CA2623083A1

CA2623083A1 - A game

Info

Publication number: CA2623083A1
Application number: CA002623083A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Ian Alexander Mackay; Christopher James Prosser
Original assignee: Ian Alexander Mackay; Christopher James Prosser; Game Loto Pty Ltd
Current assignee: GAME LOTO Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2005-07-08
Filing date: 2006-07-10
Publication date: 2007-01-18
Also published as: CN101374573A; WO2007006083A1; ZA200801365B; EP1909927A1

Abstract

A game of chance for playing in conjunction with a sporting contest such as Rugby Union or Rugby league in which a ball (18) is used and in which a scoring areas in the sporting contest such the goal posts (13) are divided into a number of scoring zones for example grid cells (17) in a grid (16) with the results of the game of chance being determined by the position or positions of the ball (18) or a movement or movements of the ball (18) into the scoring zones. The game of chance may be applied to a range of games including other football games and field games such as cricket or baseball.

Description

A GAME
Technical Field This invention relates to a game and in particular to a game of chance.
Backgraund Art Gambling gtt.tnes of many dif.ferent forms are icnown ranging from gambling gatnes in which a- player bets on possible outcomes of a sporting contest or event to gaines in which the player does not select an. outcome and his prospeets of winning rely solely or primarily on chance. Games of the latter type are widespread and include gaming machines such as poker machine and many casiuo gaxn.es. In sporting contests such as football, games of chance are knowm in which a person purchases a ticket containing a hidden number relating tQ players in the sporting contest and winning is determined by the player or players who first score in the sporting contest.
These types of games have .liniited appeal to the public as there is effectively no input by a person who purchases a game ticket. Interest in those games is often limited or lost part3culsrly if the result which determines tSie winner occurs quiclcly. Gaane$ in wbich player input -is required dre sometimes biased against persons with a particular ski11, For example wagering can be carricr out on the resia.lts or outcome of a sporting context or event and the margin of a win by one teain over another. Generally these galnes have greatest appea] to persons experienced.in wagering and with knowledge of team "form".
Summary of the Invention The present invention aims to provide a ga.me of chance wlzi.ch is based upon a s'po.r.ting contest. In particular the present in.vention aims to provide a game in which winning of the game of chance is determined by one or more events tluring the sporting corttest. The present invention is particularly applicable to. sporting contests such as football games, cricket matches, baseball, hockey or any other game in which a ball is used and in which scoring in the game is dete.raniA,ed by a particular movement of or position of the ball during the sporting contest. Other objects and advantages of the invention wi11 becxx'we apparent from the following description.
The present invention thus provides in a first aspect, a game of chance for playing in eonjunetion with a sporting aontest in which a ball is used characterized in that the results of the game of chance are determined by the position or position.s of the ball or a movement or movements of the ball during the sporting contest.
Preferably the position or positions of the ball or the movement or movements of the ball are positions, or moveinents in the registering of a score in the sporting contest.
Preferably a score in the sporting contest is registered by movement of the ball into or the positioning of the ball in a scoring area. Preferably particular positicns of the ball or movements of the ball correspond to a particular numeral or syrnbol which determine winners of the game of chance.
Preferably ttie scoring area is divided up into zones which represent respectlve numerals or symbols such that the position of the ball in a zone or movement of a ball through that zone represeilts a corresponding numeral or symbol relating to that zone.
The scpring area is most preferably defined by a gr.id comprising a plurality of grid cells dcfining respective zones, each of which represents or is associated with a numeral or symbol. Thus movement of the ball into a particular grid cell or movement of the ball through a particular grid cell represents a partiGu]ar nuaneral or symbol. If the ball does siot fit with a particular grid cell, th.e grid cell through which the a major portion, that is greater than 500/o, of the ball passes or in which the major portion of the ball is positioned compri.ses the grid cell which identifies the numeral or symbol associated with that position or movement of, tlie ball. The grid may comprise a rectangular grid or any other form of grid either rectangular or non-rectangular atid may comprise atiy number of grid cells.
Pr.eferably the numeral or symboi associated with a particular grid cell is changed, typically randor.aly changed, after the ball (or a major portion of the ball) passes throu.gh or is positioncd in, that cell.
Preferably the grid comprises a grid which is not visible on the sporting field.
Most preferably the grid comprises a grid image which is superimposed upon a visual image of the sporting field. Thus the grid can be displayed on a video display screen on the vidQa scr.een at a sporting arena and/or on a video screen of a television or other monitor. The grid thus may comprise a computer generated grid,. the grid including a plurality of grid c,ell5 each of which may bear a number or symbol such that the movement or position of thc ball in scoring is apparent on the grid a.nd. thus corresponds to a particular grid cell and therefore numeral or symbol marked or appearing on or within the cell.

