Login| Sign Up| Help| Contact|

Patent Searching and Data


Title:
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR A FANTASY SPORTS GAME
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2017/199040
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method for calculating points earned by a fantasy team including fantasy starters based on a real game. The method includes receiving the fantasy starters, each respective fantasy starting player of the fantasy starters being included in a real team squad. Real starters are received, each real starter included in the real team squad. Points earned are calculated for each respective fantasy starting player of the fantasy starters who is one of the real starters.

Inventors:
OMILANI KUNLE (GB)
Application Number:
PCT/GB2017/051394
Publication Date:
November 23, 2017
Filing Date:
May 18, 2017
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
OMILANI KUNLE (GB)
International Classes:
A63F13/828
Foreign References:
US20160051895A12016-02-25
US20150148129A12015-05-28
US20090270177A12009-10-29
US20100184495A12010-07-22
US20120289340A12012-11-15
Other References:
None
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
RATIONAL IP LIMITED (GB)
Download PDF:
Claims:
Claims

1 . A method for calculating points earned by a fantasy team including fantasy starters based on a real game, the method comprising :

receiving the fantasy starters, each respective fantasy starting player of the fantasy starters being included in a real team squad;

receiving real starters, each respective real starting player of the real starters being included in the real team squad; and

calculating the points earned for each respective fantasy starting player of the fantasy starters who is one of the real starters.

2. A method as claimed in any one of the above claims, wherein the fantasy team further includes fantasy substitutes, and the method further comprises:

receiving the fantasy substitutes, each respective fantasy substitute of the fantasy substitutes being included in the real team squad;

receiving a real substitute, the real substitute being included in the real team squad; and

calculating the points earned if the real substitute is one of the fantasy substitutes.

3. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the real substitute is received after a selection deadline. 4. A method as claimed in any one of the above claims, wherein the real substitute is received during a real game window.

5. A method as claimed in any one of the above claims, further comprising:

identifying fantasy in-game players, including each respective fantasy starter of the fantasy starters that is one of the real starters;

receiving real game data during the real game; and calculating the points earned for the fantasy in-game players based on the real game data.

6. A method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the fantasy in-game players further include each respective fantasy substitute of the fantasy substitutes that is a real in-game player.

7. A method as claimed in any one of the above claims, further comprising:

adding a selected fantasy substitute of the fantasy substitutes to the fantasy in-game players.

8. A method as claimed in claim 7, wherein adding the selected fantasy substitute of the fantasy substitutes to the fantasy in-game players further includes adding the selected fantasy in-game substitute automatically when there are fewer fantasy in-game players than real starters, the selected fantasy substitute being a real substitute of the real substitutes.

9. A method as claimed in claim 7, wherein adding the selected fantasy substitute of the fantasy substitutes to the fantasy in-game players further includes receiving a substitute player request including the selected fantasy substitute, the selected fantasy substitute being a member of the real substitutes. 10. A method as claimed in claim 9, wherein adding the selected fantasy substitute of the fantasy substitutes to the fantasy in-game players upon receiving a substitute player request further comprises:

identifying a selected substitute out player of the real in-game players; identifying a first game position of the selected fantasy substitute;

identifying a second game position of a selected substitute out player; and determining that first game position is the same as the second game position.

1 1 . A method as claimed in any one of claims 9 or 10, wherein adding a selected fantasy substitute of the fantasy substitutes to the fantasy in-game players upon receiving a substitute player request further comprises:

determining that the selected fantasy substitute is not a real in-game player of the real in-game players. 12. A method as claimed in any one of the above claims, wherein the real game data is received at a frequency of at least one Hz.

13. A method as claimed in any one of the above claims, wherein the real game data includes data compiled using a motion detecting device.

14. A method as claimed in any one of the above claims, wherein the real game data includes data compiled using a location detecting device.

15. A method as claimed in any one of the above claims, wherein the real game data includes data compiled using a biometrics device.

16. A method as claimed in any one of the above claims, wherein the real game data includes data entered by an observer. 17. A method as claimed in any one of the above claims, wherein the real game data includes data generated from a model created using data from at least one of a location tracking device, a biometrics device, or a motion detecting device. 18. A method as claimed in any one of the above claims, further comprising:

receiving a most valuable player selection from the client device; calculating points earned if the most valuable player selection is a real most valuable player.

19. A method as claimed in any one of the above claims, further comprising:

sending points earned to a client device.

20. A system configured to calculate points earned in a fantasy game via any one of the above claims.

21 . A computer program configured to perform a method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19.

22. An electronically readable medium storing the computer program according to claim 22.

23. A method to select a fantasy team to earn points based on a real game, the fantasy team including fantasy starters, and the method comprising:

displaying a fantasy starter selection interface including a real team squad ;

receiving fantasy starters from the fantasy starter selection interface, each respective fantasy starting player of the fantasy starters being included in the real team squad ;

sending the fantasy starters to a fantasy game server;

receiving, from the fantasy game server, points earned for each respective fantasy starting player of the fantasy starters who is one of the real starters;

displaying the points.

24. A method as claimed in claims 23, wherein the fantasy team further includes fantasy substitutes, and the method further comprises: displaying a fantasy substitute selection interface including the real team squad;

receiving the fantasy substitutes from the fantasy starter selection interface, each respective fantasy substitute of the fantasy substitutes being included in the real team squad ;

sending the fantasy substitutes to the fantasy game server;

receiving points for each respective substitute player of the fantasy substitutes who is a real substitute; and

displaying the points.

25. A method as claimed claim 24, wherein the points received for each respective substitute player of the fantasy substitutes who is the real substitute of the real substitutes are determined after a selection deadline. 26. A method as claimed claim 24, wherein the points received for each respective substitute player of the fantasy substitutes who is the real substitute real substitute are determined during a real game window.

27. A method as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 26, further comprising : receiving the points earned based on fantasy in-game players and real game data from the game data server during the real game, including each respective fantasy starter of the fantasy starters that is one of the real starters.

28. A method as claimed in claim 27, wherein the fantasy in-game players are determined via any one of the methods of claims 6 to 1 1 .

