AU2010221796B1

AU2010221796B1 - An entertainment system

Info

Publication number: AU2010221796B1
Application number: AU2010221796A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Lawrence Burke; Stephen Jones
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-09-16
Filing date: 2010-09-16
Publication date: 2011-02-17
Anticipated expiration: 2030-09-16

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 Standard Patent Specification Title: An entertainment system Applicant(s): Stephen Jones and Lawrence Burke Inventor(s): Stephen Jones and Lawrence Burke Agent: © COTTERS Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys The following is a full description of the invention which sets forth the best method known to the applicant of performing it.

2 An entertainment system Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an entertainment system. In particular, the present 5 invention relates to a system for placing a bet on the outcome of real time events that occur during a sporting event. Background of the Invention The game of cricket is typically played over an extended period of time. Fans who attend 10 the match, or alternatively watch the match on television are interested in the outcome of the match, and such fans may place a wager through a betting agency on the overall outcome of the match. However, on account of the length of the match, it would be advantageous if there was a way to keep fans more involved in the game at all stages. 15 Horse racing enthusiasts make informed betting decisions based on inputs such as the weight, historical win and place statistics, state of the track and other performance criteria. However, a disadvantage with team sports such as cricket and rugby, is that it is difficult to enable betting to be placed based upon the performance of the individual players on the field, at various stages during the match. 20 Object of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages, or to provide a useful alternative. 25 Summary of the Invention In a first aspect, the present invention provides an entertainment system comprising: a first computer processor adapted to receive input data from a user, the input data identifying the selection of one or more predefined portions of a stationary playing field; a second computer processor in remote communication with the first computer 30 processor and adapted to receive and store the input data; and a database of game events in communication with the second computer processor; 3 wherein the second computer processor is adapted to calculate a result based on a comparison of a game event from the database with the input data; further wherein the second computer processor is adapted to communicate the result to the first computer processor; further wherein each predefined portion of the playing field is allocated a point and/or colour value, and the second computer processor is adapted to assign a new point and/or colour value to each predefined portion of the playing field between successive game events. Each predefined portion of the playing field is preferably allocated a point and/or colour value, and the second computer processor is adapted to randomly assign a new point and/or colour value to each predefined portion of the playing field by rotating a visual overlay during the game event, the overlay identifying point and/or colour values assigned to each portion of the playing field, the visual overlay being superimposed over the playing field. The second computer processor preferably records the user's current credit resulting from each game event. The first computer processor is preferably adapted to display the result and/or the current credit. Each predefined portion of the playing field is preferably allocated one of a first and a second colour, and a win result may be calculated if: the user has selected the predefined portion of the playing field that a ball intersects or passes over; and/or the user has selected the predefined portion of the playing field which is the same colour as the predefined portion that the ball intersects or passes over. Markers are preferably located on a sporting field to define boundaries between the predefined portions of the playing field. The markers preferably include motion sensors to determine a specific predefined portion of the playing field where a ball passes.