The resultant number or symbol 'corresponding to the position of or movement of the ball in or through a. particular grid cell determines the winner of the game of chanee. Most preferably, a winning combination of numerals or symbols comprises a combination of a series of numerals and/or a combination of a series of symbols which are representative of a corresponding number of movements or positions of the ball through or in a grid cell in a conesponding nurnber of scores.
When sufficient numbers of = numbers or symbols/logos of the winning combination ar.e not deterrnined by rnov~,unents or positions of the ball in the sporting contest, outstanding numbers or symbols/logos in the winning combination may be deterniined randomly. Alternatively the outstanding .nutalber or numbers may be deternuned by input from a spectator and/or any other person. such as a VIP.
Thus for example the outstanding number or numbers may be detennined by a spectator or other person positioning a ball i.n or iiioving or projecting a ball through a grid.
cell.
A person who wishes to participate in the game of chance may either select a series of rntmerals and/or symbols for entry into the garnc or a series of numerals and/or symbols may be selected randomly for example by a cornputer. In the latter option, the numerals and/or symbols may be printed on a card and supplied to the person.
Alternatively, a person who purchases a ticket to enter the sports ground to watch tbe game may be provided. with a combination of numerals and/or symbols on the entry ticket or on a card or ticket associated with and issued with the entr.y card or ticket. In another arrangement, tickets or cards carrying a combination of inumie.raJs and/or symbols may be supplied with the purchase of a particular product such as a newspaper or television guide. In yet another option, tickets for use in or entries in the game of chance may be sold over a standard interactive gaming platform such as the intcrnet or mobile phone MMS or SMS to a single detd.icated number globally. These fdrnis of communication therefore allows for interactive com.munication with the ticket holding public for sellingentries or tickets io the game an.d for notifying winners in the game.
A typical sports contest to which the invention may be applied may be a football game in which points or scores in the garne are scored by kicking a ball through goal or scoring posts. The region between the goal posts may be divided into a grid with a plurality of gric3 cells each representing a respective numeral or symbol_ Thus when a ball is kicked through the goal posts, the position of the ball as it moves between the goal posts comprises a position of the ball in a grid cell in the grid. That grid ceJl thus determines a numeral or symbol of the.winning combination 'of numerals and/or symbols.
The winning combination nlay comprise a combination of numerals and/or symbols determined by.the passage of a ball through the geid. defined between the goal posts. The winning combination inay be defined by scoring at one end only of a sports field or at the opposite ends of the sports field_ Alternatively the person who participates in the game of chance may select a combination of numerals and/or symbols which he/she considers may be detennined by the ball being kicked through the goal posts at one end only of the sports field, [f tlaere is insufficient scoring in the game to produce a sufficient number of nunierals and/or symbols in the wi.nning combin.a.tion, one or more numerals and/or symbols may be selected or, generated randomly at the end of the garne to define the winning cozt-tbination.. Alternatively, the prize pool may be jackpotted for the next game.
The football game may be rugby league, rugby union, Australian rules or American football where points are scored by . kicking balls though goal posts.
Alternatively, the football game m,ay comprise a soccer game where goals are scored by kicking balls into a goal.
In another arrangement particularly applicable to rugby league and rugby union where tries are scored behind a goal line or American football where touchdowns are scored behind a goal line, the area behind the goal line may be divided into a grid which is superimposed as a grid image on an image of the football .fxeld with. the grid having a ntunber of grid cells each representing a respective numeral and/or synibol.
Thus scoring of a try behind an capponent'õ goal line positions the ball in or primarily in grid cell and thereby determines a numeral and/or symbol of the wihning combination.
Similarly the place behind a goal line at which a touchdown occurs comprises a place in a grid cell of a,grid and can also represent a numeral and/or symbol.
In another aspect, the present invention: provides a game of chance for playing in conjunGtivn with a game in which a. ball is struck into a scoring area characterized in that the results of the game of chance are determined by the position ar movement of the ball into said scoring area. The present invention in this aspect may thus be applied to the game of cricket or the game of baseball. In the former game, regions in the cricket ground where a "six" or "four" may occur cati be divided on a video screen into a computer generated grid with grid cells of the grid each of which represents a diff'erent numeral and/or symbol. Thus if a ball is hit to score a six, the particular region in which the ball lands represents a numeral and/or symbol as determined by the gTid 'cell corresponding to that particular region_ The winning combination of numerals and/or symbols comprises a plurality of numerals and/or syrrmbols determined in this manner.
In relation to the game of baseball, a baseball field may be divided into a gri.d and the position in a grid cell in which the ball lands, is caught or is stc-pped by a fielder provides a nwneral and/or symbol of the winning combination.

