AU2022100009A4 - Method and System for Multi-venue Competitions - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and system for multi-venue competitions, configurable to: receive, event data representative of a competition event, the event data including an event, a plurality of venues associated with the event and at least one game associated with each of the venues; assign competitors to the at least one game associated with the venue at which the respective competitors are competing; receive score data indicative of the scores of each of the competitors, the score data being associated with the event, the venue, the at least one game and respective competitors; determine results data, the results data including a collation of score data received from the plurality of venues and competitors; and provide display data to each of the venue or display the display data at each of the venues to provide visual representation of the results data thereby allowing viewing of the results data at each of the venues. 3/15 200 Receive event data including an event, 202 a plurality of venues associated with the event and at least one game associated with each of the venues Event & Receive user data including User Set Up users to be associated with a venue and authorised to enter at least score data and competitor information for the associated venue Receive competitor registration 208 Information attributes such as Competitor ID, Name, Gender and Grade Multi venue operationi208 Receive assignment information linking competitors to the at least one game associated with the venue Receive score data indicative of the 210 scores of each of the competitors the score data being associated with the event, the venue, the at least one game and respective competitors Determine results data including a 212 collation of score data received from the plurality of venues and competitors 214 Send or allow retrieval of results dataT From venues 216 Provide display data being suitable to provide a visual representation of the results data thereby allowing viewing of the results data at each of the venues. Figure 3

Description

3/15

200 Receive event data including an event, 202 a plurality of venues associated with the event and at least one game associated with each of the venues

Event & Receive user data including User Set Up users to be associated with a venue and authorised to enter at least score data and competitor information for the associated venue

Receive competitor registration 208 Information attributes such as Competitor ID, Name, Gender and Grade

Multi venue operationi208 Receive assignment information linking competitors to the at least one game associated with the venue

Receive score data indicative of the 210 scores of each of the competitors the score data being associated with the event, the venue, the at least one game and respective competitors

Determine results data including a 212 collation of score data received from the plurality of venues and competitors

214 Send or allow retrieval of results dataT From venues

216 Provide display data being suitable to provide a visual representation of the results data thereby allowing viewing of the results data at each of the venues.

Figure 3

Method and System for Multi-venue Competitions

Technical Field

[001] The invention relates to a method and system for multi-venue physical competitions and games such as, but not limited to, darts, Target Darting, archery and shooting.

Background

[002] Sporting and gaming competitions are often held at a centralised venue such as a club or sporting facility. For example, darts or pool tournaments are often held at a club venue where competitors physically attend the venue and compete in the tournament. At such tournaments, the competitors typically register and pay an entry fee, and then compete in a series of games or rounds. The competitors' scores for each of the games are then tallied and a winner is determined. The winner may be awarded a prize such as cash or other prize.

[003] A problem with such sporting and gaming competitions held at a centralised venue is that the competitors need to travel to the centralised venue. Accordingly, the need to travel makes such competitions undesirable due to the associated costs to attend for those whom are required to travel or have other commitments, and as a result, anticipated the return on investment for the venue is seldom realised

[004] Online video games exist and allow users to compete against one another from multiple locations. For example, car racing type games may be played by users in different locations and a winner may be determined based on the winning of a race or the highest score.

[005] However, the methods and systems for online video games are not suitable for sporting and gaming competitions that require more stringent controls on the event, the competitors, the venue and the scoring, such as, the capturing of scoring data from a physical device or the like.

[006] The invention disclosed herein seeks to overcome one or more of the above identified problems or at least provide a useful alternative.

Summary

[007] In accordance with a first broad aspect there is provided, a method for multi venue competitions, the method including the steps of: Receiving, via a computer system, event data representative of a competition event, the event data including an event, a plurality of venues associated with the event and at least one game associated with each of the venues; Assigning, via the computer system, competitors to an event, one of the plurality of venues and at least one game associated with the respective one plurality of venues; Receiving, via the computer system, score data indicative of the scores of each of the competitors, the score data being associated with the event, the plurality of venues, the at least one game and respective competitors; Determining, via the computer system, event results data, the event results data including a collation of score data received from the plurality of venues and competitors; Providing display data, via the computer system, the display data being configured to provide a visual representation of the results data thereby allowing viewing of the results data at each of the venues.

[008] In an aspect, the method includes the steps of: Receiving, user information data, including a venue user and a venue associated with the venue user; and Enabling, via the computer system, the venue user to undertake the step of registering and/or assigning competitors to the at least one game associated with the venue to which the venue user is associated.

[009] In another aspect, the method includes the steps of: Receiving, user information data, including a venue user and a venue associated with the venue user; Enabling, via the computer system, the receipt of at least one of competitor information and score data from the venue user.

[0010] In yet another aspect, the method includes the step of: Enabling, via the computer system, a plurality of users partial access to the system, each of the plurality of users being associated with one of the venues and enabled to input score data from the associated one of the venues.

[0011] In yet another aspect, the collation of the score data includes associating the score data with the competitor and at least one of the event, venue and game.

[0012] In yet another aspect, the collation of the score data includes ranking the competitors based on the score data, the results data thereby including a ranking of the competitors for the event.