29. A method as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 28, further comprising : receiving the real game data from the game data server during the real game; and

displaying the real game data.

30. A method as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the real game data is received at a frequency of at least one Hz.

31 . A method as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein the real game data includes data compiled using a motion detecting device.

32. A method as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 31 , wherein the real game data includes data compiled using a location detecting device. 33. A method as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 32, wherein the real game data includes data compiled using a biometrics device.

34. A method as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 33, wherein the real game data includes data entered by an observer.

35. A method as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 34, wherein the real game data includes events generated from a model based on at least one of : location tracking device data, a biometrics device data, or a motion detecting device data.

36. A method as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 35, further comprising : displaying a most valuable player selection interface including the real team squad;

receiving the most valuable player selection from the most valuable player selection interface;

sending the most valuable player selection to the fantasy game server; and

receiving most valuable player points from the fantasy game server, the most valuable player points being earned if the most valuable player selection is a real most valuable player.

37. A method as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 36, further comprising : displaying the points.

38. A system to select a fantasy team to earn points based on a real game, via any one of claims 23 to 37.

39. A computer program configured to perform a method as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 38.

40. An electronically readable medium storing a computer program as claimed in claim 39.

41 . A system to select a fantasy team and determine points for a fantasy game based on a real game, the system comprising:

a client device configured to display a fantasy starter selection interface including a real team squad, receive fantasy starters from the fantasy starter selection interface, each respective fantasy starting player of the fantasy starters being included in the real team squad, send the fantasy starters to a fantasy game server, receive, from the fantasy game server, the points being earned for each respective fantasy starting player of the fantasy starters who is included in the real starters, and display the points; and

a fantasy game server configured to receive the fantasy starters, receive the real starters from the game event information server, and calculate the points earned for each respective fantasy starting player of the fantasy starters who is included in the real starters.

42. A system as claimed in 41 , wherein :

the client device is further configured to display a fantasy substitute selection interface including the real team squad, receive the fantasy substitutes from the fantasy starter selection interface, each respective fantasy substitute of the fantasy substitutes being included in the real team squad, send the fantasy substitutes to the fantasy game server, receive points for each respective substitute player of the fantasy substitutes who is a real substitute, and display the points, and

the fantasy game server is further configured to receive the fantasy substitutes, each respective fantasy substitute of the fantasy substitutes being included in the real team squad, receive the real substitute, the real substitute being included in the real team squad, and calculate the points earned if the real substitute is one of the fantasy substitutes.

43. A method and system to select a fantasy team and determine points for the fantasy game based on a real game as herein described with reference to the Figures.

Description:
Method and System for a Fantasy Sports Game

Field of Invention The present invention is in the field of computer games. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to fantasy sports games.

Background

Fantasy games allow users to create fantasy teams by choosing players from real-life teams. Typically a user selects fantasy players before a real-life game or competition begins. After the game begins, users earn points based on the actions taken by the real game actions performed by the players selected for the fantasy game. For example, a user may earn points for the goals scored or the shots on target by a player who was selected to be a fantasy game member.

Typically, users select players for a fantasy game based on a fantasy budget and a team including players across all of the teams in a league. Because the fantasy budget is typically limited, users may not, therefore simply pick the best players for a team. Furthermore, users are constrained by how many players they can select from a single club. Users must strategize by applying their knowledge of players and team management across a league to select players within the budget to earn the most points. After a fantasy team is selected, a user may score points every week based on events in the real-life games played. A user may be entitled to a limited number of player transfers to move players in or out of the fantasy team. This may be helpful if, for example, a fantasy player is injured in a real game and will be missing several games to recover.

Because prior fantasy games allow fans to select players league-wide, prior games require that a fan follow a wide variety of players and teams to earn points. Prior games do not, however, encourage fans to follow the management of one particular team, or the playing styles of its players in depth. Because all of the selections are made before a game begins, prior games fail to engage a fan further into a live game. Prior fantasy games therefore fail to deepen a fan's ties and engagement to one specific team, or engagement to a live game.

Because prior games further fail to allow a fantasy game player make selections for a sports team in a real game in a real-time, collated data collecting and distributed computing environment, prior games do now allow a user to see immediate feedback in the form of points earned for those selections in real time. Therefore, prior games are not able to deepen the engagement of a fantasy sports player during a live game via real-time feedback.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved fantasy game that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art, or at least provides a useful alternative. Summary of Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method for calculating points earned by a fantasy team including fantasy starters based on a real game, the method comprising:

receiving the fantasy starters, each respective fantasy starting player of the fantasy starters being included in a real team squad;

receiving real starters, each respective real starting player of the real starters being included in the real team squad ; and

calculating the points earned for each respective fantasy starting player of the fantasy starters who is one of the real starters. The fantasy team further includes fantasy substitutes, and the method may further comprise:

receiving the fantasy substitutes, each respective fantasy substitute of the fantasy substitutes being included in the real team squad ;

receiving a real substitute, the real substitute being included in the real team squad ; and

calculating the points earned if the real substitute is one of the fantasy substitutes. The real substitute may be received after a selection deadline.

The real substitute may be received during a real game window.

The method may further include the steps of :

identifying fantasy in-game players, including each respective fantasy starter of the fantasy starters that is one of the real starters;

receiving real game data during the real game; and

calculating the points earned for the fantasy in-game players based on the real game data.

The fantasy in-game players may further include each respective fantasy substitute of the fantasy substitutes that is a real in-game player.

The method may further include the step of :

adding a selected fantasy substitute of the fantasy substitutes to the fantasy in-game players.

Adding the selected fantasy substitute of the fantasy substitutes to the fantasy in-game players may further include adding the selected fantasy in-game substitute automatically when there are fewer fantasy in-game players than real starters, the selected fantasy substitute being a real substitute of the real substitutes. Adding the selected fantasy substitute of the fantasy substitutes to the fantasy in-game players may further include receiving a substitute player request including the selected fantasy substitute, the selected fantasy substitute being a member of the real substitutes.