5 The present invention whilst suitable for use in the above ball gatnes may be applied to any otber ball game.
In another aspect, the present invention provides apparatus for, use in a game of chance for playing in conjunction with a sporting contest in which a ball is used, said apparatus including xr-eans for capturing images of said ball during said sporting contest and means for detcrmining the position of said ball relative to, or movement of said ball into, a prescribed area to determine the results of said game of chance.
Preferably the prescribed area compz.ises an area into which the ball is positioned or moved into in scoring in said sporting contest, the apparatus suitably including means for inonitoring the area whereby to determine the position of a ball in, or movement of a ball into, said prescribed area. The apparatus suitably comprises means for dividing the area into zones which. represent respectivc numerals and/or symbols.
The apparatus suitably also includes means for dividing the area into a grid coniprising a plurality of grid cc11s, comprising respective zones, each grid cell representing or being associated witla. a numeral and/or symbol. Means are also suitably provided for capturing an image of the prescribed scoring area. Means suitably are provided for superimposing an image of the grid on the image of said scoring area.
Brief Description of the Drawings.
In order that the invention may be more readily understood a.nd put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings wbieh illustrate a preferrted embodiment of the i.nvention and wherein :-k'ig. 1 illustrates schematically a tootball field for playing a game of rugby league or ruby union provided with a scoring grid for use izi the game of chance of the invention;
Fig. 2 illustrates schematically the manner in which a numeral or symbol in a wiruxing combination is established in the game;
Fig. 3 illustrates in block diagram form typical apparatus for use in establishing the winning coznbination in the gaine of chance as to the game ofragby league or rugby union; and Fig. 4 illustr.ates'schcmatically a cricket field with a scoring grid for use in a game of chance according to another embodiment of the invention.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring to the drawings and firstly to Figs. 1, there is illustrated a conventional football field 10 for use in playing a game ofntgby union or rugby league. The field 10 inclu.des a rectangular playing area 11 having transverse goal lines 12 at each end and ,goal posts 13 positioned intermediate opposite ends of each goal line 12, the goal posts 13 being of H-shaped configuration and includi.n.g a pair of spaced uprights 14 and a cross bar I S extending -between the uprights 14. Scoc.ing is achieved by placing the football on or into the region beyozi.d the goal line 12 known as the in-goal area to score a try and scoring is also achieved by kicking a football over the cross bar 1,5 and between the uprights 14. Points by kicking are either scored by means of penalty goals, field goals or a conversion after a try scxare.
For use in the game of chance of the. invention, the area between the uprights and above the cross bar 15 is divided into a virtual reatangular grid 16, the grid 16 being capable of being displayed on a video display screen which may be in the sports ground, on a television or any other rernote video screen or monitor, the grid 16 being superimposed onto an image of goal posts 13 as captured for, example by a television camera. Typically the grid 16 would only be dis~played during an attempt to kick a goal of on a video replay of the attempt to kick a goal.
The grid 16 has a plurality of grid cells 17 defined by intersecting rows and col,um.ns and eac,h grid cell 17 is identified by' a rlumeral also appearing as a superimposed image on a display screen with the numerals being loca.ted within the houndaries of the respectave cells 17_ In the illustrated embodiment; the grid 16 is formed into thirty-six cells comprising an array of six columns and six rows with each cell. 17 k,eing identified by different numerals and being respectively numbered 1 to 36.
The grid 16 illustrated comprises a rectangular grid comprising thirty-si3c cells but may be a non-rectangular grici and cornprise any iiurnber of cells.
Spectators of the rugby or rugby union game who participate in the game of chance may be provided on their ground entry ticket with a series of numbers.
Thus a ground entry tYcket may include six numbers ra.ndornly selected from the numbers 1 to 36, for example 7,15,23,28,30,36. Al.ternatively spectators wishing to participate in the game of chance- nmay purc;hase a ticket with a randc-m.ly pre-selected or ra,ndomly derived set of nuxnbers. This therefore is similar to purchasing a lotto ticket having randomly selected numbers. In yet an alternative arrangement, persons who wish to participate i'n the game may themselves select the series of numbers with which to play again similar to the manner of filling out an entry in lotto, that ticket carrying the selected numbers then being recorded against the player in a central coinpu.ter system.
Persons who are not present at the sports gaine may also participate in the game of cha:nce of the invention by purchasing a ticket retnotely from the gatne or filling out a ticket with their own nunbers and then. paying for that ticket again in a similar manner to lotto.
The winning combination of numbers is determined during playing of the game of rugby or rugby league as described below. As shown in Fig. 2, in addition to scozing tries for achieving points in the game'by placolnent of balls on or beyond. t1-e goal line 12 into tbe in-goal area, po.intts are also scored by kicking balls in place kicks between the uprights 14 and above the cross bar 15 of the goal posts 13. Thus assumir,.g the ball 18 is kicked along the traj~.~c:tory 19 shown in dotted outline, the point at which the ball 19 passes through the goal, posts 13 and the superimposed virtual grid 16 which appears on a video screen or monitor deten-nines a number which forms part of tho .winning combination. In this'case if the ball 18 is the first ball which scores points through kicking of a goal, the tirst number of the winning combination of numbers is the number "22", being the number associated with the cell 17 through which the ball 18 passes at the goal posts 13. Similarly the next kick of the ball 1$ along the trajectory 20 through the goal posts 13 determines the second number of the winning combination. In this case th.e ball 18 passes through the cell identified by the number "9" which is the second ntuxtber of the winning combination. 'Thus each goal kick in turn detennines respective numbers in the winning combinafion. If the ball 18 does not pass exactly through a cell 17, the number in the winning conibinaiion is deten-nined by the cell 17 through wfiich a major portion of the ball 18 passes for example greater than. 50% of the ball 18 passes.
So as to provide a degree of randonuiess, the cells 17 may be renumbered after each successful goal kick, for example the idcntifying numbers of the respective cells 17 may be randomly re-arranged after each successful goal kick. Thus if the ball 18 passes through the grid 16 at the same position in the next ldck, a number of the winning combination which will be different from the previous nuinber will be determined.
.Altertnatively respective numbers of the winning combination which are determined by $
eaeh goal kiek as above may be rernoved from the gr.id 16 so that the same nuanber cannot appear rnore than once in the wiiuiing combination.
Assuming the winning combination of numbers contains six numbers, each goal kick in turn at each end of the field by either team determines each number in the c..ombination_ Alternatively, goal kicks at only one end of the field may establish the numbers in the winning combination_ In yet an alternative arrangement, goal kicks by only one team may detennine the numbers of the winning cornbination.
The game of claance may also be structurecl such that play~rs in the game can select goal kicks of one or the other team or both teanrs to determino the numerals of the winniug combinations. If there are insufficient goal kicks to deter.naine all numerals in a winning combination., the missing number or numbers can be determined by a random selection or draw. Alternatively the winning prize car.a, be jackpotted for the next sporting event.
The game of chance of the invention thus taps into the sports economy, incorporatiing itself virtually into the sporting te].evision talecast without disrupting the game or the view of the spectator while tapping into field of play advertising opportunities and revenue generation. Once the spectators' ticket is validated they receive a complimentary game entry ticket or scrateh card ticket (as referred to below) for use in the game of chance with a co.mbination of numerals and! or symbols/
logos out of the following possibilities LLqing the above six from thirty-six exampl.e.
Typical tic.kets may comprise a single line of six randomly generated numbers froin a matrix of thirty-six for entry into the game. Tickets may alternatively comprise a sizxgle line of #hirt y-six symbols/ logos in the associated game. Tickets alternatively may comprise a multiple line variant of the above. Tickets alternatively 7nay comprise a scratch card with a pictured goal matrix of thirty-six cells which is scratched to reveal an associated instant prize. Tickets in yet an alternative embodiment may comprise a scratch card with a pictured goal matrix of thirty six oells which is scratched to reveal six nurnbers and or symbols/ logos for entry into the associated game.
In the case that there is insufficiezat scoring in the gaine to produce all necessary numerals and/or symbols in the winning combination, one or more numerals and/or symbols may be selected or generated randomly via one or more of the following passibilities. In one option, the remaiiiing or outstanding ntiunbers and/or symbols/logos are randomly and securely computer generated at the games completion.

