WO2017079778A1

WO2017079778A1 - Computer implemented system and method of conducting a contest

Info

Publication number: WO2017079778A1
Application number: PCT/AU2015/000678
Authority: WO
Inventors: George ROUFAEL
Original assignee: Roufael George
Priority date: 2015-11-09
Filing date: 2015-11-09
Publication date: 2017-05-18
Also published as: EP3374043A1; US20200254324A1; AU2015414121A1; CN109963626A; JP2019502504A; EP3374043A4

Abstract

A computer implemented method of conducting a contest wherein the contest is conducted between a plurality of contestants, the contest including rounds of sub- contests and where the sub-contest for any particular round is selected by a random outcome event, the contestants performing the sub-contest in accordance with the rules of the sub-contest, each contestant having a unique identifier that is saved in the computer memory along with parameters that define the relative performance ability of the contestant, the method including the steps of a plurality of judges scoring the plurality of contestants in performing each sub-contest, the judges entering scores into a computer implemented scoring device connected by a data communications network, and transferring the scores to a central computer and displaying the scores substantially simultaneously on a display.

Description

COMPUTER IMPLEMENTED SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONDUCTING A

CONTEST

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer implemented system and method of conducting a contest, scoring the contest throughout its duration and ultimately determining a winner. The system and method includes publicly displaying the results so that viewers may observe the progress of the contest.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Contests in boxing, kick boxing and various other martial arts between individuals have been conducted throughout history and such contests are attractive to the general public as a form of entertainment. Over time, the entertainment value of contests between individuals has increased significantly.

[0003] Simultaneously, the general public have throughout history sought to gamble upon the outcome of a contest between individuals. As the business value of the entertainment aspect of contests has increased, the business value of gambling upon the outcome of such events has also increased and presently represents a substantial industry.

[0004] As is common with most forms of gambling, the general public prefer to gamble upon events with an unpredictable outcome. As a consequence, events with a higher degree of unpredictability will be more attractive to gamblers as compared with events with an almost certain outcome.

[0005] In a typical boxing or martial arts contest where there are only two combatants and where the ability or skill of the combatants is known, the likely outcome of the contest is predictable and therefore wagering odds remain relatively static. Accordingly, gamblers generally tend to place only a single bet on the outcome of the contest.

[0006] Another aspect of contests that reduces the degree of uncertainty is the extent of the specialization of the contestant. Where contestants are only required to perform a limited set of actions, or are limited to a particular set of activities, the outcome of any particular contest has a higher degree of certainty as it will generally be won by the individual who is the most skilled at the limited set of activities or actions that are required.

[0007] If the set of activities or actions required of a contestant are increased, then the certainty of the outcome of a contest is decreased as it less likely for an individual to retain a high degree of capability across a broader set of activities or actions. Increased uncertainty in the outcome leads to changing or dynamic wagering odds throughout the contest and this has the potential to generate greater audience interest and encourage multiple wagering by gamblers and hence, increased revenue generated through gambling on the outcome of the contest.

[0008] However, increasing the degree of uncertainty too much, will cause gamblers to lose interest in the contest as the outcome is too uncertain to warrant a wager. Achieving a balance between increasing the uncertainty of a contest whilst at the same time enabling gamblers to remain sufficiently engaged such that they continue to gamble upon the outcome of the contest is difficult to achieve.

[0009] In addition, in order to create conditions in which uncertainty in the contest outcome is increased involves complex planning, processing and the requirement to receive and disseminate information in a quick and efficient manner prior to and during the contest.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] According to an aspect, the present invention provides a computer implemented method of conducting a contest wherein the contest is conducted between a plurality of contestants, the contest including rounds of sub-contests and where the sub-contest for any particular round is selected by a random outcome event, the contestants performing the sub-contest in accordance with the rules of the sub-contest, each contestant having a unique identifier that is saved in the computer memory along with parameters that define the relative performance ability of the contestant, the method including the steps of a plurality of judges scoring the plurality of contestants when competing in each sub-contest, the judges entering scores into a computer implemented scoring device connected by a data communications network, and transferring the scores to a central computer and displaying the scores substantially simultaneously on a display.