4 The markers are preferably virtual markers which are displayed on a visual display in communication with the first computer processor. In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of providing an entertainment system, the method comprising the steps of: locating a plurality of markers on a stationary game field, each marker and an adjacent marker defining a region; allocating a number and/or colour to each region; permitting a user to place a wager based on the likelihood of a ball intersecting or passing over one or more of the regions; and changing the number and/or colour allocated to each region during the game; wherein when a game is played on the game field, a wagering event occurs each time the ball intersects or passes over one or more of the regions. The method preferably includes the step of locating players on a central region of the game field. The markers are preferably virtual markers, and the method includes the step of visually displaying the markers on a display screen, wherein the markers are superimposed over the game field. The method preferably includes the step of rotating the numbers and/or colours when or before a ball is struck, and ceasing rotation of the numbers and/or colours when the ball comes to a stop. The number and/or colour allocated to each region preferably changes as a result of spinning of the numbers in a clockwise or anti-clockwise manner. Every alternate region is preferably allocated a first colour, and the remaining regions are allocated a second colour, the method including the step of permitting a user to place a wager on the ball entering a first coloured region or a second coloured region. The number and/or colour of each region is applied to an image of the field, such that the user can observe the allocation of the number and/or colour of each region on a graphical 5 display device. In a third aspect, the present invention provides an entertainment system comprising: a first computer processor adapted to receive input data from a user, the input data identifying the selection of a predefined portions of a playing field, the first computer processor being adapted to transmit the input data to a second computer processor in remote communication with the first computer processor and adapted to receive and store the input data, the second computer processor being in communication with a database of game events, the second computer processor being adapted to calculate a result based on a comparison of a game event from the database with the input data, the second computer processor being adapted to communicate the result to the first computer processor, wherein a win game event occurs if a ball struck by a player comes to rest in the selected predefined portion of the playing field; further wherein the first computer processor indicates whether or not a win game event has occurred; further wherein each predefined portions of the playing field is allocated a number and/or colour value, and the second computer processor is adapted to randomly assign a new number and/or colour value to each predefined portion of the playing field by rotating a visual overlay superimposed over the playing field during the game event, the overlay identifying number and/or colour values assigned to each portion of the playing field. In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a method of providing a wagering system on a game of cricket, the method including the steps of: locating a plurality of markers around a boundary of a cricket field, each marker and an adjacent marker defining a region of the boundary; allocating a number and/or colour to each region; permitting a user to place a wager based on the likelihood of a ball intersecting or passing over one or more of the regions; maintaining a database of points accumulated by the user during successive wagering events; wherein when a game of cricket is played on the cricket field, a wagering event occurs each time the ball intersects or passes over one or more of the regions.