For example, a 2-1- score line leaves 3 outstanding picks required in the winning wrnbitlation. "The outstanding numbers and/or symbols/logds rnay be displayed virtually at the ground and/or delivered to consumers interactively over the internet, designated b.r.oadcasting or data.-casting, content services and mobile phones. In another option, six pre-selected public figures (political, sporting or entertainment identities) at the half or full time breaks in the game, each kick ona ball in turn from the penalty scluare into L=he goals and in tuni to determincd the requiTed reinaining or outstanding numbers for the winning combination. Alternatively, six pre-selected charities/ good causes or sporting g-rass roots programs alid their representatives have the same opporhinity as above public fxgur.es, this time with a resultant associated windfaIl in exposure and donation opportunity to their cause. In a further altemative, six lucky gate ticket etatry or seat numbe.r ticket holders are selected before the kick off and each given the opportunity at the half or full time breaks in the game to kick one ball from the penalty square inta the goals and in turri se.lect the required remai.ning or outstanding numbers. The lucky ticket holders not only get an experience of a lifetime to be aentre field and centre stage but could also receive a supporter's pack of their.
team (cap, jersey, season ticket etc.). They could also win the corresponding sponsors/ logo prize for themselvcs and the designated chai.-ity/ good cause. Lucky gate spectator goal kicks passing through grid cells 17 which say correspond with sponsor Vodafone logo can be ,awarded with associated mobile phone and network connection prizes. Six pre-selected beneficiaries from a predetermined charity/ good cause or sporting grass roots program have the same opportunities as above lucky gate and or seat ticket holders.
The remaining or outstanding number may be determined by a combination of one or more of the above options.
Game winners may not only receive their allocated cash prize but inay experience other. services and prizes such as an official club supporters prize pack of their chosen team, a sports holiday.package for them and their partner!
fi.iend including first class air tickets, five star aecomrnodation and meals. Winners packages also may include box stadium seats to the next associated game, anywhere in the world.
Depending ozl the sports governing body or club directive the winner may also receive signed club meinorabilia, a chance to meet the team, or captains and possibly toss the coin. Depen.ding on winners consent they may take part in a sports travel.
Blog logging their travel diaries and special sports event photos of their prize wanning journey.