Adding the selected fantasy substitute of the fantasy substitutes to the fantasy in-game players upon receiving a substitute player request may further comprise:

identifying a selected substitute out player of the real in-game players;

identifying a first game position of the selected fantasy substitute;

identifying a second game position of a selected substitute out player; and determining that first game position is the same as the second game position. Adding a selected fantasy substitute of the fantasy substitutes to the fantasy in-game players upon receiving a substitute player request may further comprise:

determining that the selected fantasy substitute is not a real in-game player of the real in-game players.

The real game data may be received at a frequency of at least one Hz.

The real game data may include data compiled using a motion detecting device.

The real game data may include data compiled using a location detecting device.

The real game data may include data compiled using a biometrics device.

The real game data may include data entered by an observer. The real game data may include data generated from a model created using data from at least one of a location tracking device, a biometrics device, or a motion detecting device. The method may further include the steps of :

receiving a most valuable player selection from the client device;

calculating points earned if the most valuable player selection is a real most valuable player. The method may further include the step of :

sending points earned to a client device.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is a system configured to calculate points earned in a fantasy game via any one of the above claims.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is a computer program configured to perform a method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is an electronically readable medium storing the computer program according to claim 22.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method for displaying a fantasy starter selection interface including a real team squad ; receiving fantasy starters from the fantasy starter selection interface, each respective fantasy starting player of the fantasy starters being included in the real team squad ;

sending the fantasy starters to a fantasy game server;

receiving, from the fantasy game server, points earned for each respective fantasy starting player of the fantasy starters who is one of the real starters; displaying the points.

The method may further include the step of : displaying a fantasy substitute selection interface including the real team squad ;

receiving the fantasy substitutes from the fantasy starter selection interface, each respective fantasy substitute of the fantasy substitutes being included in the real team squad;

sending the fantasy substitutes to the fantasy game server;

receiving points for each respective substitute player of the fantasy substitutes who is a real substitute; and

displaying the points.

The points received for each respective substitute player of the fantasy substitutes who is the real substitute of the real substitutes may be determined after a selection deadline. The points received for each respective substitute player of the fantasy substitutes who is the real substitute real substitute may be determined during a real game window.

The method may further include the step of :

receiving the points earned based on fantasy in-game players and real game data from the game data server during the real game, including each respective fantasy starter of the fantasy starters that is one of the real starters.

The fantasy in-game players may be determined via any one of the methods of the first aspect.

The method may further include the step of :

receiving the real game data from the game data server during the real game; and

displaying the real game data.

The real game data may be received at a frequency of at least one Hz. The real game data may include data compiled using a motion detecting device. The real game data may include data compiled using a location detecting device.

The real game data may include data compiled using a biometrics device. The real game data may include data entered by an observer.

The real game data may include events generated from a model based on at least one of: location tracking device data, a biometrics device data, or a motion detecting device data.

The method may further include the step of :

displaying a most valuable player selection interface including the real team squad ;

receiving the most valuable player selection from the most valuable player selection interface;

sending the most valuable player selection to the fantasy game server; and receiving most valuable player points from the fantasy game server, the most valuable player points being earned if the most valuable player selection is a real most valuable player.

The method may further include the step of :

displaying the points.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is a system to select a fantasy team to earn points based on a real game via any method of the first aspect. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is a electronically readable medium storing a computer program for performing the method to select the fantasy team to earn points based on the real game, the fantasy team including the fantasy starters as determined via any method of the first aspect.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is a computer program configured to perform a method as determined via any method of the first aspect.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is an electronically readable medium configured to store the computer program claimed in the first aspect. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is a system to select a fantasy team and determine points for a fantasy game based on a real game, the system comprising :

a client device configured to display a fantasy starter selection interface including a real team squad, receive fantasy starters from the fantasy starter selection interface, each respective fantasy starting player of the fantasy starters being included in the real team squad, send the fantasy starters to a fantasy game server, receive, from the fantasy game server, the points being earned for each respective fantasy starting player of the fantasy starters who is included in the real starters, and display the points; and

a fantasy game server configured to receive the fantasy starters, receive the real starters from the game event information server, and calculate the points earned for each respective fantasy starting player of the fantasy starters who is included in the real starters. The client device may further be configured to display a fantasy substitute selection interface including the real team squad, receive the fantasy substitutes from the fantasy starter selection interface, each respective fantasy substitute of the fantasy substitutes being included in the real team squad, send the fantasy substitutes to the fantasy game server, receive points for each respective substitute player of the fantasy substitutes who is a real substitute, and display the points, and

the fantasy game server may further be configured to receive the fantasy substitutes, each respective fantasy substitute of the fantasy substitutes being included in the real team squad, receive the real substitute, the real substitute being included in the real team squad, and calculate the points earned if the real substitute is one of the fantasy substitutes.

A method and system to select a fantasy team and determine points for the fantasy game may be based on a real game as herein described with reference to the Figures. Other aspects of the invention are described within the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :

Figure 1 a: shows system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 1 b: shows system 150 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2: shows system 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3: shows timeline 300 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 4: shows team squad 400 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 5: shows team squad 400 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6: shows team squad 400 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7: shows method 700 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8: shows method 800 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9: shows method 900 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 10: shows method 1000 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 1 1 : shows method 1 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 12: shows method 1200 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 13: shows method 1300 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 14: shows system 1400 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 15: shows system 1500 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

The present invention provides a method and system for a fantasy game.

In Figure 1 , a system for determining points earned by a fantasy team in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown. System 100 includes real game data collection devices 102, game data server 1 10, fantasy game server 1 12, client device 1 14, fantasy team database 1 14, and points database 1 18.

While system 100 will be discussed herein within the example of a football game, or a soccer game, this is not intended to be limiting. System 100 may be used to determine points earned by a fantasy game in other sports and activities as well. For example, system 100 may be used to determine points earned by a fantasy team in rugby, basketball, American football, baseball, cricket, and hockey. System 100 may be further applied to non-sports activities that include restricted groups of participants who take part in events that may be tracked to score points. Other examples are possible, as will be understood by those of skill in the art.