[0011] In another aspect, the present invention provides a computer implemented system of conducting a contest between a plurality of contestants wherein the contestants compete in a series of rounds of sub-contests and the sub- contests are selected by a random outcome event, the system including a computer memory storage device including uniquely identified contestants and storing corresponding data regarding the relative performance ability of each contestant, a plurality of computer implemented scoring devices operated by a plurality of judges respectively, a data communications network connecting the computers scoring modules to a central computer, the scoring devices operable to receive scores entered by the judges and transferring the scores via the data communications network to the central computer, and a computer operated display connected to the central computer and operable to display scores entered by the plurality of judges and transferred by the data communications network to the central computer.

[0012] In an embodiment, the contestants are combatants and the contest includes sub-contests such as boxing, kick-boxing or mixed martial arts. The random outcome is generated by the toss of a coin and the contestant who wins the toss of the coin selects the style of combat for the next round of sub-contests. The combatants are matched according to an analysis of the relative performance ability of each combatant which includes an analysis of the relative performance ability of each combatant with respect to each sub-contest that is available for selection. A computer analysis leading to rating of each combatant and the matching of combatants may also include a prediction, or a statistical estimate, of the likelihood of one combatant succeeding in combat against the other combatant.

[0013] In another embodiment, three independent judges are appointed to operate the scoring devices and conduct real-time scoring during each round and enter the scores into the scoring devices. The data communications network transfers scores from the scoring devices dynamically to the central computer and the central computer may either display the judges scores dynamically during a sub-contest or collect the scores for display at the completion of a sub-contest.

[0014] In an embodiment, combatants may be selected initially by a computer analysis of the relative performance ability of the combatant which may include parameters such as experience, weight, height, previous combat record including location of previous contests. The computer analysis of the statistical likelihood of one combatant succeeding with respect to the other may be updated in real-time in accordance with the scores entered by the plurality of judges into the respective scoring devices and the statistical likelihood of one combatant succeeding with respect to the other may be displayed in real-time on a display.

[0015] In another aspect, the present invention provides computer instruction code for the above defined computer implemented scoring devices and central computer which, when executed, causes the scoring devices and the central computer to perform the steps of the method as defined above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several implementations of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain embodiments of the invention in which:

[0017] Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of the system broadly illustrating the system components according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0018] Figure 2 is a flow chart detailing the steps, and timing of the steps, involved in a contest according to the embodiment of Figure 1 ;

[0019] Figure 3 is a diagrammatic representation detailing the relationship between the contest elements and the input and output of information in the tournament information system according to the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2;

[0020] Figure 4 is a diagrammatic representation detailing the relationship between the tournament information system and the components that allow dissemination of the information entered and captured in the tournament information system according to the embodiment of Figures 1 , 2 and 3;

[0021] Figure 5 is a diagrammatic representation of the system components according to an alternative embodiment of the invention; and

[0022] Figure 6 is a diagrammatic representation of the method steps according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. Although the description includes exemplary embodiments, other embodiments are possible, and changes may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the embodiments and the following description to refer to the same components.

"Battle for the Crown" embodiment system and method

[0024] Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation that broadly depicts the system elements and the way contest information is transferred into, and disseminated from, tournament information system (2). Such information includes, but is not limited to, judging scores (4), statistics (6), tournament operations (8) and audience feedback (10), collected from one or more contests or sub-contests and is entered into tournament information system (2) by transferring the information over a private or public network. Such information is then disseminated, again over a public or private network, to various information consumers including, but not limited to, Broadcasters (12), Wagering Companies (14), applications (16) (for example mobile applications and web pages) and displays (18). The objective of the "Battle for the Crown" contest is to find the contestant who is superior across a range of fighting disciplines including, but not limited to, boxing, kick boxing and various martial arts combat sports.

[0025] Figure 2, depicts contest (20) which is an event where at least two combatants (or contestants) (22, 24) compete to determine a winner. Information collected from contest (20) is then entered into tournament information system (2) which includes one or more computer applications that provide information on individual contests and the overall tournament.

