WO2016108226A1

WO2016108226A1 - A system and method for real-time online participation in events related to a personal profile

Info

Publication number: WO2016108226A1
Application number: PCT/IL2015/051241
Authority: WO
Inventors: Omer KADOSH; Boaz KADOSH
Original assignee: Kadosh Omer; Kadosh Boaz
Priority date: 2014-12-28
Filing date: 2015-12-22
Publication date: 2016-07-07

Abstract

A method for real-time online participation in EVENTS over a service-provider-based system by a USER/subscriber. The method includes opening by the USER/subscriber of his account and connecting to the system, receiving a software (SW) application for interaction with the service provider and installing the SW application on at least one digital means of the USER/subscriber and filling out a profile of personal details and online participation interests by the USER/subscriber.

Description

A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REAL-TIME ONLINE PARTICIPATION IN EVENTS RELATED TO A PERSONAL PROFILE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to event participation, and more particularly to a system and method for real-time online participation in events.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Gaming on events by means of phones, particularly on mobile phones is known in then art, but not during the events.

According to the website www.Qamblerspalace.com, in the past few years online sports gaming software developers have injected vast amounts of capital into the development of their mobile phone software. The new sports gaming technology is designed to display all the graphics, sound effects and game backgrounds just like the online version, right on one's mobile phone screen. This has created a wide range of mobile sports gaming options.

Mobile phone platforms enable gaming on sports, play casino games, deposit and withdraw from your mobile device. There is no doubt that there is a huge market for mobile sports gaming, as almost everyone seems to have a smart phone. Using a mobile phone for gaming can be very handy if one does not have access to a computer at the moment.

Mobile sports gaming is just a mobile way of logging into a online sports book account from a mobile phone. It is the same thing as gaming from one's desktop, laptop or a phone call. The action is binding, as per rule of the sportsbook.

Thus, it would be advantageous to enable gaming on events by means of mobile devices, computers, digital scoreboard, Google Glasses™, etc., during the events.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a system and method for real-time online participation in events related to a personal profile.

It is another principal object of the present invention to enable real-time gaming participation in decisive moments during sports events by means of software or an app, for example, that will enable the end user to play the results of a specified event that wilt happen in the near future. It is one further principal object of the present invention to provide exemplary software/application that can work on multiple platforms such as smart phones, interactive TV, tablets, digital scoreboard, Google Glasses™, etc.

it is one other principal object of the present invention to establish an exemplary application appropriate for reai-time participation during television (TV) and/or Internet broadcasts such as sports events.

It is a further principal object of the present invention to enable real-time participation in online surveys of interest.

A method is disclosed for real-time online participation in EVENTS over a service-provider-based system by a USER/subscriber. The method includes opening by the USER/subscriber of his account and connecting to the system, receiving a software (SW) application for interaction with the service provider and installing the SW application on at least one digital means of the USER/subscriber and filling out a profile of personal details and online participation interests by the USER/subscriber.

The paid survey process is fairly straightforward. In regard to surveys, one signs up with a paid survey site, and completes a member profile. Then, the service provider sends an e-mail any time they have a survey that matches one's profile. A typical e-mail invitation will include an estimate of how long the survey will take to complete, specify how one will be compensated for one's time (if one qualifies), and provide a (ink to the survey. One can expect to spend 15-20 minutes per survey on average.

Payment for surveys can vary widely from site to site and from survey to survey. Expect to be compensated in one of three ways: with cash (anywhere from $1 to $50 per survey), with points that can be redeemed for prizes, or with sweepstakes entries. In some instances one may also be rewarded with new products to try.

Definitions:

EVENT: a sports or other reality occurrence, such as a survey, in real-time.

USER: a customer/sports enthusiast, who has been provided with the software (SW) application of the system of the service provider.

PAYMENT MEANS: electronic money or credit card, paid according to the cell phone company or any other means of Internet payment.

The application is suitable for immediate gaming in real-time during an EVENT. The present invention provides questions asked about events that have happened lately and/or occar in the immediate future. The user will choose the answer in a user-defined time frame.

In one exemplary embodiment a multiple-choice question is presented to the user in a selected language, suctvas American English, Spanish or Arabic, and the user will preferably choose one answer wherein each choice will result in appropriately crediting/debiting his account after the outcome of the EVENT has been determined.

The user can choose to notify the service provider that he is "in the game." The user can be prompted by sending a message from the service provider, to the user's location obtained by pinpointing the location of the device at the present time.

The app, for example, will enable sending and receiving an answer before a real time occurrence that happens during an EVENT taking place at that time, typically a sports EVENT.

The app will enable delivery of a specified query to a number of people who had downloaded the app, or otherwise received it and each of the people will decide on answering within a specified time.

The app or software (SW), for example, will be accessible via several platforms such as Smart-phone's, interactive TV, tablets, mobile phones, personal computers (PC's), digital scoreboard, Google Glasses™, etc.

The questions and answers will be sent back and forth by means of VoIP, text message or a number, for example, and will have a few alternative forms, such as having multiple-choice answers and the user will need to choose his answer within a specific time. According to the outcome of the EVENT the user's account will be credited with a pre-specified user chosen amount.

The question can be sent from the service provider at a specific time or to a GPS-determined location, or other method of locating-determined location, that was retrieved from the user's electronic device or by any other means that allows instant delivery of queries.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows hereinafter may be better understood. Additional details and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description, and in part will be appreciated from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, a preferred embodiment will now be described, by way of a non-limiting example oniy, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a flow chart of the method used for online sports gaming, performed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a flow chart of the method used for online sports gaming, performed according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of the system used for online sports gaming, constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary interactive screen used for online sports gaming, constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary screen for payment options for online sports gaming, constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 6 is a schematic illustration of various outcomes for a soccer penalty kick, constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

All the above and other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be further understood through the following illustrative and non-limitative description of preferred embodiments thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The principles and operation of a method and an apparatus according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description, it being understood that these drawings are given for illustrative purposes oniy and are not meant to be limiting.

Fig. 1 is a flow chart of the method used for online sports gaming, performed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The USER enters the application to operate the software (SW), for example, in the system, allowing him to open an account with the gaming enterprise, where he can make a deposit or pay in one of the following ways:

(1) By means of PAY PAL;

(2) credit card;

(3) pay through a cell phone account 110; or

(4) or other appropriate means. Subsequently, the USER may or may not be tuned into a sports EVENT on TV or over the Internet 120. During the course of the EVENT a message is sent to the USER; "There currently is an EVENT" 130.

During the sports event, e.g., a soccer match, the referee whistles for a penalty kick. Between the whistle and actual kick, or perhaps with extra time, the USER receives a proposal to play, for the specified limited total time available as to whether the kick will cross the goal 160. The invitation to play includes the odds and sometimes also the minimum play action value. The proposal to play is automatically for a limited time 170. An invitation to play is flashed on the screen 180. If the USER clicks YES he also specifies a minimum or higher allowable amount 181. If the USER clicks NO, the window closes automatically 182. If the action is not cancelled (for some unforeseen reason), the system will confirm as follows:

(1) The option selected + the amount + the odds; and

(2) The player will be sent and will receive the confirmation 185.

If a goal is scored 190, the USER has won, and his account credited 191. If there is NO goal, the USER is notified of his loss 192.

Fig. 2 is a flow chart of the method used for online sports gaming, performed according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The USER is enabled for communication and gaming with the service provider. The app is installed on a smart-phone, tabloid, laptop, PC or any other digital means. The USER opens his account and he is connected 210. Subsequently, the USER is tuned to an EVENT. The USER receives an invitation to participate in an online gaming.

The system SW sends confirmation to the USER 220.

During the course of the EVENT, the USER will receive a proposal for gaming according to the different outcomes expected as to how an occurrence will take place in the future. The proposal will include specification of the odds for each possible outcome, and the possible amounts of the play action to be given by the USER in advance, and which could be later updated by the USER until the betting is closed. For example, for a penalty kick in soccer:

A. A goal is scored;

B. The ball bounces out without a score;

C. The ball hits the frame, without a score occurring;

D. The ball hits the crossbar, without a score occurring; or

E. The goalie stops the ball, without a score occurring 230. If one of the possibilities is not selected within a specified time frame, the proposed play action will automatically be cancelled.240. If the action is not cancelled, the system will confirm:

(1) The option selected + the amount + the odds; and

(2) The confirmation will be sent to the player (and he will receive it)

(or, optionally the play action may not be required to be confirmed) 250.

rf the outcome is according to the play action 260 the USER will be notified of the amount won and his account will be credited 270; if not the USER will be notified of the failure 280.

Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of the system used for online sports gaming, constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A proprietary website 310 is provided to enable game participation, Website 310 includes servers 311 and database storage 312. Website 310 is in communication with subscribers/betters over the Internet 320. Subscriber/betters are equipped with smart-phone, tabloid, laptop, PC or any other digital means 330. In the current example the screen 331 of smart-phone 330 shows a soccer player getting ready to make a penalty kick. In a preferred embodiment smart-phone 330 has specialized function keys 332 to perform interactive betting functions, as well as a standard keypad 333.

Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary interactive screen used for online sports gaming, constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The smart-phone screen shows the message to the subscriber/better of reference block 130 of Fig.1 , "Do you want to play?" 410. He has entered the amount he wishes to bet: $5 and has selected an outcome "goal" 430. There is also shown the toolbar for activating his profile 440.

Fig. 5 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary screen for payment options 520 for online sports gaming, constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a schematic illustration of various outcomes and activities for a soccer penalty kick, constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Images include: a goalie trying to stop a penalty kick 610; a striker getting ready to make a penalty kick 620; a televised penalty kick, where the player is watching on TV, preferably provided with a "set-top box," for communication with the proprietary website 630; a goalie trying to stop a penalty kick 640; kicking into an unattended net 650; a goalie stopping a penalty kick 660; another goalie stopping a penalty kick 670; a striker getting ready kick 680; and a jubilant striker having made a penalty kick 690.

Having described the present invention with regard to certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the description is not meant as a limitation, since further modifications will now suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and it is intended to cover such modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

We claim:

1 . A method for real-time online participation in EVENTS over a service- provider-based system by a USER/subscriber, the method comprising:

opening by the USER/subscriber of his account and connecting to the system ;

receiving a software (SW) application for interaction with the service provider; and

installing the SW application on at least one digital means of the USER/subscriber and filling out a profile of personal details and online participation interests by the USER/subscriber.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the digital means comprises one of at least a mobile phone, an iPhone, an iPod, a tablet, a laptop, a personal computer and an interactive TV, digital scoreboard and Google Glasses™.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the personal profile specifies a particular sports EVENT or a particular type of sports EVENT.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the online interests are a plurality of designated subjects involved in online surveys.

5. A method for real-time gaming over a service provider-based system by a USER/subscriber, while attending or observing a sports EVENT on television (TV) and/or Internet broadcast of the sports EVENT, the method comprising:

opening by the USER/subscriber of his account and connecting to the system ;

receiving a software (SW) application for interaction with the service provider and for gaming;

installing the SW application on at least one digital means of the USER/subscriber and filling out a profile of personal preferences by the USER/subscriber;

observing by the USER/subscriber of the sports EVENT, or playing without observing the EVENT;

receiving an invitation by the USER/subscriber to participate in online gaming; confirming by the USER/subscriber to the system that he is online for the EVENT or informing the system that he is interested in being ONLINE during the EVENT; sending confirmation by the system to the USER/subscriber; and

receiving by the USER/subscriber during the course of the EVENT of a proposal for gaming according to the different outcomes expected as to how an occurrence will take place in the future, said proposal comprising at least:

specification of the odds for each possible outcome; and the possible amounts for the play action to be given by the USER/subscriber in advance, and which could be later updated by the USER/subscriber until the play action is closed.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the digital means comprises one of a mobile phone, an iPhone, an iPod, a tablet, a laptop and a personal computer.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the multiple-choice question is in the form of two choices: success or failure by a player in the sports EVENT related to a specific activity in the sports EVENT.

8. The method of claim 5, further comprising automatically cancelling the proposed play action if one of the possibilities is not selected within a specified time frame.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising confirming the play action by the system if the play action is not cancelled, wherein said confirming comprises:

confirming the option selected, the amount and the odds; and sending the confirmation to the USER/subscriber.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising notifying the USER/subscriber if the outcome is according to the play action of the amount won and crediting his account.

1 1 . The method of claim 9, further comprising notifying the USER/subscriber of the failure if the outcome is not according to his choice.

12. The method of claim 5, wherein the receiving of an invitation by the USER/subscriber to participate in online gaming applies to a plurality of USER/subscribers according to their profiles of personal details and sports interests.