AU2014101037A4 - A Ranking Game with regard to a Consumable - Google Patents

Abstract

2014101037 A ranking game with regard to a user reviewing a consumable, including thesteps of: a. providing a consumable in a manner without disclosing determinable characteristics; b. providing a library means of predetermined characteristics of the consumable; c. providing a coding for matching the consumable to the library means of predetermined characteristics of the consumable in a manner without disclosing determinable characteristics; d. providing questions relating to characteristics of the consumable e. receiving answers to the questions relating to characteristics of the 15 consumable, f. comparing answers to the questions to answers from the library means of predetermined characteristics of the consumable; g. providing a ranking of the user.. iNSTRUCT USER CHARACTERISTICS USER DETECTS CHARACTER ISTi1 CS CONSENSUS OF RANK THE USER

Description

Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 Provisional Specification For The Invention Entitled: A RANKING GAME WITH REGARD TO A CONSUMABLE The invention is described in the following statement: 2 [001] Field of the Invention [002] The present invention relates to a ranking game with regard to a consumable and in particular to a ranking game with regard to a food or drink consumable. 5 [003] The invention has been developed primarily for use in/with a ranking game with regard to wine and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use. .0 [004] Background of the Invention [005] Presently games or entertainment with regard wine always consists of having questions about characteristics of the wine and you judging the wine so as to arrive at a decision on the wine. However this means that the test is at testing a particular wine and possibly comparing that result with the official result and being declared .s right or wrong. [006] This has tremendous downfalls in appreciation of the wine, appreciation of the individual and over appreciation of the official result. [007] In the same way that critics offer their opinion on movies, that is clearly a good reference. However the public as a whole or each individual of the public has 1o an opinion and that could be a more accurate reflection of the quality, likeability or other characteristic of the movie. Therefore the comparison of appreciation or judging between the public and each individual of the public and the critics is important with regard movies. [008] The present invention seeks to provide a ranking game with regard to a 25 consumable, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least one or more of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative. [009] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. 30 [0010] Summary of the Invention [0011]According to a first aspect of the present invention, a ranking game with regard to a consumable is provided a ranking game with regard to a user reviewing a consumable, including the steps of: 3 providing a consumable in a manner without disclosing determinable characteristics; providing a library means of predetermined characteristics of the consumable; providing a coding for matching the consumable to the library means of predetermined characteristics of the consumable in a manner without disclosing 5 determinable characteristics; providing questions relating to characteristics of the consumable receiving answers to the questions relating to characteristics of the consumable, comparing answers to the questions to answers from the library means of predetermined characteristics of the consumable; .o providing a ranking of the user.. [0012] Preferably the consumable is a consumable having multiple characteristics. More preferably the consumable is wine having multiple characteristics. [0013] The consumable can have at least one indefinite characteristic. The consumable can be a consumable having characteristics which can be determined .s over a range. [0014] The ranking game with regard to a consumable can be wine wherein the game involves the blind tasting of the wine. [0015] A ranking game with regard to a consumable can include detailed multiple choice questions. o [0016] The consumable can have characteristic which has a characteristic with an exactly correlating correct answer. Preferably the consumable has at least one characteristic which has a qualitative characteristic with no correct answer but a range of qualitative answers. [0017] The questions can involves the preliminary step of a game player being 25 provided tips on detecting characteristics and then the game player tasting the consumable and then selecting an answer from a list of answers [0018] The game player can be presented with each question sequentially, and each question is scored according to the alleged degree of correctness as determined in 30 the comparing game player answers to the answers from the library means of predetermined characteristics of the consumable. [0019] The game can include increased level of difficulty of the questions with regard to the price and complexity of the wine.