The game may also include a second ahance lottery draw system based on entry bq:izag dependant on spectators collecting their lottery tickets over a season and mailing them back for recycling or a combination of one or more of the above.
It will be appreciated that the game of chance described above rnay be varied in 5 a number of different ways by varying thc manner in which numerals in a mumeral ccambination are dctermined without departing from the principals of the invention in which nunierals are determined by the position of a ball as it moves through goal posts.
Determination of the nusnbers in the winning coinbinati.on can be accurately ascertained by tracking software which from the imagc; of the ball 18 can track its.
movement 10 through the goal posts 13 and its position in the p,r.i.d 16 superimposed as an image seen on a display screen or monitor.
The cells 17 in the grid 16 may, instead of being identified by numerals, be identified by symbols/logos. For exaniple, respective cells 17 of the grid 16 may carry identifying logos associated with each teanl playing. In this case, the winning combination comprises a set of symbols/logos arranged in asi order determined by goal kicks passing thfough grid cells 17 of the grid 16.= After each goal kick, the symbols/logos may be randomly.rearranged on the grid 16 so that respective grid cells 17 may be identified either by the saane syrnbol/logo or a different sy.nabol/logo.
Assuming the teams playing are represented by a tiger logo and a, rabbit logo respectively, the grid cells of cach grid will either be identified by a tiger logo or a rabbit logo with an equal nuinber of each logo, in the einbodiment illustrated, eighteen of each logo, being displayed. The logos are arranged randomly in respective grid cells 17 of the grid 16. _ After a. first kick thr.ough the goal posts 13; the fust logo in the winning combination is detenninul. The logos are then randoml.y rea.n:anged in the grid 16 so that the cells 17 carry the sauie or different logos and the second goal kick theri .
deterrnines the second logo of the winning combination which may or may not be the same as the first logo. Thus a typical winni.n.g combination may comprise two tiger logos, one rabbit logo, one tiger logo and two rabbit logos arranged in order.
Again as with. ntu.nerals, players may be given entry tickets into the game which .30 bear particular combinations of, logos or may purchase tickets or scratch cards which carry random coinbinations of logos. Players of the game of chance wbo wish to participate naay themselves select particular combinations of logs and.
purchase txckets ibr participation in the game either at the game or at a remote location.
Alte.matively entry into the game of chance may be done rcmotely such as by mobile phone or other mobile commu.uication means or over the internefi.
In a first option for playing the game of cliance according to a practical ernbodiment of the invention, the teams playing are represented by their team's major sponsor branding. For example in a football game involving the teams Arsenal and Manchester United, their respective sponsors 02 and Vodafonc or their club emblems/logos i.e. a Cannon and a Lion logo respectively are used in the gdd cells.
Thus the grid cells of each grid will either be identified by an 02/ Cannon logo or a Vodafone/ Lio.n. logo wi.tla an equal, nuni.ber of each logo, in the embodirnent illustrated in Fig. 3, eighteen. of each logo, being displayed. The logos are arranged randomly in respective grid cells 1.7 of the grid 16. After a-first kick throul;h the goal posts 13, the first logo in the winning combination is detcrirnined. The logos are then randomly reaTrazigetl in the grid 16 so tha:t the cells 17 carry the same or different logos and the second goal kick then determines the second logo of the winning conibanatiori.
which may or may not be the same as the -first logo. Thus a typical winning combination may comprise two 02/ Cannon logos, one Vodafone/ Lion logo, one 02/ Cannon logo and two Vodafone/ lion logos arranged in order. The use of the comme,r,ci.al logos as above thus provides a means for advertising goods or services. It will be appreciated therefore that a large range of spoy.isors or other commercial entities may pro r..note their goods and services by use of their logos in the grid cells of the game.
In a second option for playing the game, the teams playing are represented by their 1~'edecation.s, codes, teams major sponsor branding and/ or corporatc advertisers or club emblem/ logo as in the first option above. After however a first kick thrrough the goal posts 13 (generic football in Figs. 1 and 2), the first logo in the winning lottery combitiation virtually appears and transforms to reveal the corresponding cell numbers with r.espective n.umberfi determined in this mar,ner seleeting the winning lottery combination. The grid 16 of cells 17 is super.imposed onto a real image of the sports arena as seen for example by a television camera and displayed on a screen such as a video replay scroen which may be in the sports ground, on a television or= any oth.e.r.
remote video screen/ mobile sc.reen: The number combinations and symbol/ logos are displayed virtually for the duration of the sportin.g faxture over the above display options and delivered to consumers interactively over the internet, designated broadcasting or data casti.ng, content services and mobile phones. T'his combination display can be equated to and sold as an ativertising dollar value depending on fixture lxroad.casting ratings, crowd attendance and quality and quantity of sponsor branding-/ logo exposure.
ln this option, the c:onibitlation display allows the consumer has the traditional choice of using number pioks and recoive the lottery winning division and associated cash prize. Alternatively or additionally, the combination display allows the consuzzior the choice to use the corresponding sponsors branding/ logos to select the associated sponsor's prize package/ packages.
In a further option, the grid 16 ha.s a plurality of grid cells 17 represented by the garnc provider's bran.di.ng/ logo and/ or the good cause charity or charities associated 10. with and depending on the particular sport, the particufar team fixture, the period of tim_e in history i.e. which week or m.onth or driven by public fontm, current affair needs or as directed by the game provider directed. As with the previous option, each grid cell 17 has witb.in its boundary a ntni-.te.ral and associated good cause and or charities symbo.l/ logo. The winning nu.mber combination sequence is takenn, in the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 2, from the thirty-six cell grid er.eatin,g a draw specific number of corresponding good cause beneficiaties; ranging from 2 to in this case a possible 6 oul of a possi.ble 2 to 36. In yet a furthe.r option, any of the above $ymbol./
logo options can be used. in the form of a scratch'card -in prefer.en.ce to above described lotteryl lptto formats. For example, a combination symbolled scratch card say comprising all Prernier Football,l,eague Club emblems in combination with or separ'ate from all Super Rugby League and National Rugby Union cmblems_. In Ihis case scratching of the scratch card would reveal a combination parbier corporate logo and associated sponsor prize giveaway, a standard cash matrix prize or a combination of above, Of course the grid cells 17 may be identified by numerals and symbols/logos to vary the probability of a players obta-ming a ivZnning roinbination..
Similarly the number of nnmerals and/or symbols/logos in the v+rin.niua,g combination will vary the probability of winnin.g. Various prize levels may be provided for varying degrees of concordance between the winning combination and combinations held by players for example which may only contain some ofthe wiinning combination, Refer.rirg now to Fig. 3 there is illustrated in block diagram form typical apparatus 21 for use in the ganie described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2.
For the purposes -of creating a scoring grid 16 bounded by the opposite uprights 13 of the goal posts 13 and the cross bar 15, the apparatus 21 includes a computerised boundary recognition module 22 which is designed to recognize the boundaries of the area through which or into which a game ball passes. 'I"hus in the case of a football game of the type described with reference to Fig, 1, the boundary recognition module 22 is designed to recognise the uprights 14 and cross bar 15 of the goal posts 7.3.-The boundary recognition module 22 includes one or more cameras or other iina.ge capturing mea.ns 23 which as illustrated in Fig. 2 is/are positioned at or beyond the end of the playing area 11 so that it or they are directed towards the goal Posts 13 and it . or they have a field of view which captures the goal posts 13. The most preferred position for the camera or cameras 23 is a position centrally of the area of the goal posts 13 bounded by the uprights 14 and ci-oss bar 15 however the camera or camexas 23 may be positioned in other. locations pro-vided that the goal posts 13 are wzthin the field oi:'view of the camer,a or carneras 23. 1'he boundary recognition module 22 is coafiigured to recognize the uprights 14 and cross bar 15_ This is a.chieved by a software programmed image recognition unit 24 which can recognize the substantially straight lines of the uprights 14 and cross bar 15 by analysis= of the images ca.ptured by the carnerA/s or -image capturing means 23. A signal processing unit 25 is connected to the image recognition -unit 24 and a display unit or, monitor 26 so that the captured images of the uprights 14 and cross bar 15 are displaycd as lines on. the display unit or monitor. 26 for display to an operator 27_ As the camera or image capturing means 23 will recognize the fu111ength of the uprights 14 and cross bar 15, the operator 27 if desired can edit the displayed image by selecting the lines that correspond to and define the boundaries of the area to be monitored, namely the area between the uprights 14 and cross bar 15 and between the cross bar 15 and upper ends of the uprights 14_ The operator 27 can edit the image by use of a computer mouse or other input device such as a stylus which may be applied to the screen of the monitor 26.
After the scc]ririg area in the goal posts 13 is defined as above, a grid input unit 28 rnay be used to insert an image of a grid 16 between the lines which define the uprights 14 and. cross bar as displayed on lhe monitor 26. The operator 27 can select through a keypad 29 on. the unit 28 and by pressing a "row" button 30 or "column"
buttoii 31, rhe number of rows and ualumns of cells 17 required in the grid 16 which will deterrnin.e the inumber of cells 17 whieh are created in the rectangular array of cells defined by the intersecting rows and cotuanns in the grid 16. For eacample, the operator in the case of the grid 1 f of Fig. 2 selects a grid 16 coinprising six rows ata.d six coluinns. An enter button or switch 32 on the unit 28 is theri actuated to insert the selected grid 16 onto the image of the goal posts 13 a.s previously captured and .
displayed on the monitor 26. The grid input unit 28 can also mark and ide.ntzfy the cells 17 in the grid 16 by a number or symbol with these i.deutxfi,ers being capable of being varied for example randomly at regular intervals or after a score as referred to above.
Alternatively this inay be done in the processing unit 25. The monitor. 26 can aiso display a real time image of the goal posts 13 derived from a television camera or cameras 33 with the real tiine irnage after insertion of the vi,rtual. grid 16 being overlain by the grid 16_ ,Alternatively the unage displayed by the monitor 26 may comprise a virtual iinage of the goal posts 13 and the applied grid 16.
For tracking the trajectory of the ball used in the game or the position of the ball relative to the grid 16 as it passes through tb.e goal posts 13, the apparatus 21 furthc,ir includes a ball sensing xnodule 34 which includes at least one higb speed image ca-ptur.ing means typically a cam,era, The image capturing means may comprise the ca,mera 23 used for establishing the grid 16 or a)ternatively may comprise a separate image ca.pturing means. In this case the apparatus is described to include a second ca.mera or image capturing means 35 which is positioned adjacent the camera 23 and which has a field of view which eneompasses the goal posts 13 however it will be appreciated that the camera 23 may perform the function required of the camera oz-image capturing n-teans 35 for both grid recognition and real tirne ball detection.
The camera 35, by having ir. a field of view which encompasses the goal posts 13, is able to capture Ynove.rnent of a ba.ll into or through the grid 16. A
ball reoognition unit 36 is connected to the caniera 35 to recognize the iunage of a ball used in the game to ensure that an object passink into the field of view of the camera 35 can be recognized to ensure that spurious objects passing into the field of view of the camera are not identified as a game ball. The ball recognition unit 36 is set up by positioning a ball as used in the game in the field of vicw of the camera 35 wi.tb. the output being recorded and stored in the unit 36 with the input of the operator 27 if necessary to distin,guish the ball so that the subsequent passage of ball into field of view 30 of the camera 35 can be recognized. It will thus be appreciated that the apparatus 21 can be set up to recogrtize any ball.
The module 31 may also include a sensor 38 to sense the passage of a ball between the uprights 13 and thus through the grid 16. The sensor 38 may include a fiirt.her image capturing m.eans such. as a camera positioned at one side of and in alignment with tlla,e uprights 13. Alternatively the sensor 38 may be any f.oiTn of sensor such as a simple light sensor which will detect the passage of a ball between the upr.ights 14. It will of course be appreciated that many different forms of sensor may be 5 used for detecting the passage of a ball th.rough the goal posts 13. Thus in another form., the ball may carry a sensor or tag such as a RFT'[3 tag which can be detected as it passes through the goal posts 13. The output of the ba11 recagnition unit 36 and the output of the sensor 38 are connected to an image processing xtnit 39 which will provide a computer read.a.bie output signal which defines the position of a ball as it passes between 10 the uprights 13, the outlaut signal being determined by the input fxom the camera 35 captu.ring images of a ball coniing into its i~ilcd of view and a triggering signal froYn the sensor 38 which indicates when the ball passes between the uprights 13.
The proGessing unit 39 which provides an output indicating the position of the ball is connected to an input to th.e processing unit 25 of the boundary recognition 15 module 22 which positions the ball within the grid 16 and therefore determine the cell 17 in grid ld through which the bail has passed. This appears as an image on the 111onitor 26. The image can also be displayed on a display screen at the ground where the sporting, cootest is being undertaken and/or on other local or remote monitors or display screens and typically may be 'broadcast over a television network through whicb the sporting contest is being televised. The processing unit 25 has a set of rules to determine wliether a ball is within one cell or an adjacent cell of the grid f.orexample where a ball is overlapping a boundary line of a grid 16. Thus the processing unit can determine whether the majority for example over 50 percent of a ball is within a grid cell 17 in whioh case the ball is taken ir.s represent the number or symbol of that cell 17.
Thus each passage of a bal.l. through the gr.id 16 can be seu.sed and recognized so that a set of symbals or numbers aro created for that parki.cula.r game which determines a winning combi.natian of ,rLU,ll7bers and/or symbols. Bach nutnber or symbol of the winning combination is stored in the processing unit 25 until the wining combination is established. Winndrs in the game of chan.ce can then be determined by presentation of winning tickets or from compute records of tickets which are parciased by players of the game.
processing units 25 and 39 of tb.e It will be appreciated that the respective apparatus may be embodied in a single unit to provide the prowssing and storage fia.nctions required. Furthermore other means may be provided to establish the position of a ball in the grid 16. For example one or more high speed cameras or image captnring means may be provided to capture the tra,jectory of the ball with a processing unit in this case determining by the use of tracking software and suitable algorithms the position of the ball as it passes through the grid 16. The software may in addition incorporate obstru.ction handling algorithms so as to compensate for players in the sporting cantest potentially obstructing the view of the ball. Thus the software may recogni.ze the ball then constantly calGulate where the ball should. be based on its -recorded path. Once it rccof,nniaps the ball again, it calculates the path it missed because it was obstructed. The camera or image recognition unit however is preferably positioned to minini.ise the view of the ball being obstructed. The software may also indicate such as by an. audiblc and/or, visual signal the scoring event such as. scoring of a goal and provide for animated replay of the scoring event which can be used by bToadcasters and/or displayed on the video display at the ground at which the sporting contest is occurring.
In a further aspect which may be used separately or in combination with the game of chance described above, the in-goal areas 40 beh.ind the goal lines 12 as shown in Fig, '2 may also be divided into a grid 41 with ditTerent cells 42 of the grid 41 representing different numerals and/oi- symbols in asixnilar manner to the cells 17 of the grid 16 between the goal posts 13. 1 n this case, placement of a ball in aSrid cell. 42 by a.
player scoring a try determines a number and/or symbol of the winning combination.
For monitoring of the in-goal area 42, on.e or more carneras or image capturing rneans 43 may be proved at a central position at the rear of the field as shown in d.otted outline in. Fig. 2, the camera or image capturing means 43 having a field of view which encompasses the in-goal area 40 and being used to establish the grid 41 and also to capture the irnage of a ball entcring the grid 41.
The embodiment of Figs. 1 to 2 has been described with reference to the games of rugby league and rugby union however it niay equally be applied to th.e game of Aanerican football with goal kicks detenaining numerals and/or symbols of a winning combination. Touchdowns behind the goal lin.e 12 into the grid 42 may also determine niur,erals andlor symbols. of a winni.ng combination. The winning combination can also be determined by a combination of goal kicks and touohdowns.