[0026] The contest is conducted in a penta-cage (as depicted in Figure 2) between two contestants who are selected initially by computer analysis of their relative performance ability based on, for example, their previous combat record and location of previous contests or one or more attributes such as weight and height. As depicted in the flow diagram of Figure 3, the contestants compete in five bouts each lasting three minutes followed by a two minute rest period. Before each round, the combat style is selected by the contestant who wins a toss of a coin. The fight is adjudicated by a referee and scored by a panel of three judges who enter their scores into tournament information system (2) that will be further discussed below. In an embodiment, the contest is limited to three styles of an unarmed combat including boxing, kick-boxing or mixed martial arts, each of which constitute a sub-contest and are governed by rules of conduct for each style of unarmed combat. Accordingly, the contest may consist of one or more sub-contests or rounds and the contest may be part of a wider competition or tournament in which contestants compete in a series of contests to determine an ultimate winner amongst a pool of contestants.

[0027] The panel of three judges who are experienced in all styles of fighting decide the winner of the contest by scoring each round out of 10. If the contest proceeds through all five rounds, the contestant with the highest aggregate score is deemed the winner. In the event that a contestant can no longer continue through injury or knockout, the contest is stopped and the opponent contestant is declared the winner of the contest. Winning contestants' progress through the tournament until the last remaining contestant is crowned the tournament champion. Throughout the contest, the contest scores are simultaneously entered onto the system so that the live wager odds can be adjusted and made available to the viewing public so as to maintain viewer interest and engagement.

Balancing Contest Uncertainty to Ensure Gamblers Remain Interested and Engaged

[0028] In order to increase the unpredictability of the contest outcome, strategy and chance are critical. Accordingly, the contestants are initially selected by computer analysis and matched according to various criteria such as combat ability, weight and height. This allows gamblers to make an "educated guess" regarding who will be the combat winner based on the characteristics of the two matched contestants and place their wagers.

[0029] Further interest is generated by requiring the contestants to choose the style of combat with the choice being awarded to the contestant who wins a coin toss. It will be appreciated that requiring the selection of combat style after the initial matching of the pair of contestants generates uncertainty and interest that would likely result in gamblers placing further bets. Accordingly, the wagering process is dynamic, as opposed to static, thereby generating increased revenue.

[0030] In order to generate further gambling revenue, the gamblers are permitted to make further wagers as the contest proceeds based upon scores that are broadcast or otherwise disseminated to the viewing audience in real time and substantially simultaneously as the contest proceeds throughout the various sub-contests.

[0031] Further interest and viewer engagement may be generated by allowing members of the general public to score the contest and enter data on the tournament information system. This will require members to be provided with specific authorisation to access and enter information in tournament information system (2). As detailed in the flow diagram of Figure 4, access is achieved through the use of intermediate applications such as wagering or "Battle for the Crown" specific applications (26), for example, mobile applications or web pages, which cache information from the tournament information system (2) and thereby reduce the traffic and provide another layer of abstraction with respect to the computer architecture. This has the benefit of allowing high control and management of the access to, and load applied to, the tournament information system (2).

[0032] It will also be appreciated that the creation of step-wise uncertainty in the contest outcome achieves a balance between increasing the uncertainty of a contest whilst at the same time enabling gamblers to remain sufficiently engaged such that they continue to gamble upon the outcome of the contest.

The Tournament Information System

[0033] In order to support the "Battle for the Crown" contest or sub-contests and overall tournament, a Tournament Information System is required that allows wagering companies and other parties such a broadcasters to respond quickly and substantially simultaneously as the contest proceeds and changes. It will be appreciated that in the absence of such a system, real time or substantially simultaneous responses are not possible and wagering companies may potentially be left exposed if their odds are based on outdated information. Wagering companies may also lose revenue in the event they are unable to accept wagers during the period in which they are required to manually record and transfer the contest results. This is undesirable for obvious reasons.

