KR20170096028A - System for managing direct challenges between users and player substitutions in fantasy sports and other games - Google Patents

Abstract

Interactive systems and methods for creating games and game-like applications are presented, including direct challenge applications for creating one-to-one confrontation challenges between users. A system for creating and managing a plurality of direct challenges includes a plurality of external data services for tracking progress and player performance during real-world events such as application service interfaces, multiple user interfaces, challenging applications, and sporting events. Systems and methods are also disclosed that enable a user to change or modify his fantasy player lineup during the course of a live action sports event.

Description

SYSTEM FOR MANAGING DIRECT CHALLENGES BETWEEN USERS AND PLAYER SUBSTITUTIONS IN FANTASY SPORTS AND OTHER GAMES FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001]

preference

This application claims priority benefit from U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 094,661, filed December 19, 2014.

This application is also related to (1) U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 936,501, filed February 6, 2014, and (2) U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 818,028, filed May 1, 2013, Filed on October 29, 2015, which is a continuation-in-part of PCT / US2014 / 036241, filed April 30, 2010, and claims priority benefit therefor.

All of the foregoing applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Field

The specific embodiments disclosed are directed to the field of fantasy sports systems and methods.

Currently available fantasy sports systems prohibit in-game player substitution, which limits user enjoyment and prevents users from acting like coaches and owners of real sports teams. There are at present some limitations, at least in part, because there are a variety of technical and logical problems in designing and managing higher-level interactive player replacement systems. Nonetheless, many fantasy users strongly desire more interactivity and flexibility during fantasy matchups, especially when their players are participating in real-world sporting events. Accordingly, there is a need in the related art for improved roster management and player replacement applications for fantasy sports systems and methods.

Currently available fantasy sports systems monitor and record the performance of individual players as part of scoring competition between fantasy teams. Because team results are, in part, dependent on the performance of individual players, many fantasy users watch individual players very closely. Many fantasy sports users strongly desire a more aggressive application and use of their knowledge of individual players in the context of fantasy sports and in contests with other users. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improved gaming systems and contest applications that enable users to compete with others in contests that are based, at least in part, on the performance of individual players.

Newbie players represent one of the biggest dangers in fantasy sports. Many newcomers do not play well or spend much of their first season on the bench. Currently available fantasy sports systems require users to treat rookies like any other player. However, many users strongly desire a fantasy system that treats newcomers in a different and more realistic way. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improved roster management systems that accommodate the risks and benefits associated with new players.

Interactive systems and methods for creating game and game-like applications are presented, including a direct challenge application for creating a one-to-one head-to-head challenge between users. A system for creating and managing a plurality of direct challenges includes a plurality of external data services for tracking progress and player performance during real-world events such as application service interfaces, multiple user interfaces, challenging applications, and sporting events. Systems and methods are also disclosed that enable a user to change or modify his fantasy player lineup during the course of a live action sports event.

In some embodiments, a system for managing a plurality of direct challenges between users of a gaming application includes: an application service interface including an external data reader and a database in communication with a plurality of external data services; A plurality of user interfaces facilitating access to the application service interface; And non-transitory computer readable media comprising program instructions for managing a plurality of direct challenges between users and / or a plurality of single player challenges, and one or more processors of a computer system coupled to the non-transitory computer readable media Wherein the one or more processors are configured to: (a) receive a first competitor selected by a first user for participation in a first direct challenge; (b) receiving a second competitor to act as a competitor of the first competitor in the first direct challenge; (c) receiving an actual performance parameter for the first direct challenge; (d) receiving a period for the first direct challenge; (e) receiving acceptance from a second user, and in response, developing the first direct challenge; (f) sending to the external data reader, from at least one of the plurality of external data services, a first set of actual performance data for the first competitor during the period and a second set of actual performance data for the second competitor during the duration To collect actual performance data of; (g) calculating a score for the first direct challenge, the score being based on a comparison of actual performance data of the first set with actual performance data of the second set; (h) reporting the score to the first user and the second user; (i) execute the program instructions to store the score in the database.

The one or more processors also presenting the first direct challenge to the second user via a display; Providing the second user with an option to submit a response comprising an indication selected from the group consisting of accept, reject, and counteroffer; Receive the response from the second user; In response to receiving the response, such as an alternative suggestion, the program instructions may be executed to present one or more attributes of the first direct challenge to the second user for review and modification.

The first competitor may include a first team, and the second competitor may include a second team.

The first competitor may include two or more first groups, the second competitor may include two or more second groups, and the second group may have the same number of participants as the first group .

The challenge may involve betting on real money, fantasy dollars or virtual currency. Wherein the one or more processors also receive a selection of a wager amount associated with the first direct challenge; And execute the program instructions to apply the bet amount to the first direct challenge based on the score.

The application service interface may further comprise a challenge reporting tool arranged to display a plurality of direct challenges to one or more of the fellow users arranged by date.

The application service interface may further include a social reporting engine for collecting user data and storing the user data in a user database, wherein the user data includes at least one of the members of the member users during a subset of predetermined interactions with the application service interface Demographic facts and game-play behavior for at least the first subset.

In other embodiments, an interactive system for a plurality of game-like activities comprises: (a) a content management system communicating with a plurality of external data services, a content management system including a plurality of game templates; (b) a plurality of application services in communication with the content management system and including one or more game-like applications; And (c) one or more user interfaces for facilitating access to the plurality of application services for a plurality of users, wherein the one or more game-like applications include a challenge application.

The interactive system may further include a social reporting engine for communicating with the content management system and collecting and storing user data in a user database, wherein the user data includes a predetermined interaction with the plurality of application services Demographic facts and game-play behavior for at least a first subset of the plurality of users during a subset of the plurality of users.

The present disclosure includes a system for managing in-game replacements. The system includes a computer database of players on the fantasy team roster. The database includes an active player data set of players designated by the user to play in a fantasy matchup and a non-selected player data set of players not designated by the user to play in the fantasy matchup. The in-game replacement software module presents to the user a graphical user interface that enumerates a plurality of players designated by the user to play in the fantasy matchup; An input to the graphical user interface by the user to select one or more players that the user desires to change out of the active player data set during a fantasy matchup, of the plurality of players designated by the user to play in the fantasy matchup, ; Presenting to the user a graphical user interface that enumerates a plurality of players designated by the user not to play in the fantasy matchup; Wherein the user selects one or more players that the user desires to exchange into the active player data set during a fantasy matchup, wherein the user is not designated by the user to play in the fantasy matchup Responsive to an input of; Update the active player data set to replace the one or more players that the user desires to replace out of the active player data set during fantasy matchup, among the plurality of players designated by the user to play in the fantasy matchup; To update the active player data set to add the one or more players that the user desires to replace into the active player data set during a fantasy matchup of the plurality of players designated by the user not to play in the fantasy matchup, do.

The present disclosure further includes a method for managing player replacement during live fantasy competitions. The method includes enumerating on a user's graphical user interface by a roster of active players selected by a user for fantasy competition. The system is configured to select one or more players to be inactive players selected by the user for the fantasy competition from the active player selected by the user to be inactive players for the user to select through the graphical user interface, Lt; / RTI > from the rovers of the active players. A roster of inactive players that can be replaced into the rosters of the active players is listed on the graphical user interface. The system is operable to cause the inactive players selected by the user to become active players for the user selecting one or more players to become active players of the inactive players selected by the user through the graphical user interface, It responds by adding it to the roster.

The present disclosure also includes a method for direct user vs. user challenges in a fantasy game system. The method includes creating a fantasy game challenge directly by a first user. Creating a challenge comprises: selecting a first fantasy performer and a second fantasy performer on a first graphical user interface; Selecting performance parameters common to each of the first and second fantasy performers on the first graphical user interface; Selecting a challenge period on the first graphical user interface; Selecting a challenge on the first graphical user interface; Selecting, by the first user, a conflicting second user that is the subject of the challenge from a list of potential conflicting second users displayed on the first graphical user interface; And presenting the challenge to a second user conflicting on the second graphical user interface. From the second conflicting second user, via the second graphical user interface, an input is received that indicates whether the challenge is accepted, rejected, or suggests a modification to the challenge. Wherein the input from the second user is presented to the first user via the first graphical user interface. The result of the challenge is scored based on the performance parameters within the conduction period. The scored result is reported to both the first user and the second user. The scored results of the challenge and the challenge are stored in a database.

