Interactive Services

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to interactive services.

Background of the Invention One example of an interactive service is the Sky Active™ service provided by the applicants. Aspects of an interactive application platform are described in the applicant's patent publication WO 97/23997A1. Interactive services may also be provided online over the Internet, for example via the applicant's Sky Anytime™ services, either on mobile or PC. Recently, online gaming has become very popular, in particular online gambling; in order to promote online gaming, various broadcast programmes have been devised in which online gaming winners qualify to participate in a live broadcast of a gaming session. However, such live broadcasts cease to be interactive for those who have not qualified to participate. On the other hand, the number of participants in a broadcast gaming session is effectively limited to one or a few games at any one time.

Statement of the Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method according to claim 1. The present invention extends to apparatus and/or a computer program for performing the method. According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of operating a series of games, comprising: a. providing games to a plurality of players; b. determining outcomes of the games for the players; c. selecting a subset of the players on the basis of the outcomes; and d. providing a game involving the subset of the players.

Preferably, step b comprises determining a ladder between said users, and step c comprises selecting the subset on the basis of the ladder.

Preferably, said players are divided into a plurality of ladders, step b comprises determining a relative ranking within each ladder, and step c comprises selecting the subset from each ladder on the basis of the ranking within that ladder.

Preferably, the method is performed iteratively so that the subset of the players changes after the game involving the subset of the players.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a diagram of a network architecture suitable for use in embodiments of the invention;

Figure 2 is a flow chart of method performed by an interactive service in an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 is a table illustrating an example of the outcome of a series of games provided by the interactive service; Figure 4 is a table illustrating the ranking of players in a ladder pertaining to the games;

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the selection of players for a broadcast game;

Figures 6a to 6c show formats for representing the outcome of games in each ladder; Figure 7 shows an interactive broadcast application screen display; and

Figure 8 shows an online application screen display.

Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention

Network Architecture

Figure 1 shows a simplified network architecture for an interactive service in an embodiment of the invention. An interactive broadcast headend 1 acts as a server for the interactive broadcast service, for example by means of a computer programme executed by the headend 1.

The headend 1 generates a broadcast stream 2 carrying an interactive broadcast, such an interactive broadcast programme. The broadcast stream 2 is received over a broadcast network and decoded by a set-top box 3 connected to a television 4 or other video display, for displaying the interactive broadcast. The set-top box 3 is connected to the headend 1 through a network 5, such as the Internet, thereby enabling interactive communication with the headend 1 by means of an interactive application.

Interactive communication with the headend 1 is also provided to a computer 6 and/or to a mobile terminal 7, each of which runs an interactive application for communication with the interactive service at the headend 1. The computer 6 may be connected to the headend 1 via the network 5, or another network (not shown). The mobile terminal 7 is connected via a mobile network (not shown) and via the network 5, or another network, to the headend.

The computer 6 and/or the mobile terminal 7 may be able to receive the broadcast stream 2 via the network 5, or another network. It is of course envisaged that a large number, possibly millions, of set-top boxes 3, computers 6 and/or mobile terminals 7 are connectable concurrently to the headend 1.

Moreover, the above architecture is provided only as an example, and other architectures may be applied in embodiments of the invention.

Method of Operation As shown in Figure 2, in an interactive service according to an embodiment of the present invention, a large number of users participate (Sl) in the interactive service concurrently, each via an interactive application. A subset of those participants is selected (S2) to be represented in the broadcast stream (S3). The subset is continuously varied according to the participation in the interactive service. Hence, each participant continues to have the opportunity to participate in the broadcast, according to their interaction with the interactive service. The broadcast stream may represent the interaction with the interactive service of participants within the subset.

Ranking

Preferably, the interactive service involves a series of games, competitions or other interactions (hereafter referred to collectively as 'games'). The outcome of each

game determines the ranking of one or more participants involved in that game. The current highest ranking participants are selected to participate in a game or competition that is represented in the broadcast. At the end of the broadcast game, at least some of the previously selected participants may be deselected on the basis of the outcome of the broadcast game. The deselected participants may be replaced by other participants, preferably by the new highest ranking participants following one or more games that are not broadcast.