[0034] An important aspect of the tournament information system of the invention is the ability to rapidly collect and disseminate contest information to all interested parties in an accurate and timely manner. In this regard, it will be appreciated that in traditional combat contests, result and scoring results are manually collected and distributed. Due to the rapid nature of the "Battle for the Crown" tournament, clearly the manual collection and dissemination of the tournament information is insufficient to meet the demands of a fast paced competition and dynamic wagering system.

[0035] The Tournament Information System involves one or more computer applications that provide information to interested/authorised parties or users. These parties or users access the system through a series of user interfaces that may operate over a public or private network. Information, scores and statistics from a variety of sources including contest judges, the viewing audience, tournament operators and combat experts may be entered onto the system and maintained on a database. Access to the database is made possible over a public or private network through a series of user interfaces or devices including, but not limited to, mobile phones, recording devices, iPads, tablets or any other electronic devices able to accommodate input of information and connection to the Tournament Information System.

Data and Information

[0036] Information that is captured and disseminated by the system may include, but is not limited to:

• Tournament information

• Contestant information

• Venue information

• Contest information

• Contest statistics

• Wagering markets, odds and information

• Audience and expert feedback, scores and opinion

• Judges scores

• Contest results The information may be in the form of structured data or rich content such as video, sound and image recordings.

System components and computer applications associated with the Tournament Information System.

[0037] As wagering takes place during the "Battle for the Crown" contest, system integrity is important to ensure that only authorised access to the system is permitted. Accordingly, the system preferably provides the following features:

Security: The tournament information system is secured using industry standard features and should only allow access to, and entry of, data from authorised persons/systems.

Result release: Controlled and scheduled timing of the release of contest outcomes and contest information is critical in order to ensure that no parties are provided with an unfair advantage.

Audit and Logging: The system tracks and logs all access to the system by capturing detailed records including user identify, access time and information requested by the user. This will allow audits and investigations to take place should the need arise.

[0038] In an embodiment, the system supports "system to system" interactions over a private or public network such as the internet; that is, the system provides information to other systems such as those used by Broadcasters and Wagering Companies but is not accessible by the general public in the absence of specific authorisation.

[0039] System access is provided through an Application Programming Interface (API) or data exchange format wherein system to system interaction occurs through an interface that allows another system to access the tournament information system, obtain information and enter information as desired. As is generally known, system to system access involves two systems (for example, a Broadcasting Company system and the Tournament information system) connected by a network that facilitates the transfer of information between the two systems.

[0040] System access is achieved by establishing an "active connection" with the tournament information system by entering credentials such as a user name and a password. Once an active connection has been established, the system will request information and then requests information from the tournament information system. For example, a Broadcasting Company may request contest statistics and once the request has been entered, the tournament information system processes the request and provides the statistics if the release of such information has been scheduled and authorised.

[0041] The system also allows authorised individual access to the Tournament information system in instances where users such as administrators, judges and members of the public require access.

[0042] The Tournament information system also requires an administration and operations function in order to allow tournament organisers to control the system. Administration and operations functions include individual user system access, entry of master or base data, controlling the timing of release of various information, monitoring system performance and conducting audit information.

[0043] The system in a preferred embodiment uses a commercial, as compared with a custom made, solution and in particular a cloud infrastructure. Cloud infrastructure provides two key benefits: (i) minimal upfront capital expenditure and implementation timeframes and (ii) ability to handle peaks and troughs in system usage and avoiding wasted infrastructure during idle periods in which no contests are being run.

[0044] The system also employs contingency plans and strategies that provide for a resilient and "fail over" system in the event of any unforeseen circumstances and problems that could occur.

Use of the Tournament Information System According to An Embodiment of the Invention

[0045] The Tournament information system allows individual users and other systems to interact with the Tournament information system in a rapid and reliable manner to allow easy capture, updating and dissemination of contest information in real time and substantially simultaneously as the contest proceeds.

[0046] Tournament organisers use digital applications such as websites and mobile phone applications to supplement broadcasts and promote the tournament. The "back- end" of these applications interface with the Tournament information system to allow data dissemination and also allow the viewing audience to provide their feedback. Such "back-end" applications access the Tournament information system through a system-to system interface.

