Abstract: This invention provides a system and method of integrating video games into live sporting events, or the converse, in an interactive way. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a viewer watching a broadcast sporting event can elect to become a “phantom participant” in an event. At one or more designated points in the event (e.g., a golf tournament), the viewer's set-top box will switch from feeding the broadcast event to the viewer's television screen to feeding a stream from a video game unit to the same television screen. The video game unit is configured to receive information from the broadcast feed that includes information such as, but not limited to, the event location, the hole being played (in the golf example), the participants, and statistics related to the performance of the participants. This information may be used by the video game unit to present the viewer with the opportunity to “virtually” compete with the participants in the broadcast event.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method of integrating video games into live sporting events, or the converse, in an interactive way. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a viewer watching a broadcast sporting event can elect to become a “phantom participant” in an event. At one or more designated points in the event (e.g., a golf tournament), the viewer's set-top box will switch from feeding the broadcast event to the viewer's television screen to feeding a stream from a video game unit to the same television screen. The video game unit is configured to receive information from the broadcast feed that includes information such as, but not limited to, the event location, the hole being played (in the golf example), the participants, and statistics related to the performance of the participants. This information may be used by the video game unit to present the viewer with the opportunity to “virtually” compete with the participants in the broadcast event.

Abstract: A system for fans to influence the action of a sporting event in real-time is disclosed. Remotely located viewers of a live broadcast of a sporting event not only follow the progress of the event, but may actually influence it. When the event reaches an option situation, requiring execution of strategic action, the remote viewing fan may select the option they think most appropriate from a list of options and transmit their choice to a central location. A most favored option may be selected and relayed to the appropriate players or officials. The players may then execute the most favored option as an actual play in the game being broadcast.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method of integrating video games into live sporting events, or the converse, in an interactive way. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a viewer watching a broadcast sporting event can elect to become a “phantom participant” in an event. At one or more designated points in the event (e.g., a golf tournament), the viewer's set-top box will switch from feeding the broadcast event to the viewer's television screen to feeding a stream from a video game unit to the same television screen. The video game unit is configured to receive information from the broadcast feed that includes information such as, but not limited to, the event location, the hole being played (in the golf example), the participants, and statistics related to the performance of the participants. This information may be used by the video game unit to present the viewer with the opportunity to “virtually” compete with the participants in the broadcast event.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling spectators to participate in a sporting event in a way that may materially affect the course, and outcome, of the event. The players, or teams, participating in the sporting event agree to have certain decisions made by spectators who are supporters of the player or team. The decisions may range from the choice of the starting line up to actually calling plays during the game. The game influencing decisions are made by pre-registered spectators who vote by making a selection from a menu of possible choices related to a player's participation in the live sporting event. The spectators may be remote to the game and watching it on a television and voting using their remote control to make menu selections. Or the spectators may be in the stands watching the game, getting and responding to menus via their cell phones.

Abstract: The present invention enhances a golf tournament using novel tournament scoring and novel rules that include allowing viewer interaction with a live tournament to affect the outcome of the tournament. In a match play golf tournament, the number of tournament points awarded to a match winning team is directly proportional to a sum of the difference in the number of holes won and the number of holes left to play. In addition, elected spectators of the event may participate in a team's compliance with one or more of the tournament rules, such as selecting a player whose results will be counted double. The tournament is preferably based on the Ryder cup format, but condensed into a single day.

Abstract: The present invention enhances a golf tournament using novel tournament scoring and novel rules that include allowing viewer interaction with a live tournament to affect the outcome of the tournament. In a match play golf tournament, the number of tournament points awarded to a match winning team is directly proportional to a sum of the difference in the number of holes won and the number of holes left to play. In addition, elected spectators of the event may participate in a team's compliance with one or more of the tournament rules, such as selecting a player whose results will be counted double. The tournament is preferably based on the Ryder cup format, but condensed into a single day.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling spectators to participate in a sporting event in a way that may materially affect the course, and outcome, of the event. The players, or teams, participating in the sporting event agree to have certain decisions made by spectators who are supporters of the player or team. The decisions may range from the choice of the starting line up to actually calling plays during the game. The game influencing decisions are made by pre-registered spectators who vote by making a selection from a menu of possible choices related to a player's participation in the live sporting event. The spectators may be remote to the game and watching it on a television and voting using their remote control to make menu selections. Or the spectators may be in the stands watching the game, getting and responding to menus via their cell phones.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method of integrating video games into live sporting events, or the converse, in an interactive way. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a viewer watching a broadcast sporting event can elect to become a “phantom participant” in an event. At one or more designated points in the event (e.g., a golf tournament), the viewer's set-top box will switch from feeding the broadcast event to the viewer's television screen to feeding a stream from a video game unit to the same television screen. The video game unit is configured to receive information from the broadcast feed that includes information such as, but not limited to, the event location, the hole being played (in the golf example), the participants, and statistics related to the performance of the participants. This information may be used by the video game unit to present the viewer with the opportunity to “virtually” compete with the participants in the broadcast event.