4 [0020] A ranking game with regard to a consumable wherein a characteristic of the wine can be one or more of the colour of the wine, the aroma of the wine, the effect on palate of the wine, the type of wine or grape variety and the year of bottling of the wine, and relating to where it is from or the region of the wine. 5 [0021] The ranking game can have points allocated to a game player according to an amount of correlation of the comparison of answers to the questions to answers from the library means of predetermined characteristics of the consumable. [0022] The points can be allocated if exact correlation in comparison of answers to the questions to answers from the library means of predetermined characteristics of .o the consumable. However preferably points are allocated by sliding scale of correlation of comparison of answers to the questions to answers from the library means of predetermined characteristics of the consumable. [0023] A computer controlled process can be run by a computer program for ranking a game player with regard to a consumable having an input for receiving identity of a .s consumable without disclosure to the user of the program; a library means having details of the consumable; at least one question provided to the user for receiving an answer to the at least question; an answer correlation determinator for comparing the answer to the at least question by the user to the answer to the at least question in the library means; a ranking result determinator for ranking the user according to o the comparative answers to the at least question by the user; and an output of the ranking. [0024] Preferably the step of selecting a characteristic associated with the consumable, the program includes the processing steps of providing a question to a game player relating to a characteristic of the consumable wherein the game player 25 selects one answer from a plurality of multiple-choice answers and the answer correlation determinator compares the answer to the at least question by the user to the answer to the at least question in the library means. [0025] Preferably the step of selecting a particular consumable, the program including the processing steps of: providing a first question to a game player relating 30 to a characteristic of the particular consumable wherein the game player selects one answer from a plurality of multiple-choice answers, and; providing the answer correlation determinator to compare the answer to the at least question by the user to the answer to the at least question in the library mean.

5 Preferably further steps are included of: providing a question to a game player relating to a subjective characteristic of the consumable wherein the game player selects one answer from a plurality of predefined answers. [0026] A computer controlled process run by a computer program for ranking a game 5 player with regard to a consumable, can comprise a server computing device adapted for calculating discount of service provided by a service provider, the server computing device comprising, a processor for processing digital data, a memory device for storing digital data including computer program code, the memory device being operably coupled to the processor, a network interface for sending and .o receiving data across a network, wherein, in use, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to receive, via the network interface from a plurality of user terminals, users' responses on consumable assessments; calculate comparative ranking of users and send, via the network interface to a service provider terminal, the output data of comparative ranking of user wherein the effective ranking of users .s capability in their relative assessment of consumables is determined for a or different versions of a consumable [0027] The ranking game can be accessible over a communications network between the computer and a host computer web server. [0028] It can be seen that the invention of a ranking game with regard to a o consumable provides the benefit of giving people a score on how well they know wine or how good their smell, taste and other senses are to judge wine by making it into a game then comparing their score with other people online. Therefore the judge is being judged instead of the wine getting judged. [0029] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. 25 [0030] Brief Description of the Drawings [0031] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 30 Figure 1 is a front page of a device for a user to operate in a ranking game with regard to a consumable in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a flow diagram of procedure in a ranking game with regard to a consumable in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 6 Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view of components of a device and interacting elements in a ranking game with regard to a consumable in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is an example of directional instructions for a user to determine 5 characteristics of a consumable in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is an example of questions for a user to answer regarding determined characteristics of a consumable in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; .0 Figure 6 is a general procedure of the question and answer portion of the procedure in a ranking game with regard to a consumable in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is an example of a final selection page in the question and answer portion of the procedure in a ranking game with regard to a consumable such as in .s Figure 6; Figure 8 is a general procedure of the scoring of the question and answer portion of the procedure in a ranking game with regard to a consumable in which it consider if exact correlation of answer or not over 6 questions; Figure 9 is a general procedure of the scoring of the question and answer o portion of the procedure in a ranking game with regard to a consumable in which there is no one correct answer but a sliding scale of consensus or correlation to predefined answer over 6 questions; Figure 10 is an example of a final ranking page in the ranking portion of the procedure in a ranking game with regard to a consumable; 25 Figure 11 is a general procedure of the ranking of the user in a ranking game with regard to a consumable; and Figure 12 is a general procedure of determination of the consumable to have characteristics determined in order to determine ranking of user undertaking the determination. 30 [0032] Description of Preferred Embodiments [0033] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