The stages of the "Battle for the Crown" embodiment are described below. Contestant Selection

[0047] Once a pool of contestants has been selected, their details are entered into the Tournament information system by the contest organisers by a user interface connected to the Tournament information system over a public network. Such details include physical characteristics such as height and weight in addition to data relating to the performance ability and history of each of the contestants. These details are used to generate statistics and wagering odds which may be disseminated to the viewing public prior to the beginning of the "Battle for the Crown" tournament.

[0048] At this point, registered members of the viewing public may place one or more wagers based on the contestant details and wagering odds disseminated to them. The wagering is performed through a number of user interfaces including a mobile phone application or contest website, by telephone or through conventional "over the counter" betting agencies. All wagers are entered into the tournament information system irrespective of the method used by the gambler to place the wager.

Contestant Matching

[0049] The Tournament information system matches two contestants to enter into combat based on the data previously entered into the system relating to the physical characteristics and performance record of each contestant. Information regarding the matched contestants is disseminated to the viewing public who are given a further opportunity of placing one or more wagers at this point.

Combat Style Determination by Coin Toss

[0050] Prior to the commencement of the contest between the matched contestants, a coin toss is used to determine the style of combat before each round or sub-contest. Based on the tournament rules, the referee asks the contestants to select "heads" or "tails" of the coin and the coin is tossed into the air. The contestant that correctly selects the result of the coin toss is then given the opportunity to select the combat style for the round selected from boxing, kick boxing or mixed martial arts or Muay Thai. Once the combat style has been selected and this information has been entered into the Tournament information system and disseminated to the viewing public by one or more display systems connected to the Information Tournament system, the viewing public are given a further opportunity to place further wagers at this point.

Sub-Contests or Rounds

[0051] As previously described, the contest is conducted as a series of sub-contests or rounds. In one embodiment, contestants compete in five bouts each lasting three minutes followed by a two minute rest period. Before each round, the combat style is selected by the contestant that wins a toss of a coin and the fight is adjudicated by a referee. Experts and registered members of the audience are also able to provide feedback as the contest proceeds through user interfaces such as a website or a mobile phone application that is connected to the Tournament information system. It will be appreciated that this feature further assists in generating viewer interest and engagement.

Judging of the Contest

[0052] During the contest, at least three judges record their scores in electronic devices and the scores are uploaded through a secure interface to the Tournament information system. The scores are made available to the wagering companies, broadcasting companies and viewing audience substantially simultaneously as the contest proceeds thereby maintaining viewer interest and engagement. Real-time contest statistics based on the judges scores and any additional relevant information are also captured and uploaded to the Tournament information system by secure interfaces accessible to people such as combat experts and statisticians.

[0053] In one embodiment, the Tournament information system is also able to capture viewer feedback, the opinion of combat experts and audience scoring through various digital platforms such as mobile phone and tablet applications. It will be appreciated that the aim of this arrangement is to enhance the viewing experience, increase viewer interest and engagement with the objective of increasing the wagering revenue of the contest.

[0054] Third Party wagering companies also offer live betting on the "Battle for the Crown" contest. In order to assist with increasing wagering, any wagering information is continuously and substantially simultaneously uploaded by an interface to the Tournament information system. The wagering odds are displayed to the viewing audience through various means including live broadcasts, social media, mobile phone applications, the contest website and venue displays including television screens and scoreboards that combine vision and information from the Tournament information system to inform the venue audience.

[0055] It will be appreciated that during each of the above described stages of the tournament (including the steps involved prior to the commencement of the tournament), the Tournament information system is continuously updated with information thereby altering the wagering conditions and odds and maintaining viewer interest and engagement. Accordingly, wagering by the viewing public is dynamic throughout the tournament and responsive to the information that is continuously updated onto the Tournament information system and rapidly disseminated to the viewing public.

