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WO2016019301A2 - Fantasy sports gaming with player substitutions - Google Patents

Fantasy sports gaming with player substitutions Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016019301A2
WO2016019301A2 PCT/US2015/043222 US2015043222W WO2016019301A2 WO 2016019301 A2 WO2016019301 A2 WO 2016019301A2 US 2015043222 W US2015043222 W US 2015043222W WO 2016019301 A2 WO2016019301 A2 WO 2016019301A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fantasy sports
player
contest
fantasy
sports
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2015/043222
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French (fr)
Other versions
WO2016019301A3 (en
Inventor
Travis HILLS
Giancarlo Canessa
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Max Sports Gaming LLC
Original Assignee
Max Sports Gaming LLC
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Max Sports Gaming LLC filed Critical Max Sports Gaming LLC
Publication of WO2016019301A2 publication Critical patent/WO2016019301A2/en
Publication of WO2016019301A3 publication Critical patent/WO2016019301A3/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q50/00—Information and communication technology [ICT] specially adapted for implementation of business processes of specific business sectors, e.g. utilities or tourism
    • G06Q50/34—Betting or bookmaking, e.g. Internet betting
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/3286—Type of games
    • G07F17/3288—Betting, e.g. on live events, bookmaking

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to the field of fantasy sports and, more particularly, to a fantasy sports gaming system that accommodates player substitutions for short-term fantasy sports contests (e.g., daily leagues).
  • Fantasy Sports Leagues were created with a group of friends who generally "drafted” athletes for the duration of the season. Due to the length of professional sports seasons, many leagues would allow league participants to perform trades with one another or simply acquire new players from an available pool. Trades were generally limited due to limitations with communication and documentation. Leagues generally lasted the entire professional sports season due also to the resources needed to create and manage the league participants as well as their fantasy sports athletes.
  • the present invention is applicable to a fantasy sports contest that is based upon a single common sport and at a single common level within this single common sport (e.g., major league baseball; minor league baseball at a common level (rookie league; A ball; AA ball; AAA ball); FIFA I college
  • such a fantasy sports contest may be based upon a plurality of actual sports contests (a single common sport and at a single common level within this sport) that are conducted over a time period that is of a first duration, where this first duration would not allow any of the available fantasy sports players to play for the same team and participate in more than one actual sports contest during the time period defined by the first duration (e.g., each sports team encompassed by the fantasy sports contest would be scheduled to play a maximum of one game/sports contest in the time period defined by the first duration).
  • the fantasy sports contest could be based upon a single date for the relevant single common sport and at a single common level within this single common sport.
  • the fantasy sports contest could also be based upon a game or week number of a season for a given sports league (e.g., week 13 of an NFL football season).
  • the present invention accommodates the substitution of one fantasy sports player in a particular fantasy sports lineup for another fantasy sports player, all for purposes of the relevant fantasy sports contest of the above-noted limited duration.
  • the present invention accommodates a first fantasy sports player in a fantasy sports lineup to play in only a portion of a single sports contest or game for purposes of the fantasy sports contest, and then allows a second fantasy sports player to be substituted for the first fantasy sports player in the same fantasy sports lineup to play in only a portion of a single sports contest or game for purposes of the same fantasy sports contest.
  • the present invention may be configured such that a fantasy player substitution will be allowed in at least some circumstances, but not in other circumstances.
  • the contribution to a fantasy sports contestant's score for a fantasy sports contest could be based upon their performance in only a certain portion of a single actual sports contest in which the fantasy sports player participated in accordance with the present invention.
  • a first aspect of the invention is directed to a fantasy sports gaming system that includes:
  • processor system that uses at least one processor (e.g., multiple processors may be arranged in any appropriate processing architecture);
  • a gaming module that includes a gaming protocol that is configured to execute a fantasy sports contest in accordance with the foregoing, and where the gaming module is configured to receive a lineup of a plurality of fantasy sports players from a fantasy sports contestant or participant, and where the lineup is for the fantasy sports contest being conducted by the fantasy sports gaming system;
  • substitution module that includes a substitution assessment protocol, where the substitution module is configured to: 1) receive a substitution request from the fantasy sports participant, where the substitution request is to replace one fantasy sports player currently in the participant's lineup with a substitute fantasy sports player that is not currently in the participant's lineup; and 2) assess a validity of the substitution request based upon a substitution request time associated with the substitution request and a start time of an actual first sports contest that is associated with the substitute fantasy sports player and that is covered by the fantasy sports contest;
  • a scoring module that includes a scoring protocol that is configured to compute a contestant score for the fantasy sports contest and in association with the fantasy sports participant;
  • a data storage system that is configured to store data on a plurality of actual sports contests
  • a communications module that is configured to allow the fantasy sports gaming system to communicate with at least one and more typically a plurality of fantasy sports contestant computers;
  • a bus that is configured to allow communication among the memory system, the processor system, the gaming module, the substitution module, and the scoring module, and the data storage system (e.g., a computer-readable storage medium), where each of the gaming module, the substitution module, the scoring module, and the data storage system are stored on a computer-readable storage medium in a non-transitory form.
  • the data storage system e.g., a computer-readable storage medium
  • Figure 1 is a representative illustration of a fantasy sports contest that uses a fantasy sports gaming system that allows for fantasy sports player substitutions.
  • Figure 2 is a schematic of one embodiment of the fantasy sports gaming system from Figure 1.
  • Figure 3 is one embodiment of a gaming protocol that may be utilized by the fantasy sports gaming system of Figures 1-2 and that accommodates fantasy sports player substitutions.
  • Figure 4 is one embodiment of a substitution assessment protocol that may be utilized by the fantasy sports gaming system of Figures 1-2 and in relation to fantasy sports player substitutions.
  • Figure 5 is one embodiment of a scoring protocol that may be utilized by the fantasy sports gaming system of Figures 1-2 and that accommodates fantasy sports player substitutions.
  • Figure 6 is a schematic that illustrates compilation of a contestant score for a fantasy sports contest in accordance with the scoring protocol of Figure 5.
  • Figure 1 is a representative illustration of a fantasy sports contest.
  • a fantasy sports gaming system
  • fantasy sports gaming system 10 is used to conduct a fantasy sports contest based upon one or more actual sports contests 30.
  • Data from these sports contests 30 may be provided to the fantasy sports gaming system 10 by one or more sports data providers 40 (e.g., Sports Data, LLC or STATS, Inc.).
  • Each sports data provider 40 may acquire player performance data from one or more sports contests 30 in any appropriate manner, including over an appropriate communications link 42.
  • Contestants in the fantasy sports contest being conducted by the fantasy sports gaming system 10 may participate through a contestant computer 46 of any appropriate type (e.g., a laptop computer; a desktop computer; a tablet computer; a smart phone).
  • Each contestant computer 46 communicates with the fantasy sports gaming system 10 over a communication link 42 of any appropriate type.
  • the various communication links 42 between contestant computers 46 that are participating in a fantasy sports contest and the fantasy sports gaming system 10 may be part of a common communications network 44, such as the Internet. It should be appreciated that a given fantasy sports contestant could utilize one or more different contestant computers 46 during a given fantasy sports contest.
  • the fantasy sports gaming system 10 shown in Figure 1 may utilize one or more servers, may be characterized as a host computer, or the like.
  • Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment for the fantasy sports gaming system 10.
  • a gaming module 20, a substitution module 22, and a scoring module 24 may be utilized by the fantasy sports gaming system 10 to conduct a fantasy sports contest that allows for player substitutions during the fantasy sports contest.
  • Each of these modules will be discussed in more detail below in relation to the protocols of Figures 3-5 (each of which may include instructions on a computer- readable storage medium of any appropriate type or types and in a non-transitory form) and in relation to how the fantasy sports gaming system 10 may be configured to conduct a fantasy sports contest with player substitutions.
  • the fantasy sports gaming system 10 of Figure 2 may use a processor system 12 and a memory system 14 that communicate through a bus 26. Any appropriate number and type of processors may be used by the processor system 12. Multiple processors may be arranged in any appropriate processing architecture.
  • the memory system 14 may utilize memory of any appropriate type, for instance in the form of a computer readable medium including both volatile memory (e.g., DRAM, SRAM) and non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, FLASH).
  • the fantasy sports gaming system 10 may also include what may be characterized as a data storage system 16 and a network/communications module 18.
  • the data storage system 16 may include one or more computer-readable data storage devices of any appropriate type, such as hard drives.
  • Data on sports contests 30 ( Figure 1) may be stored by the data storage system 16 (on a computer-readable storage medium of any appropriate type or types and in a non-transitory form (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium)).
  • the network/communications module 18 may be of any appropriate type, and for instance allows fantasy sports contestants to communicate with the fantasy sports gaming system 10 using a contestant computer 46 and through a communication link 42 ( Figure 1). Input from and output to each contestant computer 46 may be provided to the fantasy sports gaming system 10 through the network/communications module 18 (e.g., an input/output device).
  • FIG 3 One embodiment of a gaming protocol is illustrated in Figure 3, may be utilized by the gaming module 20 of the fantasy sports gaming system 10 ( Figures 1-2), and is identified by reference numeral 50.
  • the gaming protocol 50 may be executed by the processor system 12 and may utilize the memory system 14. At least part of the gaming protocol 50 may be stored on the fantasy sports gaming system 10 (including the entirety of the gaming protocol 50). Another option would be for at least part of the gaming protocol 50 to be stored on each individual contestant computer 46 (including the entirety of the gaming protocol 50). In any case, the gaming protocol 50 may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium in a non-transitory form.
  • the gaming protocol 50 may be used by the fantasy sports gaming system 10 to conduct a fantasy sports contest 52, where the gaming protocol 50 is configured to allow player substitutions for the fantasy sports contest 52 in at least certain situations.
  • a fantasy sports contest 52 may be associated with any appropriate sport, including without limitation baseball, football, basketball, hockey, soccer, golf, NASCAR (more generally motor vehicle racing), or cricket.
  • a particular fantasy sports contest 52 conducted by the fantasy sports gaming system 10 may be directed to a plurality of sports contests 30 ( Figure 1) that are of a common type (e.g., a single common sport and at a single common level within this single common sport), and that are played over something less than an entire season for the associated single common sport and the associated single common level within this single common sport.