The foregoing summary is not intended to limit the scope of the invention or to explain each embodiment, aspect, implementation, feature, or advantage of the invention. The detailed description and preferred embodiments of the invention are set forth in the following paragraphs, which accompany the appended drawings, so that those skilled in the art may better understand the features of the claimed invention. It is to be understood that the features previously mentioned and the features hereinafter described may be used in other combinations or separately, without departing from the scope of the invention, as well as in the specified combinations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The features of the various embodiments disclosed will become more apparent in the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:
1 is a schematic diagram of a system for game creation and management, shown in one exemplary platform architecture, in accordance with various embodiments.
2 is a schematic diagram of a system for managing one-to-one confrontation challenges in fantasy sports or other applications, in accordance with various embodiments.
Figures 3-13 are a series of sample displays, with interactive user interfaces, for a system for creating and managing direct challenges, in accordance with various embodiments.
Figure 14 is a sample display of a list of direct challenges, according to various embodiments.
Figures 15-32 are a series of interactive user interfaces on a display for implementing a roster management system, in accordance with various embodiments.
33-37 are diagrams of aspects of a system architecture for a head-to-head challenge, according to various embodiments.
Figure 38 illustrates user interfaces for player replacement during live game play, in accordance with various embodiments.
Figures 39-43 illustrate various different types of gameplay topics, in accordance with various embodiments.
Figures 44 and 45 illustrate user interfaces for replacing players in a direct challenge game, in accordance with various embodiments.
46 illustrates a user interface for inspecting players before performing a challenge or replacement, in accordance with various embodiments.
Figure 47 illustrates a Head to Head Record pop-up showing related history data from specific opponents, in accordance with various embodiments.
Figure 48 illustrates an overall line-up challenge feature, in accordance with various embodiments.

In the following description, the present invention will be described with reference to various exemplary embodiments. Nevertheless, these embodiments are not intended to limit the invention to any particular example, environment, application, or particular implementation described herein. Accordingly, the description of such exemplary embodiments is provided for purposes of illustration rather than limitation.

These systems and apparatuses and methods are more readily understood with reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and their foregoing and following description. However, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to those specific devices, systems, and / or methods, since specific devices, systems, and / or methods may of course vary unless otherwise specified before disclosing and describing these devices, systems, and / It should be understood that it does not. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

The same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the following description and drawings. The figures may not be to scale, and some features may be shown in exaggerated or slightly schematic form for clarity, brevity, and in order to convey information.

The following description of the invention is presented as a teaching which may be embodied in its best andpreviously known embodiments. For that reason, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of the invention described herein, yet still obtain the beneficial results of the invention. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the invention may be obtained by selecting some of the features of the invention without the use of other features. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations of the invention are possible, and even may be desirable in some circumstances, and are a part of the invention. Accordingly, the following description is provided as illustrative rather than limiting on the principles of the invention.

The singular forms ("a", "an", "the") used throughout the specification include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a component may include two or more such components, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and / or "about" to another particular value. Where such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from one particular value and / or to another specific value. Likewise, it will be understood that when a value is approximated by using the preceding "about ", a particular value forms another aspect. It should further be appreciated that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant with respect to the other endpoints, and also with respect to the other endpoints.

As used herein, "optional" or " optionally "means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not appear, Examples include examples and non-examples.

Games (GAMES)

The term games, as used herein, refers not only to activities undertaken for play or entertainment, but also to game-like interactive activities used to facilitate the pursuit of a particular purpose or intent. In a broad sense, the games described herein allow users to interact with the game content itself and also with game related insertions or requests (sometimes referred to as calls to action). . As described, the game-like interactive systems herein, including game systems for creating games and supersets of games, provide a deeper engagement between the user and the game. The user engagement as used herein refers to the frequency of play, the duration of play, and the depth of interaction of the game content and / or actions with calls. Deeper user involvement increases the value of games, especially in a commercial context. Games created and managed by the gaming systems described herein are less expensive, faster to deploy, and easier to manage than those generated by existing gaming systems.

FANTASY SPORTS GAMES. Fantasy Sports is a competition in which each user selects and manages a virtual or fantasy team composed of real players of a particular sport. Each user accumulates points according to the actual performance of each player. Typically, the user takes on the role of a team manager or coach, chooses players in the drafting process, trades players, selects active rosters and inactive (bench) rosters according to a set of rules and rules for each particular league, Set roots, change rovers, and so on.

Currently available fantasy sports systems prohibit in-game player substitution, which limits user enjoyment and prevents users from acting as coaches and owners of real-world sports teams. There are at present some limitations, at least in part, because there are a variety of technical and logical problems in designing and managing higher-level interactive player replacement systems. Nonetheless, many fantasy users strongly desire more interactivity and flexibility during fantasy matchups, especially when their players are participating in real-world sporting events.

Non-Sports Games (NON-SPORTS GAMES). While many of the systems and methods described herein are discussed in the context of fantasy football, the techniques disclosed herein are also useful and applicable to a variety of sports and other quantifiable performances. For example, FIG. 39 shows gameplay examples of stock performance of a company, a professional hockey, a NASCAR, and an NCAA basketball. Figure 40 shows gameplay examples for reality television pro organizing results. Figure 41 shows gameplay examples for rushing yards and music record sales of teams. Figure 42 shows gameplay examples for political and news results. Figure 43 shows gameplay examples for selection of news events and news events in categories such as the United States, World, Politics, and Definitions.

SYSTEM (SYSTEM)

1 is a schematic diagram of a system 100 for game creation and management, in accordance with certain embodiments. As shown, the system 100 includes various elements communicating with one another, including a content management system 200, application services 300, user interfaces 400, and a social reporting engine 500 can do. The system 100 may also include a game content database 220, an active game-play database 320, a user database 520, and external data sources 380. External data sources 380 may include external content sources 382 and external applications 388. [

Figure 1 also illustrates an exemplary system platform architecture. The gaming systems and methods described herein may be provided using a self-service platform that facilitates creation and management of games via a friendly set of user interfaces 400. The system architecture according to various embodiments may include the components and modules shown in FIG.

The application service interface 300 may include a REST API 370 that makes calls to independent modules, as shown. Representational State Transfer (REST) is a form of software architecture for distributed systems such as the Internet. The REST API 370 enables enhanced scalability, control of components and associated rules, development of interfaces, and deployment of additional components.

The event handler 460 according to certain embodiments includes a user interface that allows an untrained user or administrator to create, edit, modify, and update various action-event combinations without any technical programming support. The user interface can be selected by the user including access to various assets stored in the library-for example, stock-photo images of social media logos with clickable links, and so on. The user interface also allows the user or administrator to fill the entire set of event-action relationships in a user-friendly format. The user interface includes a series of drop-down menus with options for, for example, actions, events and rules associated with each (e.g., use counter, time / clock counter, . ≪ / RTI > The event handler 460 receives the user input and creates a series of computing instructions, such as a decision tree and the like, for use by the game.

The game engine or system and the user's computing devices may be computing devices that include a processor, non-volatile memory and software code stored in memory for executing the particular functions and features of each of the game engines, systems and user computing devices .

Social Reporting Engine (SOCIAL REPORTING ENGINE). In another aspect, game system 100 in accordance with certain embodiments may be implemented across a superset of games using a variety of selected game types and categories and using modules, also called social reporting engine 500 And is designed to facilitate creation and play of a superset of games by actively collecting user data. The social reporting engine 500, in accordance with certain embodiments, may be adapted to perform various functions, such as during the registration and use of a user data-gaming system, during game play, through associated interactions (such as responding to surveys and responding to calls of other types of actions ), And during long periods of time across a number of games, including user behavior during social-media actions (inputting favorite things, sharing content, etc.), resulting in potentially millions of user data The profiles are populated and updated, and these profiles can be stored in the user database 520.

The user data typically includes initial profile data provided voluntarily by the user, beginning with the sharing of information already contained in a Facebook profile, a Twitter account, a Foursquare history, or other integrated third party applications. do. The gaming system provider may also collect user data at any time during the membership, by query or otherwise. User data also includes game performance by, for example, a particular game played, including whether the user has accurate predictions in a particular sport, and whether the user continues to like or prefer what product, service, or company . In a preferred embodiment, the user data will be aggregated to obtain business intelligence and other useful information in a manner that does not sell or disclose personally identifiable information. User data may be provided in an aggregated or anonymous format; However, such user data is valuable because the user data collected and stored by the gaming system of the present invention can be stored and retrieved in a manner consistent with the history of user behavior within the gaming system and related activities, , And contain useful demographic information. This combination of demographic information and actual user behavior contributes to the value of user data collected and stored by the game system.

HEAD-TO-HEAD CHALLENGES

The systems and methods described herein sometimes include one-on-one confrontation or direct challenge applications and systems called "Mano e Mano ". The one-to-one confrontation or direct challenge used herein refers to a direct challenge between two individual users of an application, such as a game or a fantasy sports application.

The challenge application according to certain embodiments is a challenge application in which a first user creates a matchup, sends a challenge to a second user, monitors the results of the matchup, handles the challenge, identifies the winner, calculates and posts the score , And to update the leaderboard. If applicable / stakes can be processed if applicable.

The challenger (first user) and the second user may not be scheduled to play each other's teams when a challenge is sent, accepted, or when an activity that is the object of the challenge occurs. For example, the challenger may be in a league different from the second user when the challenge is transmitted, or may have no league at all. Thus, the challenge may be a "side challenge" other than the normal schedule of fantasy match-up games. The challenge between a first user and a second user may be associated with any field of effort, including sports, politics, entertainment, current events, and the like.