The System of the Invention According to an Alternative Embodiment

[0056] The system according to an alternative embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to Figure 5. This figure which provides a diagrammatic representation of the system wherein a central processing unit and backup computer (105) is operably connected to various digital devices for the purpose of receiving data relating the scoring of combatants before and/or a contest . In particular, the central processing unit (105) is operably connected to a scoring device (1 10) operated by one or more independent judges, a computer scoring device (1 15), scoring devices operated by independent experts in the field (120) and/or digital scoring devices operated by registered audience members (125).

[0057] In one embodiment, the digital input device (1 15) for data input from a computer relates to a computer analysis system that receives as inputs data relating to combatants prior to the contest and scoring data from the judges during bouts and provides "computer prediction" regarding the likelihood of one or other of the combatants winning the contest.

[0058] The central processing unit (105) is also operably connected to contest and wagering result sub-system (130) and data is transferred between the central processing unit (105) and the contest and wagering results sub-system (130) for and during bouts (sub-contests) for the purpose receiving wagers from gamblers and reporting results and winnings to gamblers upon completion of a bout and/or contest. The scoring information collected prior to and during bouts between combatants and/or the odds for gamblers are provided to a further broadcast tv/internet sub system (135) for the display and reporting of same prior to and during a contest between combatants.

[0059] In the embodiment of Figure 5, the central processing unit (105) is also operably connected to a computer matching sub-system (145) that conducts a matching between contestants and provides an initial calculation of the statistical likelihood of one combatant prevailing over the other during a contest. The computer matching subsystem (145) is operably connected with a participant registration and wagering subsystem (140) that receives registration details of participants and upon receipt of same and conducts an analysis of the submitted data and provides an initial ranking of all of the registered contestants as compared with one another as an initial input to a wagering computer program for the purpose of determining a statistical ranking between the combatants.

[0060] The participant registration and wagering sub-system (140) is operably connected to a number of external sub-systems for the purpose of receiving registration data including, a digital television sub-system (150), mobile phone/iPad sub-system (155), laptop computers (160), computing devices including tablets and/or smart phones with appropriate computer software (65), a swipe card sub-system (170), an internet sub-system (175) and computer sub-systems hosted in the "cloud" (180).

Use of the Invention According to an Alternative Embodiment

[0061] In reference to Figure 6, a diagrammatic representation of a method according to an embodiment of the invention is provided. The method is commenced at step 185 and at step 190, and contestants and participants register on line in accordance with a pre-determined format and are assigned a unique identifier. The method then proceeds to step 195 wherein the assigned unique identifier for each contestant and registered participant is analysed and contestants are matched according to their relative ability and a statistical likelihood is calculated for each contestants regarding the likelihood the contestant winning the overall competition over all of the registered contestants.

[0062] At step 200, contestants are selected to compete in various rounds of sub- contests at a pre-determined time and at a pre-determined venue. The method then proceeds to step 205 wherein a referee informs contestants of the rules of the contest and tosses a unique coin which comprises a random outcome event. At step 210, as the coin is tossed, one or other of the contestants is invited to call the call toss and at step 215, winner of the coin toss decides the style of the sub-contest for the first round (bout). The method then proceeds to step 220 wherein the first sub-contest of type 1 is fought and at the completion of the sub-contest, the method proceeds to step 245, wherein the sub-contest is declared complete and the method proceeds to step 250 wherein the winner is decided as a result of the scoring of a plurality of independent judges.

[0063] The bouts are preferably scored by three or more independent judges each operating a computer implemented scoring device and entering scores throughout the duration of each bout. The scoring information is transferred by data communications network from the scoring device of each judge dynamically and in real-time to a central computer that conducts an analysis of the judges score and calculates a statistical likelihood of each combatant winning the bout according to the judges scores and the previously stored data relating to the relative performance ability of each combatant. The updated calculation of the statistical likelihood of each combatant winning the bout and/or the contest is displayed on a display as soon as the calculation is complete in order to provide viewers of the display with the most up to date information regarding changes to the calculated statistical likelihood of each combatant winning the bout and/or contest. In one particular embodiment, the analysis and calculation of the likely outcome of the contest includes input from registered audience members who may also provide scoring input by operation of a computer implemented scoring device and/or invited experts in the field. The scoring device may include a mobile phone executing appropriate computer instruction code to accept and transmit scores. [0064] At step 255, the central computer system determines the winner of the bout and, in the event, that further bouts have yet to be fought, an overall winner is not declared and the method proceeds to step 260 wherein the winner of the bout is announced followed by a rest period after which the method proceeds to step 205 wherein the referee again informs contestants of the rules and tosses the unique coin.