Preferably, the broadcast game may involve a predetermined number of participants, each selected from a corresponding ladder. The highest ranking participant from each ladder may be selected for the broadcast game. The rankings within each ladder may be continuously amended by the outcome of a series of games by participants within that ladder.

One example of a ranking algorithm is illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. A plurality of players Pl to P5 participate in a series of games Gl to G5. In each game, the player P plays a game in which the outcome is either a win (W) or a loss (L), independently of the outcome for any other player. The outcomes in this example are shown in Figure 3; player

P5 enters only at game G2, while player P6 enters at game G4.

The relative rankings of each player after each game Gl to G5 are shown in

Figure 4. If a player P wins in a particular game G, that player P moves up above all other players P that have lost that game. The relative rankings among winners and losers are maintained. Players joining the ladder start at the bottom; hence player P5 starts game G2 at the bottom (5 ^th ), but wins game G2 and so is 4 ^th at the end of game G2, ahead of player

P2 who lost.

Broadcast Selection As shown in Figure 5, players are arranged in a plurality of ladders Ll to L5, with the order of each player within the ladder being determined as above. The highest ranking player in each ladder is selected to play in a broadcast group BG. The game played by the broadcast group BG is broadcast within the broadcast stream 2.

Each player P, when entering the interactive service, selects one of the ladders Ll to L5 in which to play. Whenever a player P ends a game at the top of the selected ladder L, that player joins the broadcast group BG. The player P continues to play within the broadcast group BG until that player P loses, at which point that player moves down the

selected ladder L, preferably to the bottom of the ladder L. The new highest ranking player P within that ladder L then enters the broadcast group BG. Preferably, games G within the ladders L are synchronised with games within the broadcast group BG.

Jackpot A separate jackpot may be defined for each ladder L. All players P within a ladder

L contribute to the jackpot for that ladder, for example by contributing a stake for each game G. After each game G, the jackpot may be split between the player P within the broadcast group BG and the remaining players P within the ladder. Optionally, only those players that have won a particular game G win a share of the jackpot.

Ladder Information

Information about the outcome of games G played outside the broadcast group BG may also be included within the broadcast, although details of the interactions within those games G are not included.

The information may be represented in a format shown in Figures 6a to 6c, with rectangular boxes each representing an individual player P within all the ladders Ll to L5.

Figure 6a shows the format at the beginning of a game G: all boxes have the same format, such as a neutral colour. As the game G is played, the format of each box changes according to the outcome of the game for the corresponding player P. For example, if a player P loses, the corresponding box turns red; if the player wins, the box may turn green, or gold if the win is particularly good (e.g. a blackjack). These changes appear as the outcomes are determined. At the end of the game G, the positions of the boxes change according to the new rankings of the players P. Jackpot amounts may also be shown for each ladder L.

Broadcast Group Game play One specific embodiment of the invention involves an interactive Blackjack game.

The broadcast game within the broadcast group BG proceeds as follows. All players play at once against a single 60 second clock. The order of play is as follows:

1. Cards are dealt starting from position 1 (corresponding to ladder Ll). 2. Each player can only play one hand.

3. Players may not split.

4. The game clock starts when the last player's cards are dealt.

5. All players have 60 seconds to make their decisions (stand, hit, fold or split); if they fail to act in this time they automatically stand. 6. During the game play a dealer/presenter comments on the play on the table.

7. When the clock reaches 60 seconds, the betting window closes.

8. The dealer takes another card and plays out the hand to the rules of Blackjack. 9. Winners are then paid and losers leave the table

10. The dealer welcomes the new players to the table and the play begins again at step 1 above.

Ladder Game play

The game play on the ladders L allows for players P to play multiple hands in the same 60 second window as players in the broadcast group BG. The player's first hand is their qualifying hand and determines their ladder position.

The order of play within one of the ladders L is as follows:

1. Each player chooses their stake, number of hands and selects deal (cards will be dealt at the same time as the broadcast group (BG)) 2. The play window of 60 seconds then starts.

