WO2015168727A1

WO2015168727A1 - Computer implemented system and method of conducting a contest

Info

Publication number: WO2015168727A1
Application number: PCT/AU2015/000272
Authority: WO
Inventors: George ROUFAEL
Original assignee: Roufael George
Priority date: 2014-05-09
Filing date: 2015-05-11
Publication date: 2015-11-12
Also published as: AU2015255623A1

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 the duration of the contest and ultimately determining the 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 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] One 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. [0006] 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.

[0007] However, increasing the degree of uncertainty too much, will cause gamblers to lose interest in the contest as outcome is too uncertain to warrant a wager.

[0008] 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.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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

[0015] 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:

[0016] Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of the system components according to an embodiment; and

[0017] Figure 2 is a diagrammatic representation of the method steps according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION

[0018] 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.

[0019] With reference to Figure 1 , a diagrammatic representation of a system according to an embodiment is provided wherein a central processing unit and backup computer (5) 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 (5) is operably connected to a scoring device (10) operated by one or more independent judges, a computer scoring device (15), scoring devices operated by independent experts in the field (20) and/or digital scoring devices operated by registered audience members (25).

[0020] In one embodiment, the digital input device (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.

[0021] The central processing unit (5) is also operably connected to contest and wagering result sub-system (30) and data is transferred between the central processing unit (5) and the contest and wagering results sub-system (30) 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 (35) for the display and reporting of same prior to and during a contest between combatants.

[0022] In the embodiment of Figure 1 , the central processing unit (5) is also operably connected to a computer matching sub-system (45) 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 (45) is operably connected with a participant registration and wagering subsystem (40) 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.

[0023] The participant registration and wagering sub-system (40) is operably connected to a number of external sub-systems for the purpose of receiving registration data including, a digital television sub-system (50), mobile phone/iPad sub-system (55), laptop computers (60), computing devices including tablets and/or smart phones with appropriate computer software (65), a swipe card sub-system (70), an internet subsystem (75) and computer sub-systems hosted in the "cloud" (80).

[0024] In one embodiment, a contest is conducted between two contestants who are selected initially by computer analysis of their relative performance ability. The contestants compete in five bouts each lasting three minutes followed by a two minutes rest period. The contest is limited to three styles of a 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 unalarmed combat.

[0025] In reference to Figure 2, a diagrammatic representation of a method according to an embodiment of the invention is provided. The method is commenced at step 85 and at step 90, 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 95 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.

[0026] At step 100, 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 105 wherein a referrer informs contestants of the rules of the contest and tosses a unique coin which comprises a random outcome event. At step 110, as the coin is tossed, one or other of the contestants is invited to call the call toss and at step 115, winner of the coin toss decides the style of the sub-contest for the first round (bout). The method then proceeds to step 120 wherein the first sub-contest of type 1 is fought and at the completion of the sub-contest, the method proceeds to step 145, wherein the sub-contest is declared complete and the method proceeds to step 150 wherein the winner is decided as a result of the scoring of a plurality of independent judges.

[0027] 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.

[0028] At step 155, 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 160 wherein the winner of the bout is announced followed by a rest period after which the method proceeds to step 105 wherein the referee again informs contestants of the rules and tosses the unique coin.

[0029] As before, the method continues to proceed through step 110 and 1 15 but in the event that the contestants are competing in the second round of sub-contests, the method proceeds from 1 15 to 125. Normally, when competing in the third round of sub- contests, the method proceeds from step 1 15 to 130 and, in other embodiments, the method may proceed from step 1 15 to step 140 wherein other rounds of sub-contest are commenced. In any event, once the respective sub-contest is complete, the method proceed to step 145 and step 150. In the event that the final sub-contest has been completed, at step 155 the overall winner of the contest is determined and announced.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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. [0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] In an embodiment, in the event the referee declares a draw, the overall contest may be declared as a draw.

[0038] 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

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.