7 [0034] Referring to the drawings there is shown a ranking game with regard to a consumable [0035] The game of this embodiment of the invention is applied to wine. [0036] As shown in Figure 2 the ranking game with regard to a user reviewing 5 a wine, includes the steps of: A. providing a consumable in a manner without disclosing determinable characteristics; B. providing a library means of predetermined characteristics of the consumable; .0 C. providing a coding for matching the consumable to the library means of predetermined characteristics of the consumable in a manner without disclosing determinable characteristics; D. instructing the user on how to detect characteristics of the consumable and providing questions relating to characteristics of the consumable .s E. receiving answers to the questions relating to characteristics of the consumable, F. comparing answers to the questions to answers from the library means of predetermined characteristics of the consumable; and G. providing a ranking of the user. 1o [0037] In the first Step A the player can walk into a bottle store and buy a bottle of wine. However the bottle must not be disclosed and is in a bottle container that prevents you knowing exactly which wine it is. The container though does disclose the bottle of wine as being a red or white wine. [0038] Preferably the wine has to have been awarded at least one medal at a show, 25 be it bronze silver or gold. This will be the colour of the bottle container or box and the questions will get harder with the better quality wine and also the higher cost of the wine. In this way the user or wine purchaser will know that they are just not buying "clean skins" or poor quality wine and can choose the difficulty of the test by the quality of the wine. 30 [0039] Other mechanisms can be provided to also select different gradings of difficulty for each class of wine be it a bronze, silver or gold medal wine. Therefore a whole array of difficulty in the game can be selected and correspondingly assist the players ranking. [0040] As shown in Figure 3 and 6 in particular, a computer controlled process 8 provides the step of selecting a characteristic associated with the consumable, the program includes the processing steps of providing a question to a game player relating to a characteristic of the consumable. The game player selects one answer and as shown in two versions in Figures 8 and 9 the answer correlation determinator 5 compares the answer to the at least question by the user to the answer to the at least question in the library means. Figure 11 shows how the game player is ranked. [0041] In Figure 3 there is shown a computer controlled process run by a computer 110 for ranking a game player with regard to a consumable. The computer includes a server computing device 110 adapted for ranking a game player by comparative .o scores of multiple game players provided by a service provider. The server computing device 110 comprising a processor 115 for processing digital data, a ROM memory device 117 for storing digital data including computer program code, the memory device being a library 118 for receiving detailed information about a consumable and operably coupled to the processor, and a RAM memory device 116 for manipulating .s digital data including computer program code and undertaking comparative analysis, the RAM being operably coupled to the processor. [0042] There is also a network interface 121 for sending and receiving data across a network 144 such as a telecommunication network or internet and able to receive and transmit with game players on devices such as mobile phones 141, notebook 142 or o computer terminal 143. The network interface 121 for transmitting and receiving digital data, and being operably coupled to the processor. [0043] Further there is an Input / Output (1/O) interface 122 which could directly communicate with game players on devices such as mobile phones 141, notebook 142 or computer terminal 143 across direct WiFi, Bluetooth, VPN etc. The I/O 25 interface 122 is for transmitting and receiving digital data, and being operably coupled to the processor. [0044] In use, the processor 110 is controlled by the computer program code to receive, via the network interface 121 from a plurality of user terminals 143, notebooks 142 or mobile phones 141, users' responses on consumable assessments and 30 calculate comparative ranking of users and sends, via the network interfacel2l to a service provider terminal. As shown in Figure 10, the output data of comparative ranking of user being the effective ranking of users capability in their relative assessment of consumables as determined for different versions of a consumable such as a bronze, silver or gold medal wine.