3. Game play is as standard European Blackjack with the exception that players may not split their cards.

4. Players may start playing the moment their cards are dealt.

5. All players have 60 seconds to make their decisions (stand, hit or fold); if they fail to act in this time they automatically stand.

6. Players may play multiple hands within the betting window; once players have completed one hand (by going bust, standing or doubling) they

continue on to the next hand; if they do not make an action on any of their hands they will be considered to have stood on the cards dealt to them.

7. When the on-screen clock reaches 60 seconds, the play window closes.

8. The dealer then takes a second card and any further required cards, playing out the hand to the rules of blackjack.

9. Winners are then paid.

10. Ladder positions are adjusted, including any players entering or leaving the broadcast group BG. Play then continues from step 1 above.

Interactive Broadcast application Figure 7 shows an example of an interactive broadcast application screen display, such as may be displayed by the set-top box 3 on the screen 4. The screen display comprises a broadcast screen BS containing live content broadcast over the broadcast stream 2; the live content represents the game play within the broadcast group BG, together with the outcomes of the game play within the ladders L. Interactive content is displayed on an overlay bar OB, overlaid on the broadcast screen BS, which represents game play by the player P using the set-top box 3. Hence, the overlay bar OB represents a different game from the broadcast screen BS, unless the player P is within the Broadcast Group BG.

The overlay bar OB includes buttons that allow the player to set the stake, and stand or hit. The player's current position, balance and the outcome of the current game is also overlaid on the broadcast screen.

Online application

Figure 8 shows an example of an online application screen display, such as may be displayed by the computer 6 or mobile terminal 7. The broadcast stream 2 is displayed in a broadcast window BW within a web page as shown in Figure 8, which includes the functions of the overlay bar OB of Figure 7.

Additionally, the ranking of the player P within the player's ladder L is displayed, together with the jackpot for that ladder. When the player P reaches the top of the ladder L, the display may change to indicate the player's status within the broadcast group BG.

Additionally, the player P may play multiple hands by selecting tabs for the different hands. As the player P makes a betting decision for one hand, the display moves automatically to the tab for the next unplayed hand.

Additional Rules Additional examples of game play rules in embodiments of the invention are set out below.

Ladder Rules

In order to maintain their position on the ladder L the player P must keep playing; if the player misses a round of betting, they will move to the bottom of the ladder.

The player P not in the broadcast group BG may play multiple hands; however only hand 1 (the first hand dealt) will affect their ladder position.

A player who has not staked will go to the very bottom of the ladder; a losing player from the broadcast group BG will be positioned above any player that has not staked, as they are deemed to be active.

Split

Players in the broadcast group BG may be prevented from splitting. Splitting allows players to play more than one hand, thus staying in the broadcast group for longer and delaying the opportunity for players behind them in the ladder.

Progressive Jackpot

A progressive jackpot may be awarded for multiple or suited Blackjacks (e.g. AJ spades) whilst in the broadcast group BG.

When a player wins the progressive jackpot, all players P playing on the same ladder at the time may benefit. The pot will be split 50/50 with 50% being awarded to the player and the remaining 50% is then distributed equally among the active hands in the ladder, regardless of whether the hand has bust.

Multiple pots & choosing positions

Each position in the broadcast group BG has an assigned progressive jackpot contributed to by all of the players on the relevant ladder.

On entering the game, the players will be shown the progressive jackpots and number of players on each ladder and given the option to choose which ladder they wish to join. This may help players who want to get onto the broadcast group BG more frequently as those players seeking a larger potential progressive payout are likely to join the ladder with the highest advertised pot, thus creating a fast track. Players may also elect to stop playing in one ladder and join another.

Alternative embodiments

An embodiment has been described above with reference to a competition or game, such as Blackjack. However, it will be apparent that aspects of the invention are applicable to other interactive applications. For example, the game G may be a quiz game, with players P being asked questions, and their position on the ladder being affected by whether they get an answer right or wrong. The players P may have live webcams, so that live images of the players within the broadcast group BG may automatically be included within the broadcast stream 2.

Alternative embodiments, which nevertheless fall within the scope of the present invention, may be apparent on reading the above description.