Challenges can be organized according to the following general form: "A will [surpass or win] B [given performance] in [Effort] for [this event or period]." The outcome of a matchup may be determined by the statistical performance of each competitor in a real world game or competition, as the case may be.

The challenging application described herein can be used to select challenging objects or competitors ("A" and "B") and to create the following challenges: "Barry Sanders, Marcus Allen More than a total yard will rush. " The results can be determined or scored based on real-world performance (total yard rush) during the selected time period (Sunday football game).

The Mano e Mano Challenge application according to certain embodiments may be configured to allow users to create matchups by selecting players or competitors from a list, database, or external content source.

2 is a schematic diagram of a conductive system 1100 for creating and managing a plurality of direct challenges between users of a game application. As shown, the conductive system 1100 may include various elements that communicate with each other, including an application service interface 1300, a plurality of user interfaces 1400, and a social reporting engine 1500. The challenge system 1100 may also include a database 1220, a user database 1520, and one or more external data services 1280. External data services 1280 may include, for example, sports feed A 1282, content API B 1284, and sports feed B 1286.

In alternate embodiments, the challenge system 1100 may include a content management system similar to that shown in FIG.

Application service interface 1300 may include a REST API 1370 that makes calls to independent modules, as shown. Representational State Transfer (REST) is a form of software architecture for distributed systems such as the Internet. The REST API 1370 enables enhanced scalability, control of components and associated rules, development of interfaces, and deployment of additional components.

At the logic level, as shown, application service interface 1300 in certain embodiments includes scoring and ranking tables, user manager, selection engine 1340, matchup logic 1310, and event data handler 1360 ≪ / RTI >

At the data level, as shown, the application service interface 1300 in certain embodiments includes a persistence manager, a configuration manager, a passive data interface, and one or more external data readers 1380.

The challenge application according to certain embodiments may be implemented using a programmed computer. A direct challenge can be a contest between competitors or competitors (or perceived competitors) in any of the various areas of effort such as sports, politics, or entertainment. Challenges can be organized in the following general form: "[first competitor] will [overcome this performance parameter] [second competitor] during [this event or period]." The result or score of a challenge can be determined, for example, by comparing the actual performance of each competitor in real world games or competitions. Challenge applications enable users to create each element of challenge directly using a dynamic and user-friendly interface. The challenge application may include any or all of the features and functions of the game systems described herein. For example, the challenge application may include access to game content or other data accessible by the system, e.g., photos of one or both competitors.

In the context of a bracket game, the first competitor and / or the second competitor may be a player selected from any of the teams competing in the bracket. The performance parameter may be a score more points. The duration may be during the second period of play in the first game of the respective competitors of the tournament. As shown schematically in FIG. 2, application service interface 1300 may include matchup logic 1310. Matchup logic 1310 according to certain embodiments may include rules, logic, constraints, and standard representations for matchup data. In this example, the matchup data may include data or attributes for completing this sample challenge phrase: "first competitor" may be a " second competitor " during " 2 points "rather than" 2 competitors. "

The selection engine 1340 in accordance with certain embodiments is configured to present options on the display and enable the choices the users choose. In another aspect, the selection engine 1340 may also include rules, logic, constraints, and standard data representations for selections made by users. For example, the selection engine 1340 for a particular game may display options to users according to rules and related conditions (e.g., whether the user has selected a period of time) (For example, not allowing changes to be made once the submission is submitted). Selection engine 1340 includes data representations and specific processes for each challenge, as defined by matchup logic 1310. [

The event data handler 1360 according to certain embodiments is configured to manage incoming data from each of the external data services 1280. [ Each external data service 1280 may have its own array of data, different from other external data services. Event data handler 1360 includes a set of specific semantics for mapping incoming data from external data services 1280 to corresponding data locations according to matchup logic 1310. [ In this aspect, the event data handler 1360 parses, sorts, names, maps, and otherwise coordinates the incoming matchup data processed according to the matchup logic 1310.

For example, the event data handler 1360 may include semantics for mapping incoming data on parameters such as "starting roster" for real-world events such as sports events or competitions. Since the two competitors in the direct challenge may be playing in different games on different dates, the event data handler 1360 receives data such as a "starting roster" to facilitate the creation of the direct challenge Lt; / RTI >

For example, the event data handler 1360 may include semantics for mapping incoming data regarding parameters such as "start time" for real-world events such as sports games. Since the two competitors in the direct challenge may not be competing against each other in the real world game and their respective games may occur at different times, the event data handler 1360 may be able to handle each of its competitors And to facilitate accurate collection and scoring of data relating to < RTI ID = 0.0 > a < / RTI >

The matchup data according to certain embodiments may have the following attributes for describing and processing direct challenges. For example, each challenge can have the following attributes: Event Date, Status (pending, in progress, completed, processed) ), And a source (a data feed or content service used to create a challenge, and later to score a challenge). Each challenge can include a Question with the following attributes: Title, Mapping Pattern (rules for calculating score, such as performance parameters and duration), correct answer ( Correct Answer (including references to competitors who have won a challenge), and Score (a score defined for winning a challenge).

The Mano e Mano Challenge application according to certain embodiments may be configured to enable users to directly create challenges by selecting competitors from a list, database, or external content source. Information about upcoming competitions and games may be obtained from various external data sources 1280 and presented to users as options in a drop-down list or other user friendly interface. The challenge application may use a passive data interface to enable challenges to be created by users without reference to external data.

In another aspect, the challenge application can be configured to automatically select and create a number of direct challenges between various competitors, and then propose such challenges to users for use in direct challenges to member users.

In certain embodiments, each external data source may have its own corresponding external data reader, which uses its own corresponding event data handler. In this aspect, the system may include a plurality of external data readers 1380, and the event data handler 1360 may include multiple data handlers that collaborate to collect and organize data.

HEAD-TO-HEAD CHALLENGE GAME PLAY

The following description and drawings describe an example of a process for creating a direct or one-on-one confrontation challenge. Direct Challenges can be organized in the following general form: "[First Competitor] will [overcome this performance parameter] [Second Competitor] during [this Event or Period]." In the following example, a non-currency bid of 500 fantasy dollars and a payout of 99 cents to cover both players, throughout the day, the first contender Knowshon Moreno is more than the second competitor (Matt Forte) The first user (the Kehoesabe team) sends a challenge directly to the second user (the Dragon Army team), asserting that it will achieve many total yards.

In an alternative embodiment, the first user may send a challenge directly to all his friends, to all users of a particular group or category, or to all users throughout the system. In this aspect, the direct challenge is configured and can be issued to a selection group of users as an invitation to complete.

Figure 3 illustrates a display 10 and includes a start button 20 (shown as Mano Start) for initiating a process for creating a direct challenge. Next, when the button 20 is selected, the challenge application in accordance with certain embodiments is a list of teams or opponents (groups, leagues or other users in the user's contacts), as shown in Fig. The display 30 can be opened. In this example, each team represents a Fantasy Sports Team, a collection of players selected by a particular user. In this aspect, the list of teams 30, in effect, represents a list of users.

In this example, the first user is the user who owns the Kehoesabe team. The first user can select the opponent - where he selects the Dragon Army team - and then, according to certain embodiments, the challenge application can use the challenge attributes 40, as shown in FIG. 5, To open the display. Attributes 40 include My Player 41 (or first competitor), Your Player 42 (second competitor), Stat 43 (performance parameters), Time Frame 44 (duration), Fantasy Dollars 45 (optional non-call betting on results) or real world betting, Options 46 (for paying to a provider of a direct challenge feature or other participating entity), and Send Challenge 47 For direct challenge). ≪ / RTI >

As shown in Figure 6, in response to selecting My Player 41, the Challenge application may select (as a first user's own team) Open up the display of competitors. In this example, the first user selects a player named Knowshon Moreno. The list of competitors may already be limited to competitors in the user's team, or the list may include a generic pool of players including all players. The user may also be provided with the ability to perform an investigation of each member of the list of available players. An example of the irradiation screen is shown in Fig.

As shown in Figure 7, in response to selecting Your Player 41, in accordance with certain embodiments, the Challenge application may be selected as a second competitor for a direct challenge (a team of second user ) To open the display of competitors. In this example, the first user selects a player named Matt Forte.

As shown in FIG. 8, in response to selecting Stat 43, according to certain embodiments, the Challenge application opens a display of statistics or other actual metrics available for this particular competition. In this example, the available metrics include Touchdowns, Receptions, and Yards. In this example, the first user selects Yards. For example, in the case of a basketball match, the available metrics may include Rebounds, Free Throws, and Three-Point Goals.

As shown in FIG. 9, in response to selecting the Time Frame 44, according to certain embodiments, the Challenging Application may determine the available durations, durations, or other time- The display of which is open. In this example, the available time frames include Quarter, Half, Day, and Week. In this example, the first user selects Day.