In examples, data collection devices 102 may be used to capture individual events in a real game. For example, data collection devices 102 may be used to observe raw data relating to a pass or a goal in an actual football game.

In examples, data collection devices 102 may collect raw data relating to the movements of players or equipment including, but not limited to, geographical position, altitude, acceleration, kicks, head movements, impacts, etc. In order to collect data relating to the movement of players, data collection devices 102 may include wearable or embedded devices, including accelerometers such as micro electromechanical (MEMS) or geospatial positioning system (GPS) technologies. Data collection devices 102 may further include one or more cameras 104 that, when paired with post-processing algorithms, can be used to determine the positions of players and/or equipment on the pitch.

Data collection devices 102 may include motion or range detecting devices 106 including, but not limited to: optical, infrared, microwave, radio, ultrasonic, laser signals and detectors.

Data collection devices 102 may further include observer input devices 108. Observer input devices 108 may include hand held devices, such as smart phones and tablets, or computers, such as laptops or desktop computers, that may be used by observers watching the game to record what they observe. For example, an observer may witness a shot on target in a live football game and record the shot on target via observer input device 108. Data collection devices 102 may be further incorporated to determine and monitor weather conditions and events, including but not limited to: temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, precipitation, and wind velocity.

Biomedical information may further be collected from data collection devices 102, including, but not limited to: heart rate, respiration rate, cadence, step count, acceleration devices, etc.

While data collection devices 102 are represented in Figure 1 as including three devices, this is not intended to be limiting. As those of skill in the art will readily understand, data collection devices 102 may include one or any number of devices capable of collecting data on events that take place at a sports game or any other type of event. Data processing devices 102 may include analogue or digital devices that generate raw data that is received by an intermediate processing device 120. The intermediate processing device may include a microprocessor, an FPGA, an analogue to digital converter, or a counter. The intermediate processing device may be connected to one or more data collection devices 102, and may provide intermediate data products to the game data server 1 10.

Figure 2 provides an example processing system 200. In examples, intermediate processing device 120 may include processing system 200. In examples, processing system 200 includes a processor 202, a memory 204, and a communication interface 206. Processing system 200 may further include a display 208. As will be further described below, processing system 200 may be further incorporated into any one of data collecting devices 102, game data server 1 10, fantasy game server 1 12, or client device 1 14.

Processor 202 may be configured to execute computer instructions, which, when executed on the system 100, perform a portion or all of the methods described in relation to Figures 7 to 13 below. In examples, processor 202 may include a single, or any multiple number of core processors, as will be understood by those of skill. In examples, processor 202 may execute an operating system such as a real time operating system providing a single thread or a multi-threaded environment. Memory 204 may be configured for storing computer program instructions, which, when executed on the processor 202, may perform a portion or all of the methods described in relation to Figures 7 to 13. Memory 204 may further be configurable to store raw data, event data, statistics, points earned, real team information, or fantasy team selections, as described in relation to Figures 7 to 13 below. In embodiments, memory 204 may comprise an electronically readable medium or a computer readable medium operable to store a computer program. In embodiments, memory 204 may include a non-transitory medium. In further examples, processor 202 and memory 204 may be included on a personal computer, such as a desktop or a laptop computer, or a hand held device such as a smart phone or a tablet computer.

In examples, processor 202 and memory 204 may be incorporated into a custom chipset, such as a system on a chip. For example, processor 202 and memory 204 may be incorporated into a custom Snapdragon, Tegra, Mali- 400, Cortex, Samsung Exynos, Intel Atom, Apple, or Motorola chip, or any other type of chip known to those of skill in the art. In further examples, processor 202 and memory 204 may be included on a server device, such as an application, a database, a game, or a web server.

In examples, portions of the methods described in relation to Figures 7 to 13 may be stored or executed outside of system 100. For example, a portion of the methods described in relation to Figures 7 to 13 may be stored or executed on a combination of a server and cloud storage facility via the Internet.

Communications interface 206 may be configured to communicate with external devices such as data collection devices 102, game data server 1 10, fantasy game server 1 12, client device 1 14, or fantasy game database 1 16. In examples, communications interface 206 may incorporate wired or wireless interfaces. For example, communications interface 206 may include a wired or wireless standard such as WIFI, 3G, 4G, Ethernet, Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE, zigbee, near field communication (NFC), or any other communications known to those of skill in the art. In the example of client device 1 14, system 200 may further include a display 208. Display 208 may be operable to display real game data, or a user interface in conjunction with the methods described in relation to Figures 7 to 13.

Further data processing may be required to transition raw data from data collecting devices 102 or intermediate data from intermediate processing device 120 into real game data, or event data from player actions in a real game capable of being used to determine points earned by a user who has created a fantasy team. The processing of real game data may take place in intermediate processing device 120, or in game data server 1 10.

System 100 may further include game data server 1 10. Game data server 1 10 may be operable to execute instructions, or to retrieve and save data in a database relating to the methods depicted in Figures 7 to 13. In examples, game data server 1 10 may include a single server, or multiple servers in a distributed architecture.

Game data server 1 10 may receive raw data from data collection devices 102 or intermediate data from intermediate processing device 120 at any rate, providing real game data, event data, and statistics to fantasy game server 1 12 in turn. In examples, game data server 1 10 may receive data from data collection devices 102 at a frequencies of .2-120 Hz. Game data server 1 10 may further provide event data and statistics to fantasy game server 1 12 on a real time basis at a frequency of .2-60 Hz.

System 100 may further include fantasy game server 1 12. Fantasy game server 1 12 may be operable to execute instructions, or to retrieve and save data in a database relating to the methods depicted in Figures 7 to 13. In examples, game data server 1 10 may include a single server, or multiple servers in a distributed architecture. In examples, fantasy game server 1 12 may support a relational database, a NoSQL database, a distributed database, and/or any other database known to those of skill. For example, fantasy game server 1 12 may support, or be in communication with fantasy team database 1 16. Fantasy team database 1 16 may include information about a real team or a fantasy team that can be used to help a user playing a fantasy team make a fantasy team selection or a substitution request.