5a Brief Description of the Drawing A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of specific example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a top view of a cricket field according to the entertainment system; and Fig. 2 is a flow chart of an entertainment system. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments There is disclosed herein an entertainment system 30. The entertainment system provides an electronic wagering system for placing bets during a sporting event. As shown in Fig. 1, 6 a cricket field 10 is divided radially into a number of segments, similar to a roulette table. Each segment is allocated a number corresponding to a number on a roulette wheel. Typically there are 36 numbers plus zero. 5 The numbers may be either physically marked on the field with markers 50, or alternatively, the numbers may be superimposed over an image of the field for displaying on a computer screen, mobile phone display, television or other digital media. When the markers 50 are physically located on the field, the markers 50 may include motion sensors to determine when a ball passes between adjacent markers. Alternatively, the ball may be fitted with a 10 GPS system, and the GPS location of each marker is stored, such that during play the location of the ball relative to every marker can be calculated in real time. The concept of roulette style betting based on the location of the balls hit during a cricket game is intended to bring more crowds and attract more interest in the game of cricket. By is engaging the audience with every shot, the crowd's involvement and overall interest can be greatly improved. The betting system can be adopted with domestic and international matches, including test, one day and 20 / 20 matches. The audience can place a bet online, at the game, via telephone, SMS or cable television. A bet may be placed on a touch screen terminal interface or online graphical depiction of the cricket field. 20 In a first embodiment, the numbers are physically marked on the field. A viewer may make a selection of where he/she believes a given cricket player may hit the ball. For example, the viewer may select number 20 as his wager. Alternatively, the viewer may select all red or all black numbers. 25 When the ball is hit during play, if the ball does not reach the perimeter marker then no gambling event occurs. However, if the ball makes it to or beyond the perimeter marker, then a gambling even occurs. For example, if the ball reaches the perimeter marker at 18 which is a black number, any viewer who had selected number 18 wins a nominated prize. 30 Any viewer who had placed a wager on all black numbers may also win a prize. In contrast players who had placed a wager on red numbers or another number loses their wager. Unlike table roulette, the statistical probability of a player hitting the ball to certain numbers is higher than other numbers based on the location of certain numbers around the perimeter 7 of the field, and the orientation of the wickets relative to the numbers. Accordingly, certain numbers of the 37 possible numbers may be applied a larger or smaller value relative to other numbers. In addition, historical game information regarding a cricket player's game statistics may be used to influence the value allocated to certain numbers. Accordingly, a 5 viewer's choice of numbers may be influenced by historical factors such as the cricket players previous hits to a given region of the field etc. Similar to horse racing, this first embodiment of the game allows a viewer to place informed bets based on historical information. Accordingly, a viewer may study a players form in the 10 lead up to a match to decide which numbers or combinations of numbers may have better chances of being successful. In a second embodiment, the location of the numbers varies around the perimeter of the field over time. In this embodiment, the numbers are not permanently marked on the field. is However, markers may be placed permanently or semi-permanently on the field to determine the spacing between each number. Prior to the ball being hit, for example in the lead up to the bowler bowling the ball, the numbers are rotated. This can be done digitally on screen, in a similar manner to the table being rotated in roulette. In this embodiment of the game the number spinning feature provides a completely random probability of a given 20 number being selected, regardless of the batter's historical ball placement. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the wagering values applied to a given number are similar to roulette, with each successful number providing the same return. In the first and second embodiments, the entertainment system 30 includes a first computer 25 processor 32. The first computer processor 32 is in the form of a desktop computer, mobile telephone, or other such device which enables a user to manually enter their preferences. In practice, the first computer processor 32 is generally provided by a portable device such as a mobile telephone, so that a user can place wagers, remotely from any location during game play. 30 The first computer processor 32 is in communication with a second computer processor 34 such as a server. Communication between the first computer processor 32 and the second computer processor 34 may be made by an internet connection, a global system for mobile communication (GSM), a wireless network or another suitable communication protocol. The 8 communication may be encrypted to prevent the information from being accessed or altered by any unauthorised third parties. The second computer processor 34 is in communication with a results database 36. The 5 results contained within the results database 36 may be calculated by the second computer processor 34, or alternatively, they may be provided by an independent third computer processor 38, such as a third party provider of real time match information. A user initially registers to create an account which allows the user to access the 10 entertainment system. This may be achieved online, by telephone or otherwise. The user may register credit card details to facilitate any payments being credited or debited. Alternatively, funds may be direct deposited