Method and system for awarding points through a live event

Abstract

A system includes a monitoring device in communication with a server. Accomplishments and associated awards are defined. A live event is monitored by the monitoring device. Optionally, the monitoring device cooperates with a manual or automatic scoring device and monitors the live event through the scoring. When an accomplishment is achieved, the associated award is issued.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A method for use in a live event that generates a score for one or more participants utilizing a monitoring device in communication with a data storage device, the method comprising the steps of:
 storing at said data storage device an award table correlating at least one accomplishment in said live event with an award;   monitoring said live event by said monitoring device for said at least one accomplishment;   tracking a score for at least one participant in said live event through said monitoring device;   issuing the award to the at least one participant when the at least one accomplishment is detected, wherein said award is separate from, and independent of, the score earned from said accomplishment; and   storing said award at said data storage device.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said monitoring device includes an automatic scoring system, the method further comprising:
 monitoring said live event by said monitoring device; and 
 accruing the score by said monitoring device for the participant separate and independent of the award, if any, earned by said participant. 
 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 transmitting said award to a device; and 
 displaying said award on said device. 
 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said step of storing said award at said data storage device includes storing said award in a unique record for said at least one participant and said method further comprises exchanging the award. 
     
     
         5 . A system for use in a live event that generates a score for one or more participants comprising:
 a data storage device adapted to store an award table correlating at least one accomplishment in said live event with an award; and   a monitoring device in communication with said data storage device, said monitoring device adapted to execute program instructions to conduct the steps of:
 monitoring said live event by said monitoring device for an accomplishment associated with the award; 
 tracking a score of at least one participant in said live event through said monitoring device; 
 issuing the award to the at least one participant when the accomplishment is detected, wherein said award is separate from, and independent of, the score earned from said accomplishment; and 
 storing said award at said data storage device. 
   
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5  further comprising an automatic scoring system adapted to monitor said live event and accrue the score for the participant separate and independent of the award, if any, earned by said participant. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 5  further comprising a device in communication with said data storage device, wherein said device is adapted to receive said award and display said award on said device. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 5  further comprising a terminal in communication with said data storage device, wherein said terminal is adapted to exchange the award. 
     
     
         9 . A system for use in a live event that generates a score for one or more participants comprising:
 a server including a data storage device adapted to store an award table correlating at least one accomplishment in said live event with an award; and   a monitoring device in communication with said server, said monitoring device adapted to execute program instructions to conduct the steps of:
 monitoring said live event by said monitoring device for at least one accomplishment associated with the award; 
 tracking a score for of at least one participant in said live event through said monitoring device; 
 transmitting to said server when the accomplishment is detected to trigger said server to issue the award in response to said accomplishment, wherein said award is separate from, and independent of, the score earned from said accomplishment; and 
 storing said award at said server. 
   
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9  further comprising an automatic scoring system adapted to monitor said live event and accrue the score for the participant separate and independent of the award, if any, earned by said participant. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 9  further comprising a device in communication with said server, wherein said device is adapted to receive said award and display said award on said device. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 9  further comprising a terminal in communication with said server, wherein said terminal is adapted to exchange the award. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the award is a monetary award. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the award is a point award. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the award is an accruable award based on the achieving multiple accomplishments. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein exchanging the award includes exchanging the award for goods and/or services. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the award is granted based on a comparison of the score between the participant and another participant in the live event. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein storing said award at said data storage device includes associating the award with a participant's program number in a personalized program. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 rating the participant based at least in part on the accomplishment.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 comparing the participant against other participants in the live event based at least in part on the accomplishment; and   matching the participant with the other participants based on the comparing.