9 [0045] In accordance with Step B, the web server is configured and arranged with a database storage means, the database storage means including a library 118 having data on a set of predefined characteristics of the consumable and a set of questions related to the characteristics of the consumable. 5 [0046] Wine by its nature and diversity of places of origin is a consumable having multiple characteristics. The choice of grapes, the choice of picking tome of the grapes the choice of processing techniques such as time and quantity for grape skins to be retained in the or ageing time in oak barrels or stainless steel vats all change the characteristics of the wine. Further the region of the grapes, the age of .0 the vines, the weather over that season all add to the type and complexity of the characteristics of the wine that results in a multiple characteristics. How those characteristics are discovered in a wine and appreciated is a great attractor to wine drinking by the public for enjoyment. [0047] The present ranking game aids the education, appreciation and enjoyment by .s the user of the consumable involving the blind tasting of the wine. [0048] As can be seen wine is a consumable having at least one indefinite characteristic. That is the wine can be analytically assessed by chemical analysis of its exact components and percentage of sugars and alcohol but it cannot be analytically assessed as to the range of subjective characteristics which can include 1o taste, smell, and complexity. This is in the same way that art is in the eye of the beholder and wine is in the taste of the user. Clearly there are fundamental characteristics or types of characteristics but their intensity, appreciation or the like can be determined over a range. [0049] In Steps A to E as shown in Figure 6, a computer controlled process involves 25 the step of selecting a particular consumable. The program including the processing steps of In Step C, there will be a scanning symbol like a barcode or QR symbol on the wine container which the player can scan and download the application onto a computer terminal, notebook or mobile phone. The benefits of the app is to make wine fun and easy for the customer and all they need in the one app. 30 [0050] Initially as shown in Figure 4 a tip on how to blind test in order to determine a characteristic is detailed. Then as per Figure 4, a first question is provided to a game player relating to a characteristic of the particular consumable wherein the game player selects one answer from a plurality of multiple-choice answers. [0051] The game player can provide an answer correlation determinator 221 to 10 compare the answer to the at least question by the user to the predetermined answer PA to the question from the library means 118. [0052] The computer controlled process further comprises the steps of providing a question to a game player relating to a subjective characteristic of the consumable 5 wherein the game player selects one answer from a plurality of predefined answers, and as per Figure 9 provides a degree of consensus score of the game player's answer AA that could range from 0% (totally different to the predetermined answer PA up to 100%. The answer correlation determinator 221 compares the game player's answer AA and the degree of correlation with the predetermined answer PA. However .0 the library 118 could have a range of answers which are considered to be varying degrees of correct answer and the answer correlation determinator 221 could compare the game player's answer AA with a range of answers PA, to PA 10 which are considered to be varying degrees of correct answer PA. [0053] For example, the wine is a consumable having characteristic which are detailed .s in multiple questions. The answer to the question can therefore have an exactly correlating correct answer PA and be scored as in Figure 8 as correct or not. However preferably as the consumable is a consumable having at least one characteristic which has a qualitative characteristic with no correct answer but a range of qualitative answers it is preferable that an imprecise answer is possible as detailed 1o in Figure 9. [0054] For example the wine could be considered to be a sweet chocolate type initial taste followed by a tannin after-taste. The identification of one of those flavours or some of a complex intermeshing of smells and tastes due to the complexity or intermeshing of different types of wine types can still be considered a partially correct 25 answer. Further it can be the identification of the user's palate in detecting sweet tastes more than bitter tastes. Other times a grading of intensity of a particular sensed characteristic might be between 0 to 10 depending on perceived strength. [0055] The questions involve the preliminary step of a game player tasting the consumable and then providing an answer AA from a list of answers. More than one 30 answer could be correct to an extent. [0056] In either of the processes of Figures 8 and 9 the game player is presented with each question sequentially and a counter is provided so that in this case 6 questions are asked. Therefore each question is scored according to the alleged degree of correctness as determined in the comparing answers AA to the expected answers PA 11 from the library means 118 of predetermined characteristics of the consumable. A counter questions if it is the 6 th question and if not adds 1 to the counter and instigates the library 118 to forward next question to be asked. The process continues until 6 questions have been asked and proceeds to the scoring total and ranking part of the 5 game. Clearly systems can be adjusted to ask different number of questions. [0057] Therefofre in the version shown in Figure 6, the game can include multiple choice questions involving the blind tasting of wine, the questions relating to characteristics of the wine and each question is scored according to being the alleged .o correct answer as determined in comparing answers to the multiple choice questions to answers from the library means of predetermined characteristics of the consumable. [0058] The game includes increased level of difficulty of the questions with regard to the price and complexity of the wine. The game can also have a range of difficulties for each grade of wine. .5 [0059] The questions relate to the characteristic of the wine which can include: (a) the colour of the wine; (b) the aroma of the wine; (c) the effect on palate of the wine; (d) the type of wine or grape variety; o0 (e) the year of bottling of the wine; (f) where it is from or the region of the wine. Another question can be as per Figure 7 where three possible answers of the wine are displayed and the game player must determine which is the most likely answer. [0060] In Step F, points are allocated to a game player according to an amount of 25 correlation of the comparison of answers to the questions to answers from the library means of predetermined characteristics of the consumable. [0061] Points are allocated if exact correlation in comparison of answers to the questions to answers from the library means of predetermined characteristics of the consumable. 30 [0062] Points are allocated by sliding scale of correlation of comparison of answers to the questions to answers from the library means of predetermined characteristics of the consumable. From the determination of points the results are fed to the scorer 223 which can send the score to the output device 145. This can be outputted like in Figure 1-0 with points allocated to a game player in accordance with the quality of the 12 wine and therefore difficulty of the test such as for bronze, silver or gold medal wines. [0063] However this process is for ranking the user or game player rather than ranking the wine and therefore the computer controlled process run by the computer program 5 is for ranking a game player with regard to a consumable having an input for receiving identity of a consumable without disclosure to the user of the program. There is a library means having details of the consumable so that at least one question provided to the user for receiving an answer to the at least question. And further there is an answer correlation determinator for comparing the answer to the at least question by .0 the user to the answer to the at least question in the library means. [0064] Referring to Figure 11, the ranking result determinator ranks the user according to the comparative answers CA to the answers provided by the user AA in comparison to the library predetermined answers PA or the other users answers OA by the user and provides an output of the ranking. .s [0065] The output can be a number of different rankings from a direct comparison library ranking LR in which the user answers AA are compared to the number or amount of correctness or correlation of correctness with the predetermined answers PA. More importantly a General Ranking GR is obtained from a direct comparison of the number or amount of correctness or correlation of correctness with the o predetermined answers PA that is achieved by the received other answers OA over the network from multiple testers. Either of these comparative reviews can be modified or selectively separately determined for different categories of wine or difficulty of testing and provided in a Category Ranking CR. [0066] Therefore in Step G the players obtain a score on how well they know wine or 25 how good their smell, taste and other senses are to judge wine by making it into a game then comparing the score with other people online. It becomes an analyzing tool of the tasters or users in a comparative sense and without a limitation of subjective right or wrong answers but can be used for other purposes. In particular if the comparative results of other answers OA from other players results in a trend to 30 a particular answer that is different to the predetermined answer PA it is possible to weight or discount the predetermined answer PA and replace with the OA or a comparative of the players answer AA and OA answers of others. [0067] It can be seen that this system thereby assesses and analyses in a controlled manner a plurality of tasters and users over a range of consumables in more than 13 one location and ranks the testers or users of the consumable in a comparative and entertaining and educative manner. [0068] Interpretation 5 Embodiments: [0069] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an .o embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. .s [0070] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to o be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of 25 Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention. [0071] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different 30 embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