As shown in FIG. 10, in accordance with certain embodiments, in response to selecting Fantasy Dollars 45, the Challenge application opens a display of the non-currency amount. In this example, the available bets include $ 100, $ 500, $ 1000, and $ I Own This All In. In this example, the first user selects $ 500.

As shown in FIG. 11, in response to selecting Options 46, in accordance with certain embodiments, the Challenge application opens a display of payment options. In this example, the available payment options include $ .59 per Player or $ .99 Cover Both Players. In this example, the first user selects $ .99 Cover Both Players.

As shown in Figure 12, in response to selecting the Send Challenge 47, the Challenge application sends a notification to the second user (the owner of the Dragon Army team) to confirm that the challenge has been sent directly (50). If the second user is not selected, the challenge can be posted or displayed to the selected subset of users or to all users as an invitation to complete.

Figure 13 shows a presentation of a direct challenge to a second user, in accordance with certain embodiments of the challenge application. As shown, the Challenge application may display two competitors (with associated information), a challenge metric ("Total Yards"), a time period, and a fantasy bet. The display may also include a message as to which user has paid the fee.

As shown in FIG. 13, the challenge application according to certain embodiments includes the display of the reply attributes 60 used by the second user immediately upon receiving the direct challenge. Reply attributes 60 include selectable icons for Accept 61, Decline 62, and Counter 63. In response to selecting Accept 61, the Challenge application sends a notification to the first user that the challenge has been accepted without change. In response to selecting Decline 62, the Challenge application sends a notification to the first user that the challenge has been rejected. In response to selecting the counter (63), the challenge application provides a series of displays to the second user, with selectable icons for making changes to the attributes of the direct challenge. Upon completion, the challenge application provides a second user with a "Send Challenge" icon to send the modified challenge back to the first user for consideration.

14 shows a list of challenges 70 on the display. In response to selecting an icon marked Challenges 22, the Challenge application displays a list of challenges 70 with one or more filters or categories. In this example, the list 70 includes the name of the conflicting user (second user), the title of the challenge, the score, the date, the status (won or lost) Also, a head-to-head record pop-up may be provided to the user as shown in FIG. 47, which shows related history data from specific opponents. The user can also submit the entire lineup challenge as shown in FIG.

TWO-VERSUS-TWO DIRECT CHALLENGES AND MORE

A challenging application in accordance with certain embodiments is a two-versus-two challenge for users; That is, it may be configured to allow a contest between two first competitors and two second competitors to be created. In this aspect, the first competitor may be a group of two or more, and the second competitor may be a group of two or more, wherein both groups have the same number of participants. In this embodiment, each pair of conflicting competitors may have its own performance parameters (e.g., rushing yards or total yards), and each pair may have its own bet and / Or fees, and the duration may be long enough to include multiple real-world games. In this aspect, the challenge application can be configured to facilitate creation of challenges with three or more competitors - or entire teams - on each conflicting side.

Social Reporting Engine for Challenges (SOCIAL REPORTING ENGINE FOR CHALLENGES)

In another aspect, the conductive system 1100 according to certain embodiments may be used to facilitate the creation and play of a plurality of direct challenges and, using a module called a social reporting engine 1500, And is designed to actively collect user data across a superset of challenges among users. The social reporting engine 1500, in accordance with certain embodiments, may be configured to perform user interaction during user registration and use of the game system, during game play, during related interactions, during social media actions, Which are potentially millions of user data profiles are populated and updated, which can be stored in the user database 1520. The user database 1520 can be stored in the user database 1520,

The user data includes initial profile data provided voluntarily by the user. The challenge system and / or game system provider may also collect user data at any time by query or otherwise. The user data also includes game performance by the particular game played, including, for example, whether the user has accurate predictions in a particular sport, and whether the user continues to like or prefer what product, service, or company. In a preferred embodiment, the user data will be aggregated to obtain business intelligence and other useful information in a manner that does not sell or disclose personally identifiable information. User data may be provided in an aggregated or anonymous format; However, such user data is valuable because the user data collected and stored by the gaming system of the present invention can be stored and retrieved in a manner consistent with the history of user behavior within the gaming system and related activities, , And contain useful demographic information. This combination of demographic information and actual user behavior contributes to the value of user data collected and stored by the game system.

Crowd wisdom from challenges (CROWD WISDOM FROM CHALLENGES)

In another aspect, the social reporting engine 1500 in accordance with certain embodiments may be adapted for analyzing and ranking a number of one-to-one confrontation challenges by subject, for a predetermined period of time, to identify crowd wisdom on a particular subject Includes the Crowd Wisdom module. In use, this module identifies the most frequently accurate subset of contenders on a particular topic, and can generate reports for that topic for the customer.

In this aspect, the Crowd Wisdom module explores specific topics (sports, movie awards, and so on), identifies the most frequent and accurate contenders about the topic, and analyzes those predictions for a period of time for consistency and accuracy. I take it. Because the challenge system 1100 includes a large number of players participating in a number of one-on-one confrontation challenges over a long period of time, the most often accurate challenger represents the crowd wisdom of all players using the challenge system. In the commercial context, crowd wisdom is valuable because it represents actionable business intelligence that is useful in various contexts.

CROWD GURU FOR CHALLENGES on Challenges

In a related aspect, the social reporting engine 1500 in accordance with certain embodiments may be configured to determine, for a predetermined period of time, to identify a subset of experts (i.e., crowd experts) Includes a crowd expert module for analyzing and ranking many one-to-one confrontation challenges by user and by topic. In use, the Crowd Expert Module identifies the most frequently winning users of the challenges on the subject, and can report the identity or its experts to the customer.

In this aspect, the Crowd Expert module discovers the users who win the most frequently on challenges related to a particular topic (sports, movie award, and so on) and identifies each such user as a crowd expert. According to certain embodiments, each user's challenges are analyzed over time, by subject, to determine the user (s) who will win the most frequent challenges. Because the gaming system includes a large number of players participating in a number of one-on-one confrontation challenges over a long period of time, users who win the most frequent challenges can be identified as crowd experts on that particular topic. In a commercial context, game challenges made by a subset of crowd experts, or crowd experts, are valuable because they represent actionable business intelligence that is useful in a variety of contexts. The Crowd Expert module scans users for a number of challenging victories in certain vertical markets and aggregates the challenges done by top experts (based on the most recent results, crowd expert practitioners who are members of the rolling list) Analyzing the data using the social reporting engine 1500 and other tools and using the data to determine the level of performance of a crowd expert for commercial sale presented in a business intelligence reporting console, Data will be generated.

The crowd expert module according to certain embodiments identifies the highest performing users in each game category by aggregating challenge scores and winnings over time, by category or by another selected metric, Subset. For example, the top 5% winners of the Monday Night Football Challenges, the top 10% winners of the challenges during the March Madness in March, and so on.

In this aspect, the challenge system 1100 and the social reporting engine 1500 may be configured to (a) provide crowd wisdom associated with a particular topic, and / or (b) Based on their actual win / lose performance. Unlike traditional tools, sometimes called prediction engines, the Crowd Wisdom Module and the Crowd Expert Module will be based on actual performance in face-to-face confrontation challenges.

IN-GAME ROSTER MOVES

Currently available fantasy sports systems include a team roster (selected by the user during a regular drafting process or during other processes used to set or change a user's roster, including trade, disclaimer, and freelance player selection) . Before an upcoming game or a subset of games, the user selects a set of players for the active roster from the team roster prior to the deadline. The remaining remaining unselected players remain in your Bench Roster. During a subset of upcoming games, the fantasy sports system can track and evaluate the performance of players on the active roster, and sign points associated with player achievement, during each live game in which each player participates.

ACTIVE RESERVES. The roster management systems and methods described herein include active reserve players. According to certain embodiments, the active spare player list describes a list of players, selected from the user's team roster, which can be replaced during a live, real-life sporting event or games.

In one embodiment, the active spare players may include a subset of one or more players selected by the user from the bench roaster before the start of the subset of games. Alternatively, the active spare player list includes all players on the bench roster and does not require pre-selection by the user. Providing an active spare player list allows the user to act as if the coach or manager were acting during the actual game.

In operation, the roster management system allows the user to replace an active player, a plurality of active players, a group of selected players, or an entire team with an alternate player, player, or team selected from the active reserve players while the fantasy matchup is in progress Game in-game replacement module configured.

Since the active players from the active roster are able to participate in different live games at different times, the in-game replacement module will first be able to play the current ongoing fantasy matchup - that is, one of the players of the user on the active roster, The fantasy matchup that is being played. For example, in a fantasy league for NFL, a subset of games may be played during a particular weekend; You can include football games played between Thursday and next Monday night. Active players from fantasy active rosters may be participating in different football games at different times during this period. The in-game replacement module can be configured to monitor and control the timing of the replacement to match the participation of each active player in the live game. In various embodiments, the module may receive one or more active information feeds referred to herein as feed data 25 and described below.