or paid in another suitable manner. The second computer processor may also be linked with a credit card payment gateway which debits the users credit card when the user wishes to purchase credit to use the entertainment system is 30. When the user wishes to place a wager, the user enters a wager through the first computer processor 32, which is typically in the form of a mobile telephone or computer. The wager typically identifies the region or location of the perimeter of the field where the user 20 anticipates the next boundary shot will be hit, and an amount of money that the user wishes to wager. The first computer processor communicates the users wager amount and bet to the second computer processor 34. The second computer processor 34 stores the amount of the 25 wager, and the location on the roulette wheel, as requested by the user. As the cricket game is played, when a ball is struck to or beyond the boundary line, the geographic location where the ball passes the boundary line is calculated by the third computer processor 38. The third computer processor 38 communicates the location information to the second computer processor, in the form of a database of game data, immediately or 30 soon after each strike of the ball. The second computer processor 34 compares the location where the ball passed the perimeter of the field with the stored data registered by the user. If the comparison reveals that the user's wager is located within the region of the field where the ball crossed or hit 9 the perimeter, a signal is sent to the first computer processor 32 notifying the user of the win event. This may be in the form of prize money, game credit or other such prizes. Alternatively, if the user is unsuccessful, the first computer processor is notified by the second computer processor. 5 The second computer processor 34 stores information regarding the users current wager and location, to compare with future boundary shots during the match. As such, the second computer processor 34 is able to keep a tally of the users successes, and any credit or rewards owed to the user. Alternatively, if the user is unsuccessful, the second computer 10 processor 34 notifies the first computer processor 32 when further credit is due, so that the user may voluntarily make a payment. The user may place a bet on more than one region of the perimeter. The odds are adjusted based on how many regions around the perimeter the user selects. Similarly, bets on colour, 1s such as all black or all red regions are possible. In one embodiment, the ball does not have to be hit to the perimeter for a betting event to be activated. In this embodiment, the active portion of the field is the infield circle, being a circle or oval which extends around the pitch, and defines a division beyond the infield and 20 outfield regions. Any ball that is hit beyond the infield circle is active, and a betting event occurs. As such, the second computer processor 34 superimposes the roulette layout of numbers and colours as segments of the cricket field. This enables a lot of gambling opportunities during the game, similar to table roulette, and the only balls that do not provide a gambling opportunity occur when the ball does not clear the infield circle. 25 In some embodiments, after each shot, the second computer processor 34 either rotates the roulette overlay, or assigns a new numbers and colour to each of the segments of the field. The rotation may change direction after each ball. 30 The entertainment system 30 does not require use of physical field markers, and the marking may all be conducted electronically, with the second computer processor 34. Before any bet can be placed, the second computer processor 34 accesses a holding account of the user to confirm that the user has adequate funds available. When the user places a 10 wager, the amount waged is subtracted from the holding account, and if the user wins, any winnings are re-credited to the users account. In one embodiment, the second computer processor rotates the overlay of the roulette 5 board whilst a ball is moving, after the ball has been hit, and the rotation does not cease until the ball comes to rest. This provides a truly random betting system, which has similarities with table roulette, in that the table spins whilst the ball is moving. Whilst the game has been described with respect to cricket, it will be appreciated by those 10 skilled in the art that the entertainment system 30 may be applied to other games such as baseball, rugby or soccer. For example, the goal area of a rugby or soccer field may be divided into numbered areas, and points may be allocated based on the area of the field where the ball passes into the goal. is The entertainment system enables betting to be based on various possible events, such as net balls hit (out, single, double, triple, four, five, six, no run) or bets on half century and full century. Alternatively, betting may run all day, where the punter chooses a number and the wagering runs automatically on the number they chose all day so whenever the ball lands on the number, the punter automatically wins. 20 In another embodiment, the entertainment system 30 is based on a non-live game of cricket, which is essentially a virtual game of cricket, which can be used at casinos and other such venues. Alternatively, the system can be used with a board style game of cricket with the roulette gambling feature. In this embodiment, artificial money may be used to gamble 25 with. The user may place a wager in a similar manner to roulette, such as on odd or even numbers, on all red or all black numbers, or on ranges of numbers, such as 1-12. 30 Advantageously, the entertainment system may enable cricket or other games to be more engaging for the viewers, as the viewer can place a wager based on specific events that occur during the game. A further advantage of the entertainment system is that it enables a viewer to place a wager 11 based on historical information about a given players performance. Accordingly, a viewer may make informed decisions based in his/her own research and interpretation of events. Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be 5 appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