[0013] In yet another aspect, the collation of the score data includes ranking the competitors based on the score data and the venue, the results data thereby including a ranking of the competitors for each of the venues.

[0014] In yet another aspect, the method includes the steps of: Inputting, via the computer system, competitor information, the competitor information including at least one of a unique identifier and competitor attributes. Competitors may also be assigned to the respective game at the venue for the event.

[0015] In yet another aspect, the method includes simultaneously displaying the results data via displays of the system at each of the venues.

[0016] In yet another aspect, the method includes the step of: associating, via the computer system, the competitors with a determined grade thereby allowing the simultaneous playing of competitors having differing grades.

[0017] In yet another aspect, the method includes displaying, substantially in real time, the display data at each the plurality of venues associated with the event.

[0018] In yet another aspect, the visual representation of the results data is provided in the form of a dashboard including one or more of: an overall event tally feature indicating a current leader of the event; a venue tally feature for each of the plurality of venues indicating a current leader at each of the plurality of venues; and an overall venue tally feature indicating a total accumulated score at each of the plurality of venues.

[0019] In yet another aspect, the dashboard further includes one or more of: a special score feature that indicates the reaching of a special score by at least one of the competitors; and top score feature that indicates a select number of competitors from the event having the highest scores.

[0020] In yet another aspect, the dashboard further includes one or more of: an advertising feature associated with at least one of the event and venues; and a message feature to display received messages.

[0021] In yet another aspect, the method further includes the steps of: Assigning, a physical scoring device, to an identified one of the competitors; and wherein the score data is determined from the competitor's actions to the physical scoring device.

[0022] In accordance with a second broad aspect there is provided, a computer system for multi-venue competitions, the system being configurable to: Receive, via an interface of the computer system, event data representative of a competition event, the event data including an event, a plurality of venues associated with the event and at least one game associated with each of the venues; Assign, via the interface of the computer system, competitors to the at least one game associated with the venue at which the competitor is competing; Receive, via a venue terminal interface associated with the computer system, score data indicative of the scores of each of the competitors, the score data being associated with the event, the venue, the at least one game and respective competitors; Determine, via a processor associated with the computer system, results data, the results data including a collation of score data received from the plurality of venues and competitors; Display, via displays associated with the computer system located at each of the venues, display data, the display data providing a visual representation of the results data thereby allowing viewing of the results data at each of the venues.

[0023] In an aspect, the system is configurable to: Receive, user information data, including a venue user and a venue associated with the venue user; and Enable, via the computer system, the venue user to assign the competitors to the at least one game associated with the venue to which the venue user is associated.

[0024] In another aspect, the system is configurable to: receive, user information data, including a venue user and a venue associated with the venue user; an enable, via the computer system, the receipt of at least one of competitor information and score data from the venue user.

[0025] In yet another aspect, the system is configurable to: Enable, via the interface of the computer system, a plurality of users partial access to the system, each of the plurality of users being associated with one of the venues and enabled to input score data from the associated one of the venues.

[0026] In yet another aspect, the collation of the score data includes associating, via the computer system, the score data with each of the competitors and at least one of the event, the pluralities of venues and the at least one game.

[0027] In yet another aspect, the collation of the score data includes ranking the competitors based on the score data, the results data thereby including a ranking of the competitors for the event.

[0028] In yet another aspect, the collation of the score data includes ranking the competitors based on the score data and the venue, the results data thereby including a ranking of the competitors for each of the venues.

[0029] In yet another aspect, the system is configurable to: Receive, via the computer system, competitor information, the competitor information including at least one of a unique identifier and competitor attributes associated with each of the competitors.

[0030] In yet another aspect, the system is configured to simultaneously display, substantially in real-time, the display data on the displays at each of the plurality of venues associated with the event.

[0031] In yet another aspect, the visual representation of the results data is provided in the form of a dashboard including one or more of: an overall event tally feature indicating a current leader of the event; a venue tally feature for each of the plurality of venues indicating a current leader at each of the plurality of venues; and an overall venue tally feature indicating a total accumulated score at each of the plurality of venues.

[0032] In yet another aspect, the dashboard further includes one or more of: a special score feature that indicates the reaching of a special score by at least one of the competitors; and top score feature that indicates a select number of competitors from an event having the highest scores.

[0033] In yet another aspect, the method further includes the steps of: Assigning, a physical scoring device, to an identified one of the competitors; and wherein the score data is determined from the competitor's actions to the physical scoring device.

[0034] In yet another aspect, the dashboard further includes one or more of: an advertising feature associated with at least one of the event and venues; and a message feature to display received messages.

[0035] In yet another aspect, the system is configured to: Associate, via the computer system, the competitors with a grade thereby allowing the simultaneous playing of competitors having differing grades in the same at least one game.

[0036] In yet another aspect, the system is configured to: Determine, a grade for each of the competitors based on the score data; and Assign, the determined grade to each of the competitors.

[0037] In accordance with a third broad aspect there is provided, a computer implemented method for multi-venue competitions, the method including the steps of: Receiving, via a computer system, event data representative of a competition event, the event data including an event, a plurality of venues associated with the event and at least one game associated with each of the venues; Receiving, via the computer system, assignment information to associate competitors to the at least one game associated with the venue; Receiving, via the computer system, score data indicative of the scores of each of the competitors, the score data being associated with the event, the venue, the at least one game and respective competitors; Determining, via the computer system, results data, the results data including a collation of score data received from the plurality of venues and competitors; Providing the results data so as to be viewable.

[0038] In accordance with a fourth broad aspect there is provided, server system for multi-venue competitions, the server system being configurable to: Receive event data representative of a competition event, the event data including an event, a plurality of venues associated with the event and at least one game associated with each of the venues; Receive assignment information to associate competitors of the event to the at least one game associated with the venue; Receive score data indicative of the scores of each of the competitors, the score data being associated with the event, the venue, the at least one game and the respective competitors; Determine results data, the results data including a collation of score data received from the plurality of venues and competitors; and Providing the results data so as to be viewable as visual display data thereby providing a visual representation of the results data.

[0039] In accordance with a firth broad aspect there is provided, a computer readable medium configured to operate a computer system to perform the steps of: Receive event data representative of a competition event, the event data including an event, a plurality of venues associated with the event and at least one game associated with each of the venues; Receive assignment information to associate competitors of the event to the at least one game associated with the venue; Receive score data indicative of the scores of each of the competitors, the score data being associated with the event, the venue, the at least one game and the respective competitors; Determine results data, the results data including a collation of score data received from the plurality of venues and competitors; and Providing the results data so as to be viewable as visual display data thereby providing a visual representation of the results data.

Brief Description of the Figures

[0040] The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, by reference to the accompanying figures, in which;

[0041] Figure 1 is a system diagram illustrating a computer system for multi-venue competitions;

[0042] Figure 2 is a system diagram illustrating a server system of the computer system;

[0043] Figure 3 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for multi-venue competitions including steps undertaken by the server system;

[0044] Figure 4a and 4b are screen views illustrating an interface of the computer system having selectable menus and respective administration and user level access;

[0045] Figure 4c to 4e are screen views that respectively illustrate an event interface, a venue interface and game set up interface;

[0046] Figure 5a and 5b are data hierarchy diagrams illustrating the relationship between the event, the venues and the games or grades;

[0047] Figure 5c and 5d are screen views that respectively illustrate a competitor registration interface and a competitor assignment interface;

[0048] Figure 6a is a front view illustrating an example of a physical gaming device in the form of a target;

[0049] Figure 6b is a screen view illustrating a user interface to record the scoring data from the target;

[0050] Figures 7a is a screen view illustrating a dashboard of the system and Figures 7b to 7e are detailed example screen views illustrating components of the dashboard;

[0051] Figure 8 is a data relationship diagram illustrating the data components of the dashboard; and

[0052] Figure 9 is a table illustrating results data provided by the system example.

Detailed Description

System

[0053] Referring to Figure 1 there is illustrated an exemplary system 100, which is primarily, a computer based system, on which the present invention may be embodied and/or performed. The system 100 includes a server system 102 configured, as is further described below, to provide and facilitate multi-venue sporting and gaming competitions. The server system 102 is configured to communicate over a network 103, such as the Internet, within a variety of remote and client computing devices 107. The server system 102 may receive and transmit data for display at the remote or client computing devices 107.

[0054] In this example, the server system or server cluster 102 may be provided as a server cluster arrangement including a webserver 120, an application server 122 and a database server 124. A load balancer and firewall 126 may be provided between the webserver 120 and the network 103 and the database server 124 includes a main database 114 such as an Oracles or MySQLm database. The main database 114 may include event, venue, game, competitor and competition data as is further described below. In this configuration, one or more users are able to communicate with the server system 102 via the webserver 120 using the web enabled client or venue device 107 to input, display and view data. Such web enabled client devices including personal computers, mobile smartphones, tablets etc to input and view data via a web browser or native client software.

[0055] It is noted in the above example a simplified server system 102 is described for brevity sake and the system 100 may also employ other configurations such as multiple distributed application server clusters, or even, in simple examples operate the entire system on a computing system or device having a single processor, database and interface. The server system 102 may include or communicate with further servers and databases via APIs (Application programming interfaces) to provide features such customer databases, maps and messages. Other configurations will also be apparent to a person skilled in the art.

[0056] Referring now to Figure 2, an example of the application server 122, which primarily executes the described methods herein, is provided. The application server 122 includes a computer device or system 104 including a processor 106, memory 108, a communications module 110 for communicating with the database server 124 and the web server 120, and an I/O module (I/O) 112 for communicating with I/O devices such as screens and keyboards. Other computing configurations may be utilised. The application server 122 may itself include a database 130. Alternately, the database 130 may be omitted and the data may be received and communicated from the main database server 124.

[0057] The server 122 may include or be loaded with application software that is executed by the processor 106 to execute the methods described herein. The application software may be stored on the memory 108. The webserver 120 and database server 124 may include one ore more similarly configured computer devices or systems.

It is noted that in some examples, the system 100 may include two cameras, such as web cams, (one facing the target board and the other facing the competitor) on each board. Users and competitors may access the live streaming by accessing the site where the feed is hosted and have the ability to select specific venue cams.

General Overview

[0058] The system 100 enables a software or a software platform configured to execute a method to facilitate multi-venue or location games and competitions such as, but not limited to, Target Darting.

[0059] As will be described in further detail below, the system 100 as configured by the software, allows an event, such as a competition event, to be created or set up. The event may be a Target Darting event. Target Darting requires a competitor to throw darts at a scoring or target device 500 (shown in Figure 6a), typically made from paper or cardboard. The target device 500 has a central scoring zone and a series of concentric ring shape scoring zones around the centre of the target 500. Higher scores are achieved by a dart landing closest to the centre. However, it is noted that electronic dartboards such as those use for soft tip darts and/or electronic scoring systems may also be utilised with or as part of the method and system disclosed herein. Such electronic dartboards are well-known and not described in any detail and may be configured to automatically provide score data to the system 100 without any manual data entry.

[0060] The software platform may include three components being an administration console to set up the event, venue and games, add and/or assign competitors a scoring application to record live scores at each of the venues and a results dashboard 600 to display live scores at each of the venues. The dashboard 600 may also be displayed via a website. Or accessed via the URL where the data it is hosted on the webserver.

[0061] The administration console allows a system administrator to set up the event, to create venues or locations, games associated with the venues. The system administrator then enables or authorisers users (local organisers) who then register and assign competitors associate with the games, and enter scoring data from the played games. Typically, competitors are registered with various attributes such as an age, gender, country, class and may play in games with other competitors of similar grade level, or competitors of various grades may play in the same game. Or alternatively, various grades (games) at each venue for the event. It is noted that in this example, competitor's grade levels (AA, BB etc) are acquired, and not generally assigned. ie a competitors highest target score will determine their grade and the system 100 will auto-calculate this based the competitor score data. An example of the grades and the associated scores is provided in Table 1 below. This table may be stored as a lookup table in the database 114.

Grade Master AA A BB B CC C Novices Score 950+ 900+ 850+ 800+ 750+ 700+ 650+ <650

Table 1: Example Lookup Table with Score and Grades

[0062] The system 100 thereby allowing for multi-venue & multi-grade events in which competitors in the same games may have differing grades thereby allow simultaneous play and competition between competitors of differing grades. The system will also calculate the competitors handicap based on their current grade. A "game" may include an open "game", graded "game", handicapped "game" and combinations thereof

[0063] Competitors are provided or assigned with a target device 500, having a target identifier 504, and use this target device 500 to complete in any games in which the competitor is registered. The target is typically suspended from or attached to a wall or other support at the venue by a clip or the like. IN this example, The target is temporarily fixed mechanically to a backboard which captures the dart and is attached to a wall or portable device. The competitor then returns the target device to the user to input and log or record the results to the software platform using the scoring application or scanner or device. This requires transfer score data from the venue to the server system 102 for storage and determination of results data as is further detailed below with reference to Figures 3a and 3b. The identifier of the target device links the score data to competitor attributes such as grade, the venue etc. It is again noted, that in some examples, the target device 500 may be an electronic target device dartboard or the like.

[0064] The software platform includes a visual or results dashboard 600 that is preferably a close to real-time or live dashboard that may be displayed at each of the venues and online. The dashboard draws results data from the server system 102 and displays, for example, event leaders and high scores across all venues of the event. The dashboard is further described below with reference to Figures 7a and 7e.

[0065] The winner of the event may be determined by the system 100 and the winner or winners may be assigned a category such as winner for a particular event, venue or a winner for a particular grade. The event can be a handicapped type and therefore a winner of the handicapped event.

[0066] Accordingly, the system and method described herein facilitate multi-venue competitions and games in which competitors from multiple venues may compete with one another in a real-world or physical game such as Target Darting. The method and more specific aspects of the system 100 as configured by the software are now described in further detail below.

Example Method

[0067] To assist with understanding the method and operation of the system 100, the general method steps typically undertaken by the system 100 perspective, in particular the remote connected server system 102, are provided by method 200. It is noted that in the example below includes reference to the sport of Target Darting. However, the sport of Target Darting is used for example purposes only and the method is equally applicable to other games and sports. It is noted that in operation this method and system allows all entrants to compete directly against one another from the multiple venues.

[0068] In this example, the method includes, at step 202, receiving via the computer system 100, event data representative of a competition event. A system administrator typically undertakes this step. The event data may include the event, a plurality of venues or locations associated with the event and at least one game associated with each of the venues. The server system 102 receives the event data and this is stored via the database 114.

[0069] A hierarchical structure 400 of the event data is illustrated in Figure 5a. In the event requires the creation of venues that are associated with the event and a series of games that are associated with each of the venues. For example, Figure 5a there are four venues (Venue 1, Venue 2, Venue 3, Venue 4) associated with the single event (Event 1). Each venue then has one or more games. For example, Venue 1 has three games (Game 1, Game 2, Game 3). In some examples, the games may be associated with particular grades of competitors such as amateur, expert or professional level (Master, AA, A, BB, B etc), or open or handicapped. In some examples, games (i.e. Game 1, Game 2, Game 3) may referred to as "Grades" such as, For example game 1 at venues 1 to 4 is a AA graded event and game 2 at venues 1 to 4 is a BB event and game 3 at venues 1 to 4 is an Open event.

[0070] The creation of the event data may take place via the graphical interface 300 and may be provided at a local client terminal 107. The graphical interface 300 may include one or more menus and associated forms that allow the input and storage of information via the server system 102. Figure 4a provides an example of the user interface 300 having an administrator level interface 302 and the user level interface 304.

[0071] In more detail, from the users point of view, the sequence to creating event data is as follows: a) Under <Manage Venues>, create/edit a Venue and complete the relevant venue details. An example interface is shown in Figure 4c; b) Under <Manage Events>, create/edit an Event and complete the relevant details. Here the administrator will be asked to add Venues to the Event as well as provide a start and end date/time for the event. Since the user may wish to create their Events ahead of time, the user can Create all your Events and set them either to the Inactive, Active, Start or Closed status. An example interface is shown in Figure 4d; c) Under <Manage Games>, create/edit a Game or games for that Venue. Once a Game is created, the user must <Assign> competitors to that Game following the on screen prompts. The registration and assigning of competitors is further detailed below. An example interface is shown in Figure 4e.

[0072] At step 204, the method includes the step of receiving user data (local venue organiser data) associating one or more users with a particular venue. The administrator typically undertakes this step during or after setting up the event data. The user data enables or authorises system users at each associated venue to access and input competitor information and enter scoring data. However, the user access level does not have access to create a new events, venues or games.

[0073] Once step 202 and 204 are completed by the administer to step up the event data and user data, the overall event set up is complete and the remaining inputs to the system 100 may be provided by the users to each of the venues.

[0074] A competitor must be registered before being assigned to a game, venue and event. At step 206, a user may input competitor information to register a competitor. At step 206, the system 100 receives the competitor information and this information may be communicated with the server system 102 and stored via the database 114. A unique identifier may be provided or assigned by the system 100 for each registered competitor and in some examples the unique identifier for each record is a nickname or the like. An example of a user interface 430 for competitor registration is shown in Figure 5c.

[0075] Records created in this module will be viewable and editable in the registered competitors module that is provided via a user interface of the system 100. A competitor is registered once only and they remain in the database 114. Once a competitor has been registered, they need only be assigned to the game for the event at the venue where they are competing.

[0076] In some examples, competitor registration may occur by the competitor themselves via an online registration form, portal or the like prior to the event. Accordingly, the step of registration may occur by an associated website or the like.

[0077] At step 208, the system 100 receives assignment information and then associates or links the competitor information stored in the database 114 with the particular assigned game, venue and event. The system 100 may also be configured to provide prompts to assist the user to associate or assign the competitor to the event. The user may input the assignment information at the venue associated with the venue. Figure 5d shows an example assignment user interface 440 to receive input of the assignment of the competitor to a game.

[0078] The competitor is assigned or associated with a particular game in which the competitor competes, this allows for score data, as is further described below, to be associated with the particular competitor. As each game is associated with a particular venue and event, the assigning of the competitor to the game also associates, within the system 100, the competitor to the venue and event.

[0079] In more detail, and with reference to the example of Target Darting, the user will assign a physical gaming device 500 to each competitor. The physical gaming device 500 may be a target 502, as shown for example in Figure 6a, that has a barcode 504 with digits. The barcode 504 may be read with a barcode reader device (not shown) in communication with the system 100 or the digits may be read by the user. In either case, the barcode 504 or digits provided a target identification <Target ID> that may be inputted into the system 100 following the steps below:

a) Click on the <Registered Competitors> module; b) In the <Target ID> column, click the tag icon and assign the Target ID from the Target issued, this ensures a competitor has received an approved target from the organisers; and returns the one that had been assigned c) Enter the issued Target ID into the blank field. The competitor is then associated with a particular game and particular game device that in this example is a target.

[0080] In the example of Target Darting, at the point of registration for the event, a competitor is required to complete 4 rounds to record 12 hits. Throw three darts in succession (one 'walk'), retrieve the darts and repeat three more times for a total of 12 throws (or 4 'walks') from a predefined distance and to a predefined height.

[0081] In some examples, it is possible that competitors from previous events may be assigned to a new event. In other examples, the competitors photos and/or fingerprints may be taken and these identifications may be used, such as by having a finger print identification device, to allow assignment of competitors to game and/or targets.

[0082] At step 210, the system 100 receives, a score data indicative of the scores of each of the competitors. The score data is associated with the event, the venue, the at least one game and respective competitors. The score data, that may include numerical values, for each competitor is received by the computer system for storage, further processing, display and the determination of a winner of the competition event and used to update their overall ranking (eg, world ranking). The score data for each competitor is associated with the unique identifier of the competitor, the particular game, venue and event.

[0083] The user inputs the score data into the system 100 at each of the venues. This may include manually inputting the score data (recorded, for example, on the target 502) into the system 100 such as by inputting data into a scoring application operating on the venue client device 107 on tablet computer or the like at the venue. Figure 6b illustrates an example of a scoring interface 550 that is accessed by a user to input the scoring data.

[0084] The inputting of score data may also be undertaken automatically by an image recognition system that determines the score data from the target 502. In other examples, the game device 500 may be configured to automatically record the score data and provide this data to the system 100.

[0085] The score data is typically inputted with reference to the identifier of the gaming device 500 and/or the identifier of the competitor that allows the score data to be associated with the competitor, game, venue and event.

[0086] In the example of Target Darting, in terms of the user, once a competitor completes their round, they provide the completed target device to the user or organiser to record the score. To record the score, the user follows the steps of: a. a) Click on the <Registered Competitors> module; b. b) Select the Registered Competitor from the drop menu, note all competitors will appear as first name, surname in alphabetical order). As a form of validation, the Venue, Games and Target ID fields will auto-populate. c) Record the number of hits for each zone on the target device and allow the system to calculate the final score (shown in Figure 6b).

[0087] In the example of Target Darting, all 12 hits must be recorded (even zero hits) and the system will automatically calculate the top 10 hits. Once the scores are submitted, the results will be published onto the display dashboard 600 at a predetermined refresh rate, and substantially in real-time. And this closes out the target. Another target cannot be assigned to the competitor until this is done.

[0088] At step 212, the method includes determining, via the computer system 100, results data, the results data including a collation of score data received from the plurality of venues and competitors. For example, the computer system 100 may collate score data received from competitors at a variety of venues and compile these into a ranked list having the attributes of score, competitor, event, venue and game. This score data may be stored in the database 114. Accordingly, the score data may be provided or viewed in a variety of formats such as overall competitor rankings for all venues, rankings for each venue and top scores for any given game. The score data may be accessed and displayed by the system 100 via a dashboard 600 as is further described below with reference to Figure 7a to 7e. An example of the results data is provided in Figure 9. This may be downloadable from the system 100. The data can be used for determining odds for betting on results.

[0089] In some examples, the events or game are timed. For example, at a predetermined time selected by an administrator there may be a freeze on the assignment of target devices 500 so as not to allow assigning targets when last targets are called. The system 100 may be configured to display a "call last targets" messages that flashes up on the screen for a pre-determined time period prior to the conclusion then a total lockout.

[0090] At step 214, the method includes the step of sending or making available the results data from the server system 102 that includes results data from each of the venues of the event. The server system 102 makes available and/or sends the results data to venue client device 107. The results data is received via the venue client device 107. The venue client device 107 and/or server system 102 may be configured to refresh data at a predetermined refresh interval such as every 30 or 60 seconds.

[0091] At step 216, the method includes the computer system 100 may provide display data configured to provide visual representations of the results data thereby allowing viewing of the results data at each of the venues. The results data may be displayed via a display at the venue. The result data is preferably displayed via a configurable dashboard 600 shown in the Figure 7a on the local venue client device 107. A venue may have more than one local venue client device 107. For example, one device 107 may be used for scoring and the other device, may simply be a screen, to display the dashboard. The results data may be displayed in near real-time to allow interactive simultaneous competitions between the venues. The local venue client device 107 may be one or more smart phones or tablets loading with application software configured to display the results data.

[0092] With reference, to Figure 7a, the display data may be provided via the results dashboard 600 by an application program accessing the score data and then providing a visual representation of the display data. The results dashboard may include several zones including: Zone 1, scrolling rankings for all competitors in the active event (shown also in Figure 7c); Zone 2: a breakdown of total scores summed per venue for the event; Zone 3: a high score animation triggered whenever a competitor hits predetermined score, for example, 150; Zone 4: scrolling top 10 scores per venue (shown also in Figure 7b); Zone 5: Geographical view of each location using a postcode API (shown also in Figure 7e); Zone 6: summary of top five or 10 scorers across all venues (shown also in Figure 7d). The display data sources and relationships are shown in Figure 8.

[0093] The display data may also include further information such as: Zones 7 to 10 that provide social media feeds; Zone 11 that provides event details such as venue locations drink specials and dinner specials; and Zone 12 that provides a news feed such as blog posts and event news.

[0094] The display data may be displayed on screens at each of the venues and may be accessible via a website or application (App) loaded on a smartphone or the like. The display data allows the competitors at each of the venues to view, in close or real time, the score data of the competitors from the other venues.

[0095] In some examples, there may be a combined event prize pool derived from all of the venues and the ultimate winners and or place getters of the event may be awarded the prize pool. Accordingly, the prize pool that is available due to the multi- venue nature on the system may be larger than that that would be available if the event were held at a single venue. The system 100 may include the steps of calculating, via the server system 102, the available prize pool and assign the available prize pool to the winner portions of the prize pool to, for example, first second and third placed competitors.

[0096] Accordingly, at the conclusion of an event, a winner of the event may be determined. The winner or winners may be assigned a category such as winner for a particular venue or a winner for a particular class. Handicaps may also be applied so there may be a winner overall and then a handicap winner. Competitors may be assigned a handicap number and the system may calculate the winner with reference to the handicap number.

[0097] Advantageously, the system and methods described herein facilitate multi venue competitions and games in which competitors from multiple venues may compete with one another in a real-world or physical game such as Target Darting. The method and operation of the system allow for the setting up of an event and the enabling of local users at each of the venues. The users then capture local competitor information and scoring data from the respective multiple venues. The system allows for the substantially real-time display of results data simultaneously across each of the venues and the determination of the event winners and place getters. Accordingly, the system and methods described herein allows competitors to complete in large events via a local venue. The competitors then do not need to travel large distances and also have access to a greater pool of competitors of differing level or grade and also potentially greater pools of prize money.

[0098] Additional features that may be included in the above methods and/or system may include: • Auto email out "next event" details to database of registered players;

• Online pre registration; • Auto text message or email generator when a player passes another; • Automatically close the event - at a predetermined time selected by an

administrator so as not to allow assigning targets when last targets are called.

Possibly even have "call last targets" flash up on the screen x minutes prior to the conclusion then a total lockout; • Not allow a competitor that is graded higher than the graded event to be assigned to a graded event - for graded events, when a registered player attempts to compete in an event lower than their grade, the system won't allow them to be assigned to the game for the event; • Handicapping option - the system will have the ability to hold handicapped events based on competitors previously registered highest target score. The system will auto calculate the handicap value depending on the grade of the player; • A system generated dramatic improvement penalty for when competitors improve well beyond their grade • Auto display the csv file on the dashboard at the conclusion of an event:

When the event concludes, the system automatically displays the top x players and associated prize money; • Optical Mark Recognition (OMR), Optical Character Recognition (OCR) scanning or similar to score targets may be used instead of the manual scoring application. For example, targets can be scanned and scored automatically using third party Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) software; • An electronic target device in lieu of a non-electronic target device; • Live streaming cameras and data storage of footage: All competing venues in

an event will have two web cams (one facing the target board and the other facing the competitor on each board. People can access the live streaming by accessing the site where the feed is hosted and have the ability to select specific venue cams; • Viewer control of multi, multiple venue events: Viewers can access the dashboard and switch between events (where multi, multi venue events are taking place) and venues and access specific event and venue cameras; • Assign competitors that have previously registered to an event using finger

print recognition technology; • Auto compile and update world rankings after each event; • Viewers can access the dashboard online and switch between events (where multi, multi venue events are taking place) and venues and access specific event and venue cameras; and The system automatically updates every registered competitor that has ever competed their position on the overall world-ranking table after each event.

[0099] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[00100] The reference in this specification to any known matter or any prior publication is not, and should not be taken to be, an acknowledgment or admission or suggestion that the known matter or prior art publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the field to which this specification relates.

[00101] While specific examples of the invention have been described, it will be understood that the invention extends to alternative combinations of the features disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

[00102] Many and various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

Claims (31)

The claims defining the Invention are as follows:

1. A method for multi-venue competitions, the method including the steps of: Receiving, via a computer system, event data representative of a competition event, the event data including an event, a plurality of venues associated with the event and at least one game associated with each of the venues; Assigning, via the computer system, competitors to an event, one of the plurality of venues and at least one game associated with the respective one plurality of venues; Receiving, via the computer system, score data indicative of the scores of each of the competitors, the score data being associated with the event, the plurality of venues, the at least one game and respective competitors; Determining, via the computer system, event results data, the event results data including a collation of score data received from the plurality of venues and competitors; Providing display data, via the computer system, the display data being configured to provide a visual representation of the results data thereby allowing viewing of the results data at each of the venues.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method includes the steps of: Receiving, user information data, including a venue user and a venue associated with the venue user; and Enabling, via the computer system, the venue user to undertake the step of assigning competitors to the at least one game associated with the venue to which the venue user is associated.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method includes the steps of: Receiving, user information data, including a venue user and a venue associated with the venue user; Enabling, via the computer system, the receipt of at least one of competitor information and score data from the venue user.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method includes the step of:

Enabling, via the computer system, a plurality of users partial access to the system, each of the plurality of users being associated with one of the venues and enabled to input score data from the associated one of the venues.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the collation of the score data includes associating, the computer system, the score data with the competitor and at least one of the event, venue and game.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the collation of the score data includes ranking the competitors based on the score data, the results data thereby including a ranking of the competitors for the event.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein the collation of the score data includes ranking the competitors based on the score data and the venue, the results data thereby including a ranking of the competitors for each of the venues.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method includes the steps of: Receiving, via the computer system, competitor information, the competitor information including at least one of a unique identifier and competitor attributes associated with the competitors.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method includes the step of: Associating, via the computer system, the competitors with a determined grade thereby allowing the simultaneous playing of competitors having differing grades.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method includes displaying, substantially in real-time, the display data at each the plurality of venues associated with the event.

11. The method according to claim 1 or claim 10, wherein the visual representation of the results data is provided in the form of a dashboard including one or more of: an overall event tally feature indicating a current leader of the event; a venue tally feature for each of the plurality of venues indicating a current leader at each of the plurality of venues; and an overall venue tally feature indicating a total accumulated score at each of the plurality of venues.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the dashboard further includes one or more of: a special score feature that indicates the reaching of a special score by at least one of the competitors; and top score feature that indicates a select number of competitors from the event having the highest scores.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the dashboard further includes one or more of: an advertising feature associated with at least one of the event and venues; and a message feature to display received messages.

14. The method according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the method further includes the steps of: Assigning, a physical scoring device, to an identified one of the competitors; and wherein the score data is determined from the competitors actions to the physical scoring device.

15. A computer system for multi-venue competitions, the system being configurable to: Receive, via an interface of the computer system, event data representative of a competition event, the event data including an event, a plurality of venues associated with the event and at least one game associated with each of the venues; Assign, via the interface of the computer system, competitors to the at least one game associated with the venue at which the respective competitors are competing; Receive, via a venue terminal interface associated with the computer system, score data indicative of the scores of each of the competitors, the score data being associated with the event, the venue, the at least one game and respective competitors; Determine, via a processor associated with the computer system, results data, the results data including a collation of score data received from the plurality of venues and competitors;

Display, via displays associated with the computer system located at each of the venues, display data, the display data providing a visual representation of the results data thereby allowing viewing of the results data at each of the venues.

16. The computer system according to claim 15, wherein the system is configurable to: Receive, user information data, including a venue user and a venue associated with the venue user; and Enable, via the computer system, the venue user to assign the competitors to the at least one game associated with the venue to which the venue user is associated.

17. The computer system according to claim 15, wherein the system is configurable to: Receive, user information data, including a venue user and a venue associated with the venue user; and Enable, via the computer system, the receipt of at least one of competitor information and score data from the venue user.

18. The computer system according to claim 15, wherein the system is configurable to: Enable, via the interface of the computer system, a plurality of users partial access to the system, each of the plurality of users being associated with one of the venues and enabled to input score data from the associated one of the venues.

19. The computer system according to claim 15, wherein the collation of the score data includes associating, via the computer system, the score data with each of the competitors and at least one of the event, the pluralities of venues and the at least one game.

20. The computer system according to claim 15, wherein the collation of the score data includes ranking the competitors based on the score data, the results data thereby including a ranking of the competitors for the event.

21. The computer system according to claim 15, wherein the collation of the score data includes ranking the competitors based on the score data and the venue, the results data thereby including a ranking of the competitors for each of the venues.

22. The computer system according to claim 15, wherein the system is configurable to: Receive, via the computer system, competitor information, the competitor information including at least one of a unique identifier and competitor attributes associated with each of the competitors.

23. The computer system according to claim 15, wherein the system is configured to simultaneously display, substantially in real-time, the display data on the displays at each of the plurality of venues associated with the event.

24. The computer system according to claim 15 or claim 23, wherein visual representation of the results data is provided in the form of a dashboard including one or more of: an overall event tally feature indicating a current leader of the event; a venue tally feature for each of the plurality of venues indicating a current leader at each of the plurality of venues; and an overall venue tally feature indicating a total accumulated score at each of the plurality of venues.

25. The computer system according to claim 24, wherein the dashboard further includes one or more of: a special score feature that indicates the reaching of a special score by at least one of the competitors; and top score feature that indicates a select number of competitors from an event having the highest scores.

26. The computer system according to claim 15, wherein the method further includes the steps of: Assigning, a physical scoring device, to an identified one of the competitors; and wherein the score data is determined from the competitors actions to the physical scoring device.

27. The computer system to claim 26, wherein the dashboard further includes one or more of: an advertising feature associated with at least one of the event and venues; and a message feature to display received messages.

28. The computer system to claim 15, wherein the system is configured to: Associate, via the computer system, the competitors with a grade thereby allowing the simultaneous playing of competitors having differing grades in the same at least one game.

29. The computer system to claim 15, wherein the system is configured to: Determine, a grade for each of the competitors based on the score data; and Assign, the determined grade to each of the competitors.

29. A computer implemented method for multi-venue competitions, the method including the steps of: Receiving, via a computer system, event data representative of a competition event, the event data including an event, a plurality of venues associated with the event and at least one game associated with each of the venues; Receiving, via the computer system, assignment information to associate competitors to the at least one game associated with the venue; Receiving, via the computer system, score data indicative of the scores of each of the competitors, the score data being associated with the event, the venue, the at least one game and respective competitors; Determining, via the computer system, results data, the results data including a collation of score data received from the plurality of venues and competitors; Providing the results data so as to viewable.

30. A server system for multi-venue competitions, the server system being configurable to: Receive event data representative of a competition event, the event data including an event, a plurality of venues associated with the event and at least one game associated with each of the venues; Receive assignment information to associate competitors of the event to the at least one game associated with the venue;

Receive score data indicative of the scores of each of the competitors, the score data being associated with the event, the venue, the at least one game and the respective competitors; Determine results data, the results data including a collation of score data received from the plurality of venues and competitors; and Providing the results data so as to viewable as visual display data thereby providing a visual representation of the results data.

31. A computer readable medium configured to operate a computer system to perform the steps of: Receive event data representative of a competition event, the event data including an event, a plurality of venues associated with the event and at least one game associated with each of the venues; Receive assignment information to associate competitors of the event to the at least one game associated with the venue; Receive score data indicative of the scores of each of the competitors, the score data being associated with the event, the venue, the at least one game and the respective competitors; Determine results data, the results data including a collation of score data received from the plurality of venues and competitors; and Providing the results data so as to viewable as visual display data thereby providing a visual representation of the results data.