Database driven online distributed tournament system
US6224486A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 24, 1998 |
| Grant date | May 1, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 24, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63F2300/8064
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and a system for a distributed electronic tournament system in which many remotely located players participate in a tournament through input/output devices connected to a central controller which manages the tournament. The method includes the steps of (a) uniquely identifying a player communicating with the central controller via an associated input/output device; (b) responding to payment of an entry fee by the player for allowing the player to participate in a tournament occurring within a fixed time window via an associated input/output device; (c) accessing a database to store in the database player information that is generated as the player participates in the tournament, such information being available for use in a subsequent tournament, which is administered by said controller and in which the player participates; and (d) awarding the player a prize for achieving a pre-established performance level in the tournament. In another preferred embodiment, the method further includes the steps of determining whether the player has been qualified to advance to a subsequent game session, in which at least one player is eliminated from the previous game session; and permit…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.