1. An entertainment system comprising: a first computer processor adapted to receive input data from a user, the input data identifying the selection of one or more predefined portions of a stationary playing field; a second computer processor in remote communication with the first computer processor and adapted to receive and store the input data; and a database of game events in communication with the second computer processor; wherein the second computer processor is adapted to calculate a result based on a comparison of a game event from the database with the input data; further wherein the second computer processor is adapted to communicate the result to the first computer processor; further wherein each predefined portion of the playing field is allocated a point and/or colour value, and the second computer processor is adapted to assign a new point and/or colour value to each predefined portion of the playing field between successive game events.

2. The entertainment system of claim 1, wherein each predefined portion of the playing field is allocated a point and/or colour value, and the second computer processor is adapted to randomly assign a new point and/or colour value to each predefined portion of the playing field by rotating a visual overlay during the game event, the overlay identifying point and/or colour values assigned to each portion of the playing field, the visual overlay being superimposed over the playing field.

3. The entertainment system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second computer processor records the user's current credit resulting from each game event. 13

4. The entertainment system of claim 2 or 3, wherein the first computer processor is adapted to display the result and/or the current credit.

5. The entertainment system of claim 1 or 2, wherein each predefined portion of the playing field is allocated one of a first and a second colour, and a win result may be calculated if: the user has selected the predefined portion of the playing field that a ball intersects or passes over; and/or the user has selected the predefined portion of the playing field which is the same colour as the predefined portion that the ball intersects or passes over.

6. The entertainment system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein markers are located on a sporting field to define boundaries between the predefined portions of the playing field.

7. The entertainment system of claim 5, wherein the markers include motion sensors to determine a specific predefined portion of the playing field where a ball passes.

8. The entertainment system of claim 5, wherein the markers are virtual markers which are displayed on a visual display in communication with the first computer processor.

9. A method of providing an entertainment system, the method comprising the steps of: locating a plurality of markers on a stationary game field, each marker and an adjacent marker defining a region; allocating a number and/or colour to each region; permitting a user to place a wager based on the likelihood of a ball intersecting or passing over one or more of the regions; and changing the number and/or colour allocated to each region during the game; 14 wherein when a game is played on the game field, a wagering event occurs each time the ball intersects or passes over one or more of the regions.

10. A method of providing a wagering system on a game of cricket, the method including the steps of: locating a plurality of markers around a boundary of a cricket field, each marker and an adjacent marker defining a region of the boundary; allocating a number and/or colour to each region; permitting a user to place a wager based on the likelihood of a ball intersecting or passing over one or more of the regions; and maintaining a database of points accumulated by the user during successive wagering events; wherein when a game of cricket is played on the cricket field, a wagering event occurs each time the ball intersects or passes over one or more of the regions.

11. The method of claim 9 or 10, including the step of locating players on a central region of the game field.

12. The method of claim 9, 10 or 11, wherein the markers are virtual markers, and the method includes the step of visually displaying the markers on a display screen, wherein the markers are superimposed over the game field.

13. The method of claim 9 or 10, including the step of rotating the numbers and/or colours when or before a ball is struck, and ceasing rotation of the numbers and/or colours when the ball comes to a stop.

14. The method of claim 9 or 10, wherein the number and/or colour allocated to each region changes as a result of spinning of the numbers in a clockwise or anti-clockwise manner. 15

15. The method of claim 9 or 10, wherein every alternate region is allocated a first colour, and the remaining regions are allocated a second colour, the method including the step of permitting a user to place a wager on the ball entering a first coloured region or a second coloured region.

16. The method of claim 9 or 10, wherein the number and/or colour of each region is applied to an image of the field, such that the user can observe the allocation of the number and/or colour of each region on a graphical display device.

17. An entertainment system comprising: a first computer processor adapted to receive input data from a user, the input data identifying the selection of a predefined portions of a playing field, the first computer processor being adapted to transmit the input data to a second computer processor in remote communication with the first computer processor and adapted to receive and store the input data, the second computer processor being in communication with a database of game events, the second computer processor being adapted to calculate a result based on a comparison of a game event from the database with the input data, the second computer processor being adapted to communicate the result to the first computer processor, wherein a win game event occurs if a ball struck by a player comes to rest in the selected predefined portion of the playing field; further wherein the first computer processor indicates whether or not a win game event has occurred; further wherein each predefined portions of the playing field is allocated a number and/or colour value, and the second computer processor is adapted to randomly assign a new number and/or colour value to each predefined portion of the playing field by rotating a visual overlay superimposed over the playing field during the game event, the overlay identifying number and/or colour values assigned to each portion of the playing field. 16

18. An entertainment system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

19. A method of providing an entertainment system, the method being substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Stephen Jones and Lawrence Burke By Patent Attorneys for the Applicant ©QCOTTERS Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys