Methodology For Equalizing Systemic Latencies In Television Reception In Connection With Games Of Skill Played In Connection With Live Television Programming
Patent No. US11235237 (titled "Methodology For Equalizing Systemic Latencies In Television Reception In Connection With Games Of Skill Played In Connection With Live Television Programming") was filed by Winview Ip Holdings Llc on Dec 23, 2020.
What is this patent about?
’237 is related to the field of distributed gaming, specifically addressing the problem of latency in games of skill synchronized with live or taped television events. The background acknowledges that variations in television signal reception times across different delivery systems (cable, satellite, over-the-air) and even within the same system can create unfair advantages for some players. Prior art solutions lacked the ability to equalize these systemic latencies, leading to potentially skewed results and diminished user experience.
The underlying idea behind ’237 is to equalize latency by grouping participants into cohorts based on their television signal reception path and then adjusting the timing of game control data, such as a 'lockout' signal, to compensate for the differences in signal arrival times. This ensures that all players have a fair opportunity to participate, regardless of their location or television service provider. The core insight is that by identifying and mitigating these delays, the playing field can be leveled, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
The claims of ’237 focus on a method for synchronizing data file display on internet-connected devices with a live event, particularly in the context of games of skill or chance. The method involves storing data files related to the live event on a server, identifying game elements within the live event, transmitting the files to the devices, and sending a 'lockout' signal to prevent responses after the game element's outcome is revealed. A key aspect is determining the lockout signal time by using a person observing a television feed remotely from the live event. Another claim focuses on equalizing latency by determining the amount of delay, imposing that delay on the game data stream, and sending game control data to participants, accounting for the delay.
In practice, the system determines how each participant receives their television signal (e.g., cable, satellite) and groups them into cohorts. The delay for each cohort is then measured using various methods, such as requiring participants to answer questions about their setup, marking the time of a specific event in the telecast, or using GPS data from their mobile device. The server then adjusts the timing of the 'lockout' signal or the entire game data stream to compensate for these delays, ensuring that all players receive the signal at approximately the same time relative to the live event.
This approach differs from prior solutions by actively measuring and compensating for latency differences rather than simply ignoring them. By creating cohorts and dynamically adjusting the timing of game control data, the system effectively neutralizes the advantages that some players might otherwise have due to faster or slower television signal reception. The use of a remotely located observer to determine the lockout signal time is also a key differentiator, allowing for real-time adjustments based on the actual unfolding of the live event. The system aims to provide a more equitable and enjoyable gaming experience for all participants.
How does this patent fit in bigger picture?
Technical landscape at the time
In the mid-2000s when ’237 was filed, at a time when mobile devices were increasingly prevalent, systems commonly relied on client-server architectures for networked applications. At that time, delivering synchronized content to mobile devices over cellular networks presented challenges due to varying network latencies and device capabilities. Hardware or software constraints made real-time equalization of delays across diverse user environments non-trivial.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The application was subject to a non-final rejection. Claims 14-17 and 39-153 were rejected for non-statutory double patenting over claims of U.S. Patent Nos. 8,659,848; 8,699,168; 9,744,453; 8,737,004; 9,919,211 and 10,150,031. The prosecution record does not describe the technical reasoning or specific claim changes that led to allowance.
Claims
This patent contains 119 claims, with independent claims 1 and 64. The independent claims focus on methods for synchronizing data file display on internet-connected devices with live events, particularly in the context of games of skill or chance, by addressing latency issues and using lockout signals. The dependent claims generally elaborate on and refine the specifics of the independent claims, adding details and variations to the core method.
Key Claim Terms New
Definitions of key terms used in the patent claims.
Litigation Cases New
US Latest litigation cases involving this patent.
Patent Family
File Wrapper
The dossier documents provide a comprehensive record of the patent's prosecution history - including filings, correspondence, and decisions made by patent offices - and are crucial for understanding the patent's legal journey and any challenges it may have faced during examination.
Date
Description
Get instant alerts for new documents
US11235237
- Application Number
- US17133366
- Filing Date
- Dec 23, 2020
- Status
- Granted
- Expiry Date
- Apr 12, 2027
- External Links
- Slate, USPTO, Google Patents