The game of cliance of the invention may also be applied to the game of edcket.
or other field game. In this case of criclcet and as shown in Fig. 4, a cricket ground 44 may be divided into a ser.ies of grid cells 45 in the seating area or area 46 beyond boundary lines of the ground. 44 which may be determined by walkways or aisles between adjacent seating area.s. In this case the total seating area is divided into twelve cells numbered 1 to 12. The grid cells as in the above embodiments naay be viewed as an image superimposed on a real time image of the ground as displayed on any form of monitor or displ ay screen.
In this case, numerals of a wiiuiing combina,.tion are deterniined by hitting of .10 sixes into the area 46. For example, a ball 48 hit with the trajectory 49 lands in the area 46 in a grid cell 45 designated numerat 12 and this establishes the number 12 as a number in the winning combinatio of the cells. TFie numbering of the cells 45 is then randomly changed. For example the cell 45 preeviously nurnbered 12 may be renumbered as 9 and sirnilarly for the oth.er cells 24. The winning combination of numbers is then establishe;d by hitting of sixes into the same or different oells 45 in the seating area 46.
For establishing the grid calls 45 and monytoring the position or trajectory of cricket balls 48 into the area 46, one or more caineras or image captur.ing means 50 may be provided ccntc-ally above the ground 44. 7'}.iis camera location is particularly suited to situations where ground is a covered ground. where the one or more cameras may be mounted on the covcring roof of the ground. The camera or cameras however may also be supported by balloons or a structure or structures whicb project over the ground 44 provided it does not interfere witli playing of the game. Alternatively a series of overhead image capturing means or cameras 51 may be positioned at spaced positions around the perimeter of the ground to scan a u.redetermined area of the ground, the image capturing cameras 51 being positionod such that the fields of view of respective cameras cover the fu.ll perimeter seating area of the ground 44. The grid cells 45 can thus be set up as previously by the use of the iniage capturing means 51 and similarly the passage of a ball into the grid cells 45 can be monitored or sensed by the same image capturing means 51 so that its grid cell position can be dete.zanined to define a numbers or symbol of tlle=winning com6i.nation, As with the previau.5 en-ibodiments, persons entering the ground may be provided with a combinatic,n o.f, nurnbers and/or symbols with their entry ticket or lg aXternatively purchase tickets bearing rAndom nlunbers or select numbers in a ticket wliich they purchase. Per,aons remote from the ground can also participate in the game by purchasing an entry ticket in a similar manner to the purchase of a lotto ti.aket.
The numerals of eoursc could be ivplaced with symbols as in the football gaines referred to above and the game of cliance as applied to cricket may also be varied to include the scorin.g of "fours". For example where a four is scored, the fence area of a gmund stru.ck by a ball deternvnes the numeral or syl-abol in the winning combination, the total fence area being divided into a plurality of cells bearing different numerals or symbols in a similar manner to that sliow.n in Fig. 4.
The embodime;nt of Fig. 4 may also be applied to othor tiel.d games such as baseball with the spectator area divided into cells or zones 45 such that baseballs hit into respective cells or zones deter.niine different numbers or symbols/logcrs of a winning cornbination. .A,.ltern.atively the baseball field may be divided into c01s or zones such that a bal.l landing or stopping in a zone or cell determines a number or symbol/logo of the winning combination.
It will be appreciated that the embodiments referred to above only describe some games with whic.h the gaine of chance of the invention may be employed. The jame of chance may be applied to any game involving a. ball or other sirnilar playing piece.
The terms "comprising" or "comprises" as used throughout the specification and claims are taken to specify the presence o.f, the 'sta.ted features, integers and components referred to but not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other feature/s, integer/s, component/s or group thercof.
Whilst the abovc has been given by way of illustrative embodiment of the inven.tion, all such variations and modificatxons tllereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deeaned to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as -berei.n def.a..ned in the appended claims,

Claims

1. A game of chance for playing in conjunction with a sporting contest in which a ball is used characterized in that the results of the game of chance are determined by the position or positions of the ball or a movement or movements of the ball during the sporting contest.

2. A game as claimed in claim 1 wherein the position or positions of the ball or the movement or movements of the ball are positions or movements in the registering of a score in the sporting contest.

3. A game as claimed in claim 2 wherein a score in the sporting contest is registered by movement of the ball into or the positioning of the ball in a scoring area.

4. A game as claimed in claim 3 wherein particular positions of the ball or movements of the ball correspond to a particular numeral or symbol which determine winners of the game of chance.

5. A game as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the scoring area is divided up into zones which represent respective numerals and/or symbols such that the position of the ball in a zone or movement of a ball through a zone represents a corresponding numeral or symbol relating to that zone.

6. A game as claimed in claim 5 wherein the scoring area is divided into a grid comprising a plurality of grid cells comprising respective zones, each said grid cell representing or being associated with a numeral and/or symbol whereby movement of the ball into a particular grid cell or movement of the ball through a particular grid cell represents a particular numeral or symbol.

7. A game as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the numeral and/or symbol associated with a particular grid cell is changed after a ball passes through or is positioned in, that cell.

8. A game as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7 wherein said grid comprises a grid which is not visible on the sporting field.

9. A game as claimed in claim 8 wherein said grid comprises a grid image which is superimposed upon a visual image of the sporting field.

10. A game as claimed in claim 9 wherein said the grid image can be displayed on a video display screen on a video screen at a sporting arena and/or on a video screen of a television or other monitor.

11. A game as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10 wherein said grid comprise a computer generated grid, said grid including a plurality of grid cells each of which bears a number or symbol/logo such that the movement of or position of the ball in scoring is apparent on the grid and thus corresponds to a particular gid cell and to the numeral or symbol/logo marked or appearing on or within the cell.

12. A game as claimed in claim 11 wherein a wining combination of numbers or symbols/logos in the game comprise a combination of a series of numerals and/or a combination of a series of symbols/logos which are representative of a corresponding number of movements or positions of the ball through or in a grid cell in a corresponding number of scores.

13. A game as claimed in claim 12 wherein when sufficient numbers of numbers or symbols/logos of the winning combination are not determined by movements of positions of the ball in the sporting contest, outstanding numbers or symbols/logos in the winning combination are determined randomly.

14. A game as claimed in claim 12 wherein when sufficient numbers of numbers or symbols/logos of the winning combination are not determined by movements of positions of the ball in the sporting contest, outstanding numbers or symbols/logos in the winning combination are determined by input of a spectator or any other person.

15. A game as claimed in claim 12 wherein a person wishing to participate in the game may select a series of numerals and/or symbols/logos for entry into the game or a series of numerals and/or symbols/logos may be selected randomly and issued to the participant.

16. A game as claimed in claim 15 wherein said numerals and/or symbols/logos are provided on a card or ticket and supplied to the user.

17. A game as claimed in claim 16 wherein said card or ticket comprises an entry card or ticket into said sporting contest or a card or ticket associated with said entry card or ticket.

18. A game as claimed in claim 13 wherein participants in said game are supplied with number and/or symbols/logos interactively over the internet, by mobile phone MMS and SMS or by other remote communication means.

19. A game of chance for playing in conjunction with a football game in which points or scores in the game are scored by kicking a ball through goal or scoring posts characterized in that the results of the game of chance are determined by the position or movement of the ball through said goal posts during said football game.

20. A game as claimed in claim 19 wherein the region between the goal posts is divided into a grid comprising a plurality of grid cells, each representing a respective numeral or symbol whereby when a ball is kicked through the goal posts, the position of the ball as it moves between the goal posts comprises a position of the ball in a grid cell in the grid.

21. A game as claimed in claim 20 wherein a winning combination in said game comprises a combination of numerals and/or symbols determined by the passage of respective balls through the grid defined between the goal posts.

22. A game as claimed in claim 20 to 21 wherein one or more of the numerals and/or symbols in the winning combination are selected or generated randomly.

23. A game of chance for playing in conjunction with a football game in which a ball is required to be placed or positioned in a scoring area behind a goal or scoring line to score points or scores in the football game characterized in that the results of the game of chance are determined by the position or movement of the ball into said scoring area.

24. A game of chance as claimed in claim 23 wherein said scoring area is divided into a grid comprising a plurality of grid cells each representing a respective numeral and/or symbol and wherein positioning of a ball in or primarily in a grid cell and thereby determines a numeral and/or symbol of a winning combination of numerals and/or symbols in said game of chance.

25. A game of chance for playing in conjunction with a game in which a ball is struck into a scoring area characterized in that the results of the game of chance are determined by the position of or movement of the ball into said scoring area.

26. A game of chance as claimed in claim 25 wherein said scoring area comprises a grid comprising a plurality of grid cells, each representing a different numeral and/or symbol whereby a numeral of symbol of a grid cell into which a ball is struck defines a numeral and/or symbol of a winning combination of numerals and/or cells in said game of chance.

27. Apparatus for use in a game of chance for playing in conjunction with a sporting contest in which a ball is used said apparatus including means for capturing images of said ball during said sporting contest and means for determining the position of said ball relative to, or movement of said ball into, a prescribed area to determine the results of said game of chance.

28. Apparatus as claimed in claim 27 wherein said prescribed area comprises an area into which said ball is positioned or moved into in scoring in said sporting contest, said apparatus including means for monitoring said area whereby to determine the position of said ball in, or movement of said ball into, said prescribed area.

29. Apparatus as claimed in claim 28 and including means for dividing said area into zones which represent respective numerals and/or symbols.

30. Apparatus as claimed in claim 29 and including means for dividing said area into a grid comprising a plurality of grid cells comprising respective zones, each said grid cell representing or being associated with a numeral and/or symbol.

31. Apparatus as claimed in claim 30 and including means for capturing an image of said prescribed scoring area and means for superimposing an image of said grid on said image of said scoring area.