  • the fantasy sports contest 52 may be based upon a plurality of actual sports contests 30 that are conducted over a time period that is of a first duration, where this first duration would not allow any of the available fantasy sports players 58 to play for the same team and participate in more than one actual sports contest 30 during the time period defined by the first duration (e.g., each sports team that is encompassed by the fantasy sports contest 52 would be scheduled to play a maximum of one game within the time period defined by this first duration for the fantasy sports contest 52).
  • One embodiment has a fantasy sports contest 52 being directed to a plurality of sports contests 30 that are conducted on the same day.
  • fantasy sports contest 52 being directed to a plurality of sports contests 30 that are each associated with a common game or week number of a league schedule for these sports contests 30 (e.g., game number 13 or week 13 of an NFL season), where each team in the league would play in no more than one game over the relevant time period.
  • a common game or week number of a league schedule for these sports contests 30 e.g., game number 13 or week 13 of an NFL season
  • fantasy sports contestant 54 may communicate with the fantasy sports gaming system 10 through one or more contestant computers 46 and over an appropriate communication link 42.
  • Each fantasy sports contestant 54 will typically draft or otherwise acquire a plurality of fantasy sports players 58 (corresponding with actual players that participate in sports contests 30). This may be done in any appropriate manner, and may be referred to as a "roster" of fantasy sports players 58.
  • Fantasy sports contestants 54 will each typically submit a lineup 56 of selected fantasy sports players 58 (e.g. from their respective rosters) for a given fantasy sports contest 52.
  • the fantasy sports gaming system 10 including through the gaming protocol 50, allows each fantasy sports contestant 54 to change his/her lineup 56 during the fantasy sports contest 52.
  • the gaming protocol 50 of Figure 3 includes the fantasy sports gaming system 10 receiving a lineup 56 of fantasy sports players 58 from a fantasy sports contestant 54 and in relation to a particular fantasy sports contest 52 (step 72). This may be done through a contestant computer 46 in communication with the fantasy sports gaming system 10 via a communication link 42 ( Figure 1). Any appropriate rule or rules may apply in relation to the original submission of a lineup 56 for a particular fantasy sports contest 52 (e.g., lineups 56 may have to be submitted by a deadline that is specified by the fantasy sports gaming system 10). It should be appreciated that the fantasy sports gaming system 10 may use the gaming protocol 50 for each fantasy sports contestant 54 that is participating in a given fantasy sports contest 52.
  • the gaming protocol 50 may monitor (e.g., continually) as to whether the fantasy sports contest 52 is over or has come to a conclusion (step 74). This may be done in any appropriate manner and may be incorporated by the gaming protocol 50 in any appropriate manner.
  • the gaming protocol 50 may also monitor for receipt of a substitution request 60 from a fantasy sports contestant 54 in the fantasy sports contest 52 (step 76).
  • a fantasy sports contestant 54 may submit such a substitution request 60 to the fantasy sports gaming system 10 from a contestant computer 46 and through a corresponding
  • fantasy sports gaming system 10 receives a substitution request 60 from a fantasy sports contestant 54 for the fantasy sports contest 52, the validity of such a substitution request 60 is assessed or evaluated by the fantasy sports gaming system 10 through execution of step 78.
  • a substitution request 60 is "valid" if a proposed substitution of one fantasy sports player 58 that is currently in the lineup 56 for another fantasy sports player 58 complies with all rules associated with the fantasy sports contest 52.
  • the gaming protocol 50 of Figure 3 proceeds from step 80 to step 82.
  • the contestant 54 may be notified (step 82) by the fantasy sports gaming system 10 (via a contestant computer 46 and over a communication link 42) that the requested substitution (step 76) is not proper and will not be allowed by the fantasy sports gaming system 10 for the ongoing fantasy sports contest 52.
  • the lineup 56 of the fantasy sports contestant 54 for the fantasy sports contest 52 is not changed in response to the substitution request 60 of step 76, and the gaming protocol 50 returns to step 74 for repetition in accordance with the foregoing.
  • Step 84 is directed to the fantasy sports gaming system 10 updating the lineup 56, where one fantasy sports player 58 (or more) that is currently in the lineup 56 is replaced with another fantasy sports player 58. Any fantasy sports player 58 that complies with the rules of the fantasy sports contest 52 may be substituted into the lineup 56 through step 84 of the gaming protocol 50. For instance, such a substitute fantasy sports player 58 may be on the roster of the fantasy sports contestant 54, may be a "free-agent" that is available for selection by the fantasy sports contestant 52 for addition to his/her lineup 56, or the like. In any case and once the lineup 56 has been updated pursuant to step 84, the gaming protocol 50 returns to step 74 for repetition in accordance with the foregoing.
  • the fantasy sports gaming system 10 computes a contestant score 66 for the fantasy sports contestant 54 and the associated fantasy sports contest 52 through execution of step 88 of the gaming protocol 50 of Figure 3. How this contestant score 66 may be computed will be discussed in more detail below in relation to the scoring protocol of Figure 5.
  • the contestant score 66 is based upon a score for each fantasy sports player 58 that was used at some point in time by the fantasy sports contestant 54 in his/her lineup 56 for the fantasy sports contest 52, where the score by each fantasy sports player 58 that was used in the lineup 56 during the contest 52 is based upon the performance of the corresponding fantasy sports player 58 in an actual sports contest 30 that is associated with the fantasy sports contest 52, and only for the corresponding time period that this particular fantasy sports player 58 was in the lineup 56 for the fantasy sports contest 52.
  • the fantasy sports gaming system 10 needs actual data on the performance of the fantasy sports players 58 in their respective sports contests 30, and this may be acquired through execution of step 86 of the gaming protocol 50.
  • Step 86 may be executed at any appropriate time for purposes of the gaming protocol 50.
  • sports data 64 may be acquired by the fantasy sports gaming system 10, from one or more sports data providers 40, at the conclusion of the fantasy sports contest 52, and as shown in Figure 3.
  • the gaming protocol 50 could be configured such that the fantasy sports gaming system 10 receives sports data 64 on any appropriate basis and from any appropriate source or sources, including continually during the fantasy sports contest 52, at one or more times during the fantasy sports contest 52, upon request by the fantasy sports gaming system 10, any combination of the foregoing, or the like.
  • the gaming protocol 50 may be terminated through execution of step 90.
  • a “player substitution” in relation to the gaming protocol 50 may be addressed in relation to the duration of the fantasy sports contest 52 and in accordance with the foregoing.
  • a “player substitution” for purposes of the gaming protocol 50 may also be characterized in relation to using multiple fantasy sports players 58 to collectively define one spot in the lineup 56 for a fantasy sports contest 52 of any duration, and where these multiple fantasy sports players 58 in effect collectively define a single actual sports contest 30 that is encompassed by the fantasy sports contest 52.
  • fantasy sports gaming system 10 includes in place of being for executing a fantasy sports contest 52 of "short duration", or as a supplement thereto), is that the fantasy sports contest 52 (still defined by a single common sport and at a single common level within this single common sport) allows multiple fantasy sports players 58 to each participate in only a portion of single actual sports contest or game 30 for purposes of the fantasy sports contest 52, to collectively define a single spot in the relevant lineup 56 for the fantasy sports contest 52, and to collectively define a single actual sports contest 30 that is encompassed by the fantasy sports contest 52.
  • the fantasy sports gaming system 10 accommodates a first fantasy sports player 58 in a fantasy sports lineup 56 to play in only a portion of a single sports contest or game 30 for purposes of the fantasy sports contest 52, and then allows a second fantasy sports player 58 to be substituted for the first fantasy sports player 58 in the same fantasy sports lineup 56 and to play in only a portion of a single sports contest or game 30 for purposes of the same fantasy sports contest 52.
  • the amount of time that each of multiple fantasy sports players 58, that collectively define a single spot in a given fantasy sports lineup 56 and for purposes of determining that portion of the overall score 66 for the fantasy sports participant 54 that is generated by this single spot in his/her lineup 56 for the fantasy sports contest 52 will define no more than the total amount of time associated with one actual sports contest 30 (e.g., the segments of time for each fantasy sports player's 58 performance, that are associated with the same spot in a lineup 56 and for purposes of calculating the fantasy sports contestant score 66, will be no more than the total amount of time for a single actual sports contest 30 (and furthermore where each of these segments of time do not overlap to any degree)).
  • the fantasy sports gaming system 10 allows each fantasy sports contestant 54 in a given fantasy sports contest 52 to make substitutions in their respective lineups 56 during the pendency of the fantasy sports contest 52 (e.g., while the fantasy sports contest 52 is being "played"). However, not all substitutions are allowed by the fantasy sports gaming system 10. Steps 78 and 80 of the gaming protocol 50 of Figure 3 may use the substitution assessment protocol 100 of Figure 4.
  • the substitution assessment protocol 100 may be executed by the processor system 12 and may utilize the memory system 14. At least part of the substitution assessment protocol 100 may be stored on the fantasy sports gaming system 10 (including the entirety of the substitution assessment protocol 100). Another option would be for at least part of the substitution assessment protocol 100 to be stored on each individual contestant computer 46 (including the entirety of the substitution assessment protocol 100).
  • the substitution assessment protocol 100 may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium in a non-transitory form.
  • a substitution request 60 is received by the fantasy sports gaming system 10 (step 76 of the gaming protocol 50 of Figure 3): 1) the fantasy sports gaming system 10 may receive, acquire, or otherwise determine a time 102 of this substitution request 60 (a substitution request time 102; step 110 of the substitution assessment protocol 100 of Figure 4); and 2) the fantasy sports gaming system 10 may receive, acquire, or otherwise determine a start time 104 of the sports contest 30 that is associated with the proposed substitute fantasy sports player 58 (the particular sports contest 30 in which the proposed substitute fantasy sports play 58 is or will be participating).
  • the substitution request time 102 (step 110) and the contest start time 104 (step 114) are on a common time scale 106, such as GMT, a time in a specified time zone, or the like. If the sports contest 30 involving the fantasy sports player 58 that is the subject of the substitution request 60 from step 76 of the gaming protocol 50 has already started (i.e., the substitution request time 102 is actually after the contest start time 104), the substitution assessment protocol 100 proceeds from step 114 to step 118, which returns control to step 82 of the gaming protocol 50 of Figure 3 (where the proposed substitution is not allowed by the fantasy sports gaming system 10).
  • a common time scale 106 such as GMT, a time in a specified time zone, or the like.