[0065] As before, the method continues to proceed through step 210 and 215 but in the event that the contestants are competing in the second round of sub-contests, the method proceeds from 215 to 225. Normally, when competing in the third round of sub- contests, the method proceeds from step 215 to 230 and, in other embodiments, the method may proceed from step 215 to step 240 wherein other rounds of sub-contest are commenced. In any event, once the respective sub-contest is complete, the method proceed to step 245 and step 250. In the event that the final sub-contest has been completed, at step 255 the overall winner of the contest is determined and announced.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the central computer receives wagers from viewers of the contest who may place wagers on individual bouts and /or the final outcome of the contest or any other aspect of the contest.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the statistical likelihood of each contestant winning either the current bout and/or the overall contest is calculated and the results are displayed live on a display in real-time. The statistical likelihood of a contestant winning a bout and/or the contest, changes depending upon the judges scores as they are entered into the respective scoring devices and transferred by the data communications network to the central computer for input to the calculation regarding the statistical likelihood of each combatant winning.

[0068] In one particular embodiment, the contests are conducted in five weight divisions namely, Light weight including contestants up to sixty one kilograms, Welter weight including contestants up to sixty seven kilograms, Middle weight including contestants up to seventy two kilograms, Light Weight including contestants up to seventy nine kilograms and Heavy weight including contestants weighing ninety kilograms or more. Contestants preferably wear multipurpose eight ounce combat gloves and suitably coloured attire in order that viewers can differentiate combatants by the colour of their attire. In addition to multipurpose eight ounce combat gloves, combatants also preferably wear hand wraps, shin pads, kick boots and protective helmets.

[0069] In an embodiment, the contest takes place in a standard boxing ring with an inside dimension of 20 feet by 20 feet and outside dimension of 23 feet by 23 feet.

[0070] Upon commencement of a contest, and the selection of a combat style for the following bout, the bout commences and points are awarded by the judges to each contestant consistent with the code of the unarmed combat that was selected by the contestant who won the coin toss.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, the winner is determined by points awarded by the independent judges who award each contestant a score out of 50 points as determined by the code of the style of unarmed combat selected for each particular bout. For example, where boxing is selected for a particular bout, each independent judge will score each round out of ten points and awarding ten points to the contestant, that, in their opinion, is the winner of that round. The loser of the round will be awarded nine points unless they are knocked down during the round they will receive eight point. A maximum of one point may be deducted by the referee for each infringement of the rules of the unalarmed combat style for the bout with such infringements including a low-blow. In the embodiment described, a maximum number of points that a combatant can achieve is fifty from each judge with a maximum total from three independent judges being one hundred and fifty points.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, if a judge is unable to decide the winner of a bout then, both combatants are awarded ten points for the bout. In the event of a split decision where one judge declares a draw and the other two judges score a decision against each other then the referee may require an additional bout in order to provide an additional scoring opportunity for both combatants to decide an eventual winner of the contest.

[0073] In an embodiment, in the event the referee declares a draw, the overall contest may be declared as a draw.

[0074] Further advantages and improvements may be made to the present invention without deviating from its scope. Although the invention has been described in the most practical and preferred embodiment, it will be recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope and spirit of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims and any and all equivalent systems, methods and computer instruction code.

[0075] Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step, or group of integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other integer or step, or group of integers or steps.