14 Different Instances of Objects [0072] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that 5 different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner. Specific Details .o [0073] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. .5 Terminology [0074] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is o to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms. 25 Comprising and Including [0075] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" 30 are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. [0076] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features 15 that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising. Scope of Invention 5 [0077] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely o representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention. [0078] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific s examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms. For example it can be applied to other food and drink industries including for beer or other food tasting such as cheese, which you buy off the shelf at a shop or market. 1o [0079] Industrial Applicability [0080] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to a ranking game with regard to the food and drink consumable industries.

Claims (32)

1. A ranking game with regard to a user reviewing a consumable, including the steps of: 5 a. providing a consumable in a manner without disclosing determinable characteristics; b. providing a library means of predetermined characteristics of the consumable; c. providing a coding for matching the consumable to the library means of .0 predetermined characteristics of the consumable in a manner without disclosing determinable characteristics; d. providing questions relating to characteristics of the consumable e. receiving answers to the questions relating to characteristics of the consumable, .s f. comparing answers to the questions to answers from the library means of predetermined characteristics of the consumable; g. providing a ranking of the user..

2. A ranking game with regard to a consumable according to claim 1 wherein the o0 consumable is a consumable having multiple characteristics.

3. A ranking game with regard to a consumable according to claim 1 wherein the consumable is wine. 25

4. A ranking game with regard to a consumable according to claim 1 wherein the consumable is wine having multiple characteristics.

5. A ranking game with regard to a consumable according to claim 1 wherein the consumable involves the blind tasting of the wine. 30

6. A ranking game with regard to a consumable according to claim 1 wherein the consumable is a consumable having at least one indefinite characteristic. 17

7. A ranking game with regard to a consumable according to claim 1 wherein the consumable is a consumable having characteristics which can be determined over a range. 5

8. A ranking game with regard to a consumable according to claim 1 wherein the consumable is a consumable having characteristic which are detailed in multiple choice questions.

9. A ranking game with regard to a consumable according to claim 7 wherein the .0 consumable is a consumable having characteristic which has a characteristic with an exactly correlating correct answer.

10.A ranking game with regard to a consumable according to claim 1 wherein the consumable is a consumable having characteristic which has a qualitative .s characteristic with no correct answer but a range of qualitative answers.