Fantasy team database 1 16 may include individual match information, including, but not limited to:

• Match date and time

• Match venue

· Match referee

• Match starting elevens and substitutes

• Match substitutions and times

• Match goal/ points scorers, type and time

• Match half-time score

· Match full-time score

• Match player cautions by type and times

• Match penalties scored and missed and times

• Match corners taken by player and times

• Match player offsides and times

· Match shots (on and off target) by player and times)

• Match free kicks taken and times

• Match fouls (by and on whom and times

• Match player ratings It will be appreciated that the some of the above match information may be specific to certain types of fantasy games, for example football or hockey, and that different fantasy games will utilise some of the match information or additional match information which may be applicable to that type of fantasy game. Fantasy team database 1 16 may include team, or club information, which may include, but is not limited to:

• Basic Club facts (e.g. Ground, manager etc)

• Club trophies

• Club playing squads

· Club fixture list

• Club results list

• Club attendance record

• Club individual match data

• Club historical league position

· Club W/D/L history

• Club shots and goals

• Club corners

• Club offsides

• Club free kicks

· Club goals scored and conceded distribution

• Club goals scored and conceded distribution by time

• Club player discipline and fouls

• Club transfers in

• Club transfers out

· Club leading goal scorers

• Club penalties scored and missed

Fantasy team database 1 16 may include individual player information and statistics, which may include, but is not limited to:

· Player basic facts (date of birth, nationality, height, etc.)

• Player club history • Player appearance as starter

• Player appearance as substitute

• Time of player substitution

• Player goals

· Player clean sheets

• Player fouls, cautions and sending off

• Player shots and goals

• Player free kicks taken

• Player shots and goals assists

· Player offsides

• Player match ratings

Fantasy game server 1 12 may further support, or be in communication with points database 1 18. Points database 1 18 may be used to keep track of the points earned by a user playing a fantasy football player. For example, user may earn points based on a selection of starters, selection of substitute players, real game events, or most valuable player, as is further described below with reference to Figures 7 to 13. System 100 may further include client device 1 14. In examples, client device 1 14 may be a computing apparatus such as a smart TV, a game console, a laptop, or desktop computer, a custom device, or an app-enabled piece of household hardware. In examples, client device 1 14 may be a hand-held or mobile computing device such as a smart phone, a tablet, a smart watch, or a wearable device.

In examples, system 100 may be used to operate the applications depicted in system 150. System 150 includes intermediate processing application 152, game data application 154, fantasy game application 156, and client application 158. In examples, intermediate processing application 152 may provide event data to game data application 154. Game data application 154 may provide real game data to fantasy game application 156. Fantasy game application 156 may calculate points earned for a fantasy team based on real game data, and send the points to client application 158. Fantasy game application 154 may receive fantasy team configurations, such as fantasy starters, substitutes, and man of the match selections, from client application 158 in turn.

In examples, intermediate processing application 152 may execute on intermediate processing device 120; game data application 154 may execute on game data server 1 10; fantasy game application 156 may execute on fantasy game server 1 12; and client application 158 may execute on client device 1 14. In further examples, however, two or more of intermediate processing application 152, game data application 154, fantasy game application 156, and client application 158 may operate on the same processing device 200. Alternatively, any one of intermediate processing application 152, game data application 154, fantasy game application 156, and client application 158 may execute on multiple processing devices 200.

Game data application 152, fantasy game application 154, and client application 156 be utilized in various phases before, during, and after a real game. For example, Figure 3 depicts a game timeline 300. The selection window open event 302 and the selection deadline 304 define the selection window 310. In examples, the selection window 310 may open and close before a real game for which a fantasy team will be constructed to earn fantasy points begins.

After the selection deadline 304 passes, the real game window 312 begins at real game start 306 and ends at real game end 308. In examples, the real game window 312 may occur at least an hour after, immediately following, or any time after selection deadline 304 has passed. In embodiments, fantasy game application 154 may perform the steps of method 700 of Figure 7. Method 700 may be used to calculate points earned by a fantasy team including fantasy starters based on a real game. Method 700 begins with step 706. In step 706, points 718 are calculated based on fantasy starters 702 and real starters 704 received. Each member of fantasy starters 702 and each member of real starters 704 are members of a real team squad. A real team squad, or roster, includes the players or participants on the roster of a sports team. In some games, such as football, the players on the real team squad may be selected to be available to play in a game, or may not be available to play in a game. In the example of a football club, there are typically 25-30 members of a real team squad.

For example, Figure 4 depicts a block diagram of fantasy team 400 and real team squad 402. Real team squad 402 includes 28 players.

Fantasy starters 702 are the players that a user predicts will be real starters 704 at game start 306. For example, in Figure 4, it may be seen that fantasy team 400 includes fantasy starters 702 that have been selected from real team squad 402. In examples, fantasy starters 702 may be selected during selection window 310. Real starters 704 are those players from the real team squad 402 that will be playing on the pitch or the field during the start of a game.

Real starters 704 may be announced by a real team manager before or concurrent with real game start 306. For example, Figure 5 depicts real starters 704, which include 1 1 players. It may be seen that real starters 704 include five fantasy starters 702, players 508, 510, 512, 514, and 516, and five non-fantasy players, depicted as white players. In step 706, points are calculated for each respective fantasy starting player of the fantasy starters that is also a real starter. In the example of Figure 5, points are earned for players 508, 510, 512, 514, and 516.

In examples, method 700 may include step 712. In step 712, substitute points are calculated based on fantasy substitutes 708 and real substitutes 1 10. Each respective fantasy substitute 708 is also part of the real team squad 402.

A substitute is a player that is not a starting player, but available to be substituted into a real game. For a football game, typically a squad of 24-30 will have 1 1 starting players, 4 substitute players, and 9-15 players who are neither starters or substitutes and are not available to play in a game.