[0076] Any reference to prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any suggestion, that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A computer implemented method of conducting a contest wherein the contest is conducted between a plurality of contestants, the contest including rounds of sub- contests and where the sub-contest for any particular round is selected by a random outcome event, the contestants performing the sub-contest in accordance with the rules of the sub-contest, each contestant having a unique identifier that is saved in the computer memory along with parameters that define the relative performance ability of the contestant, the method including the steps of:

a plurality of judges scoring the plurality of contestants in performing each sub-contest;

the judges entering scores into a computer implemented scoring device connected by a data communications network; and

transferring the scores to a central computer and displaying the scores substantially simultaneously on a display.

2. A computer implemented method according to claim 1 , wherein the contest includes any one or more of the following sub-contests:

boxing;

kick-boxing; and/or

mixed martial arts.

3 A computer implemented method according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the random outcome event is generated by the toss of a two-sided coin.

4. A computer implemented method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the contestants are matched according to an analysis of the relative performance ability of each contestant.

5. A computer implemented method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the computer analysis leading to a rating for each contestant and the matching of contestants generates a statistical estimate of the likelihood of one contestant succeeding against the other contestants.

6. A computer implemented method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the judges enter scores into a computer implemented scoring device in real-time during each round.

7. A computer implemented method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the data communications network transfers scores from the plurality of scoring devices operated by the plurality of judges dynamically to the central computer.

8. A computer implemented method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the analysis of relative performance ability of one contestants against another contestant includes one or more of the following parameters:

experience;

weight;

height;

previous combat record; and/or

location of previous contests.

9. A computer implemented method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the statistical likelihood of one contestant succeeding with respect to another contestant is updated in real-time in accordance with scores entered by the plurality of judges into their respective computer implemented scoring device.

10. A computer implemented method according to claim 9, wherein the statistical likelihood of one contestant succeeding with respect to another contestant is displayed in real-time on a display.

1 1 . A computer implemented system of conducting a contest between a plurality of contestants wherein the contestants compete in a series of rounds of sub-contests and the sub- contests are selected by a random outcome event, the system including:

a computer memory storage device including uniquely identified contestants and storing corresponding data regarding the relative performance ability of each contestant; a plurality of computer implemented scoring devices operated by a plurality of judges respectively;

a data communications network connecting the scoring devices to a central computer;

the scoring devices operable to receive scores entered by the judges and transferring the scores via the data communications network to the central computer; and

a computer operated display connected to the central computer and operable to display scores entered by the plurality of judges and transferred by the data communications network to the central computer.

12. A computer implemented system according to claim 1 1 , wherein the contest includes any one or more of the sub-contests:

boxing;

kick-boxing; and/or

mixed martial arts.

13. A computer implemented system according to either claim 1 1 or claim 12, wherein the random outcome event is generated by a computer implemented random generator with the result displayed on a computer screen in the form of a toss of a two- sided coin.

14. A computer implemented system according to any one of claims 1 1 to 13, wherein a contestant matching module analyses the relative performance ability of each contestant.

15. A computer implemented system according to any one of claims 1 1 to 14, wherein a contestant analysis module generates a rating for each contestant and wherein the contestants are matched according to a statistical estimate of the likelihood of one contestant succeeding against the other contestants.

16. A computer implemented system according to any one of claims 1 1 to 15, wherein the computer implemented scoring devices receive scores entered by judges in real-time during each round and the data communications network transfers scores from the computer implemented scoring devices dynamically to the central computer.

17. A computer implemented system according to any one of claim 1 1 to claim 16, wherein the contestant analysis module analysis the relative performance ability of a contestant as compared with other contestants on the basis of any one or more of the following parameters:

experience;

weight;

height;

previous combat record; and/or

location of previous contests.

18. A computer implemented system according to any one of claims 1 1 to 17, wherein the statistical likelihood of one contestant succeeding with respect to another contestant is updated in real-time in accordance with scores entered by the plurality of judges into their respective computer implemented scoring devices.

19. A computer implemented system according to any one of claims 1 1 to 18, wherein the statistical likelihood of one contestant succeeding with respect to another contestant is displayed in real-time on a display.

20. Computer instruction code which when implemented on a computer, causes the computer to implement the method defined in any one of claims 1 to 10.