an embodi-
`ment of the invention, a player may be placed within the
`most appropriate match available as described in detail
`below. Aplayer may also select to join a particular match, or
`may also select to create a new match. Matches may also be
`combined to reduce the total number of matches. Other
`
`methods of match management may also occur, as described
`below.
`
`the system may
`Once a match has been established,
`provide for match play in step 6. A roster of players on a
`team and a chat area may be presented, allowing a player to
`converse with other players while competing in matches.
`Game play may be presented to a player to allow competi-
`tion to occur, and may comprise presenting various ques-
`tions and answer choices. The correct answer may be
`displayed, and correct answers to a question by each player
`and team may be tallied. Other methods of match play may
`also occur.
`
`The system may also provide for awarding scores to the
`teams and the players in step 8. Each player may be awarded
`a score based on the performance of the player and the
`performance of the player’s team. For example, a player
`may be awarded a score based on the number of questions
`correctly answered. A team victory may result in a higher
`score for the player. Other scoring methods may also be
`used, as described in detail below.
`The system may also provide for awarding prizes to the
`players in step 10. Prizes may be awarded to a player(s)
`based on the score received by the player, as described
`below. For example, a raffle system may be used to award
`prizes. Each player may receive “tickets” based on their
`score, with more tickets being awarded to a player with a
`higher score. A drawing may then determine which player
`receives the prize. Other methods for awarding prizes may
`also be used.
`
`To perform these and other functions, a scheduled match
`trivia game system 100, according to an embodiment of the
`invention, may be provided. System 100 may comprise one
`or more of the following modules: web shell 102, a player
`management module 104, match management module 106,
`match module 108, chat module 110, game logic module
`112,
`interaction server 114, content module 116, game
`management module 118, prize/winner module 120, and
`advertising/sponsorship module 122. The operation of each
`of these modules is provided in detail below. In general, web
`shell 102 may include web pages providing a primary
`interface to non-game play functions, such as login, game/
`
`

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`US 6,758,754 B1
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`5
`match information, player trading cards, help, and other
`functions. Player management module 104 may maintain
`player information (e.g., username, real name, personal
`statistics, team affiliation(s), etc.) and manage registration of
`new players and login of existing players. Player manage-
`ment module 104 may allow a player to change some of the
`stored information to allow a player to customize a player
`profile or personal “trading card.”
`Match management module 106 may maintain a pool of
`current matches, manage initiation of new matches, and
`place players into matches. Match module 108 may also
`contain one or more sub-modules, including a chat module
`110 that supplies in-match chat functionality, a game logic
`module 112 that provides game logic, handles match
`scoring, interfaces with content management module 116 to
`obtain trivia content, sends “Referee” (or system
`administration) messages via chat module 110, provides
`prize ticket data to player management module 104 at the
`conclusion of a contest or game and updates a “Recent
`Players” ticker at the conclusion of a contest or game, and
`an interaction server 114 or “Match Marshall,” that may be
`responsible for synchronizing with clients who sponsor a
`system, distributing content (e.g., question/answer data,
`etc.), and handling incoming messages from a client who
`sponsors a system. A client-side application (e.g., a client
`website) may incorporate part of the chat and game logic
`functionality. Client-side applications may include programs
`written in Java”, ShockwaveTM, or other programming
`languages.
`Content management module 116 may generate and pro-
`vide game or contest information to game logic module 112,
`which may include trivia questions and answers. Game
`management module 118 may maintain a pool of current
`games, a schedule of games for a season, scores of current
`games, and team win/loss records.
`Prize/winner management module 120 may select win-
`ners periodically based on prize ticket data, and may gen-
`erate and distribute winner reports for prize fulfillment.
`Advertising/sponsorship module 122 may provide advertis-
`ing and sponsorship content
`to web shell 102. A more
`detailed description of system 100 and various modules
`which may be contained therein is described now.
`Web shell 102 may comprise the central control compo-
`nent of the system that provides global navigation for a
`player that accesses the system. As described above, system
`100 may comprise a server system that provides web access
`to the team-based match play system described herein. That
`system may present a series of web pages to players engaged
`in play of the game. Accordingly, web shell 102 may provide
`the underlying interface mechanism to allow users to navi-
`gate the pages in the site and determine the content of pages
`that are presented to the players. According to an embodi-
`ment of the invention, every page provided at the web shell
`may have a set of textual links to areas of a web site,
`including a home page, a table of contents of a help section,
`a prize page, and a player information editing page. Other
`links may also be provided. According to an embodiment of
`the invention, a player information editing page may be
`provided only when a player has logged in. Depending on
`the situation (e.g., a player is logged in, or not logged in,
`location within site, etc.), there may be additional links.
`Web shell 102 may also present a splash screen to
`introduce a player upon logging into the system. According
`to an embodiment of the invention, an introductory splash
`screen may containing a product name and logo, an anima-
`tion or movie, audio or other content. After a predetermined
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`period of time (e.g., after an image or animation has had time
`to load), or if the player clicks on a logo, a player may be
`taken to a home page.
`A home page may be a central hub page to introduce
`concepts, explain procedures and rules, and present various
`aspects of the competition. A home page may display all
`games in progress along with the game status and score of
`each of those games. An interface may be provided on a
`home page to allow a player to login/register. According to
`an embodiment of the invention, a home page may display
`a brief paragraph introducing the competition and explaining
`how it work. For example, a player may receive instructions
`that the competition is a trivia game based on sports. Other
`types of competition may also be used. A list of matches in
`progress may be presented and current scores, with winning
`team listed first, e.g.: winner’s fans 255, loser’s fans 210, as
`well as the number of people playing. Clicking on one of
`these matches may take a player to an appropriate game
`information page. A home page may further have a link to
`a game schedule, a link to a prize page, and a login box for
`login and/or registration.
`Web shell 102 may include a match information page,
`which may present all available information for a selected
`match (team X vs. team Y), and allow a player to access a
`team locker room for either competing side. A match infor-
`mation page may present the current score for each team,
`and the number of players playing for each team. According
`to an embodiment of the invention, teams may be referred to
`not simply as “Team X,” but as “Team X fans,” to indicate
`that competition is between the fans and not the actual
`teams. A match information page may also indicate when a
`match is scheduled to end.
`
`According to an embodiment of the invention, a match
`information page may present a login box to a player. A
`player may activate an appropriate softkey or button (e.g.,
`“Click here to play for Team X” and “Click here to play for
`Team Y”) to link to an appropriate team locker room page.
`A match information page may also present information
`about match results. According to an embodiment of the
`invention, a match results ticker may be presented as a right
`to left scrolling ticker which displays various information
`about recently finished matches. Match result information
`may be displayed in other manners. Information displayed
`on a match results ticker may include a username of a player,
`the city and state where a player is from, and the number of
`prize tickets earned by a player in a particular match.
`According to an embodiment of the invention, a ticker may
`hold a maximum number (such as 22, for example) of
`names, with each new addition pushing the oldest off of the
`list. Other information may also be displayed.
`Web shell 102 may also include a team locker room page.
`A team locker room page may be a “home base” for a
`particular team, providing access to all team-specific infor-
`mation. A team locker room page may present a score for
`games in which that team is competing. As noted previously,
`according to an embodiment of the invention, teams may be
`referred to not simply as “Team X” but as “Team X fans” to
`indicate that the competition is between the fans and not the
`actual teams. According to an embodiment of the invention,
`a team may be involved in a plurality of matches. For
`example, Team X may have 20 fans competing in 3 matches.
`Results of all matches may be displayed on a team locker
`room page, as well as the combined results of the matches.
`If there is no match for a particular day, or week, a message
`may be presented that indicates this fact. For example, the
`phrase “Team X fans are not currently playing a game” may
`be displayed on a team locker room page.
`
`

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`US 6,758,754 B1
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`7
`Ateam locker room page may also indicate when a game
`is scheduled to end, if there is a game. Aplayer may activate
`a button to enter a particular game, or may activate a button
`to select or create a new game. Alogin box may be presented
`on a team locker room page to allow a player to login to a
`selected game.
`Web shell 102 may include a game page, which displays
`information about a specific game. A game page may
`indicate which teams are playing,
`the number of players
`participating for each team, and the overall score for the
`game. A game page may also allow a player to enter a team
`locker room page. According to an embodiment of the
`invention, a ticker may display information about players
`and the game, including the rankings and prize points of
`players, the results and status of matches, and other infor-
`mation. Other information may be displayed on a game
`page.
`FIG. 7 illustrates a graphical user interface depicting a
`game page according to an embodiment of the invention.
`Game page 500 may display a title 502, where the title
`identifies the game, and a sponsor logo 504. For example, a
`title may indicate a regular season game, a noted rivalry, a
`play-off game, or other information about the game. Sponsor
`logo 504 may identify the owner or sponsor of the website
`where the system is located.
`Logos indicating Team A’s fans 506, and Team B’s fans
`508 may be displayed, along with the score accumulated by
`Team A’s fans, 510, and the score accumulated by Team B’s
`fans 512. Game page 500 may also display a login for Team
`A’ fans and a login for Team B’s fans, at 514 and 516,
`respectively. According to an embodiment of the invention,
`a pop-up registration window may appear when login 514 or
`516 is selected by a player. The pop-up registration may
`prompt a player to enter the appropriate username and
`password to login to the system. A team locker room page
`may then be presented to a player.
`Game page 500 may also present a ticker 518, which may
`comprise a left to right scrolling ticker presenting informa-
`tion about the game. Ticker 518 may scroll information
`about players, including a player’s score, match results, the
`number of players participating, and other information.
`Game page 500 may display other information as well.
`Web shell 102 may also include a fan ranking page. Afan
`ranking page may present a list of players. According to an
`embodiment of the invention, a fan ranking page may
`present a list of the top players, such as the top ten players,
`as well as information about the players. Information may
`include a username, city, state, wi