The example of football is not intended to be limiting however. In American football, for example, National Football League (NFL) provide that a team roster may include up to 53 players, 1 1 of which are participating in a game at any given time, 32 of which are available to be substituted into the game, and 10 of which are not dressed, or available to play in a game. In basketball, for example under the National Basketball Association (NBA) rules, a team may include up to 13 players on a roster, 5 of which may play in a game, 7 of which may be active on the bench, and one which is not dressed to play in a game. Other sports include similar rules that differentiate players on a roster from those actively playing in a game, those available to be substituted into a game, and those who are not available to be substituted into a game.

Fantasy substitutes 708 are the players that the user predicts will be selected as real substitutes in a game. For example, Figure 4 depicts four fantasy substitutes 708 represented by black figures labelled "Sub." Real substitutes 710 are those players that a club has selected to make available as substitutes in a game. In examples, real substitutes 710 may be announced after a selection deadline 304, and received at fantasy game application 156 via game data application 154.

Figure 5 depicts example real substitutes 710, which include one of the fantasy substitutes, player 522, one fantasy starter, player 520, and two non- fantasy team players are included in real substitutes 710. In step 712, points 718 are earned for each respective substitute player of the fantasy substitutes 708 who is a real substitute 710. For example, in team squad 402, receive points may be earned for player 522, who is both a fantasy substitute and a real game substitute. Method 700 may further include step 724. In step 724, fantasy in-game players are identified based on real in-game players 722.

Fantasy in-game players are a subset of fantasy players 400 that are available to earn points for their actions in a real game based on real game data.

Real in-game players 722 are those players on team squad 400 that are actively playing during a real game period 312. For example, Figure 5 depicts real in-game players 722 at real game start 306. Fantasy in-game players 726 are a subset of the real in-game players 722.

At real game start 306, real in-game players 722 may include the real starters 704. Initially, the fantasy in-game players 726 include each respective fantasy starter 702 of the fantasy starters that is also a real starter 704. Later as substitutions are made into the game, however, some of the real starters 704 may be taken out of the game, and substitutes may be added to the game, as will be described below. In examples, step 724 may further include the steps of method 800 of Figure 8. Method 800 includes step 802. In step 802, it may be determined whether the selected fantasy substitute 802 is a real in-game player of the real in- game players 722.

In examples, method 700 may further include the steps of receiving additional predictions from a user and calculating additional points based upon those predictions eventuating. These predictions may include, for example, a starting formation for the team or predictions about the starting players for the opposing team. The additional points may then be combined with the outputs from 706, 712, and 730 into points 718. A potential advantage

Method 800 encourage a user to anticipate substitutions before they happen in the real game in order to be able to earn game points. Advantageously, this may encourage the user to respond quickly to real-time events of the game in order to earn the maximum possible points.

For example, it may be seen in Figure 5 that player 518, a fantasy substitute 708, is included with the real starters 704. Therefore, player 518 may be included to the fantasy in-game players 806.

In a further examples, identifying fantasy in-game players in step 724 may further include the steps of method 900 of Figure 9. Method 900 includes step 902. In step 902, a selected fantasy substitute of the fantasy substitutes may be added to the fantasy in-game players.

For example, it may be seen in Figure 6 that player 522, fantasy substitute 708, has been substituted into the game, is therefore a real in-game player 722, and may also be added to the fantasy in-game players 726. The two real substitutes 710, represented as white figures in Figure 5, are not fantasy players. In examples, non-fantasy players may not be eligible to be added to the fantasy in-game players 806. In other words, the user may not earn points by substituting non-fantasy players into the game.

In examples, selected fantasy substitute 902 may be automatically added to the fantasy in-game players when there are fewer fantasy in-game players 726 than real starters 704. This may allow a user to maximize points earned for a fantasy team for a real game.

In further examples, the selected fantasy substitute 902 may be added to the fantasy in-game players 726 when a substitute player request including the selected fantasy substitute 902 is received. The substitute player request may be created by client application 156 and received by fantasy game application 154 any time during the real game period 312.

In further examples, the substitute player request may further include a selected real game player 722, which will be replaced by the selected fantasy substitute 802.

A substitute player request is a message or data packet that may be sent to fantasy game application 156 to add selected fantasy substitute 902 to fantasy in-game players 726. For example, substitute player request may be defined via by the following JSON document:

{ "fantasy_team" : "23489",

"user" : " john_smith" ,

"team_roster " : "arsenal"

"selected_fantasy_substitute" : "Oliver Giroud"

}

In examples, adding the selected fantasy substitute 902 to the fantasy in- game players 726 upon receiving a fantasy substitute request may further comprise the steps of method 1000 depicted in Figure 10. Method 1000 includes step 1002 to identify a first game position, which determines the first game position 1004 of a received selected fantasy substitute 802. For example, first game position 1004 may be a goalkeeper, a defender, a midfielder, or a forward.

Method 1000 continues with step 1008, identify a second game position. Step 1008 determines the second game position 1010 of a selected substitute out player 1006. For example, second game position 1010 may also be a goalkeeper, a defender, a midfielder, or a forward.

In examples, a selected substitute out player 1006 may be a real in-game player 722 who is not a fantasy player 400. In further examples, a selected substitute out player 1006 may be a fantasy player 400 who is not a real in- game player 722.

In examples, selected substitute out player 1006 may be determined automatically. In further examples, however, selected substitute out player 1006 may be selected by a user. For example, selected substitute out player 1006 may be received in example substitute player request defined via by the following JSON document:

{ "fantasy_team" : "23489",

"user" : " john_smith" ,

"team_roster " : "arsenal"

"selected_fantasy_substitute" : "Oliver Giroud"

"selected_substitute_out_player" : "Alexis Sanchez"}

Method 1000 may continue with step 1012. In step 1012, it is determined whether first and second game positions 1004 and 1010 match. If first and second game positions 1004 and 1010 match, selected fantasy substitute 802 may be added to the fantasy in-game players 806. In examples, the selected fantasy substitute 802 may only be added to the fantasy in-game players if the selected fantasy substitute 802 is not a member of real in-game players 722. Returning to method 700, the method continues with step 730. In step 730, points may be calculated based on real game data 728 and fantasy in-game players 726.