  • the substitution assessment protocol 100 proceeds from step 114 to step 116, which returns control to step 84 of the gaming protocol 50 of Figure 3 (the proposed substitution is allowed by the fantasy sports gaming system 10).
  • the fantasy sports gaming system 10 could be configured to require that not only must the substitution request time 102 precede the contest start time 104 in relation to the proposed substitute fantasy sports player 58, the fantasy sports gaming system 10 could be configured so that the substitution request time 102 must precede the contest start time 104 by at last a certain predetermined amount (e.g., the substitution request time 102 may need to be at least one hour (or any other specified time) earlier than the contest start time 104 associated with the proposed substitution in order for the fantasy sports gaming system 10 to allow the substitution).
  • the substitution request time 102 may need to be at least one hour (or any other specified time) earlier than the contest start time 104 associated with the proposed substitution in order for the fantasy sports gaming system 10 to allow the substitution.
  • scoring protocol 120 may be executed by the processor system 12 and may utilize the memory system 14. At least part of the scoring protocol 120 may be stored on the fantasy sports gaming system 10 (including the entirety of the scoring protocol 120). Another option would be for at least part of the scoring protocol 120 to be stored on each individual contestant computer 46 (including the entirety of the scoring protocol 120). In any case, the scoring protocol 120 may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium in a non-transitory form.
  • the fantasy sports gaming system 10 acquires the lineup 56 that was used by the fantasy sports contestant 54 throughout the fantasy sports contest 52 (step 124). Stated another way and pursuant to step 124 of the scoring protocol 120, the fantasy sports gaming system 10 acquires each lineup 56 that was used by a fantasy sports contestant 54 for a particular fantasy sports contest 52. In any case, a player score 122 of a selected fantasy sports player 58 is computed by the fantasy sports gaming system 10 for that portion of the sports contest 30 when this particular fantasy sports player 58 was actually in the lineup 56 (step 126). A player score 122 may be based upon one or more performance parameters of any appropriate type and may be weighted in any appropriate manner by the fantasy sports gaming system 10.
  • common player performance parameters for determining a player score 122 include without limitation number of passing touchdowns, passing yards, number of interceptions, rushing touchdowns, receiving touchdowns, receiving yards, and the like.
  • common player performance parameters for a player score 122 include without limitation singles, doubles, triples, home runs, runs scored, RBI, walks, stolen bases, and the like.
  • the fantasy sports gaming system 10 uses the sports data 64 (step 86 of the gaming protocol 50) from only the first quarter of the sports contest 30 (in which this fantasy sports player 58 is or was participating) to compute the associated player score 122 (step 126). Similarly, if a particular fantasy sports player 58 was only in the lineup 56 for the first and third periods of the fantasy sports contest 52, the fantasy sports gaming system 10 uses the sports data 64 (step 86 of the gaming protocol 50) from only the first and third periods of the sports contest 30 (in which this fantasy sports player 58 is or was participating) to compute the associated player score 122 (step 126).
  • the fantasy sports gaming system 10 computes a player score 122 for each fantasy sports player 58 that appeared in the lineup 56 during the fantasy sports contest 52.
  • the scoring protocol 120 of Figure 5 illustrates one way in which this may be done. Once a player score 122 has been computed for a fantasy sports player 58 that was used by a fantasy sports contestant 54 in the lineup 56 for a fantasy sports contest 52 (step 126), the scoring protocol 120 may assess whether a player score 122 has been computed for each fantasy sports player 58 that appeared in the lineup 56 during the fantasy sports contest 52 (step 128). If not, another fantasy sports player 58 that was used by the fantasy sports contestant 54 in his/her lineup 56 is selected (step 130), and the player score 122 for this fantasy sports player 58 is computed pursuant to step 126.
  • the scoring protocol 120 proceeds to step 132.
  • the fantasy sports gaming system 10 computes a fantasy sports contestant score 66 for the fantasy sports contestant 54 and the corresponding fantasy sports contest 52.
  • this fantasy sports contestant score 66 may be the summation of all player scores 122 that were computed pursuant to step 126 (e.g., the fantasy sports gaming system 10 may add up the player score 122 for each fantasy sports player 58 that appeared in the lineup 56 during the fantasy sports contest 52).
  • the scoring protocol 120 may be executed at any appropriate time, including after each change in the lineup 56 and then at the end of the fantasy sports contest 52, or just at the end of the fantasy sports contest 52.
  • Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment of data that may be used by the fantasy sports gaming system 10 to compute the fantasy sports contestant score 66 (scoring protocol 120 of Figure 5).
  • the fantasy sports contestant 54 used 10 different fantasy sports players 58 in their lineup 56 for a particular fantasy sports contest 52 (players 58a-58j) in the case of the representative embodiment shown in Figure 6. Only 6 fantasy sports players 58 appeared at a given time in a lineup 56 for the fantasy sports contest 52 embodied by Figure 6 (i.e., only 6 fantasy sports players 58 can be "active" for the fantasy sports contest 52 at a given point in time for each fantasy sports contestant 54).
  • Fantasy sports players 58a, 58b, and 58e were in the lineup 56 for the entirety of the fantasy sports contest 52 embodied by Figure 6 (i.e., from the start To of the fantasy sports contest 52 to the end or conclusion TEND of the fantasy sports contest 52). Fantasy sports players 58c and 58d "split" a spot in the lineup 56 for the fantasy sports contest 52 embodied by Figure 6. Fantasy player 58c was used for an initial part of the fantasy sports contest 52 (i.e., from the start To of the fantasy sports contest 52 to a first intermediate point Ti in the fantasy sports contest 52).
  • Fantasy player 58d was then substituted for fantasy sports player 58c, and fantasy player 58d was used for the remainder of the fantasy sports contest 52 (i.e., from the first intermediate point Ti in the fantasy sports contest 52 to the end or conclusion TEND of the fantasy sports contest 52). Fantasy sports players 58f, 58g, and 58h "split" a spot in the lineup 56 for the fantasy sports contest 52 embodied by Figure 6. Fantasy player 58f was used for an initial part of the fantasy sports contest 52 (i.e., from the start To of the fantasy sports contest 52 to a second intermediate point T2 in the fantasy sports contest 52).
  • Fantasy player 58g was then substituted for fantasy sports player 58f, and fantasy player 58g was used for an intermediate portion of the fantasy sports contest 52 (i.e., from the second intermediate point T2 in the fantasy sports contest 52 to a third intermediate point T3 in the fantasy sports contest 52). Fantasy player 58h was then substituted for fantasy sports player 58g, and fantasy player 58h was used for the remainder of the fantasy sports contest 52 (i.e., from the third intermediate point T3 in the fantasy sports contest 52 to the end or conclusion TEND of the fantasy sports contest 52). Fantasy sports players 58i and 58j "split" a spot in the lineup 56 for the fantasy sports contest 52 embodied by Figure 6.
  • Fantasy player 58i was used for an initial part of the fantasy sports contest 52 (i.e., from the start To of the fantasy sports contest 52 to a fourth intermediate point T 4 in the fantasy sports contest 52). Fantasy player 58j was then substituted for fantasy sports player 58i, and fantasy player 58j was used for the remainder of the fantasy sports contest 52 (i.e., from the fourth intermediate point T 4 in the fantasy sports contest 52 to the end or conclusion TEND of the fantasy sports contest 52).
  • Ti , T2, T3, and T 4 each coincide with different times for purposes of the first fantasy sports contest 52, and each of Ti , T2, T3, and T 4 may be any time in the fantasy sports contest 52 (e.g., T2 need not (but may) be after ⁇ ; T3 need not (but may) be after T2; T 4 need not (but may) be after T 3 ).
  • each of the player scores 122 set forth in Figure 6 would be added together for the contestant score 66 (for the fantasy sports contestant 54 in relation to the fantasy sports contest 52).
  • the contestant score 66 would be a "65" (fantasy sports player 58a - player score 122 of "9”; fantasy sports player 58b - player score 122 of "12”; fantasy sports player 58c - player score 122 of "3”; fantasy sports player 58d - player score 122 of "8”; fantasy sports player 58e - player score 122 of "10”; fantasy sports player 58f - player score 122 of "2”; fantasy sports player 58g - player score 122 of "3”; fantasy sports player 58h - player score 122 of "4"; fantasy sports player 58i - player score 122 of "6”; and fantasy sports player 58j - player score 122 of "8”).
  • any player score 122 for fantasy sports player 58c, for time Ti to TEND, is not used for computing the contestant score 66; 2) any player score 122 for fantasy sports player 58d, for time To to Ti , is not used for computing the contestant score 66; 3) any player score 122 for fantasy sports player 58f , for time T2 to TEND, is not used for computing the contestant score 66; 4) any player score 122 for fantasy sports player 58g, for time To to T2 and from time T3 to TEND, is not used for computing the contestant score 66; 5) any player score 122 for fantasy sports player 58h, for time To to T3, is not used for computing the contestant score 66; 6) any player score 122 for fantasy sports player 58i, for time T 4 to TEND, is not used for computing the contestant score 66; and 7) any player score 122 for fantasy sports player 58j, for time To to T 4 , is not used for computing the contestant score 66;
  • fantasy sports contest 52 encompasses each of a plurality of teams that each participate in only a single sports contest 30 for purposes of the fantasy sports contest 52
  • the fantasy sports contest 52 may be viewed as being of the same duration as such a sports contest 30 and may be partitioned in the same manner as such a sports contest 30.
  • fantasy sports contest 52 could be viewed as being defined by 9 innings
  • basketball and football the fantasy sports contest 52 could be viewed as being defined by 4 quarters
  • fantasy sports contest 52 could be viewed as being defined by 3 periods, and so forth.
  • this of course means that the performance of the fantasy sports player 58 from the same corresponding portion of the actual sports contest 30 (that is associated with this fantasy sports player 58) is what is used to determine the contribution of this fantasy sports player 58 to the score 66 for the fantasy sports participant 54.
  • this of course means that the performance of the fantasy sports player 58 in the first quarter of the actual sports contest 30 is what is used in the calculation of the score 66 for the fantasy sports participant 54.