11.A ranking game with regard to a consumable according to claim 2, wherein the questions involves the preliminary step of a game player tasting the consumable and then selecting an answer from a list of answers .o

12.A ranking game with regard to a consumable according to claim 3 wherein the game player is presented with each question sequentially, and each question is scored according to the alleged degree of correctness as determined in the . comparing answers to the multiple choice questions to answers from the 25 library means of predetermined characteristics of the consumable.

13.A ranking game with regard to a consumable, the game including multiple choice questions involving the blind tasting of wine, the questions relating to 30 at least characteristics of the wine.

14.A ranking game with regard to a consumable, the game including increased level of difficulty of the questions with regard to the price and complexity of the wine. 35 18

15.A ranking game with regard to a consumable according to claim 9 wherein a characteristic of the wine is the colour of the wine.

16.A ranking game with regard to a consumable according to claim 9 wherein a 5 characteristic of the wine is the aroma of the wine.

17.A ranking game with regard to a consumable according to claim 9 wherein a characteristic of the wine is the effect on palate of the wine. .0

18.A ranking game with regard to a consumable according to claim 9 wherein a characteristic of the wine is the type of wine or grape variety.

19.A ranking game with regard to a consumable according to claim 9 wherein a characteristic of the wine is the year of bottling of the wine. .5

20.A ranking game with regard to a consumable according to claim 9 wherein a question relates to where it is from or the region of the wine.

21.A ranking game with regard to a consumable according to claim 1 wherein o0 points are allocated to a game player according to an amount of correlation of the comparison of answers to the questions to answers from the library means of predetermined characteristics of the consumable.

22.A ranking game with regard to a consumable according to claim 1 wherein 25 points are allocated if exact correlation in comparison of answers to the questions to answers from the library means of predetermined characteristics of the consumable.

23.A ranking game with regard to a consumable according to claim 1 wherein 30 points are allocated by sliding scale of correlation of comparison of answers to the questions to answers from the library means of predetermined characteristics of the consumable.

24.A computer controlled process run by a computer program for ranking a game 35 player with regard to a consumable having a. an input for receiving identity of a consumable without disclosure to the user of the program; 19 b. a library means having details of the consumable c. at least one question provided to the user for receiving an answer to the at least question; d. an answer correlation determinator for comparing the answer to the at 5 least question by the user to the answer to the at least question in the library means; e. a ranking result determinator for ranking the user according to the comparative answers to the at least question by the user f. an output of the ranking. .o

25.A computer controlled process according to claim 24, involving the step of selecting a characteristic associated with the consumable, the program including the processing steps of providing a question to a game player relating to a characteristic of the consumable wherein the game player selects .s one answer from a plurality of multiple-choice answers and the answer correlation determinator compares the answer to the at least question by the user to the answer to the at least question in the library means.

26.A computer controlled process according to claim 25, and involving the step of o0 selecting a particular consumable, the program including the processing steps of: a. providing a first question to a game player relating to a characteristic of the particular consumable wherein the game player selects one answer from a plurality of multiple-choice answers, and; 25 b. providing the answer correlation determinator to compare the answer to the at least question by the user to the answer to the at least question in the library mean.

27.A computer controlled process according to claim 26 further comprising the 30 steps of: providing a question to a game player relating to a subjective characteristic of the consumable wherein the game player selects one answer from a plurality of predefined answers, and; 20

28.A computer controlled process according to claim 26 wherein the consumable is wine.

29.A computer controlled process run by a computer program for ranking a game 5 player with regard to a consumable, comprising a. a server computing device adapted for ranking a game player by comparative scores of multiple game players provided by a service provider, the server computing device comprising, .0 b. a processor for processing digital data, c. a memory device for storing digital data including computer program code, the memory device being operably coupled to the processor, d. a network interface for sending and receiving data across a network, wherein, in use, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to .5 receive, via the network interface from a plurality of user terminals, users' responses on consumable assessments; calculate comparative ranking of users and send, via the network interface to a service provider terminal, the output data of comparative ranking of user wherein the effective ranking of users capability in their relative assessment 10 of consumables is determined for a or different versions of a consumable

30.A ranking game with regard to a consumable accessible over a communications network between the computer and a host computer web server. 25

31.A ranking game with regard to a consumable of claim 30 wherein the computer program is adapted to interact with user over telecommunication channel.. 30

32.A system according to claim 31 wherein the web server is configured and arranged with a database storage means, the database storage means including a library having a set of predefined characteristics of the consumable and a set of questions related to the characteristics of the consumable.