System architecture makes it possible for fantasy league operators to easily integrate roster management systems (including in-game replacements) into their existing fantasy sports applications, such as those provided by Yahoo, CBS, ESPN, NFL, And a service interface 400 for allowing the user to access the service. The roster management system may be operated using the service interface 400 and also as part of a separate or stand-alone fantasy sports system.

The active roster for replacement can be equally applied to non-sport events such as stocks, commodities, actors / performers, current events, politics, movies and other quantifiable types of performances by people and things.

The active roster function enables a replacement to occur at any time, rather than in a set break, predefined break, or other defined time window. The active roster function can also be applied to regular gameplay and direct challenges in certain embodiments.

44 and 45 show a user interface for replacing players in a direct challenge game. Figure 44 shows a user selecting a button to access his or her challenge list. At the top of Figure 45, the user then selects a "swap" button to replace the players participating in the challenge. A selection screen appears, offering options for alternate players. This replacement feature may be provided free of charge or at an additional cost as shown in FIG. The user then confirms his choice. The system may provide a replacement result message as in the bottom screen of FIG. Replacement may also be performed in a regular league share.

15 is a screen shot of a graphical user interface and display on an interactive device that can be used to receive information, identify and select players, and perform replacement. Display 10 may include one or more fantasy sports activities, such as a list of scores, a news feed for games and players, and a plurality of menus and submenus for accessing and executing various elements of the roster management system described herein And may include any of a variety of useful information from a variety of sources.

Fig. 16 shows a menu of options including My Team 40. Fig. The display for My Team 40, shown in FIG. 16, may include, for example, a list of active rosters selected by the user for a subset ofcoming games. As shown in this example, the active roster may include Drew Brees as a quarterback, McCoy and Charles as a running bag, and the like. An Active Reserves icon 50 (shown in this example using a star and the "AR" character) shown in Fig. This icon 50, if selected, allows the user to access the active spare player feature as described herein.

The process of selecting players for an active spare player list, according to certain embodiments, may include selecting 100 the AR icon 50, e.g., by a finger touch or a mouse click. Figure 18 shows a smaller window 60 that requires a user to select and activate a single player or a whole bench roaster (step 110) and then confirm the selection (step 115). Figures 19 and 20 show the options presented in this embodiment. Note that these screens show the charges that are imposed to perform the replacement. However, the replacement fee is optional. Alternatively, the user of a given league may receive a given number of free replacements before the charge is imposed.

The replacement module according to certain embodiments is shown in the figures starting with Fig. As shown, the display for My Team may include buttons or icons, which, if selected, enable the user to access the in-game replacement features of the system described herein . In the example shown in Fig. 21, the button 70 is labeled "Edit Line Up ", which can be selected using a finger touch, a mouse click, or other pointing and selecting device.

As shown in FIG. 22, the next screen display on the interactive device may include a display of fantasy league names 20 and / or a list of team names 30 selected by individual users. In accordance with certain embodiments, selecting one of the league names 20 allows the system to display the status of one or more active contests with others, including a list of the user's active roster, . As shown on the display, the league name is "Interstate Football League" and the contest is a contest between users called "Kitchens Krue" and "Kehoesabe". In this example, a user referred to as Kehoesabe can be referred to as a primary user because his or her user is authorized to access and manipulate the interactive device shown in the drawings. The default user's team name (Kehoesabe) is highlighted. The active roster or "Starters" for Kitchens Krue are listed in the left column; Active roasters for Kehoesabe are listed in the right column. According to certain embodiments, players on the active roster of the primary user currently participating in the live game may be highlighted. As shown in FIG. 21, highlighted players are "D. Brees QB" and "J. Charles RB" in the right column. As shown, the display may include statistics or performance information about the players. Because the highlighted players are currently participating in live games, the in-game replacement feature allows the user to make a replacement; That is, it may be configured to allow the selected active player to be replaced with the player selected from the active spare players.

In accordance with certain embodiments, selecting one of the players highlighted in FIG. 23 (step 210) may allow the system to display various information about the selected player (as shown in FIG. 24) have. The display may include general information, statistics, news, opinions of other people, information about the game in progress, and any of a variety of other types regarding the selected player. In this example, 24 displays information about Drew Brees.

As shown in FIG. 25, the display includes a series of icons or buttons including a swap icon 72 (shown in this example using a circle symbol with an arrow and the word "Swap & . Clicking or otherwise selecting replacement icon 72 indicates that the primary user wants to select this player for replacement in a live game.

26, the in-game replacement module may then, in accordance with certain embodiments, include a selection window having a list of players from the available active spare player list that are capable of replacing the selected players 74) can be displayed. A competent alternative player is one who plays the same position or role in the sport. For example, only one running million could be a viable replacement player for running bags. As shown in Figure 26, since the selected player to be replaced is Drew Brees (quarterback), the in-game replacement module is configured to display in the selection window 74 a list of available quarterbacks in the user's active spare player list , Quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Jay Cutler are available). According to certain embodiments, player availability is determined according to a predetermined set of conditions, discussed in more detail below.

As shown in Figures 26 and 27, the user selects and activates one of the players (step 230) and then confirms the selection (step 235). In this example, the default user selects Jay Cutler. After the replacement is made, the system may display updated active rosters or "starting members" of the primary user as shown in FIG. 28 (where "J. Cutler QB" appears in the right column). A similar example illustrating the selection and replacement of a running bag is shown in Figs. 30 and 31. Fig.

The reporting is another aspect of the in-game replacement module, according to certain embodiments. 29, the user may click on the score achieved by the replacement player-in this example J. Cutler QB- to view a message window 76 displaying data regarding the replacement event (step 300 ). As shown, the message window 76 includes the achieved scores or other data regarding the players involved in the replacement, along with a message about the result of the replacement (e.g., whether or not the replacement is a good call) . The message window 76 may also include various other information including statistics, actual points scored, points scored fantasy points, timestamps associated with rotation, and other information. A similar example is shown in Fig. 32 which shows a report of the results for replacement of running bags.

AVAILABILITY CONDITIONS. In accordance with certain embodiments, the roster management system determines whether it is available for in-game replacement according to a set of predetermined conditions of certain players.

Most sporting events go on for a number of periods, with possible periods of overtime play. The replacement occurs when the active player is replaced with a replacement player, depending on the set of availability conditions.

An active player must be (1) in the current roster of the current user, and (2) in a real-world game that has not yet entered the final play period. In other words, the active player must be currently 'in play' in the fantasy matchup (a game between two fantasy teams). In the above example, the quarterback Drew Brees was highlighted as an active player available on the display 10 because he is currently playing in a football game that is on the user's active roster and has not yet entered the final period.

In order to be eligible, the alternate player must, (1) play the same position as the active player, (2) stay in the active reserve player list before the deadline, (3) not enter the final play period But may be limited to players scheduled to play in a real-world game that is currently playing or has not yet started in a real-world game. In the above example, two quarterbacks - Andrew Luck and Jay Cutler - were displayed in the alternative player selection window 74 because each player 1 played quarterback, (2) the user's active reserve player list , And (3) it was scheduled to play in an upcoming football game that is currently playing or has not yet begun in a football game that has not yet entered the final play period. Potential pools of alternate players can be extended to include free agents available.

The final period condition may be imposed to follow a limited replacement opportunity, described in more detail below, which may require a replacement to occur only at the end of the play period. In this embodiment; If the active player is currently playing in a game that has already entered the final play period, there will be no more replacement opportunities.

The final period used herein includes overtime in football and other sports, additional innings in baseball, penalty shoot-outs in hockey, and injury time or stoppage time in soccer. , Or a further play period after the regular or regular play period. If a replacement is requested in the last period of regular play, the system can be configured to allow replacement to occur during the next opportunity, i.e., after the end of regular play and the beginning of overtime. If a replacement is requested and there is no overtime, the system can issue a credit to the user for that request.

Duration (DURATION). The active spare player list may be used for any of the various periods. For example, in a fantasy season, related periods include: (a) a full season for several weeks, including a playoff period, (b) a set of regular games in the season that do not include a playoff game, (c) ) A subset of games within a season (e.g., all games played during one day, one weekend, one week or weeks), and (d) a subset of time during a single game (one period; For example, a quarter of a football game, half an inning of a baseball game). The roster management system may be configured to manage and adjust the duration or duration of active standby player features available to the user.

Fees (FEES) are another aspect of the roster management system. For example, active reserve players and in-game replacement features may be provided by a particular league operator or other manager with no fee, a single fee per term, or any other usage-related fees. For example, a league operator may charge a single fee per period (e.g., a full season, a subset of games, a single game, a single period) for unlimited use of an active reserve player and an in-game replacement feature. For example, the league operator may claim a first charge for a predetermined number of replacements X and then charge a second charge for each subsequent replacement Y. [ The league operator may also charge a higher rate for, for example, an elite player or an important position. In this aspect, the roster management system described herein may be configured to allow the league operator to establish any of the various fee systems for use of the features and functions described herein.

NUMBER OF ALLOWED SUBSTITUTION EVENTS is another aspect of a roster management system that can be configured and customized according to the league operator or other administrators. For example, the system may be configured to allow an unlimited number of replacement events. For example, for an active preliminary player list that includes eight players, the user may perform up to eight substitutions at each opportunity available during the live game. When the active player is replaced, he becomes part of the active reserve player and is therefore available for replacement at the next opportunity. Similarly, if the active reserve player is activated and later recalled to the bench, the player is again available for replacement at the next opportunity. In this aspect, the selection of eight players for the active spare player list creates, at each replacement opportunity, a set of eight replacement events involving any active player and / or any active spare player.

In a different example, the roster management system may be configured to allow a limited number of replacement events. For example, for an active preliminary player list that includes eight players, the user may be limited to a total of eight replacement events during any single live game, and no more. The system may limit the player's repeated use; For example, when an active player is replaced, the system may place him in the bench roster instead of the active spare player list, so he is not available for replacement. Similarly, if the active spare player is activated and later replaced, the player is placed in the bench roster and is no longer available for replacement.

SUBSTITUTION OPPORTUNITIES. The number of replacement opportunities may be limited to a predetermined list, according to certain embodiments of the roster management system. In other words, the roster management system can be configured to allow replacement events to occur only for one or more predetermined times. For example, the system may allow a replacement event to occur at the end of the play period (of course, the final period is excluded, because the game is over). The Alternate Opportunity Time Window will start at the end of the Play Period and end at the beginning of the next Play Period. As described below, the request to perform the replacement may be made at any time, in accordance with certain embodiments.

For example, in NFL football, the system may be configured to allow replacement events to occur at the end of each quota. The Opportunity Opportunity Time window will start at the end of the quota and will end at the beginning of the subsequent quota.

As used herein, the last period may be a further play period after a regular or defined play period, such as overtime of football and other sports. In the case of overtime, the time window will start at the end of the last regular play period, end at the end of the over time period, and will end at the start if the user has not made another change. Alternate players last until their game ends or until they are replaced by another player.

In an alternative embodiment, the roster management system may include real-time replacement events-replacing the player in a live game during active play; For example, it can be configured to allow the quarterback to snap after the snap but before it passes and / or to replace the wide receiver while the football is in the air.

This aspect is illustrated for bracket style play in the user interfaces shown in FIG. The left screen is about football and the right screen is about NCAA basketball, but the basic concept is the same regardless of the theme sport or event. The user selects the player to change and then the user is presented with a replacement screen similar to that discussed with respect to FIG. The user makes an alternate selection and confirms the replacement. Additional charges may apply for replacement.

The system may alternatively be configured to allow only one replacement event at the time of one predetermined time or event (e.g., at half time) during the game.

The system may also be configured to provide multiple replacement opportunities during a game; For example, during any timeout during which the official clock is stopped, after any change in possession, during any commercial advertisement, or as a finite or separate time window by the roster management system In any recognized period. In this aspect, the roster management system is somewhat dependent on the availability of incoming data feeds (from real-world sporting events) and the level of detail contained in each such data feed. In another embodiment, the system may be configured to allow replacement events to occur between two separate events in the game. For example, in NFL football, the system may allow replacement of defensive players between the start of an aggressive drive and the end of an aggressive drive, and so on.

REQUESTS FOR SUBSTITUTION, according to certain embodiments, may be received and processed by the roster management system described herein at any time prior to a future replacement opportunity. In other words, the roster management system allows the user to submit a request at any time, giving the system a future replacement opportunity-which may be the next available opportunity (e.g., at the end of the next play period) (For example, during a half-time, or at the end of the last period of a regular play, in which case the request will only be executed if there is an overtime period).

For example, during the first few minutes of play in an NFL game, the user may submit a request to have the system perform a quarterback replacement at the next available opportunity that may be at the end of the first quarter. The current quarterback will complete the first quarter of play, and the system will perform a replacement to start the alternate quarterback when the second quarter begins. In this aspect, the roster management system provides the user with an active coaching experience during all play periods and executes the replacement (s) only during a predetermined replacement opportunity time.

The time window for submitting the replacement request will be limited by the roster management system if properly configured. For example, the system may be configured to require users to submit requests at least one minute before the play period ends. In this deadline, the system will stop receiving requests to replace the end of the period. 'Late' requests will be executed on future opportunities; On the next available opportunity or on the future opportunity that the user chooses.

NOTIFICATIONS. The roster management system can be configured to monitor real-world events and send notifications to the user. As shown in FIG. 33, the service interface 400 may access the user's roster data, receive incoming real-world information from the feed data 25, parse it, process it differently, And a notification engine 420 configured to prepare and send notifications to the user. The notification may include information (e.g., about another user's players) about the players on the user's active roster, bench roster, or active spare player list, e.g., player's performance or current statistics.

The notification engine 420 may also be configured to process the data and to generate notifications for the user reporting current information about the relevant player or game and suggesting a replacement. In this aspect, this notification may serve as a proactive suggestion prepared by the roster management system, which is intended to prompt the user to consider replacing the player. The alert engine 420 may be configured to alert the user to the presence or absence of an alert event, such as, for example, a player injury (user's player and opponent's player), game score, player performance trend, weather, player penalty, A total number of pitches, a shot attempt, and so on) based on any of a variety of real-world events.

Using an NFL football game as an example, coaching decisions typically change when one team leads by a larger point difference than another team. A lagging team usually passes the ball more often and rushes less frequently, creating scenarios in which passing receivers have more chances to score fantasy points and runners have fewer chances to score fantasy points. In this scenario, a fantasy user (such as a coach of a losing team) may decide to replace and make his strongest passing receiver, for example, an active player.

A big point difference is that a coach from a previous team may have one or more starting players recalled as a bench. While on the bench, the player can not score a fantasy point, so the user may want to switch from his active reserve players so that his fantasy team has the ability to score points.

Player injuries also sometimes dramatically affect coaching decisions. While the player is wounded, the player can not score a fantasy point, so the user may want to replace it. In addition, an injury of the player can generate a notification to the opponent player. For example, if a major defensive player with a primary responsibility to prevent a wide receiver from catching a pass is injured, a less talented defensive player is likely to play instead. This change can affect the decision of a fantasy user to replace one or more wide receivers, and now they are more likely to score points for the remainder of the game. In this aspect, receiving a notification regarding a single player or event may affect not only the user's determination of the player but also the determination of the opponent player.

The notification engine 420 may also be configured to generate notifications based on any of a variety of fantasy related events, including, but not limited to, situations in which a fantasy user may have a specific opportunity to score additional points. For example, in a fantasy matchup, assume that a fantasy user's opponent has played all his players and that his games have been completed for that week. A fantasy user can have one or more players that have not yet played. The notification engine 420 can calculate the points needed to win and send a notification to the fantasy user as follows: "SanderZon's team scored 136 points and his games were completed for the week. Matching with SanderZon In order to win, you need at least 34 points from the remaining players A and B (or from their substitute players if you replace). " In this aspect, the system provides alerts to have an opportunity to make aggressive coaching decisions, including replacement, with respect to one or more real-world events, to increase the likelihood that participating fantasy users will win the fantasy match-up.

Any of a variety of potential scenarios that prompt the notification engine 420 to create and send notifications for selecting a user may be deployed in a real-world game. According to certain embodiments, the notification engine 420 may be configured to generate an alert in response to any event that typically affects a decision made by an active coach in a real-world game or in a fantasy matchup. In this aspect, the system provides a reminder that participating fantasy users have the opportunity to make aggressive coaching decisions, including replacement, in response to real-world events that occur during an active game.

SCORING. The roster management system may be configured to monitor and record the fantasy points scored by all the various players participating in the fantasy matchup. As shown in FIG. 33, the service interface 400 may include a fantasy score handler 440 configured to perform a scoring function according to a set of rules.

In the context of replacement, in general, the active player will get a fantasy point for his performance for any period of time before the replacement is executed. Then the replacement player will get points based on his performance during the rest of the play period (or until the player is replaced with another player). However, for games that occur at different times, the fantasy score handler 440 may be configured to adjust the scoring according to various factors, including the exact time at which certain events occur.

A feature that allows in-game replacement in fantasy matchups-when players are not typically playing at the same time, or in the same real world game-is a combination of player availability conditions (including whether the actual game has entered the final play period) Quot;), replacement opportunities and time windows (e.g., between play periods as described above), and fantasy point scores.

According to the timing requirement element of the above described availability conditions, the active player is typically eligible only if he is currently playing in a real-world game that has not yet entered the final play period. However, the player need not be currently playing to be replaced. The system can accommodate freeze, neutral, and crossover swaps - whether the games are running at the same time, one before the other, or vice versa. And if the game clock is not important at the same time - the system replaces at the end of the period / quarter. The main general rule is that the user can not switch backwards in time relative to the quota / period and can only replace the future one - that is, the user has not yet started the period (s) You can only replace players that are not players.

Alternative players are eligible only if (a) they are currently playing in a real-world game that has not yet entered the final play period, or (b) they are scheduled to play in a real-world game that has not yet begun. A set of these conditions creates three possible scenarios.

The first scenario occurs when the alternate player is scheduled to play in a real-world game that has not yet begun, called Game Two. The user issues a request to replace the active players of Game One. The fantasy score handler 440 records the request time in relation to the real world time and also to the game 1 clock. For example, during period 2 of game 1, the request is made when 2 minutes and 30 seconds have elapsed from the clock. In this example, the game 1 clock may be recorded at 2:02:30 (period 2: 02: 30 seconds).

In a roster management system that only performs a replacement at the end of a period, the replacement of the active player will not take effect until the beginning of period 3 in game 1. The active player will continue to score fantasy points until the end of the period 2. For game 2 (which has not yet started), for scoring purposes controlled by the fantasy score handler 440, the alternate player has to 'start' the play and fantasy point scoring from game 2 to the first new play of period 3, I will not.

In a roster management system that executes a replacement on demand, the replacement of the active player will take effect 'immediately' with the start of the next new play after the game 1 clock has passed 2:02:30. For scoring purposes controlled by the Fantasy Score Handler 440, the alternate player will not 'start' until the first new play after the Game 2 clock has passed 2:02:30. In this aspect, the substitutions are time adjusted according to the respective game clocks even though game 2 is not yet started in real time when a replacement is requested and executed.

The second scenario assumes that the alternate player is currently playing in game 2, (a) game 2 has not yet entered his final play period, (b) game 2 is started later than game 1, and / It occurs when less time elapses from 2 clocks. The user issues a request to replace the active players in game 1. [ The fantasy score handler 440 records the request time in relation to the game 1 clock which can be recorded in real world time and also at 2:02:30 (period 2: 02: 30 seconds). In this scenario, the same scoring rules as in the first scenario will apply.

In a roster management system that only performs a replacement at the end of a period, the replacement of the active player will not take effect until the beginning of period 3 in game 1. The active player will continue to score fantasy points until the end of the period 2. For game 2 (which was started later and is still pending), for scoring purposes controlled by the fantasy score handler 440, the alternate player starts playing and fantasy point scoring from game 2 to the first new play of period 3 I will not. In a roster management system that executes a replacement on demand, the replacement of the active player will take effect 'immediately' with the start of the next new play after the game 1 clock has passed 2:02:30. For scoring purposes controlled by the Fantasy Score Handler 440, the alternate player will not 'start' the play until the first new play after the Game 2 clock has passed 2:02:30. In this aspect, the substitutions are time adjusted according to the respective game clocks even though game 2 is not yet started in real time when a replacement is requested and executed.

The third scenario assumes that the alternate player is currently playing in game 2, (a) game 2 has not yet entered his final play period, (b) game 2 is started before game 1, and / This occurs when more time has elapsed at 2 clocks. In other words, Game 2 first started and / or progressed and probably will end sooner. In general, the fantasy score handler 440 may be configured to prevent a user from capturing points from past performances of alternate players 'back in time'.

The user issues a request to replace the active player in game 1 at 2:02:30 according to the game 1 clock. For example, suppose that in Game 2, a replacement occurs when 4 minutes and 50 seconds have passed from the clock during Period 3. The game 2 clock may be recorded at 3:04:50 (period 3: 04: 50 seconds).

In a roster management system that only performs a replacement at the end of a period, the replacement of the active player will not take effect until the beginning of period 4 in game 1. The active player will continue to score fantasy points until the end of the period 3. For game 2 (in the middle of period 3), for scoring purposes controlled by the fantasy score handler 440, the alternate player starts playing and fantasy point scoring from game 2 to the first new play of period 4 I will not.

In a roster management system that performs a replacement on demand, the replacement of the active player will not take effect immediately. The active player will continue to score fantasy points until the end of any active play occurring when the game 1 clock reaches 3:04:50. The alternate player will not 'start' until the first new game after the game 2 clock passes 3:04:50. In this embodiment, the replacement is time adjusted according to the respective game clocks.

REPORTING is another aspect of the roster management system described herein. The service interface 400 may include a reporting engine 450 that includes a flexible and user-friendly reporting interface. The reporting engine 450 may be configured to display a report to the user if the replacement is successful (causing more points or another favorable result) and / or if the replacement is unsuccessful. The reporting engine 450 may be a single replacement event or alternatively a period of time that occurs during a certain period of time (such as a whole season, a subset of the season, a game, a day, a week or weekend, And monitor and report the results of the set of replacement events. Monitor and report comparisons with other users to show the results of user's replacement in relation to results made by other users during the same period (same game, same period, etc.).

In addition, the reporting engine 450 may be configured to determine, for example, (a) in relation to a particular conflicting user's substitutions (optionally including the net effect of its replacement), (b) (C) in connection with the replacement of all users in the league as a group, and / or (d) on the active spare player list, belonging to a geographic location, school or workplace, team or fan group, In connection with a subset of users that have the same player, users who use the same player for replacement during a particular time window, or other users that meet a particular set of criteria, such as any other set of criteria, May be configured to monitor and report the results of one or more replacement events made by the user for a particular individual or subset The.

The reporting engine 450 may also be configured to maintain a record of past reports in a log or data store, such as the database 500. In this aspect, the roster management system may provide a history record of a number of replacement events made by the user. The system may further include an analysis of the user's changes over time, in relation to other users, or in relation to any other period or metric. The system can provide a user with a virtual " coaching history ", for example, showing the number of replacements made during a particular week or the entire season, and displaying the percentage and number of replacements that resulted in an improved fantasy score, You can provide an indication of skill. The system may also include an indication of which replacements would have generated more fantasy points, as well as a comparison of a user's actual replacements versus a set of other available replacements that may be requested.

DEVELOPMENT PLAYER SEAT. Newcomers represent one of the greatest dangers in fantasy sports. Many newcomers do not play well or spend much of their first season on the bench, taking little or no fantasy points and taking their place on the roster. For the next season, the user must decide whether to pick a rookie again in the draft, or to choose a different player instead.

Currently available fantasy sports systems require users to treat rookies like any other player. However, many users strongly desire a fantasy system that treats newcomers in a different and more realistic way.

A keeper-style fantasy sports league allows a user to keep one or more players of his fantasy team in one season and next season. League rules determine the cost or penalty to the user for choosing to keep the player on the team, as well as the number of players that can be maintained. For example, rules can make it possible for players to keep up to six players for the next season.

In another aspect, the roster management system may include a designated spot on the bench roaster for one development player. The development player seat may be particularly suited for newbie players in keeper-style leagues, according to certain embodiments. During operation, the user will select the rookie from the draft and assign the rookie to the development player on the bench roster, where the rookie must remain during the entire first season. In a golfer style league, at the end of the first season, the user will have the option to 'keep' the rookie and move the rookie to the active roster for the second season of the rookie.

In one embodiment, the roster management system will provide the user with the option of using one (1) additional keeper slot to capture the developer (newcomer) for his second season. For example, in a league that allows rules to keep a maximum of six players for the next season, the rules allow the user to also keep the developer (newcomer) as the seventh keeper for the next season something to do. In this aspect, the user accepts the rule that the developer remains in the bench roster for the entire first season, in exchange for the option to use the developer at the end of the season as an 'additional keep'.

System architecture

Referring now to FIG. 33, the service interface 400 may generally be an API that specifies and controls operations between various software components. In addition to accessing the database and computer hardware, the API can be used by the entire system to execute routines, create and access data structures, perform services, and make "API calls" to other elements Or searching for data). ≪ / RTI >

As shown, the service interface (API) 400 may include various components connected to the database 500 and the feed data 25. The database 500 may comprise a single database, a set of lookup tables, or any other structure for storing and accessing information. The feed data 25 may include a number of incoming data feeds including various information regarding all aspects of the sport. For example, the feed data 25 may include a list of current ongoing games, a list of players actively participating in each game, a player state (active, bench, injury, , Player's report, weather, penalty, as well as various statistics and performance information.

The service interface (API) 400 may be part of one or more central server machines that interact with remote client devices such as desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and handheld devices.

The roster manager 410 may be configured to process the roster data and to receive and process requests from users (clients). The roster manager 410 may access other components, including, for example, the feed statistics data handler 470, to access and evaluate real-time statistics. The roster manager 410 may be configured to process replacement requests (described below) and perform player replacement according to the rules and conditions imposed by certain embodiments of the roster management system.

The notification engine 420 may be configured to analyze team roster data and real-world events from the feed data 25, and to configure and send one or more notifications to the user based on the analysis. The notifications may include information about the user's team members, e.g., the player's performance or current statistics. Also, as described in more detail below, notifications may include one or more prompts to the user to report current information about the relevant player or game and suggest a replacement.

The user manager 430 may be configured to set and maintain API settings so that each fantasy sports provider can manage its own set of rules. The fantasy score handler 440 may be configured to perform a scoring function based on the received data for each player's play and performance, and, optionally, to give a fantasy point.

The reporting engine 450 provides a flexible reporting interface for users to see how their coaching decisions (i. E., Player replacement) affects the outcome of their fantasy matchups. The reporting interface allows the user to filter views by type of replacement, by position, by period, in relation to certain opponents, and so on.

The roster data handler 460 may be configured to receive logic for certain elements of the roster management system, including storing the roster data and the replacement process in the database 500. [

Feed statistics data handler 470 may be integrated with one or more incoming sports feed services that are part of feed data 25. The handler 470 may retrieve and analyze specific statistics from the feed data 25 and store the relevant data in the database 500. The handler 470 can also be configured to manage a relatively high frequency and number of data requests, as well as to maintain an accurate history log of events that occur using the roster management system.

HEAD-TO-HEAD CHALLENGES SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE. The system architecture related to direct challenge or "Mano e Mano" will be discussed with reference to Figs. 34-37. 34 illustrates a service interface 600 and various related elements of a direct-facing application in accordance with various embodiments.

The direct challenge application may communicate with an incoming data feed from an external source 602, such as one or more sports information feeds. There may be an event data handler 604 configured to manage the matchups generated by the data source, the competitor, the user, the real-time event times and results, and the quantitative statistics and performance of the competitors for each data source (internal or external) .

The service interface 600 interacts with the user through various user interfaces 606 including mobile apps (e.g., smartphones and tablet computers), web apps, smart TV apps, and game consoles. In addition, a service interface and networked computer kiosks may be provided to allow the user to interact with the gaming system.

35, the direct conduction system uses one or more external data readers 608, such as sports feeds A, B, etc., and content APIs to collect available challenge data from external data services, such as sports feeds and other content providers can do. Data on challenges can also be manually entered into the statistics database.

Referring to FIG. 36, data inbound from the external data readers 608 to the challenging system may have a specific format of data, such as event dates, competitors, quantitative statistics, etc. required by the challenging system. Event data handler 610 translators may be provided to convert the data from such external sources into a common matchup data 612 format used by the Conduction System. This can be achieved, for example, through the use of XML data forms.

There is an event data handler that manages data sources for each data source and generates a set of possible and actual matchups that combine competitors, event time and quantitative statistics. Matchups can be automatically generated by a challenging system based on system business logic and can suggest such matchups to users.

Referring to Figure 37, the Challenge application proceeds from a starting point 620, where user A selects a competitor (e.g., manually or using a selection engine) and identifies the matchup by selecting one of the competitors' competitors . The challenge application may also be configured to enable user A to select the parameters needed to create 622 the challenge; For example, "[competitor] will surpass [competitor's competitor] in [this effort] during [this event or period]." Once a challenge is created, user A may use the challenge application to select a user B who is a member user, and then issue a challenge to user B.

User B may accept or reject the challenge (624). If the challenge is accepted, a challenge is formally generated (626). The challenge application is configured to monitor the performance of the competitor and competitor, identify the winner of the matchup (628), process the challenge (630), and post the score to the leaderboard (632). The system can also record, collect and adjust the actual money bet if the actual money bet is related to the challenge.

In another aspect, the challenge application may be configured to automatically select and generate a number of matchups between various competitors, and then propose such matchups to users for use in a challenge.

While several embodiments are described herein, one of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the teachings of this disclosure will appreciate many other embodiments and variations on the technology. It is therefore intended that the present invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed or discussed herein, but that other embodiments and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims or inventive concepts. Furthermore, although specific terms are sometimes used in this specification as well as in the following claims or concepts, such terms are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not to limit the claimed invention or the claims or concepts that follow It should not be interpreted.

Claims (20)

A system for managing in-game replacements,
A computer database of players on a fantasy team roster, said computer database comprising:
An active player data set of players designated by the user to play in the fantasy matchup, and
An unselected player data set of players not designated by the user to play in the fantasy matchup;
An in-game replacement software module, the in-game replacement software module comprising:
Presenting to the user a graphical user interface that enumerates a plurality of players designated by the user to play in the fantasy matchup;
An input to the graphical user interface by the user to select one or more players that the user desires to change out of the active player data set during a fantasy matchup, of the plurality of players designated by the user to play in the fantasy matchup, ;
Presenting to the user a graphical user interface that enumerates a plurality of players designated by the user not to play in the fantasy matchup;
Wherein the user selects one or more players that the user desires to exchange into the active player data set during a fantasy matchup, wherein the user is not designated by the user to play in the fantasy matchup Responsive to an input of;
Update the active player data set to replace the one or more players that the user desires to replace out of the active player data set during fantasy matchup, among the plurality of players designated by the user to play in the fantasy matchup;
To update the active player data set to add the one or more players that the user desires to replace into the active player data set during a fantasy matchup of the plurality of players designated by the user not to play in the fantasy matchup, System. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the active player data set is updated during a live game. The method according to claim 1,
Fantasy Play is a system consisting of one member selected from the following groups: professional sports, college sports, stock, commodities, weather, news, politics, legal outcomes, musical accomplishments, awards, television programming results and NASCAR . The method according to claim 1,
Fantasy play includes any activity that can be measured quantitatively. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the graphical user interface is presented on a screen of a user computing device. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the in-game replacement software module includes software code stored on a computer processor and non-volatile memory, the software code being executed by the processor, the in-game replacement software module being remotely located from the graphical user interface, Wherein the in-game replacement software module is communicatively coupled to the graphical user interface via the Internet. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the in-game replacement software module is operable to add the one or more players that the user desires to replace into the active player data set during a fantasy matchup of the plurality of players designated by the user not to play in the fantasy matchup. Further comprising presenting to the user on the graphical user interface a monetary surcharge indicative of the amount of money to be accepted before updating the player data set. As a way to manage player replacement during live fantasy competitions,
Enumerating on the user's graphical user interface a roster of active players selected by the user for fantasy competition;
The active players selected by the user to be inactive players for the user selecting one or more players to be inactive players among the active players selected by the user for the fantasy competition through the graphical user interface, Responding by removing from the rosters of the active players;
Enumerating on the graphical user interface a roster of inactive players that can be replaced into a roster of the active players; And
The inactive players selected by the user to be the active players for the user selecting one or more players to be active players of the inactive players selected by the user through the graphical user interface, And responding by adding. 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the responding to the user selecting active players to be inactive players and inactive players to be active players is performed during a live event in which at least one player selected to be inactive among the active players is competing, Way. 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the steps of the user responding to selecting active players to be inactive players and inactive players to be active players are performed immediately after the user indicates a conformance of the desired player change via the graphical user interface . 9. The method of claim 8,
Further comprising presenting a monetary charge to the user via the graphical user interface in response to indicating that the user desires to replace the player. 9. The method of claim 8,
The fantasy competition is made up of one member selected from the following groups: professional sports, college sports, stock, commodities, weather, news, politics, legal outcomes, musical achievements, awards, television programming results and NASCAR. Way. 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the fantasy competition comprises an activity that can be quantitatively measured. 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the graphical user interface is a screen of a user computing device. As a method for direct user vs. user challenges in a fantasy game system,
Creating a fantasy game challenge directly by a first user;
Selecting a first fantasy performer and a second fantasy performer on a first graphical user interface;
Selecting performance parameters common to each of the first and second fantasy performers on the first graphical user interface;
Selecting a challenge period on the first graphical user interface; And
Selecting a challenge wager on the first graphical user interface;
Selecting, by the first user, a conflicting second user that is the subject of the challenge from a list of potential conflicting second users displayed on the first graphical user interface;
Presenting the challenge to the conflicting second user on a second graphical user interface;
Receiving, via the second graphical user interface from the conflicting second user, an input indicating whether the challenge is accepted or rejected, or suggesting a correction to the challenge;
Presenting the input from the conflicting second user to the first user via the first graphical user interface;
Scoring the result of the challenge based on the performance parameter in the conduction period;
Reporting the scored result to both the first user and the second user; And
Storing the scored results of the challenge and the challenge in a database. 16. The method of claim 15,
Determining a ranking table of the challenge achievements based on the scored results of the plurality of challenges; And
Further comprising displaying the leaderboard on both the first graphical user interface and the second graphical user interface. 16. The method of claim 15,
Further comprising presenting to the first user a monetary charge for presenting the challenge to the conflicting second user. 18. The method of claim 17,
Further comprising presenting to the first user an option to pay the monetary charge on behalf of both the first user and the second user. 16. The method of claim 15,
Receiving an input requesting to replace each first or second performer from at least one of the first and second users;
Updating each first or second performer subject to the challenge; And
Further comprising scoring the challenge based on the updated first or second performer. 16. The method of claim 15,
The fantasy performer may be a team, an individual competitor, a group, company; Financial instrument; Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > animal, < / RTI >

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