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Abstract

A fantasy sports gaming system (10) is disclosed that includes a substitution module (22) that may be used for short-term fantasy sports contests (52), such as what is referred to as daily leagues and the like. This substitution module (22) generally allows a fantasy sports contestant (54) to substitute one fantasy sports player (58) for another fantasy sports player (58) that is already in his/her lineup (56) for the fantasy sports contest (52). The substitution module (22) may utilize a substitution assessment protocol (100) to assess the validity of a substitution request (60). That is, the fantasy sports gaming system (10) may be configured such that not all substitution requests (60) will be allowed.

Description

FANTASY SPORTS GAMING WITH PLAYER SUBSTITUTIONS
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This patent application claims is a non-provisional patent application of, and claims priority to, pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/031 ,717, that was filed on 07/31/2014, and the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to the field of fantasy sports and, more particularly, to a fantasy sports gaming system that accommodates player substitutions for short-term fantasy sports contests (e.g., daily leagues).
BACKGROUND
Before the proliferation of the Internet, people played fantasy sports with paper. Fantasy Sports Leagues were created with a group of friends who generally "drafted" athletes for the duration of the season. Due to the length of professional sports seasons, many leagues would allow league participants to perform trades with one another or simply acquire new players from an available pool. Trades were generally limited due to limitations with communication and documentation. Leagues generally lasted the entire professional sports season due also to the resources needed to create and manage the league participants as well as their fantasy sports athletes.
SUMMARY
The present invention is applicable to a fantasy sports contest that is based upon a single common sport and at a single common level within this single common sport (e.g., major league baseball; minor league baseball at a common level (rookie league; A ball; AA ball; AAA ball); NCAA I college
football/basketball/baseball; NCAA II college football/basketball/baseball; NAIA
football/basketball/baseball), and furthermore that occurs over something less than an entire season for this sport. More particularly, such a fantasy sports contest may be based upon a plurality of actual sports contests (a single common sport and at a single common level within this sport) that are conducted over a time period that is of a first duration, where this first duration would not allow any of the available fantasy sports players to play for the same team and participate in more than one actual sports contest during the time period defined by the first duration (e.g., each sports team encompassed by the fantasy sports contest would be scheduled to play a maximum of one game/sports contest in the time period defined by the first duration). For instance, the fantasy sports contest could be based upon a single date for the relevant single common sport and at a single common level within this single common sport. The fantasy sports contest could also be based upon a game or week number of a season for a given sports league (e.g., week 13 of an NFL football season).
In furtherance of the foregoing, the present invention accommodates the substitution of one fantasy sports player in a particular fantasy sports lineup for another fantasy sports player, all for purposes of the relevant fantasy sports contest of the above-noted limited duration. Stated another way, the present invention accommodates a first fantasy sports player in a fantasy sports lineup to play in only a portion of a single sports contest or game for purposes of the fantasy sports contest, and then allows a second fantasy sports player to be substituted for the first fantasy sports player in the same fantasy sports lineup to play in only a portion of a single sports contest or game for purposes of the same fantasy sports contest. The present invention may be configured such that a fantasy player substitution will be allowed in at least some circumstances, but not in other circumstances. In any case, the contribution to a fantasy sports contestant's score for a fantasy sports contest, where one or more fantasy sports players that are in a given lineup for a fantasy sports contest, could be based upon their performance in only a certain portion of a single actual sports contest in which the fantasy sports player participated in accordance with the present invention.
A first aspect of the invention, and in accordance with the foregoing (where a fantasy sports contest is associated with a plurality of actual sports contests that are conducted over a first duration, that occur within a single common sport, and that occur within a single common level within this single common sport, where this first duration would not allow any of the available fantasy sports players to play for the same team and participate in more than one actual sports contest during the time period defined by the first duration) is directed to a fantasy sports gaming system that includes:
1) a memory system of any appropriate type;
2) a processor system that uses at least one processor (e.g., multiple processors may be arranged in any appropriate processing architecture);
3) a gaming module that includes a gaming protocol that is configured to execute a fantasy sports contest in accordance with the foregoing, and where the gaming module is configured to receive a lineup of a plurality of fantasy sports players from a fantasy sports contestant or participant, and where the lineup is for the fantasy sports contest being conducted by the fantasy sports gaming system;
4) a substitution module that includes a substitution assessment protocol, where the substitution module is configured to: 1) receive a substitution request from the fantasy sports participant, where the substitution request is to replace one fantasy sports player currently in the participant's lineup with a substitute fantasy sports player that is not currently in the participant's lineup; and 2) assess a validity of the substitution request based upon a substitution request time associated with the substitution request and a start time of an actual first sports contest that is associated with the substitute fantasy sports player and that is covered by the fantasy sports contest;
5) a scoring module that includes a scoring protocol that is configured to compute a contestant score for the fantasy sports contest and in association with the fantasy sports participant;
6) a data storage system that is configured to store data on a plurality of actual sports contests;
7) a communications module that is configured to allow the fantasy sports gaming system to communicate with at least one and more typically a plurality of fantasy sports contestant computers; and
8) a bus that is configured to allow communication among the memory system, the processor system, the gaming module, the substitution module, and the scoring module, and the data storage system (e.g., a computer-readable storage medium), where each of the gaming module, the substitution module, the scoring module, and the data storage system are stored on a computer-readable storage medium in a non-transitory form.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Figure 1 is a representative illustration of a fantasy sports contest that uses a fantasy sports gaming system that allows for fantasy sports player substitutions.
Figure 2 is a schematic of one embodiment of the fantasy sports gaming system from Figure 1.
Figure 3 is one embodiment of a gaming protocol that may be utilized by the fantasy sports gaming system of Figures 1-2 and that accommodates fantasy sports player substitutions.
Figure 4 is one embodiment of a substitution assessment protocol that may be utilized by the fantasy sports gaming system of Figures 1-2 and in relation to fantasy sports player substitutions.
Figure 5 is one embodiment of a scoring protocol that may be utilized by the fantasy sports gaming system of Figures 1-2 and that accommodates fantasy sports player substitutions. Figure 6 is a schematic that illustrates compilation of a contestant score for a fantasy sports contest in accordance with the scoring protocol of Figure 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figure 1 is a representative illustration of a fantasy sports contest. A fantasy sports gaming system
10 is used to conduct a fantasy sports contest based upon one or more actual sports contests 30. Data from these sports contests 30 may be provided to the fantasy sports gaming system 10 by one or more sports data providers 40 (e.g., Sports Data, LLC or STATS, Inc.). Each sports data provider 40 may acquire player performance data from one or more sports contests 30 in any appropriate manner, including over an appropriate communications link 42. Contestants in the fantasy sports contest being conducted by the fantasy sports gaming system 10 may participate through a contestant computer 46 of any appropriate type (e.g., a laptop computer; a desktop computer; a tablet computer; a smart phone). Each contestant computer 46 communicates with the fantasy sports gaming system 10 over a communication link 42 of any appropriate type. In one embodiment, the various communication links 42 between contestant computers 46 that are participating in a fantasy sports contest and the fantasy sports gaming system 10 may be part of a common communications network 44, such as the Internet. It should be appreciated that a given fantasy sports contestant could utilize one or more different contestant computers 46 during a given fantasy sports contest.
The fantasy sports gaming system 10 shown in Figure 1 may utilize one or more servers, may be characterized as a host computer, or the like. Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment for the fantasy sports gaming system 10. A gaming module 20, a substitution module 22, and a scoring module 24 may be utilized by the fantasy sports gaming system 10 to conduct a fantasy sports contest that allows for player substitutions during the fantasy sports contest. Each of these modules will be discussed in more detail below in relation to the protocols of Figures 3-5 (each of which may include instructions on a computer- readable storage medium of any appropriate type or types and in a non-transitory form) and in relation to how the fantasy sports gaming system 10 may be configured to conduct a fantasy sports contest with player substitutions.
The fantasy sports gaming system 10 of Figure 2 may use a processor system 12 and a memory system 14 that communicate through a bus 26. Any appropriate number and type of processors may be used by the processor system 12. Multiple processors may be arranged in any appropriate processing architecture. The memory system 14 may utilize memory of any appropriate type, for instance in the form of a computer readable medium including both volatile memory (e.g., DRAM, SRAM) and non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, FLASH).
The fantasy sports gaming system 10 may also include what may be characterized as a data storage system 16 and a network/communications module 18. The data storage system 16 may include one or more computer-readable data storage devices of any appropriate type, such as hard drives. Data on sports contests 30 (Figure 1) may be stored by the data storage system 16 (on a computer-readable storage medium of any appropriate type or types and in a non-transitory form (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium)). The network/communications module 18 may be of any appropriate type, and for instance allows fantasy sports contestants to communicate with the fantasy sports gaming system 10 using a contestant computer 46 and through a communication link 42 (Figure 1). Input from and output to each contestant computer 46 may be provided to the fantasy sports gaming system 10 through the network/communications module 18 (e.g., an input/output device).
One embodiment of a gaming protocol is illustrated in Figure 3, may be utilized by the gaming module 20 of the fantasy sports gaming system 10 (Figures 1-2), and is identified by reference numeral 50. The gaming protocol 50 may be executed by the processor system 12 and may utilize the memory system 14. At least part of the gaming protocol 50 may be stored on the fantasy sports gaming system 10 (including the entirety of the gaming protocol 50). Another option would be for at least part of the gaming protocol 50 to be stored on each individual contestant computer 46 (including the entirety of the gaming protocol 50). In any case, the gaming protocol 50 may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium in a non-transitory form.
The gaming protocol 50 may be used by the fantasy sports gaming system 10 to conduct a fantasy sports contest 52, where the gaming protocol 50 is configured to allow player substitutions for the fantasy sports contest 52 in at least certain situations. Such a fantasy sports contest 52 may be associated with any appropriate sport, including without limitation baseball, football, basketball, hockey, soccer, golf, NASCAR (more generally motor vehicle racing), or cricket. A particular fantasy sports contest 52 conducted by the fantasy sports gaming system 10 may be directed to a plurality of sports contests 30 (Figure 1) that are of a common type (e.g., a single common sport and at a single common level within this single common sport), and that are played over something less than an entire season for the associated single common sport and the associated single common level within this single common sport. More particularly, the fantasy sports contest 52 may be based upon a plurality of actual sports contests 30 that are conducted over a time period that is of a first duration, where this first duration would not allow any of the available fantasy sports players 58 to play for the same team and participate in more than one actual sports contest 30 during the time period defined by the first duration (e.g., each sports team that is encompassed by the fantasy sports contest 52 would be scheduled to play a maximum of one game within the time period defined by this first duration for the fantasy sports contest 52). One embodiment has a fantasy sports contest 52 being directed to a plurality of sports contests 30 that are conducted on the same day. Another embodiment has a fantasy sports contest 52 being directed to a plurality of sports contests 30 that are each associated with a common game or week number of a league schedule for these sports contests 30 (e.g., game number 13 or week 13 of an NFL season), where each team in the league would play in no more than one game over the relevant time period.
An individual that is "playing" a fantasy sports contest 52 through the fantasy sports gaming system
10 is referred to herein as a fantasy sports contestant or participant 54. As such, a fantasy sports contestant 54 may communicate with the fantasy sports gaming system 10 through one or more contestant computers 46 and over an appropriate communication link 42. Each fantasy sports contestant 54 will typically draft or otherwise acquire a plurality of fantasy sports players 58 (corresponding with actual players that participate in sports contests 30). This may be done in any appropriate manner, and may be referred to as a "roster" of fantasy sports players 58. Fantasy sports contestants 54 will each typically submit a lineup 56 of selected fantasy sports players 58 (e.g. from their respective rosters) for a given fantasy sports contest 52. Generally, the fantasy sports gaming system 10, including through the gaming protocol 50, allows each fantasy sports contestant 54 to change his/her lineup 56 during the fantasy sports contest 52.
The gaming protocol 50 of Figure 3 includes the fantasy sports gaming system 10 receiving a lineup 56 of fantasy sports players 58 from a fantasy sports contestant 54 and in relation to a particular fantasy sports contest 52 (step 72). This may be done through a contestant computer 46 in communication with the fantasy sports gaming system 10 via a communication link 42 (Figure 1). Any appropriate rule or rules may apply in relation to the original submission of a lineup 56 for a particular fantasy sports contest 52 (e.g., lineups 56 may have to be submitted by a deadline that is specified by the fantasy sports gaming system 10). It should be appreciated that the fantasy sports gaming system 10 may use the gaming protocol 50 for each fantasy sports contestant 54 that is participating in a given fantasy sports contest 52.
The gaming protocol 50 may monitor (e.g., continually) as to whether the fantasy sports contest 52 is over or has come to a conclusion (step 74). This may be done in any appropriate manner and may be incorporated by the gaming protocol 50 in any appropriate manner. The gaming protocol 50 may also monitor for receipt of a substitution request 60 from a fantasy sports contestant 54 in the fantasy sports contest 52 (step 76). A fantasy sports contestant 54 may submit such a substitution request 60 to the fantasy sports gaming system 10 from a contestant computer 46 and through a corresponding
communication link 42 (Figure 1). If the fantasy sports gaming system 10 receives a substitution request 60 from a fantasy sports contestant 54 for the fantasy sports contest 52, the validity of such a substitution request 60 is assessed or evaluated by the fantasy sports gaming system 10 through execution of step 78. A substitution request 60 is "valid" if a proposed substitution of one fantasy sports player 58 that is currently in the lineup 56 for another fantasy sports player 58 complies with all rules associated with the fantasy sports contest 52.
If the fantasy sports gaming system 10 determines that the substitution request 60 is invalid (e.g., the fantasy sports contestant 54 has submitted an "illegal" substitution to the fantasy sports gaming system 10), the gaming protocol 50 of Figure 3 proceeds from step 80 to step 82. The contestant 54 may be notified (step 82) by the fantasy sports gaming system 10 (via a contestant computer 46 and over a communication link 42) that the requested substitution (step 76) is not proper and will not be allowed by the fantasy sports gaming system 10 for the ongoing fantasy sports contest 52. In this case, the lineup 56 of the fantasy sports contestant 54 for the fantasy sports contest 52 is not changed in response to the substitution request 60 of step 76, and the gaming protocol 50 returns to step 74 for repetition in accordance with the foregoing.
If the fantasy sports gaming system 10 determines that the substitution request 60 of step 76 is valid, the gaming protocol 50 of Figure 3 proceeds from step 80 to step 84. Step 84 is directed to the fantasy sports gaming system 10 updating the lineup 56, where one fantasy sports player 58 (or more) that is currently in the lineup 56 is replaced with another fantasy sports player 58. Any fantasy sports player 58 that complies with the rules of the fantasy sports contest 52 may be substituted into the lineup 56 through step 84 of the gaming protocol 50. For instance, such a substitute fantasy sports player 58 may be on the roster of the fantasy sports contestant 54, may be a "free-agent" that is available for selection by the fantasy sports contestant 52 for addition to his/her lineup 56, or the like. In any case and once the lineup 56 has been updated pursuant to step 84, the gaming protocol 50 returns to step 74 for repetition in accordance with the foregoing.
Once the fantasy sports contest 52 is over or has come to a conclusion, the fantasy sports gaming system 10 computes a contestant score 66 for the fantasy sports contestant 54 and the associated fantasy sports contest 52 through execution of step 88 of the gaming protocol 50 of Figure 3. How this contestant score 66 may be computed will be discussed in more detail below in relation to the scoring protocol of Figure 5. Summarily, the contestant score 66 is based upon a score for each fantasy sports player 58 that was used at some point in time by the fantasy sports contestant 54 in his/her lineup 56 for the fantasy sports contest 52, where the score by each fantasy sports player 58 that was used in the lineup 56 during the contest 52 is based upon the performance of the corresponding fantasy sports player 58 in an actual sports contest 30 that is associated with the fantasy sports contest 52, and only for the corresponding time period that this particular fantasy sports player 58 was in the lineup 56 for the fantasy sports contest 52. As such and for the case of a substituted fantasy sports player 58 or a substitute fantasy sports player 58, only a relevant portion of a single sports contest 30 in which this particular fantasy sports player 58 participated is used to calculate the score 66 for the fantasy sports participant 54 and the corresponding fantasy sports contest 52 - less than the entirety of a single actual sports contest 30 is used to determine the contribution of such a substituted/substitute fantasy sports player 58 to the score 66 for the contestant 54 and the corresponding fantasy sports contest 52, even if this particular fantasy sports player 58 actually participated for the entirety of the sports contest 30).
Based upon the foregoing, the fantasy sports gaming system 10 needs actual data on the performance of the fantasy sports players 58 in their respective sports contests 30, and this may be acquired through execution of step 86 of the gaming protocol 50. Step 86 may be executed at any appropriate time for purposes of the gaming protocol 50. For instance, sports data 64 may be acquired by the fantasy sports gaming system 10, from one or more sports data providers 40, at the conclusion of the fantasy sports contest 52, and as shown in Figure 3. It should be appreciated that the gaming protocol 50 could be configured such that the fantasy sports gaming system 10 receives sports data 64 on any appropriate basis and from any appropriate source or sources, including continually during the fantasy sports contest 52, at one or more times during the fantasy sports contest 52, upon request by the fantasy sports gaming system 10, any combination of the foregoing, or the like. Once the contestant score 66 for the entire fantasy sports contest 52 has been computed by the fantasy sports gaming system 10, the gaming protocol 50 may be terminated through execution of step 90.
A "player substitution" in relation to the gaming protocol 50 may be addressed in relation to the duration of the fantasy sports contest 52 and in accordance with the foregoing. A "player substitution" for purposes of the gaming protocol 50 may also be characterized in relation to using multiple fantasy sports players 58 to collectively define one spot in the lineup 56 for a fantasy sports contest 52 of any duration, and where these multiple fantasy sports players 58 in effect collectively define a single actual sports contest 30 that is encompassed by the fantasy sports contest 52. That is, another way to characterize the fantasy sports gaming system 10 (including in place of being for executing a fantasy sports contest 52 of "short duration", or as a supplement thereto), is that the fantasy sports contest 52 (still defined by a single common sport and at a single common level within this single common sport) allows multiple fantasy sports players 58 to each participate in only a portion of single actual sports contest or game 30 for purposes of the fantasy sports contest 52, to collectively define a single spot in the relevant lineup 56 for the fantasy sports contest 52, and to collectively define a single actual sports contest 30 that is encompassed by the fantasy sports contest 52. For instance, the fantasy sports gaming system 10 accommodates a first fantasy sports player 58 in a fantasy sports lineup 56 to play in only a portion of a single sports contest or game 30 for purposes of the fantasy sports contest 52, and then allows a second fantasy sports player 58 to be substituted for the first fantasy sports player 58 in the same fantasy sports lineup 56 and to play in only a portion of a single sports contest or game 30 for purposes of the same fantasy sports contest 52. Collectively, the amount of time that each of multiple fantasy sports players 58, that collectively define a single spot in a given fantasy sports lineup 56 and for purposes of determining that portion of the overall score 66 for the fantasy sports participant 54 that is generated by this single spot in his/her lineup 56 for the fantasy sports contest 52, will define no more than the total amount of time associated with one actual sports contest 30 (e.g., the segments of time for each fantasy sports player's 58 performance, that are associated with the same spot in a lineup 56 and for purposes of calculating the fantasy sports contestant score 66, will be no more than the total amount of time for a single actual sports contest 30 (and furthermore where each of these segments of time do not overlap to any degree)).
The fantasy sports gaming system 10 allows each fantasy sports contestant 54 in a given fantasy sports contest 52 to make substitutions in their respective lineups 56 during the pendency of the fantasy sports contest 52 (e.g., while the fantasy sports contest 52 is being "played"). However, not all substitutions are allowed by the fantasy sports gaming system 10. Steps 78 and 80 of the gaming protocol 50 of Figure 3 may use the substitution assessment protocol 100 of Figure 4. The substitution assessment protocol 100 may be executed by the processor system 12 and may utilize the memory system 14. At least part of the substitution assessment protocol 100 may be stored on the fantasy sports gaming system 10 (including the entirety of the substitution assessment protocol 100). Another option would be for at least part of the substitution assessment protocol 100 to be stored on each individual contestant computer 46 (including the entirety of the substitution assessment protocol 100). In any case, the substitution assessment protocol 100 may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium in a non-transitory form. When a substitution request 60 is received by the fantasy sports gaming system 10 (step 76 of the gaming protocol 50 of Figure 3): 1) the fantasy sports gaming system 10 may receive, acquire, or otherwise determine a time 102 of this substitution request 60 (a substitution request time 102; step 110 of the substitution assessment protocol 100 of Figure 4); and 2) the fantasy sports gaming system 10 may receive, acquire, or otherwise determine a start time 104 of the sports contest 30 that is associated with the proposed substitute fantasy sports player 58 (the particular sports contest 30 in which the proposed substitute fantasy sports play 58 is or will be participating). The substitution request time 102 (step 110) and the contest start time 104 (step 114) are on a common time scale 106, such as GMT, a time in a specified time zone, or the like. If the sports contest 30 involving the fantasy sports player 58 that is the subject of the substitution request 60 from step 76 of the gaming protocol 50 has already started (i.e., the substitution request time 102 is actually after the contest start time 104), the substitution assessment protocol 100 proceeds from step 114 to step 118, which returns control to step 82 of the gaming protocol 50 of Figure 3 (where the proposed substitution is not allowed by the fantasy sports gaming system 10). If the sports contest 30 involving the fantasy sports player 58 that is the subject of the substitution request 60 from step 76 of the gaming protocol 50 has not yet started when the fantasy sports gaming system 10 receives a substitution request 60 (i.e., the associated substitution request time 102 is actually before the contest start time 104), the substitution assessment protocol 100 proceeds from step 114 to step 116, which returns control to step 84 of the gaming protocol 50 of Figure 3 (the proposed substitution is allowed by the fantasy sports gaming system 10). It should be appreciated that the fantasy sports gaming system 10 could be configured to require that not only must the substitution request time 102 precede the contest start time 104 in relation to the proposed substitute fantasy sports player 58, the fantasy sports gaming system 10 could be configured so that the substitution request time 102 must precede the contest start time 104 by at last a certain predetermined amount (e.g., the substitution request time 102 may need to be at least one hour (or any other specified time) earlier than the contest start time 104 associated with the proposed substitution in order for the fantasy sports gaming system 10 to allow the substitution).
One embodiment of a scoring protocol that may be used by the fantasy sports gaming system 10 is illustrated in Figure 5 and is identified by reference numeral 120. The scoring protocol 120 may be executed by the processor system 12 and may utilize the memory system 14. At least part of the scoring protocol 120 may be stored on the fantasy sports gaming system 10 (including the entirety of the scoring protocol 120). Another option would be for at least part of the scoring protocol 120 to be stored on each individual contestant computer 46 (including the entirety of the scoring protocol 120). In any case, the scoring protocol 120 may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium in a non-transitory form.
The fantasy sports gaming system 10 acquires the lineup 56 that was used by the fantasy sports contestant 54 throughout the fantasy sports contest 52 (step 124). Stated another way and pursuant to step 124 of the scoring protocol 120, the fantasy sports gaming system 10 acquires each lineup 56 that was used by a fantasy sports contestant 54 for a particular fantasy sports contest 52. In any case, a player score 122 of a selected fantasy sports player 58 is computed by the fantasy sports gaming system 10 for that portion of the sports contest 30 when this particular fantasy sports player 58 was actually in the lineup 56 (step 126). A player score 122 may be based upon one or more performance parameters of any appropriate type and may be weighted in any appropriate manner by the fantasy sports gaming system 10. In football, common player performance parameters for determining a player score 122 include without limitation number of passing touchdowns, passing yards, number of interceptions, rushing touchdowns, receiving touchdowns, receiving yards, and the like. In baseball, common player performance parameters for a player score 122 include without limitation singles, doubles, triples, home runs, runs scored, RBI, walks, stolen bases, and the like.
If a particular fantasy sports player 58 was only in the lineup 56 for the first quarter of the fantasy sports contest 52, the fantasy sports gaming system 10 uses the sports data 64 (step 86 of the gaming protocol 50) from only the first quarter of the sports contest 30 (in which this fantasy sports player 58 is or was participating) to compute the associated player score 122 (step 126). Similarly, if a particular fantasy sports player 58 was only in the lineup 56 for the first and third periods of the fantasy sports contest 52, the fantasy sports gaming system 10 uses the sports data 64 (step 86 of the gaming protocol 50) from only the first and third periods of the sports contest 30 (in which this fantasy sports player 58 is or was participating) to compute the associated player score 122 (step 126).
The fantasy sports gaming system 10 computes a player score 122 for each fantasy sports player 58 that appeared in the lineup 56 during the fantasy sports contest 52. The scoring protocol 120 of Figure 5 illustrates one way in which this may be done. Once a player score 122 has been computed for a fantasy sports player 58 that was used by a fantasy sports contestant 54 in the lineup 56 for a fantasy sports contest 52 (step 126), the scoring protocol 120 may assess whether a player score 122 has been computed for each fantasy sports player 58 that appeared in the lineup 56 during the fantasy sports contest 52 (step 128). If not, another fantasy sports player 58 that was used by the fantasy sports contestant 54 in his/her lineup 56 is selected (step 130), and the player score 122 for this fantasy sports player 58 is computed pursuant to step 126.
Once a player score 122 has been computed by the fantasy sports gaming system 10 (step 126) for each fantasy sports player 58 that was used by the fantasy sports contestant 54 in his/her lineup 56 for the fantasy sports contest 52, the scoring protocol 120 proceeds to step 132. At this time the fantasy sports gaming system 10 computes a fantasy sports contestant score 66 for the fantasy sports contestant 54 and the corresponding fantasy sports contest 52. For instance, this fantasy sports contestant score 66 may be the summation of all player scores 122 that were computed pursuant to step 126 (e.g., the fantasy sports gaming system 10 may add up the player score 122 for each fantasy sports player 58 that appeared in the lineup 56 during the fantasy sports contest 52). It should be appreciated that the scoring protocol 120 may be executed at any appropriate time, including after each change in the lineup 56 and then at the end of the fantasy sports contest 52, or just at the end of the fantasy sports contest 52.
Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment of data that may be used by the fantasy sports gaming system 10 to compute the fantasy sports contestant score 66 (scoring protocol 120 of Figure 5). The fantasy sports contestant 54 used 10 different fantasy sports players 58 in their lineup 56 for a particular fantasy sports contest 52 (players 58a-58j) in the case of the representative embodiment shown in Figure 6. Only 6 fantasy sports players 58 appeared at a given time in a lineup 56 for the fantasy sports contest 52 embodied by Figure 6 (i.e., only 6 fantasy sports players 58 can be "active" for the fantasy sports contest 52 at a given point in time for each fantasy sports contestant 54). Fantasy sports players 58a, 58b, and 58e were in the lineup 56 for the entirety of the fantasy sports contest 52 embodied by Figure 6 (i.e., from the start To of the fantasy sports contest 52 to the end or conclusion TEND of the fantasy sports contest 52). Fantasy sports players 58c and 58d "split" a spot in the lineup 56 for the fantasy sports contest 52 embodied by Figure 6. Fantasy player 58c was used for an initial part of the fantasy sports contest 52 (i.e., from the start To of the fantasy sports contest 52 to a first intermediate point Ti in the fantasy sports contest 52). Fantasy player 58d was then substituted for fantasy sports player 58c, and fantasy player 58d was used for the remainder of the fantasy sports contest 52 (i.e., from the first intermediate point Ti in the fantasy sports contest 52 to the end or conclusion TEND of the fantasy sports contest 52). Fantasy sports players 58f, 58g, and 58h "split" a spot in the lineup 56 for the fantasy sports contest 52 embodied by Figure 6. Fantasy player 58f was used for an initial part of the fantasy sports contest 52 (i.e., from the start To of the fantasy sports contest 52 to a second intermediate point T2 in the fantasy sports contest 52).
Fantasy player 58g was then substituted for fantasy sports player 58f, and fantasy player 58g was used for an intermediate portion of the fantasy sports contest 52 (i.e., from the second intermediate point T2 in the fantasy sports contest 52 to a third intermediate point T3 in the fantasy sports contest 52). Fantasy player 58h was then substituted for fantasy sports player 58g, and fantasy player 58h was used for the remainder of the fantasy sports contest 52 (i.e., from the third intermediate point T3 in the fantasy sports contest 52 to the end or conclusion TEND of the fantasy sports contest 52). Fantasy sports players 58i and 58j "split" a spot in the lineup 56 for the fantasy sports contest 52 embodied by Figure 6. Fantasy player 58i was used for an initial part of the fantasy sports contest 52 (i.e., from the start To of the fantasy sports contest 52 to a fourth intermediate point T4 in the fantasy sports contest 52). Fantasy player 58j was then substituted for fantasy sports player 58i, and fantasy player 58j was used for the remainder of the fantasy sports contest 52 (i.e., from the fourth intermediate point T4 in the fantasy sports contest 52 to the end or conclusion TEND of the fantasy sports contest 52). Ti , T2, T3, and T4 each coincide with different times for purposes of the first fantasy sports contest 52, and each of Ti , T2, T3, and T4 may be any time in the fantasy sports contest 52 (e.g., T2 need not (but may) be after Τι; T3 need not (but may) be after T2; T4 need not (but may) be after T3).
Each of the player scores 122 set forth in Figure 6 would be added together for the contestant score 66 (for the fantasy sports contestant 54 in relation to the fantasy sports contest 52). In the illustrated embodiment, the contestant score 66 would be a "65" (fantasy sports player 58a - player score 122 of "9"; fantasy sports player 58b - player score 122 of "12"; fantasy sports player 58c - player score 122 of "3"; fantasy sports player 58d - player score 122 of "8"; fantasy sports player 58e - player score 122 of "10"; fantasy sports player 58f - player score 122 of "2"; fantasy sports player 58g - player score 122 of "3"; fantasy sports player 58h - player score 122 of "4"; fantasy sports player 58i - player score 122 of "6"; and fantasy sports player 58j - player score 122 of "8"). In accordance with the scoring protocol 120 of Figure 5: 1 ) any player score 122 for fantasy sports player 58c, for time Ti to TEND, is not used for computing the contestant score 66; 2) any player score 122 for fantasy sports player 58d, for time To to Ti , is not used for computing the contestant score 66; 3) any player score 122 for fantasy sports player 58f , for time T2 to TEND, is not used for computing the contestant score 66; 4) any player score 122 for fantasy sports player 58g, for time To to T2 and from time T3 to TEND, is not used for computing the contestant score 66; 5) any player score 122 for fantasy sports player 58h, for time To to T3, is not used for computing the contestant score 66; 6) any player score 122 for fantasy sports player 58i, for time T4 to TEND, is not used for computing the contestant score 66; and 7) any player score 122 for fantasy sports player 58j, for time To to T4, is not used for computing the contestant score 66. It should be appreciated that if a fantasy sports contest 52 encompasses each of a plurality of teams that each participate in only a single sports contest 30 for purposes of the fantasy sports contest 52, the fantasy sports contest 52 may be viewed as being of the same duration as such a sports contest 30 and may be partitioned in the same manner as such a sports contest 30. As such, for baseball the fantasy sports contest 52 could be viewed as being defined by 9 innings, for basketball and football the fantasy sports contest 52 could be viewed as being defined by 4 quarters, for hockey the fantasy sports contest 52 could be viewed as being defined by 3 periods, and so forth. When referencing a fantasy sports player 58 being in the lineup 56 for only a portion of the fantasy sports contest 52, this of course means that the performance of the fantasy sports player 58 from the same corresponding portion of the actual sports contest 30 (that is associated with this fantasy sports player 58) is what is used to determine the contribution of this fantasy sports player 58 to the score 66 for the fantasy sports participant 54. For instance, when referencing a fantasy sports player 58 being in the lineup 56 for only the first quarter of a fantasy sports contest 52, this of course means that the performance of the fantasy sports player 58 in the first quarter of the actual sports contest 30 is what is used in the calculation of the score 66 for the fantasy sports participant 54. When referencing a fantasy sports player 58 being in the lineup 56 for only the 5th and 6th innings of a fantasy sports contest 52, this of course means that the performance of the fantasy sports player 58 in the 5th and 6th innings of the actual sports contest 30 is what is used in the calculation of the score 66 for the fantasy sports participant 54.
The foregoing description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explain best modes known of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such, or other embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular application(s) or use(s) of the present invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

Claims

What is claimed:
1. A fantasy sports gaming system comprising:
a memory system;
a processor system comprising at least one processor;
a gaming module comprising a gaming protocol that is configured to execute a fantasy sports contest,
wherein said fantasy sports contest is associated with a plurality of actual sports contests:
1) that are conducted over a first duration; 2) that occur within a single common sport; and 3) that occur within a single common level within this said single common sport,
wherein said first duration is such that no fantasy sports player that is eligible for participation in said fantasy sports contest could play for the same team and play in more than one actual sports contest throughout said first duration, and
wherein said gaming module is configured to receive a lineup of a plurality of said fantasy sports players from a fantasy sports participant, wherein said lineup is for said fantasy sports contest being conducted by said fantasy sports gaming system;
a substitution module comprising a substitution assessment protocol, wherein said substitution module is configured to: 1) receive a substitution request from said fantasy sports participant, wherein said substitution request is to replace one fantasy sports player currently in said lineup with a substitute fantasy sports player that is not currently in said lineup; and 2) assess a validity of said substitution request based upon a substitution request time associated with said substitution request and a start time of an actual first sports contest that is associated with said substitute fantasy sports player and that is covered by said fantasy sports contest;
a scoring module comprising a scoring protocol that is configured to compute a contestant score for said fantasy sports contest and in association with said fantasy sports participant;
a data storage system configured to store data on a plurality of said actual sports contest;
a communications module configured to allow said fantasy sports gaming system to communicate with a fantasy sports contestant computer; and
a bus configured to allow communication among said memory system, said processor system, said gaming module, said substitution module, said scoring module, and said data storage system, wherein each of said gaming module, said substitution module, said scoring module, and said data storage system, are stored on a computer-readable storage medium in a non-transitory form.
2. The fantasy sports gaming system of claim 1 , wherein said fantasy sports gaming system comprises at least one server.
3. The fantasy sports gaming system of claim 1 , wherein said fantasy sports gaming system comprises a host computer.
4. The fantasy sports gaming system of claim 1 , wherein said first duration is a single day.
5. The fantasy sports gaming system of claim 1 , wherein said first duration is associated with a common week of a league schedule for said plurality of actual sports contests, where no sports team within said league schedule more than one game in said common week.
6. The fantasy sports gaming system of claim 1 , wherein said fantasy sports contest is associated with a single sport selected from the group consisting of baseball, football, basketball, hockey, soccer, golf, motor vehicle racing, and cricket.
7. The fantasy sports gaming system of claim 1 , wherein said substitution module is configured to compare a substitution request time of said substitution request with a start time of said actual first sports contest associated with said substitute fantasy sports player, wherein said fantasy sports gaming system uses said substitute fantasy sports player for said computing only if said substitution request time is prior to said start time of said actual first sports contest.
8. The fantasy sports gaming system of claim 1 , wherein said scoring module is configured to base said contestant score on each said fantasy sports player that was used in said lineup during said fantasy sports contest.
9. The fantasy sports gaming system of claim 8, wherein said contestant score is based upon a plurality of performance categories for said fantasy sports contest.
10. The fantasy sports gaming system of claim 9, wherein said contestant score is based upon a player score for each said fantasy sports player that was used in said lineup for said fantasy sports contest, wherein each said player score is based upon the performance of the corresponding said fantasy sports player in an actual sports contest associated with said fantasy sports contest, for the corresponding time period that said fantasy sports player was in said lineup for said fantasy sports contest, and in said plurality of performance categories.
11. The fantasy sports gaming system of claim 8, wherein said contestant score is based upon a player score for each said fantasy sports player that was used in said lineup for said fantasy sports contest, wherein each said player score is based upon the performance of the corresponding said fantasy sports player in an actual sports contest associated with said fantasy sports contest and for the corresponding time period that said fantasy sports player was in said lineup for said fantasy sports contest.
12. The fantasy sports gaming system of claim 8, wherein a first fantasy sports player was in said lineup for a first time period of said fantasy sports contest, wherein a second fantasy sports player replaced said first fantasy sports player in said lineup for a second time period of said fantasy sports contest and pursuant to said substitution request, wherein said first and second time periods are non- overlapping, wherein said contestant score is based upon a first player score for said first fantasy sports player and a second player score for said second fantasy sports player, wherein said first player score is based upon the performance of said first fantasy sports player in an actual sports contest over the same said first time period but not said second time period, and wherein said second player score is based upon the performance of said second fantasy sports player in an actual sports contest over the same said second time period but not said first time period.
13. A method of fantasy sports gaming, comprising:
receiving a lineup of a plurality of fantasy sports players from a fantasy sports participant, over a communications link, and at a fantasy sports gaming system, wherein said lineup is for a fantasy sports contest being conducted by said fantasy sports gaming system, wherein said fantasy sports contest is associated with a plurality of actual sports contests: 1 ) that are conducted over a first duration; 2) that occur within a single common sport; and 3) that occur within a single common level within this said single common sport, wherein said first duration is such that no fantasy sports player that is eligible for participation in said fantasy sports contest could play for the same team and play in more than one actual sports contest throughout said first duration;
receiving a substitution request from said fantasy sports participant, over said communications link, and at said fantasy sports gaming system, wherein said substitution request is to replace one fantasy sports player in said lineup with a substitute fantasy sports player;
assessing a validity of said substitution request based upon a substitution request time associated with said substitution request and a start time of an actual first sports contest that is associated with said substitute fantasy sports player and that is covered by said fantasy sports contest; and
computing a contestant score for said fantasy sports contest and in association with said fantasy sports participant.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein said communications link comprises a communications network.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein said communications link comprises the Internet.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein said fantasy sports gaming system comprises at least one server.
17. The method of claim 13, wherein said fantasy sports gaming system comprises a host computer.
18. The method of claim 13, wherein said common time period is a single day.
19. The method of claim 13, wherein said first duration is associated with a common week of a league schedule for said plurality of actual sports contests, where no sports team within said league schedule more than one game in said common week.
20. The method of claim 13, wherein said fantasy sports contest is associated with a single sport selected from the group consisting of baseball, football, basketball, hockey, soccer, golf, motor vehicle racing, and cricket.
21. The method of claim 13, wherein said assessing comprises comparing a substitution request time of said substitution request with a start time of said actual first sports contest associated with said substitute fantasy sports player, wherein said fantasy sports gaming system uses said substitute fantasy sports player for said computing only if said substitution request time is prior to said start time of said actual first sports contest.
22. The method of claim 13, wherein said computing comprises basing said contestant score on each said fantasy sports player that was used in said lineup during said fantasy sports contest.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein said contestant score is based upon a plurality of performance categories for said fantasy sports contest.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein said contestant score is based upon a player score for each said fantasy sports player that was used in said lineup for said fantasy sports contest, wherein each said player score is based upon the performance of the corresponding said fantasy sports player in an actual sports contest associated with said fantasy sports contest, for the corresponding time period that said fantasy sports player was in said lineup for said fantasy sports contest, and in said plurality of performance categories.
25. The method of 22, wherein said contestant score is based upon a player score for each said fantasy sports player that was used in said lineup for said fantasy sports contest, wherein each said player score is based upon the performance of the corresponding said fantasy sports player in an actual sports contest associated with said fantasy sports contest and for the corresponding time period that said fantasy sports player was in said lineup for said fantasy sports contest.
26. The method of claim 22, wherein a first fantasy sports player was in said lineup for a first time period of said fantasy sports contest, wherein a second fantasy sports player replaced said first fantasy sports player in said lineup for a second time period of said fantasy sports contest and pursuant to said substitution request, wherein said first and second time periods are non-overlapping, wherein said contestant score is based upon a first player score for said first fantasy sports player and a second player score for said second fantasy sports player, wherein said first player score is based upon the performance of said first fantasy sports player in an actual sports contest over the same said first time period but not said second time period, and wherein said second player score is based upon the performance of said second fantasy sports player in an actual sports contest over the same said second time period but not said first time period.
27. A method of fantasy sports gaming, comprising:
inputting a lineup of a plurality of fantasy sports players associated with a fantasy sports contestant and for a fantasy sports contest to be conducted using a fantasy sports gaming system, wherein said inputting is executed from at least one fantasy sports contestant computer that is in communication with said fantasy sports gaming system over a communications network, wherein said fantasy sports contest is associated with a plurality of actual sports contests: 1) that are conducted over a first duration; 2) that occur within a single common sport; and 3) that occur within a single common level within this said single common sport, wherein said first duration is such that no fantasy sports player that is eligible for participation in said fantasy sports contest could play for the same team and play in more than one actual sports contest throughout said first duration;
proposing a substitution request by said fantasy sports contestant and from said at least one fantasy sports contestant computer, wherein said substitution request is to replace one fantasy sports player currently in said lineup with a substitute fantasy sports player;
assessing a validity of said substitution request based upon a substitution request time associated with said substitution request and a start time of an actual first sports contest that is associated with said substitute fantasy sports player and that is covered by said fantasy sports contest;
computing a contestant score for said fantasy sports contest and in association with said fantasy sports contestant, wherein said contestant score is based upon each said fantasy sports player that was used in said lineup during said fantasy sports contest; and
displaying said contestant score from said fantasy sports contest, for said fantasy sports contestant, and on said at least one fantasy sports contestant computer.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein said communications link comprises a communications network.
29. The method of claim 27, wherein said communications link comprises the Internet.
30. The method of claim 27, wherein said fantasy sports gaming system comprises at least one server.
31. The method of claim 27, wherein said fantasy sports gaming system comprises a host computer.
32. The method of claim 27, wherein said common time period is a single day.
33. The method of claim 27, wherein said first duration is associated with a common week of a league schedule for said plurality of actual sports contests, where no sports team within said league schedule more than one game in said common week.
34. The method of claim 27, wherein said fantasy sports contest is associated with a single sport selected from the group consisting of baseball, football, basketball, hockey, soccer, golf, motor vehicle racing, and cricket.
35. The method of claim 27, wherein said contestant score is based upon a plurality of performance categories for said fantasy sports contest.
36. The method of claim 35, wherein said contestant score is based upon a player score for each said fantasy sports player that was used in said lineup for said fantasy sports contest, wherein each said player score is based upon the performance of the corresponding said fantasy sports player in an actual sports contest associated with said fantasy sports contest, for the corresponding time period that said fantasy sports player was in said lineup for said fantasy sports contest, and in said plurality of performance categories.
37. The method of claim 27, wherein said contestant score is based upon a player score for each said fantasy sports player that was used in said lineup for said fantasy sports contest, wherein each said player score is based upon the performance of the corresponding said fantasy sports player in an actual sports contest associated with said fantasy sports contest and for the corresponding time period that said fantasy sports player was in said lineup for said fantasy sports contest.
38. The method of claim 27, wherein a first fantasy sports player was in said lineup for a first time period of said fantasy sports contest, wherein a second fantasy sports player replaced said first fantasy sports player in said lineup for a second time period of said fantasy sports contest and pursuant to said substitution request, wherein said first and second time periods are non-overlapping, wherein said contestant score is based upon a first player score for said first fantasy sports player and a second player score for said second fantasy sports player, wherein said first player score is based upon the performance of said first fantasy sports player in an actual sports contest over the same said first time period but not said second time period, and wherein said second player score is based upon the performance of said second fantasy sports player in an actual sports contest over the same said second time period but not said first time period.
39. The method of claim 27, wherein said assessing comprises comparing said substitution request time for said substitution request with said start time of said actual first sports contest that is associated with said substitute fantasy sports player and that is covered by said fantasy sports contest, wherein said substitute fantasy sports player is allowed to enter said lineup only if said substitution request time is prior to said start time of said actual first sports contest.
40. The method of claim 27, wherein said assessing is executed by one of said at least one fantasy sports contestant computer and said fantasy sports gaming system.
41. The method of claim 27, wherein said computing is executed by one of said at least one fantasy sports contestant computer and said fantasy sports gaming system.
42. A method of fantasy sports gaming, comprising:
receiving a lineup of a plurality of fantasy sports players from a fantasy sports participant, over a communications link, and at a fantasy sports gaming system, wherein said lineup is for a fantasy sports contest being conducted by said fantasy sports gaming system, wherein said fantasy sports contest is associated with a plurality of actual sports contests: 1) that are conducted over a first duration; 2) that occur within a single common sport; and 3) that occur within a single common level within this said single common sport, wherein said first duration is such that no fantasy sports player that is eligible for participation in said fantasy sports contest could play for the same team and play in more than one actual sports contest throughout said first duration;
receiving a substitution request from said fantasy sports participant, over said communications network, and at said fantasy sports gaming system, wherein said substitution request is to replace one fantasy sports player currently in said lineup with a substitute fantasy sports player, and when substituted by said fantasy sports gaming system defines an updated said lineup for said fantasy sports contest;
comparing a substitution request time for said substitution request with a start time of an actual first sports contest that is associated with said substitute fantasy sports player and that is covered by said fantasy sports contest, wherein said comparing is executed by said fantasy sports gaming system, and wherein said fantasy sports gaming systems allows said substitute fantasy sports player to enter said lineup only if said substitution request time is prior to said start time of said actual first sports contest; and computing a contestant score for said fantasy sports contest and in association with said fantasy sports contestant, wherein said contestant score is based upon each said fantasy sports player that was used in said lineup during said fantasy sports contest, and wherein said computing is executed by said fantasy sports gaming system.
43. The method of claim 42, wherein said communications link comprises a communications network.
44. The method of claim 42, wherein said communications link comprises the Internet.
45. The method of claim 42, wherein said fantasy sports gaming system comprises at least one server.
46. The method of claim 42, wherein said fantasy sports gaming system comprises a host computer.
47. The method of claim 42, wherein said common time period is a single day.
48. The method of claim 42, wherein said first duration is associated with a common week of a league schedule for said plurality of actual sports contests, where no sports team within said league schedule more than one game in said common week.
49. The method of claim 42, wherein said fantasy sports contest is associated with a single sport selected from the group consisting of baseball, football, basketball, hockey, soccer, golf, motor vehicle racing, and cricket.
50. The method of claim 42, wherein said contestant score is based upon a plurality of performance categories for said fantasy sports contest.
51. The method of claim 50, wherein said contestant score is based upon a player score for each said fantasy sports player that was used in said lineup for said fantasy sports contest, wherein each said player score is based upon the performance of the corresponding said fantasy sports player in an actual sports contest associated with said fantasy sports contest, for the corresponding time period that said fantasy sports player was in said lineup for said fantasy sports contest, and in said plurality of performance categories.
52. The method of claim 42, wherein said contestant score is based upon a player score for each said fantasy sports player that was used in said lineup for said fantasy sports contest, wherein each said player score is based upon the performance of the corresponding said fantasy sports player in an actual sports contest associated with said fantasy sports contest and for the corresponding time period that said fantasy sports player was in said lineup for said fantasy sports contest.
53. The method of claim 42, wherein a first fantasy sports player was in said lineup for a first time period of said fantasy sports contest, wherein a second fantasy sports player replaced said first fantasy sports player in said lineup for a second time period of said fantasy sports contest and pursuant to said substitution request, wherein said first and second time periods are non-overlapping, wherein said contestant score is based upon a first player score for said first fantasy sports player and a second player score for said second fantasy sports player, wherein said first player score is based upon the performance of said first fantasy sports player in an actual sports contest over the same said first time period but not said second time period, and wherein said second player score is based upon the performance of said second fantasy sports player in an actual sports contest over the same said second time period but not said first time period.
54. A method of fantasy sports gaming, comprising:
transmitting a lineup of a plurality of fantasy sports players for a fantasy sports contestant, from at least one fantasy sports contestant computer, and over a communications link, wherein said lineup is for a fantasy sports contest being conducted by a fantasy sports gaming system, wherein said fantasy sports contest is associated with a plurality of actual sports contests: 1 ) that are conducted over a first duration; 2) that occur within a single common sport; and 3) that occur within a single common level within this said single common sport, wherein said first duration is such that no fantasy sports player that is eligible for participation in said fantasy sports contest could play for the same team and play in more than one actual sports contest throughout said first duration;
transmitting a substitution request by said fantasy sports contestant, from said at least one fantasy sports contestant computer, and over said communications network, wherein said substitution request is to replace one fantasy sports player currently in said lineup with a substitute fantasy sports player;
comparing a substitution request time for said substitution request with a start time of an actual first sports contest that is associated with said substitute fantasy sports player and that is covered by said fantasy sports contest, wherein said substitution request is allowed only if said substitution request time is prior to said start time of said actual first sports contest; and
displaying a contestant score from said fantasy sports contest, for said fantasy sports contestant, and on said at least one fantasy sports contestant computer, wherein said contestant score is based each said fantasy sports player that was used in said lineup during said fantasy sports contest.
55. The method of claim 54, wherein said communications link comprises a communications network.
56. The method of claim 54, wherein said communications link comprises the Internet.
57. The method of claim 54, wherein said common time period is a single day.
58. The method of claim 54, wherein said first duration is associated with a common week of a league schedule for said plurality of actual sports contests, where no sports team within said league schedule more than one game in said common week.
59. The method of claim 54, wherein said fantasy sports contest is associated with a single sport selected from the group consisting of baseball, football, basketball, hockey, soccer, golf, motor vehicle racing, and cricket.
60. The method of claim 54, wherein said contestant score is based upon a plurality of performance categories for said fantasy sports contest.
61. The method of claim 60, wherein said contestant score is based upon a player score for each said fantasy sports player that was used in said lineup for said fantasy sports contest, wherein each said player score is based upon the performance of the corresponding said fantasy sports player in an actual sports contest associated with said fantasy sports contest, for the corresponding time period that said fantasy sports player was in said lineup for said fantasy sports contest, and in said plurality of performance categories.
62. The method of claim 54, wherein said contestant score is based upon a player score for each said fantasy sports player that was used in said lineup for said fantasy sports contest, wherein each said player score is based upon the performance of the corresponding said fantasy sports player in an actual sports contest associated with said fantasy sports contest and for the corresponding time period that said fantasy sports player was in said lineup for said fantasy sports contest.
63. The method of claim 54, wherein a first fantasy sports player was in said lineup for a first time period of said fantasy sports contest, wherein a second fantasy sports player replaced said first fantasy sports player in said lineup for a second time period of said fantasy sports contest and pursuant to said substitution request, wherein said first and second time periods are non-overlapping, wherein said contestant score is based upon a first player score for said first fantasy sports player and a second player score for said second fantasy sports player, wherein said first player score is based upon the performance of said first fantasy sports player in an actual sports contest over the same said first time period but not said second time period, and wherein said second player score is based upon the performance of said second fantasy sports player in an actual sports contest over the same said second time period but not said first time period.
PCT/US2015/043222 2014-07-31 2015-07-31 Fantasy sports gaming with player substitutions Ceased WO2016019301A2 (en)

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