In examples, the real game data 728 may be received on a real time basis at a frequency of at least one Hz. In further examples, the real game data 728 may be received on a real time basis between .2Hz and 120 Hz.

Advantageously, this may allow a user to observe real time game data, make strategic selections and substitutions during the game, and observe points as they are earned in real-time for real-time game actions.

In examples, the real game data 728 may include timing information relating to when the real game data 728 occurred or was captured. In examples, the real game data 728 may include information compiled using any combination of motion detecting, location detecting, or a biometric devices. In examples, the real game data 728 may further include data entered by an observer. In examples, the real game data 728 may include data generated from a model created using data from at least one of a location tracking device, a biometrics device, or a motion detecting device.

Method 700 includes calculate game points 730. Game points 732 may be earned for the activities of fantasy in-game players 806. For example, game points 732 may be earned for fantasy in-game players that perform the following actions:

For playing up to 60 minutes in a game; • For playing 60 minutes or more in a game;

• For each goal scored;

• For each goal assist, or each final passing or crossing of a ball to a player who scores;

· For a clean sheet, or for not conceding a goal whilst on the pitch and

playing or at least 60 minutes;

• For every 3 shot saves, or shot stops;

• For each penalty save;

• For each penalty miss;

· Bonus points for the most valuable players in a match;

• For every 2 goals conceded by a goalkeeper or defender;

• For each yellow card, meaning that the player has been officially cautioned in a game;

• For each red card, meaning that the player is dismissed from the game; and

• For each own goal.

In examples, a fantasy player that has been substituted into a game before, or concurrently as a goal is conceded may still earn clean sheet. In examples, a fantasy player that receives a red card may continue to be penalised for goals conceded by the team after he is dismissed. In examples, red card deductions may include the points deducted for yellow cards.

This list is not intended to be limited. As those of skill will readily understand, other fantasy player actions may also earn or loose points 732 as well.

In examples, the game points 732 earned by a fantasy player may depend on the fantasy player's position. For example, goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards may earn different points for scoring a goal, for clean sheets, or for earning multiple goals. In examples, game points 732 for shot saves may only be earned by a goalkeeper. In examples, game points 732 calculated may be earned and reported in real time. Advantageously, this may provide real time feedback on how the fantasy team and fantasy substitutions selections made by a user for a specific team during a game are earning points for that user. The user may, therefore make further selections, using the features of the distributed, real time data collation and processing environment to integrate the user's engagement with a real football game and the fantasy game.

In examples, game points 732 may be subject to correction after real game end 308, based on changes to the real game data 728.

After the real game start 306, fantasy substitutions may be made into the game. In some examples, the number of fantasy substitutions may be limited to a predetermined number. For example, a predetermined number of three fantasy substitutions may be possible during a fantasy football game. This is not intended to be limiting, however, as any number of substitutions are possible.

Furthermore, in examples, timing information may be associated with users selections of fantasy substitutes. The game points 732 calculated may then be calculated based upon timing information relating to the real game data 728 and the timing information relating to the fantasy substitutes such that points are only awarded for fantasy substitutes for real game data 728 timed after selection of the fantasy substitute.

In examples, the fantasy team 400 may only earn points if it includes a formation, or a minimum required number of players in one or more positions. For example, the fantasy team may require a goalkeeper, at least three defenders, and at least one forward to be selected at all times in order to earn points. This is not intended to be limiting, however. Other formations are also possible, as will be understood by those of skill in the art. In examples, fantasy game application 154 may perform method 1 100 in addition to any of methods 700, 800, 900, and 1000, as depicted in Figure 1 1.

In examples, a user may select most valuable player selection 1 102 via client application 158. The user may designate several most valuable player selections by rank, for example a first, second, and third most valuable player selections. Most valuable player selection 1 102 may be received at fantasy game application 154 from a client application 156 before a most valuable player selection deadline.

In examples, real most valuable player 1 104 may be generated by fantasy game data application 152, and may reflect an algorithm that uses a range of statistics to create a most valuable player score for each player on a squad. Points 718 earned for most valuable player are calculated in step 1 106. For example, if a user selects a first, second, and third most valuable player selection, most valuable player points 1 108 may be awarded for each position correctly guessed. In examples, fantasy game application 154 may perform further steps in addition to any of methods 700, 800, 900, 1000, and 1 100. Points 718 may be earned for fantasy starters 702, fantasy substitutes 708, fantasy in-game players 726, or most valuable player selection 1 102, and points 718 data may be sent to client application 156. In examples, points 718 may be earned for selection of a team formation corresponding to the real-world team formation (e.g. for football, 4-4-2 or 3-5-2).

Points 718 may be tracked and saved in points database 1 18 for a single game, or for a series of games. In examples, the total fantasy team score may be used to rank a fantasy team against other teams in a league. Figure 12 depicts a further embodiment of the invention, method 1200. In examples, method 1200 may execute on client application 158. Method 1200 may be used to select a fantasy team to earn points based on a real game. Method 1200 begins with step 1 202. In step 1 202, a fantasy starter selection interface is displayed. Fantasy starter selection interface allows a user to select fantasy starters 702 from a real team roster 402 of players. Real team roster 402 may be received from fantasy game application 156. Method 1200 continues with step 1206. In step 1206, fantasy starters 702 are received from fantasy starter selection interface 1202 and sent to fantasy game application 156. In examples, fantasy game application 1 56 may save fantasy starters 702 on fantasy team database 1 16. In examples, fantasy starters 702 may be sent to fantasy game application 156 as represented by the following JSON document:

fantasy team" : "2348 9",

user" : " john smith",

team roster": "arsenal",

selected starterl" : "David Ospina",

selected starter2" : " ieran Gibbs",

selected starter3" : "Nacho Monreal",

selected starter4" : "Laurant Koscielny",

selected starter5" : "Mesut Ozil",

selected starter6" : "Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

selected starterV : "Mathieu Flamini",

selected starter8" : "Olivier Giroud",

selected starter9" : "Theo Walcott",

selected starter 10" : "Danny Welbeck",

selected starter 11" : "Alex Iwobi"

}

Method 1 200 continues with step 1214, display points 1214. In step 1214, points 718 are received from the fantasy game server. Points 718 may be earned, for example, using any of the methods described with respect to figures 7 to 1 1 . In examples, points 718 may be displayed on display 208. In examples, method 1200 may include further steps. For example, method 1200 may include steps 1208 and 1210. In step 1208, a fantasy substitute selection interface may be displayed. Fantasy substitute selection interface may allow a user to select fantasy substitutes 708 from a real team roster 402.

Fantasy substitutes 708 may be received from fantasy substitute selection interface 1208, and method 1200 may continue with step 1210. In step 1210, fantasy substitutes 708 are sent to fantasy game application 156. Fantasy game application 156 may save fantasy substitutes 708 on fantasy team database 1 16. In examples, fantasy substitutes 708 may be sent to fantasy game application 156 in by the following JSON document:

{ "fantasy_team" : "23489",

"user" : " john_smith" ,

"team_roster " : "arsenal",

"selected_ substitute 1" 'Petr Cech",

"selected_ substitute2" 'Per Mertesacke

"selected_ substitute3" "Calum Chambers

"selected_ substituted' 'Thomas Rosicky

"selected substitutes " "Joel Campbell"

}

In examples, method 1200 may include further steps. For example, method 1200 may include step 1216. In step 1216, real game data 728 is received and displayed.

Figures 14 and 15 depict systems 1400 and 1500, respectively. Systems 1400 and 1500 may be used to perform any combination of methods 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1 100, 1200, and 1300. System 1400 includes intermediate processing device 152, game event data server 154, fantasy game server 156, and client device 158, and system 1500 includes game event data server 154, fantasy game server 156, and client device 158. In the example systems 1400 and 1500, the client application 158 may be utilized to select a fantasy team to earn points based on a real game, and fantasy game server 156 may be utilized to calculate points earned by a fantasy team including fantasy starters based on a real game.

As may be seen in Figure 14, intermediate processing application 152 may send raw data 1402 to game data application 154. For example, raw data 1402 may include data from one or more real game data collection devices 102. In examples, raw data 1402 may be represented in by the following JSON document capturing a discrete time interval :

{ "timestamp" : "23482598099",

"game" : "20160321_33",

"teaml ": "Arsenal",

"team2": "Manchester City",

"player 1" : "Mesut Ozil",

"player l_acceleration" : true,

"player l_distance" : 5,

"player l_heartrate" : 95,

"player l_position_x" : 399,

"player l_position_y" : 803,

"ball_position_x" : 401,

"ball_position_y" : 810

}

Game data application 154 may use raw data 1402 to determine event data 1404. For example, game data application 154 may interpret, integrate and apply algorithms to raw data 1402 to create a timeline from which real game events may be identified. In examples, event data may be deduced from raw data 1402 to describe real game events. For example, positions of various players may be modelled to determine events such as shots on target, goal assists, and penalty saves.

For example, if raw data 1402 includes data about player positions, player accelerations, player heart rate, ball positions, game data application 154 may apply algorithms to determine that a particular player has scored a goal or attempted a shot on target. Game data application 154 may send real game data 728 to fantasy game application 156. In examples, real game data 728 may be represented by the following JSON document:

{ "timestamp" : "23482598099",

"game" : "20160321_33",

"teaml ": "Arsenal",

"team2": "Manchester City",

"player 1" : "Mesut Ozil",

"player l_playing_time" : 330,

"player l_goal_scored" : 0,

"player l_goal_assist" : 2,

"player l_shot_on_target" : 3,

"player l clean sheet" : true,

"player l_possession" : 3,

"player l_red_card" : 0,

"player l_yellow_card" : 1

}

The example raw data 1402 and real game data 728 packets provided above are not intended to be limiting, however. As those of skill in the art will readily understand, raw data 1402 and real game data 728 may include any information relating to movements and events in a real game.

Fantasy game application 156 may receive real game data 728 and send real game data 728 to client application 158. In examples fantasy game application 156 may send real game data 728 to client application 158 at the same frequency or a lower frequency than real game data 728 is received at fantasy game application 156. In examples, fantasy game application 156 may provide further filtering or processing of real game data 728 received from game data application 154, to send real game data' 728' to client application 158.

Advantageously, game data application 154 may make real game data 728 available to fantasy game application 156 and client application 158 to provide real time feedback to a user regarding points earned on a football match in progress.

In Figure 15 it may be seen that the process of selecting a fantasy team and earning points based on the fantasy team and a real game commences when client application 158 sends fantasy starters 708 to fantasy game application 156. Fantasy game application next receives real starters 704 from game data application 154. Fantasy game application 156 calculates points 718 based on the fantasy starters 708 and real starters 704, for example as described with regards to step 706 above. In examples, fantasy game application 156 may send points 718 to client application 158 earned for fantasy starters for display.

Client application 158 may further send fantasy substitutes 802 to fantasy game application 156, for example as described with regards to steps 1208 and 1210. Fantasy game application may receive real substitutes 710 from game data application 154. Fantasy game application 156 may calculate points 718 based on the fantasy substitutes 802 and real substitutes 710, for example as described with regards to step 712 above. In examples, fantasy game application 156 may send points 718 to client application earned for fantasy substitutes 158 for display.

Game data application 154 may further send real game data 728 to fantasy game application 156. Fantasy game application 156 receives real substitutes game data 728 and calculates points 718 based on the fantasy in- game players 726, for example as described with regards to steps 724 and 730 above. Fantasy game application 156 sends points 718 to client application earned based on fantasy in-game players 726 and real game data 728.

Advantageously, because the embodiments of the application include the collection and processing of raw data from several real time sources in a distributed environment to extract events, or game data, the embodiments may provide an integrated real time environment to facilitate a fantasy game. The game data collected and processed may allow a user to determine how the selections and choices made in a fantasy game affect points earned on a real time basis. Because the feedback for selections is available throughout a real game, the embodiments provide a way to engage the user that leverages the a complex, real time data coordination and processing environment.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of the embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departure from the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept.