U.S. patent application number 11/401567 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-11 for poker playing system featuring computer generated cards and chips.
Invention is credited to R. Martin Oliveras.
Application Number | 20070238504 11/401567 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38575995 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070238504 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Oliveras; R. Martin |
October 11, 2007 |
Poker playing system featuring computer generated cards and
chips
Abstract
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system
for playing a poker hand at a poker table by a plurality of players
comprises: a Computer; a plurality of player consoles wherein the
player consoles are distributed at the poker table in a manner to
accommodate the players and wherein each player console comprises
display means being responsive to the Computer; and a plurality of
first transmitting means for allowing the Computer and the player
consoles to send signals to each other and to receive signals from
each other; the Computer comprising random card generating means
for effecting display of randomly generated card designations on
each player console display means; and the Computer sequentially
responding to wagering information being sent by a particular
player console and the Computer not responding to wagering
information being sent by the other player consoles.
Inventors: |
Oliveras; R. Martin;
(Florham Park, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
R. Martin Oliveras
18 Brooklake Road
Florham Park
NJ
07932
US
|
Family ID: |
38575995 |
Appl. No.: |
11/401567 |
Filed: |
April 11, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3293 20130101; G07F 17/322 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/013 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A system being capable of allowing the playing of a poker hand
at a poker table by a plurality of players, said system comprising:
a computer; a plurality of player consoles; said player consoles
being distributed at such poker table in a manner to accommodate
the players; and each player console comprising display means being
capable of responding to said computer; and a plurality of first
transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and each
player console to send signals to each other and to receive signals
from each other; said computer comprising random card generating
means being capable of effecting display of randomly generated card
designations on each player console display means; and said
computer being capable of sequentially responding to wagering
information being sent by each player console while not responding
to wagering information being sent by the other player consoles
during such poker hand.
2. In the system of claim 1, each player console display means
comprising: a first display surface being proximal to its player
and being visible to such player; and a second display surface
being visible to other players.
3. In the system of claim 2: said computer being capable of causing
display of unique hole-card images on the second display surface at
each respective player console display means at the end of the
poker hand; said computer determining the winning player at the end
of the poker hand; said computer designating such winning player on
the second display surface at his respective player console display
means at the end of the poker hand; and said computer crediting the
amount of the pot to the stored account of such winning player at
the end of the poker hand.
4. In the system of claim 1, each player console display means
comprising: a first display surface being proximal to its player
and being visible to such player; and a second display surface
being visible to other players; each first display surface being
capable of displaying its unique hole-cards and the common cards of
the poker hand; and each second display surface being capable of
displaying the common cards of the poker hand.
5. In the system of claim 1, each player console display means
comprising: a first display surface being proximal to its player
and being visible to such player; and a second display surface
being visible to other players; each first display surface and each
second display surface being capable of displaying a graphical
image of a stack of chips being numerically equivalent to the
amount bet at its respective player console.
6. In the system of claim 1, each player console display means
comprising: a first display surface being proximal to its player
and being visible to such player; a second display surface being
distal to such player and being visible to others players; a third
display surface being right lateral to such player and being
visible to other players; and a fourth display surface being left
lateral to such player and being visible to other players.
7. In the system of claim 1, each player console display means
comprising: a first display surface being proximal to its player
and being visible to such player; a second display surface being
distal to such player and being visible to other players; a third
display surface being right lateral to such player and being
visible to other players; and a fourth display surface being left
lateral to such player and being visible to other players; each
first display surface being capable of displaying its unique
hole-cards and the common cards of the poker hand; and each second
display surface, each third display surface, and each fourth
display surface being capable of displaying the common cards of the
poker hand.
8. In the system of claim 1, each player console display means
comprising: a first display surface being proximal to its player
and being visible to such player; a second display surface being
distal to such player and being visible to other players; a third
display surface being right lateral to such player and being
visible to other players; and a fourth display surface being left
lateral to such player and being visible to other players; each
first display surface, each second display surface, each third
display surface, and each fourth display surface being capable of
displaying a graphical image of a stack of chips being numerically
equivalent to the amount bet at its respective player console.
9. In the system of claim 1, each player console display means
comprising: a first display surface being proximal to its player
and being visible to such player; and a second display surface
being visible to other players; each player console having a
triangular cross-section.
10. In the system of claim 1, each player console display means
comprising: a first display surface being proximal to its player
and being visible to such player; and a second display surface
being visible to other players; each player console having a
triangular cross-section; each first display surface being capable
of displaying its unique hole-cards and the common cards of the
poker hand; and each second display surface being capable of
displaying the common cards of the poker hand.
11. In the system of claim 1, each player console display means
comprising: a first display surface being proximal to its player
and being visible to such player; and a second display surface
being visible to other players; each player console having a
triangular cross-section; each first display surface and each
second display surface being capable of displaying a graphical
image of a stack of chips being numerically equivalent to the
amount bet at its respective player console.
12. In the system of claim 1, each player console display means
comprising: a first display surface being proximal to its player
and being visible to such player; a second display surface being
distal to such player and visible to other players; a third display
surface being right lateral to such player and being visible to
other players; and a fourth display surface being left lateral to
such player and being visible to other players; each player console
having a triangular cross-section.
13. In the system of claim 1, each player console display means
comprising: a first display surface being proximal to its player
and being visible to such player; a second display surface being
distal to such player and being visible to other players; a third
display surface being right lateral to such player and being
visible to other players; and a fourth display surface being left
lateral to such player and being visible to other players; each
player console having a triangular cross-section; each first
display surface being capable of displaying its unique hole-cards
and the common cards of the poker hand; and each second display
surface, each third display surface, and each fourth display
surface being capable of displaying the common cards of the poker
hand.
14. In the system of claim 1, each player console display means
comprising: a first display surface being proximal to its player
and being visible to such player; a second display surface being
distal to such player and being visible to other players; a third
display surface being right lateral to such player and being
visible to other players; and a fourth display surface being left
lateral to such player and being visible to other players; each
player console having a triangular cross-section; each first
display surface, each second display surface, each third display
surface, and each fourth display surface being capable of
displaying a graphical image of a stack of chips being numerically
equivalent to the amount bet at its respective player console.
15. In the system of claim 1, each player console display means
comprising: a first display surface being proximal to its player
and being visible to such player; a second display surface being
visible to other players; and rotatable cover means for making said
first display surface visible only to such player.
16. In the system of claim 1, each player console display means
comprising: a first display surface being proximal to its player
and being visible to such player; a second display surface being
visible to other players; and rotatable cover means for making said
first display surface visible only to such player; each first
display surface being capable of displaying its unique hole-cards
and the common cards of the poker hand; and each second display
surface being capable of displaying the common cards of the poker
hand.
17. In the system of claim 1, each player console display means
comprising: a first display surface being proximal to its player
and being visible to such player; a second display surface being
visible to other players; and rotatable cover means for making said
first display surface visible only to such player; each first
display surface and each second display surface being capable of
displaying a graphical image of a stack of chips being numerically
equivalent to the amount bet at its respective player console.
18. In the system of claim 1, each player console display means
comprising: a first display surface being proximal to its player
and being visible to such player; a second display surface being
distal to such player and being visible to other players; a third
display surface being right lateral to such player and being
visible to other players; a fourth display surface being left
lateral to such player and being visible to other players; and
rotatable cover means for making said first display surface visible
only to such player.
19. In the system of claim 1, each player console display means
comprising: a first display surface being proximal to its player
and being visible to such player; a second display surface being
distal to such player and being visible to other players; a third
display surface being right lateral to such player and being
visible to other players; a fourth display surface being left
lateral to such player and being visible to other players; and
rotatable cover means for making said first display surface visible
only to such player; each first display surface being capable of
displaying its unique hole-cards and the common cards of the poker
hand; and each second display surface, each third display surface,
and each fourth display surface being capable of displaying the
common cards of the poker hand.
20. In the system of claim 1, each player console display means
comprising: a first display surface being proximal to its player
and being visible to such player; a second display surface being
distal to such player and being visible to other players; a third
display surface being right lateral to such player and being
visible to other players; a fourth display surface being left
lateral to such player and being visible to other players; and
rotatable cover means for making said first display surface visible
only to such player; each first display surface, each second
display surface, each third display surface, and each fourth
display surface being capable of displaying a graphical image of a
stack of chips being numerically equivalent to the amount bet at
its respective player console.
21. In the system of claim 1, each player console display means
being capable of displaying numerical equivalent images of cards
being randomly generated by said computer random card generating
means.
22. In the system of claim 1, each player console display means
being capable of displaying graphical images of cards being
randomly generated by said computer random card generating
means.
23. In the system of claim 1, said first transmitting means being
wireless means.
24. In the system of claim 1, each player console display means
being capable of displaying wager action be it check, fold, call,
bet or raise.
25. In the system of claim 1, each player console display means
being capable of displaying the amount of money remaining in its
player's computer stored account.
26. In the system of claim 1, each player console comprising
tipping means being capable of allowing its winning player to tip
the dealer, if any.
27. In the system of claim 1, each player console comprising
crediting means being capable of allowing its player to credit his
computer stored player account.
28. In the system of claim 1, each player console comprising
terminating means being capable of allowing its player to terminate
play at his player console.
29. In the system of claim 1, each player console display means
being capable of designating the button player console, the little
blind player console, and the big blind player console at the
beginning of the poker hand.
30. In the system of claim 1, said computer being capable of
computing and storing the rake amount earned by the casino at the
end of the poker hand and deducting such rake amount from the final
value of the pot at the end of the poker hand.
31. In the system of claim 1, said computer being capable of
computing and storing the cumulative value of all tips given to the
dealer, if any, up to the end of each poker hand.
32. In the system of claim 1, said computer being capable of
computing and storing the cumulative value of all rake amounts
earned by the casino up to the end of each poker hand.
33. In the system of claim 1: each player console comprising
swiping means for allowing the accessing of information relating to
a player; and said computer being capable of storing such player
information, such player log-in time, and such player log-out
time.
34. In the system of claim 1, at the beginning of the poker hand,
said computer designating a particular player console to be the big
blind player console; said computer being capable of enabling the
player console following said big blind player console; and said
computer dis-enabling every other player console.
35. The system of claim 1 also comprising a secondary computer
being capable of responding to said computer for continually
storing: the value of each player's stored account; the cumulative
value of all tips given to the dealer, if any; the cumulative value
of all rake amounts earned by the casino; the card designations
displayed on each player console display screen; and the wager
information sent to said computer by each player console during
each poker hand.
36. In the system of claim 1, each player console comprising
touch-responsive display means being capable of allowing the
sending of wager information to said computer.
37. In the system of claim 1, said computer being capable of
tabulating and storing the number of poker hands played per unit
time.
38. The system of claim 1 comprising: a common console at such
poker table; and second transmitting means being capable of
allowing said computer and said common console to send signals to
each other and to receive signals from each other; said common
console comprising display means being capable of displaying the
value of the pot during the poker hand.
39. In the system of claim 38, said second transmitting means being
wireless means.
40. In the system of claim 38, said common console comprising means
being capable of activating each assigned player console at the
beginning of play by the assigned player at such assigned player
console.
41. In the system of claim 38, said common console comprising
printing means being capable of printing information relating to
each player and the final amount of each player's computer stored
account upon termination of play by each player.
42. In the system of claim 38: each player console comprising
display means being capable of visually designating its position as
the button player console, the little blind player console, or the
big blind player console at the beginning of the poker hand; and
said common console comprising means being capable of activating
said designated button player console display, said designated
little blind player console display, and said designated big blind
player console display at the beginning of the poker hand.
43. In the system of claim 38: said common console comprising
swiping means being capable of accessing information relating to
each player; and said computer being capable of storing such player
information, such player log-in time, and such player log-out
time.
44. The system of claim 38 comprising: a main console; and third
transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and said
main console to send signals to each other and to receive signals
from each other; said main console comprising activating means
being capable of activating said common console at the beginning of
play.
45. The system of claim 1 comprising: a common console at such
poker table; and second transmitting means being capable of
allowing said computer and said common console to send signals to
each other and to receive signals from each other; said common
console comprising display means; said display means comprising: a
first display surface being distal to the center of such poker
table and being visible to the dealer, if any; and a second display
surface being proximal to the center of such poker table and being
visible to players.
46. The system of claim 1 comprising: a common console at such
poker table; and second transmitting means being capable of
allowing said computer and said common console to send signals to
each other and to receive signals from each other; said common
console comprising display means; said display means comprising: a
first display surface being distal to the center of such poker
table and being visible to the dealer, if any; and a second display
surface being proximal to the center of the poker table and being
visible to players; said first display surface and said second
display surface being capable of displaying the common cards of the
poker hand.
47. The system of claim 1 comprising: a common console at such
poker table; and second transmitting means being capable of
allowing said computer and said common console to send signals to
each other and to receive signals from each other; said common
console comprising display means; said display means comprising: a
first display surface being distal to the center of such poker
table and being visible to players; and a second display surface
being proximal to the center of such poker table and being visible
to players; said first display surface and said second display
surface being capable of displaying a graphical image of a stack of
chips being numerically equivalent to the value of the pot during
the poker hand.
48. The system of claim 1 comprising: a common console at such
poker table; and second transmitting means being capable of
allowing said computer and said common console to send signals to
each other and to receive signals from each other; said common
console comprising display means; said display means comprising: a
first display surface being distal to the center of such poker
table and being visible to players; a second display surface being
proximal to the center of such poker table and being visible to
players; a third display surface being right lateral to the center
of such poker table and being visible to players; and a fourth
display surface being left lateral to the dealer and being visible
to players.
49. The system of claim 1 comprising: a common console at such
poker table; and second transmitting means being capable of
allowing said computer and said common console to send signals to
each other and to receive signals from each other; said common
console comprising display means; said display means comprising: a
first display surface being distal to the center of such poker
table dealer and being visible to players; a second display surface
being proximal to the center of such poker table and being visible
to players; a third display surface being right lateral to the
center of such poker table and being visible to players; and a
fourth display surface being left lateral to the center of such
poker table and being visible to players; said first display
surface, said second display surface, said third display surface,
and said fourth display surface being capable of displaying the
common cards of the poker hand.
50. The system of claim 1 comprising: a common console at such
poker table; and second transmitting means being capable of
allowing said computer and said common console to send signals to
each other and to receive signals from each other; said common
console comprising display means; said display means comprising: a
first display surface being distal to the center of such poker
table dealer and being visible to players; a second display surface
being proximal to the center of such poker table and being visible
to players; a third display surface being right lateral to the
center of such poker table and being visible to players; and a
fourth display surface being left lateral to the center of such
poker table and being visible to players; said first display
surface, said second display surface, said third display surface,
and said fourth display surface being capable of displaying
graphical images of a stack of chips being numerically equivalent
to the value of the pot during the poker hand.
51. The system of claim 1 comprising: a common console at such
poker table; and second transmitting means being capable of
allowing said computer and said common console to send signals to
each other and to receive signals from each other; said common
console comprising display means; said display means comprising: a
first display surface being distal to the center of such poker
table dealer and being visible to players; a second display surface
being proximal to the center of such poker table and being visible
to players; said common console having a triangular
cross-section.
52. The system of claim 1 comprising: a common console at such
poker table; and second transmitting means being capable of
allowing said computer and said common console to send signals to
each other and to receive signals from each other; said common
console comprising display means; said display means comprising: a
first display surface being distal to the center of such poker
table dealer and being visible to players; a second display surface
being proximal distal to the center of such poker table and being
visible to players; said common console having a triangular
cross-section; said first display surface and said second display
surface being capable of displaying the common cards of the poker
hand.
53. The system of claim 1 comprising: a common console at such
poker table; and second transmitting means being capable of
allowing said computer and said common console to send signals to
each other and to receive signals from each other; said common
console comprising display means; said display means comprising: a
first display surface being distal to the center of such poker
table dealer and being visible to players; a second display surface
being proximal distal to the center of such poker table and being
visible to players; said common console having a triangular
cross-section; said first display surface and said second display
surface being capable of displaying graphical images of a stack of
chips being numerically equivalent to the value of the pot during
the poker hand.
54. The system of claim 1 comprising: a common console at such
poker table; and second transmitting means being capable of
allowing said computer and said common console to send signals to
each other and to receive signals from each other; said common
console comprising display means; said display means being capable
of displaying numerical equivalent images of the common cards being
randomly generated by said computer random card generating
means.
55. The system of claim 1 comprising: a common console at such
poker table; and second transmitting means being capable of
allowing said computer and said common console to send signals to
each other and to receive signals from each other; said common
console comprising display means; said display means being capable
of displaying graphical images of the common cards being randomly
generated by said computer random card generating means.
56. The system of claim 1 comprising: a modular common console
being removably attached to such poker table; and second
transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and said
modular common console to send signals to each other and to receive
signals from each other; said modular common console comprising
display means being capable of displaying the value of the pot
during the poker hand.
57. The system of claim 1 comprising: a main console; and third
transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and said
main console to send signals to each other and to receive signals
from each other; said main console comprising display means being
capable of displaying information relating to each player, the
buy-in amount of each player, and the assigned player console of
each player.
58. In the system of claim 1: said main console comprising swiping
means being capable of accessing information relating to each
player; and said computer being capable of storing such player
information, such player log-in time, and such player log-out
time.
59. In the system of claim 1: said main console comprising swiping
means being capable of accessing information relating to each
player; and said computer being capable of storing such player
information.
60. In the system of claim 57, said third transmitting means being
wireless means.
61. The system of claim 1 comprising: a modular main console and a
base for same wherein said modular main console is removably
attached to said base; and third transmitting means being capable
of allowing said computer and said modular main console to send
signals to each other and to receive signals from each other; said
modular main console comprising display means being capable of
displaying information relating to each player, the buy-in amount
of each player, and the assigned player console of each player.
62. The system of claim 1 comprising: a main console; and third
transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and said
main console to send signals to each other and to receive signals
from each other; said main console comprising printing means being
capable of printing information relating to each player, the buy-in
amount of each player, and the assigned player console of each
player.
63. The system of claim 1 comprising: a main console; and third
transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and said
main console to send signals to each other and to receive signals
from each other; said main console comprising display means being
capable of displaying the cumulative value of all tips given to the
dealer, if any, and the cumulative value of all rake amounts earned
by the casino.
64. The system of claim 1 comprising: a main console; and third
transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and said
main console to send signals to each other and to receive signals
from each other; said main console comprising printing means being
capable of printing the cumulative value of all tips given to the
dealer, if any, and the cumulative value of all rake amounts earned
by the casino.
65. A system being capable of allowing the playing of a poker hand
at a poker table by a plurality of players, said system comprising:
a computer; a plurality of player consoles; said player consoles
being distributed at such poker table in a manner to accommodate
the players; and each player console comprising display means being
capable of responding to said computer; and a plurality of first
transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and each
player console to send signals to each other and to receive signals
from each other; said computer comprising random card generating
means being capable of effecting display of randomly generated card
designations on each player console display means; said computer
being capable of sending signals to sequentially enable each player
console so that the enabled player console may send wagering
information to said computer; and said computer being capable of
simultaneously sending signals to dis-enable the other player
consoles so that said dis-enabled player consoles may not send any
wagering information to said computer while said enabled player
console sends wagering information.
66. A system being capable of allowing the playing of a poker hand
at a poker table by a plurality of players, said system comprising:
a computer; a plurality of player consoles; said player consoles
being distributed at such poker table in a manner to accommodate
the players; and each player console comprising display means being
capable of responding to said computer; and a plurality of first
transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and each
player console to send signals to each other and to receive signals
from each other; said computer comprising random card generating
means being capable of effecting display of randomly generated card
designations on each player console display means; said computer
being capable of sequentially enabling each player console so that
the enabled player console may send wagering information to said
computer while said player console is enabled; and said computer
being capable of simultaneously dis-enabling the other player
consoles so that the other player consoles may not send wagering
information to said computer while said player console is
enabled.
67. A system being capable of allowing the playing of at least one
betting round of a poker hand at a poker table by a plurality of
players, said system comprising: a computer; a plurality of player
consoles; said player consoles being distributed at such poker
table in a manner to accommodate the players; and each player
console comprising display means being capable of responding to
said computer; and a plurality of first transmitting means being
capable of allowing said computer and each player console to send
signals to each other and to receive signals from each other; said
computer comprising random card generating means being capable of
effecting display of randomly generated card designations on each
player console display means; said computer sequentially responding
to wagering information being sent by a particular player console
during a betting round of the poker hand; and said computer
simultaneously not responding to wagering information being sent by
the other player consoles during such betting round of the poker
hand.
68. A system being capable of allowing the playing of poker at a
plurality of poker tables by a plurality of players at each poker
table, said system comprising: a computer; a plurality of player
consoles being located at each poker table; said player consoles at
each poker table being distributed in a manner to accommodate the
players at each poker table; and each player console at each poker
table comprising display means being capable of responding to said
computer; and a plurality of first transmitting means being capable
of allowing said computer and each player console at each poker
table to send signals to each other and to receive signals from
each other; said computer comprising random card generating means
being capable of effecting display of randomly generated card
designations on the player console display means located at each
poker table; wherein a particular player console at a particular
poker table is enabled by said computer to send wagering
information relating to a check, fold, call, bet or raise to said
computer while said particular player console at such particular
poker table is enabled and wherein the other player consoles at
such particular poker table are simultaneously dis-enabled by said
computer to not send wagering information to said computer while
said particular player console is enabled.
69. A system being capable of allowing the playing of a poker hand
at a poker table by a plurality of players, said system comprising:
a computer; a plurality of modular player consoles each being
removably attached to such poker table; said modular player
consoles being distributed at such poker table in a manner to
accommodate the players; and each modular player console comprising
display means being capable of responding to said computer; and a
plurality of first transmitting means being capable of allowing
said computer and each modular player console to send signals to
each other and to receive signals from each other; said computer
comprising random card generating means being capable of effecting
display of randomly generated card designations on each modular
player console display means; each modular player console
comprising means being capable of allowing each active player
remaining in the poker hand to check, fold, call, bet or raise
while such active player's modular console is enabled by said
computer and while the other modular player consoles are
simultaneously dis-enabled by said computer; and said computer
sequentially enabling and then dis-enabling each modular player
console of the active players remaining in the poker hand.
70. In the system of claim 69: said computer being capable of
computing and storing information relating to the amount of money
remaining in the account of each player; said computer being
capable of retaining said stored amount if an active player checks
or folds; and said computer being capable of deducting the amount
of the call, bet or raise from said stored amount if an active
player calls, bets or raises, respectively.
71. In the system of claim 70, said computer being capable of
computing and storing information relating to said deducted amounts
for computing the cumulative value of the pot.
72. In the system of claim 70, said computer being capable of
deducting the time amount earned by the casino per unit time from
the computer stored stack account of each player.
73. A system being capable of allowing the playing of a poker hand
at a poker table by a plurality of players, said system comprising:
a computer; a plurality of modular player consoles; each modular
player console being removably attached to such poker table and
being distributed at such poker table to accommodate the players;
and each modular player console comprising display means being
capable of responding to said computer; and a plurality of first
transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and each
modular player console to send signals to each other and to receive
signals from each other; said computer comprising random card
generating means being capable of effecting display of randomly
generated card designations on each player console display means;
said computer being capable of sending signals to sequentially
enable each modular player console so that the enabled modular
player console may send wagering information to said computer while
said modular player console is enabled; and said computer being
capable of simultaneously sending signals to dis-enable the other
modular player consoles so that said other modular player consoles
may not send wagering information to said computer while said
modular player console is enabled.
74. A system being capable of allowing the playing of a poker hand
at a poker table by a plurality of players, said system comprising:
a computer; a plurality of modular player consoles; each modular
player console being removably attached to such poker table and
being distributed at such poker table to accommodate the players;
and each modular player console comprising display means being
capable of responding to said computer; and a plurality of first
transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and each
modular player console to send signals to each other and to receive
signals from each other; said computer comprising random card
generating means being capable of effecting display of randomly
generated card designations on each modular player console display
means; said computer being capable of sequentially enabling each
modular player console so that the enabled modular player console
may send wagering information to said computer while the modular
player console is enabled; and said computer being capable of
simultaneously dis-enabling the other modular player consoles so
that said other modular player consoles may not send wagering
information to said computer while said modular player console is
enabled.
75. A system being capable of allowing the playing of up to four
betting rounds of a poker hand at a poker table by a plurality of
players, said system comprising: a computer; a plurality of player
consoles; said player consoles being distributed at the poker table
in a manner to accommodate the players; and each player console
comprising display means being capable of responding to said
computer; a plurality of first transmitting means being capable of
allowing said computer and each player console to send signals to
each other and to receive signals from each other; said computer
comprising random card generating means being capable of effecting
display of randomly generated unique hole-card images and common
card images on each player console display means; wherein before
the first betting round of the poker hand said computer random card
generating means is capable of effecting display of unique
hole-card images on each player console display means; wherein
during the first betting round said computer is capable of
sequentially responding to wagering information being sent by each
player console and simultaneously being capable of not responding
to wagering information being sent by the other player consoles;
wherein after the first betting round and before the second betting
round, if played, said computer random card generating means is
capable of effecting display of common card images on each player
console display means; wherein during the second betting round said
computer is capable of sequentially responding to wagering
information being sent by each player console and simultaneously
being capable of not responding to wagering information being sent
by the other player consoles; wherein after the second betting
round, if played, and before the third betting round, if played,
said computer random card generating means is capable of capable of
effecting display of one more common card image on each player
console display means; wherein during the third betting round, if
played, said computer is capable of sequentially responding to
wagering information being sent by each player console and
simultaneously being capable of not responding to wagering
information being sent by the other player consoles; wherein after
the third betting round, if played, and before the fourth betting
round, if played, said computer random card generating means is
capable of effecting display of one more common card image on each
player console display means; and wherein during the fourth betting
round, if played, said computer is capable of sequentially
responding to wagering information being sent by each player
console and simultaneously being capable of not responding to
wagering information being sent by the other player consoles.
76. A method for allowing the playing of a poker hand including up
to four betting rounds at a poker table by a plurality of players,
said method comprising the steps of: Electronically designating in
clockwise order when viewing the poker table from above, the player
who is the button, the player who is the little blind, and the
player who is the big blind; Electronically debiting the stored
account of the little blind player with the amount of the little
blind and crediting the pot with such little blind amount;
Electronically debiting the stored account of the big blind player
with the amount of the big blind and crediting the pot with such
big blind amount; Electronically displaying to each player random
electronically generated unique hole-cards on first display means
being exclusively visible to each respective player, said first
display means being attached to such poker table; Allowing each
player after the big blind player and before the little blind
player in clockwise order to electronically call, raise or fold as
the case may be while simultaneously electronically blocking the
other players from betting during the first betting round of the
poker hand; Allowing the little blind player and the big blind
player to electronically call, raise or fold as the case may be in
clockwise sequence while simultaneously electronically blocking the
other players from betting during the first betting round of the
poker hand; Electronically debiting the stored account of each
player with the amount of his call or raise as the case may be and
electronically crediting the pot with each such call or raise
amount; Electronically displaying to all players random
electronically generated common cards on said first display means
and on second display means, said second display means being
visible to the players and being attached to such poker table;
Allowing each player starting with the player after the button
player and up to the button player to electronically check, bet,
call, raise or fold as the case may be in clockwise sequence while
simultaneously electronically blocking the other players from
betting during the second betting round, if played, of the poker
hand; Electronically debiting the stored account of each player
with the amount of his bet, call or raise as the case may be and
electronically crediting the pot with each such bet, call or raise
amount; Electronically displaying to all players a one more random
electronically generated common card on said first display means
and on said second display means; Allowing each player starting
with the player after the button player and up to the button player
to electronically check, bet, call, raise or fold as the case may
be in clockwise sequence while simultaneously electronically
blocking the other players from betting during the third betting
round, if played, of the poker hand; Electronically debiting the
stored account of each player with the amount of his bet, call or
raise as the case may be and electronically crediting the pot with
each such bet, call or raise amount; Electronically displaying to
all players one more common random electronically generated common
card on said first display means and on said second display means;
Allowing each player starting with the player after the button
player and up to the button player to electronically check, bet,
call, raise or fold as the case may be in clockwise sequence while
simultaneously electronically blocking the other players from
betting during the fourth betting round, if played, of the poker
hand; Electronically debiting the stored account of each player
with the amount of his bet, call or raise as the case may be and
electronically crediting the pot with each such bet, call or raise
amount; Electronically determining the winning player with the best
poker hand made up of the unique hole-cards and the common cards;
Electronically designating the winning player of the poker hand and
the winning poker hand on said first display means and on said
second display means; and Electronically crediting the stored
account of the winning player with the net amount of the pot at the
end of the poker hand.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to a poker playing system and in
particular to such a system featuring electronic cards and
electronic chips.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Poker has experienced an upsurge in popularity over the past
several years. This upsurge in poker popularity has occurred mostly
in legalized casinos in Nevada, California, Atlantic City,
Mississippi, Europe and elsewhere. The poker game with the biggest
upsurge in popularity has been limit Texas Hold-Em (hereinafter
limit Holdem).
[0005] Poker is a game of skill, luck and psychology. Poker is best
played and is most exciting when played by live players against
each other using real cards at the same poker table. It is the
handling of the money and the chips by the players and the poker
dealer that slows down the poker game.
[0006] Many casinos do not offer poker. Casinos prefer to offer
other casino games for the following reasons: Poker is too labor
intensive; Poker rooms take up too much space; Poker makes too
little money for the casino.
[0007] Many prior art card-playing systems disclose either new card
games or modified traditional card games. Other prior art
card-playing systems disclose the use of electronic cards and
electronic chips controlled and/or generated by a central Computer.
Other prior art card-playing systems allow numerous players to
participate in the card game from remote locations. One prior art
example is Sidley U.S. Pat. No. 4,760,527 entitled "System For
Interactively Playing Poker With A Plurality Of Players" which
discloses a Computer for allowing all players to simultaneously
make one of a plurality of responses to a set of wagers of any
plurality of players; and means to electronically assign one of
more cards to the plurality of players. Another prior art example
is Sidley U.S. Pat. No. 4,926,327 entitled "Computerized Gaming
System" which discloses a similar system as aforementioned. Another
prior art example is Troy U.S. Pat. No. 4,494,197 entitled
"Automatic Lottery System" which discloses a lottery system free of
player skill wherein the Computer pre-selects what particular play
will be a winning play. A further prior art example is Hallman U.S.
Pat. No. 5,159,549 entitled "Multiple Player Game Data Processing
System With Wager Accounting" which discloses selecting means
operatively associated with central data processing means and with
each player station means for selectively designating one player
station means as a banking entity responsive to entry of initial
wealth data from each of the player station means and to wager data
and added wealth data entered at applicable points in the game to
account for changes in each player's wealth data as the game
progresses. A further prior art example is Oliveras U.S. Pat. No.
6,626,757 entitled "Poker Playing System Using Real Cards And
Electronic Chips" which discloses A system for allowing a plurality
of players to play poker at a poker table, said system comprising:
a central processing unit; a plurality of player consoles, said
player consoles being distributed at such poker table in a manner
to accommodate such players; and a plurality of first
interconnecting means for connecting said central processing unit
to each of said player consoles; wherein during a betting round of
a poker hand said central processing unit responds to the wagering
information being sent by a particular player console; and wherein
during such betting round of such poker hand said central
processing unit does not respond to any wagering information being
sent by the other player consoles. None of the cited prior art
patents disclose the "Poker Playing System Featuring Computer
Generated Cards and Chips" of the present invention.
3. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a
system for allowing the playing of a poker hand at a poker table by
a plurality of players comprises: a Computer; a plurality of player
consoles wherein the player consoles are distributed at the poker
table in a manner to accommodate the players and wherein each
player console comprises display means being responsive to the
Computer; and a plurality of first transmitting means for allowing
the Computer and the player consoles to send signals to each other
and to receive signals from each other; the Computer comprising
random card generating means for effecting display of randomly
generated card designations on each player console display means;
and the
[0009] Computer responding to the wagering information being sent
by a particular player console and the Computer not responding to
wagering information being sent by the other player consoles during
the poker hand.
[0010] Objects of the present invention are therefor to: Allow the
poker dealer if any to be more efficient; Allow the poker dealer if
any to manage more hands per unit time; Allow the casino to make
more money per poker table and per unit time; Allow the poker
manager to monitor the performance of the poker dealer if any;
Allow the poker manager to monitor the number of hands per unit
time managed by the poker dealer if any; Allow the poker manager to
monitor casino rake (income) per poker table and per unit time;
Allow the poker manager to remotely monitor the number of players
per poker table; Allow the poker manager to better distribute the
number of players per poker table; Allow the poker dealer if any to
manage each poker hand without having to physically handle poker
chips, without having to physically count poker chips, without
having to physically distribute poker chips to the winning player,
without having to physically handle money, and without having to
deal and handle cards; Allow players to enter and leave a poker
game without having to physically carry chips to and from the poker
table; Allow players to enter and leave a poker game without having
to physically purchase chips from the poker manager or from the
poker dealer if any at the poker table; Allow the players to play a
poker hand with displayed electronic cards and with displayed
electronic poker chips; Allow only one poker player at a time to
make a wager such as a check, fold, call, bet or raise and not
allow the other players at the poker table to make a wager at the
same time.
[0011] Advantages of the present invention are therefor that: It
makes the poker dealer if any more efficient; It speeds up the
poker game; It does not require the physical placement of poker
chips at the middle of the poker table during a poker hand; It can
be applied to all limits of Texas Holdem, Omaha and other poker
games.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the
present invention will be further appreciated from a reading of the
following detailed description in conjunction with the drawing in
which:
[0013] FIGS. 1-5 show top views of poker table 20 depicting how a
limit Holdem poker hand is played.
[0014] FIG. 6 shows system 10 according to a multiple poker table
embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 7 shows system 10 according to the present invention
depicting a detailed view of main console 40 plus the layout of
dealer or common console 60 and player consoles 70-79 at poker
table T50.
[0016] FIG. 8 shows a detailed view of dealer or common console 60
according to the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 9 shows a detailed view of player console 70 according
to the present invention.
[0018] FIGS. 10a-18a show various touch-responsive display screens
of player console 70 depicting the wager actions or other actions
at player console 70 according to the present invention.
[0019] FIGS. 10b-18b show various display screens of dealer or
common console 60 depicting the wager actions or other actions at
player console 70 according to the present invention.
[0020] FIGS. 19a-19c show the modular plug-in features of dealer or
common console 60 and player console 70 onto poker table T50
according to the present invention.
[0021] FIGS. 20a-20b show the modular plug-in feature of main
console 40 onto its base or support structure according to the
present invention.
[0022] FIGS. 21a-21b show the informational display screens of main
console 40 depicting the assignment of a new poker player and the
termination of an already assigned poker player according to the
present invention.
[0023] FIGS. 22a-22c show the display screens of player consoles PC
70-72 respectively indicating the button BU, the little blind LB,
and the big blind BB designations at the beginning of a sample
poker hand according to the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 23 shows system 10 according to another multiple poker
table embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 24 shows system 10 according to another embodiment of
the present invention depicting a detailed view of main console 40
plus the layout of dealer or common console 60 and player consoles
70-79 at poker table T50.
[0026] FIG. 25 shows a detailed view of table T50 while FIGS.
25a-25o show various display screens of dealer or common console 60
and player consoles 74-76 according to the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 26 shows a detailed view of table T50 while FIGS.
26a-26e show various display screens of dealer or common console 60
and player console 70 according to the present invention.
[0028] FIGS. 27a-27c show various display screens of dealer or
common console 60 depicting displayed card images according to the
present invention.
[0029] FIGS. 28a-28c show various display screens of player console
70 depicting displayed card images according to the present
invention.
[0030] FIGS. 29a-29c show various display screens of dealer or
common console 60 depicting displayed chip stack images according
to the present invention.
[0031] FIGS. 30a-30c show various display screens of player console
70 depicting displayed chip stack images according to the present
invention.
[0032] FIGS. 31a-31d show a detailed structure of player console 70
depicting various display screens according to the present
invention.
[0033] FIGS. 32a-32c show various display screens of player console
70 depicting displayed card images at the end of the poker hand
according to the present invention.
[0034] FIGS. 33a-33c show another detailed structure of player
console 70 depicting various display screens according to the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] Limit Holdem is played by up to 10 players on an oval-shaped
poker table. The casino dealer sits in the middle of one of the
long sides of the table. The betting limits are set by the casino.
The most popular Holdem limits are: $5/$10; $10/$20; $15/$30;
$20/$40; $30/$60; and $50/$100. The first $ amount is the "big
blind" amount. In $10/$20 limit Holdem, the big blind is $10. The
"little blind" amount is $5. During the 1st and 2nd betting rounds
of a poker hand, the defined bet is $10 plus up to a possible 3
raises for a total maximum bet of $40. During the 3rd and 4th
betting rounds, the defined bet is $20 plus up to a possible 3
raises for a total maximum bet of $80.
[0036] The following detailed description relates to $10/$20 limit
Holdem. Each hand of limit Holdem involves several steps taken by
the casino dealer and up to four betting rounds effected by the
players. The order of dealing by the casino dealer and the order of
betting by the players are controlled by the designated player
position called the "button". The player who is the button is
designated by a round white plastic button which is physically
placed in front of that player so that the casino dealer and all
the other players know which player is the button.
[0037] In $10/$20 limit Holdem, each player initially buys poker
chips for no less than the minimum amount set by the casino (such
as $100) and up to $1,000 or more at the discretion of the player.
Each player now has a stack of chips for playing each hand of
poker. Before the beginning play (before the first hand is dealt
and played), the casino dealer deals each player one card face-up
in clockwise order starting with the first player to the left of
the dealer. The player who is dealt the highest-ranking card
face-up is designated the button. The plastic button is physically
placed in front of that player who was dealt the highest ranking
card face-up.
[0038] There are two ways by which the casino ("the house") makes
money from a poker game. In high limit Holdem, the casino usually
charges each player at the table a monetary amount ("time") during
each 1/2 hour. For example, in $10/$20 limit Holdem, the time
amount charged each player each 30 minutes may be $5. In low limit
Holdem, the casino usually takes an amount ("the rake") being a
certain maximum percentage from each pot at the end of each
completed poker hand. For example, in $5/$10 limit Holdem, the rake
may be up to a maximum of $5.
[0039] The wager options or the wager actions that a player may
choose from are fold, check, call, bet or raise.
[0040] Fold means that a player does not want to meet the pending
bet or raise amount. Such player surrenders his two unique hole
cards; and such player surrenders whatever moneys he has wagered so
far up to that betting round of the poker hand.
[0041] Check means that a player does not want to bet when there is
no pending bet or no pending raise amount.
[0042] Call means that a player puts into the pot the same amount
as the pending bet or raise amount.
[0043] Bet means that a player bets the amount allowed during that
betting round. Such bet amount may be the big blind amount or
double the big blind amount depending on the betting round.
[0044] Raise means that a player bets an amount greater than the
pending bet or pending raise amount. Such raise amount may be a
multiple of the big blind amount or a multiple of double the big
blind amount allowed during that betting round.
[0045] Side pots are created as follows. A player must either fold,
check, call, bet, or raise. Such player has a certain number of
chips in front of him at that time of play. If such player is not
able to call the whole pending bet amount or pending raise amount;
or if such player is not able to make a whole bet; or if such
player is not able to make a whole raise, then the dealer creates a
side pot in addition to the already existing main pot. The dealer
determines the reduced amount that such player can call, bet or
raise. Then the dealer places that amount into the main pot times
the number of active players still in the hand at that time. For
example, if the all-in player has only $5 and there are 4 active
players in the hand, then the dealer places $20 into the main pot.
The dealer then creates the side pot from the difference that the
other 3 active players further call, bet or raise. The all-in
player can only win the main pot. The other 3 active players can
win the main pot and/or the side pot.
[0046] FIGS. 1-5 are top views of poker table 20 showing how a
limit Holdem poker hand is played. See FIG. 1. Table 20 is shown as
viewed from above. The positions of casino dealer D and of players
1-10 are shown. For explanatory purposes only, it is assumed that
player 5 was dealt the highest-ranking card face-up and is therefor
designated the button BU for the first hand. Therefore, round white
plastic button BU is physically placed in front of player 5. Before
any hand of limit Holdem is played, the most important questions
asked by dealer D and by all the players at the table are: Which
player is the button BU? Which player is the little blind LB? Which
player is the big blind BB? In this example, player 5 is the dealer
button BU. Player 6 is the little blind LB and places a $5 chip on
the table in front of him before the first hand is dealt. Player 7
is the big blind BB and places a $10 chip on the table in front of
him before the first hand is dealt.
[0047] Dealer D now knows that player 5 is the button. Dealing by
dealer D and betting by players 1-10 are performed in a clock-wise
manner relative to player 5 who is the button BU. Each hand of
limit Holdem comprises up to four betting rounds. The 1st betting
round is called the pre-flop betting round; the 2nd betting round
is called the post-flop betting round; the 3rd betting round is
called the turn betting round; and the 4th betting round is called
the river betting round. Button BU remains in place throughout all
betting rounds of a poker hand. Before the pre-flop betting round,
player 6 (who is the little blind LB) must place a $5 chip in front
of him. Player 7 (who is the big blind BB) must place a $10 chip in
front of him. Players 6 and 7 have not yet been dealt any cards by
dealer D. Dealer D now deals player 6 one hole card face-down;
player 7 one hole card face-down; and so on until player 5 (the
button BU) is dealt one hole card face-down. Dealer D next deals
each player a second hole card face-down in the same clockwise
order as before. Player 8 now has three options: he may call the
big blind amount of $10; he may raise by the big blind amount and
make the bet $20; or he may drop out of the hand and fold by
surrendering his two cards to dealer D. After player 8 exercises
one of his options, then it is up to player 9 to exercise one of
his options, and so on until player 5 (the button BU) exercises one
of his options. Player 6 (the little blind LB who has already
placed a $5 chip in front of him) may now exercise one of the
following options. He may complete his bet to $10 by placing a
second $5 chip in front of him if no one before him has raised to
$20 or higher. He may call a higher bet if there was at least one
raise before him. He may drop out and fold by surrendering his two
cards and his $5 chip. If player 6 still has an option to raise and
in fact does raise, then all subsequent remaining players must
either meet his raise or must fold their hands. Player 7 (the big
blind BB who has already placed a $10 chip in front of him) may now
exercise one of the following options. He may call if no one has
raised before him by pushing his $10 chip forward. He may call a
higher bet if there was at least one raise before him. He may drop
out of the hand and fold by surrendering his two cards and his $10
chip if there was at least one raise before him. If player 7 still
has an option to raise and in fact does raise, then all subsequent
remaining players must either meet his raise or must fold their
hands. The maximum number of raises allowed by the casino (usually
three raises) limits the aforementioned clockwise process. Once the
maximum number of raises is reached at a given player, then the
subsequent remaining players may only call the prior raises or may
fold their hands. The total amount or value of the chips in the
middle of table 20 after this 1st or pre-flop betting round is
called the pot. The monetary value of the pot is dynamic because it
increases each time a player calls, bets or raises. Those players
remaining in the hand after the pre-flop betting round are still
active players. In this example, the remaining active players after
the pre-flop betting round are players 6, 7, 9, 1, 3 and 4 in
clockwise order relative to button BU. Players 8, 10, 2 and 5
folded (dropped out of the hand) and are inactive players during
the rest of the hand. See FIG. 2.
[0048] After the 1st or pre-flop betting round is complete, dealer
D burns a card B1 face-down and places it on the table to his left.
Dealer D next deals three cards F1, F2 and F3 face-up and places
them on the table in front of him. These three cards are called the
flop cards. The remaining active players in the hand now commence
the 2nd or post-flop betting round. During the post-flop betting
round, player 6 may check by not betting or may bet $10. Player 7
may check if and only if player 6 checked, or may call $10 if
player 6 bet $10, or may raise to $20 if player 6 bet $10, or may
fold if player 6 bet $10. Player 9 may exercise one of the same
options as player 7, and so on by players 1 and 3 until player 4
exercises one of his options. If player 4 still has an option to
raise and in fact does raise, then players 6, 7, 9, 1 and 3 must
meet the raise or must fold. Again, the maximum number of raises
allowed by the casino limits the aforementioned clockwise process.
Once the maximum number of raises is reached at a given remaining
active player, then the subsequent remaining active players may
only call or fold. The total amount or value of the chips in the
middle of the table after this 2nd or post-flop betting round is
the new pot amount. Those players remaining in the hand after the
post-flop betting round are active players. In this example, the
remaining active players after the post-flop betting round are
players 6, 9, 1 and 3 in clockwise order relative to button BU.
Players 7 and 4 folded (dropped out of the hand) and are inactive
players during the rest of the hand. See FIG. 3.
[0049] After the 2nd or post-flop betting round is complete, dealer
D burns another card B2 face-down and places it on the table next
to burn card B1. Dealer D then deals another card TU face-up and
places it on the table in line with flop cards F1, F2 and F3. The
remaining active players (6, 9, 1, and 3) now commence the 3rd or
turn betting round. During the turn betting round, player 6 may
check by betting no amount or may bet $20. Player 9 may check if
and only if player 6 checked, or may call $20 if player 6 bet $20,
or may raise to $40 if player 6 bet $20, or may fold his hand if
player 6 bet $20. Player 1 may exercise the same options as player
9, and so on until player 3 exercises one of his options. If player
3 raises, then players 6, 9, and 1 must either meet the raise or
must fold. Again, the maximum number of raises allowed by the
casino limits this clockwise process. Once the maximum number of
raises is reached at a given player, then the subsequent remaining
players may only call or fold. The total amount or value of the
chips in the middle of the table after this 3rd or turn betting
round is the new pot amount. Those players remaining in the hand
after the turn betting round are active players. In this example,
the remaining active players after the turn betting round are
players 6, 1 and 3 in clockwise order relative to button BU. Player
9 folded (dropped out of the hand) and is an inactive player during
the rest of the hand. See FIG. 4.
[0050] After the 3rd or turn betting round is complete, dealer D
burns another card B3 face-down and places it on the table next to
burn cards B1 and B2. Dealer D then deals another card R1 face-up
and places it on the table in line with cards F1, F2, F3 and T. The
remaining active players (6, 1, 3) in the hand now commence the 4th
or river betting round. During the river betting round, player 6
may check by betting no amount or may bet $20. Player 1 may check
if and only if player 6 checked, or may call $20 if player 6 bet
$20, or may raise to $40 if player 6 bet $20, or may fold if player
6 bet $20. Player 3 may exercise one of the same options as player
1. If player 3 raises, then players 6 and 1 must either meet the
raise or must fold their hands. Again, the maximum number of raises
allowed by the casino limits the aforementioned clockwise process.
Once the maximum number of raises is reached at a given remaining
active player, then the subsequent remaining active players may
only call or fold. The total amount or value of the chips in the
middle of the table after this 4th or river betting round is the
final pot amount. Those players remaining in the hand after the
river betting round are active players. In this example, the
remaining active players after the river betting round are players
6, 1 and 3 in clockwise order relative to button BU. See FIG.
5.
[0051] After the 4th or river betting round is complete, each
remaining active player (6, 1, 3) in clockwise order relative to
button B must expose his two cards face-up. Then, upon exposing his
two cards face-up, each player must declare to the dealer and to
the other players the best poker hand that his two cards make in
combination with the five face-up cards F1, F2, F3, TU and R1 in
the middle of the table. In most casinos, the dealer must read and
declare out loud the best poker hand made by each player. In many
cases a player will not expose his two cards because such player
concedes to himself that his best poker hand does not beat the
other exposed poker hands. After all the players' cards are exposed
and after all the best poker hands are declared, then the dealer
declares the winners of the main pot and any side pots. If two or
more players make the same best poker hand, then the main pot
and/or any side pots are split between/among such winning
players.
[0052] FIG. 6 shows system 10 of the present invention in a
multiple poker table embodiment. System 10 comprises main Computer
30; main console MC 40; poker tables T50-T59; and secondary
self-powered Computer 80. Computer 30 further comprises random card
generator 3010. Main console 40 may send signals to and may receive
signals from Computer 30 via transmitting means 3040. Tables
T50-T59 may send signal to and may receive signals from Computer 30
via respective transmitting means 3050-3059. Secondary Computer 80
may send signals to and may receive signals from Computer 30 via
transmitting means 3080. Computer 30 may send signals to and may
receive signals from main console MC 40, tables T50-T59, and
secondary Computer 80 via such respective transmitting means. The
aforementioned transmitting means may be wired or wireless.
[0053] FIG. 7 shows system 10 of the present invention including a
detailed view of main console 40 plus the layouts of dealer or
common console 60 and player consoles 70-79 at poker table T50.
Main console MC 40 may send signals to and may receive signals from
Computer 30 via transmitting means 3040. Dealer or common console
DC 60 may send signals to and may receive signals from Computer 30
via transmitting means 3060. Player consoles PC 70-79 may send
signals to and may receive signals from Computer 30 via
transmitting means 3070-3079, respectively. Computer 30 further
comprises random card generator 3010.
[0054] FIG. 7 also shows main console MC 40 comprising standard
keyboard 41, special keyboard 42, display 43, printer 44, numerical
keyboard 45, and card swiper 46. The components of standard
keyboard 41, special keyboard 42, and numerical keyboard 45 may be
electronically displayed on display 43 and may be operated as a
touch-screen responsive system.
[0055] FIG. 8 shows a detailed view of dealer or common console DC
60 of the present invention. Dealer or common console DC 60
comprises special keyboard 61, display 62, printer 63, standard
keyboard 64, numerical keyboard 65, and card swiper 66. The
components of special keyboard 61, standard keyboard 64, and
numerical keyboard 65 may be electronically displayed on display 62
and may be operated as a touch-screen responsive system.
[0056] FIG. 9 shows a detailed view of player console PC 70 of the
present invention. Player console PC 70 comprises special keyboard
701, display 702, printer 703, numerical keyboard 704, and card
swiper 705. The components of special keyboard 701 and numerical
keyboard 704 may be electronically displayed on display 702 and may
be operated as a touch-screen responsive system.
[0057] See FIG. 7 again. Special keyboard 42 of main console MC 40
includes button 421. When a new player wants to enter a poker game,
the main console operator touches button 421. Then the operator
enters the name of the new player onto standard keyboard 41 or
enters the previously assigned casino ID number of the new player
onto numerical keyboard 45. Then the operator touches enter button
411 on standard keyboard 41. In the alternative, the operator may
swipe the previously issued casino plastic ID card of the new
player onto card swiper or magnetic strip reader 46. The operator
then touches enter button 411. Upon enter button 411 being touched,
a signal is sent to Computer 30 for storage relating to the entered
information. Computer 30 then sends a signal to display 43 to
display the name and the assigned casino ID number of the new
player.
[0058] Special keyboard 42 of main console MC 40 also includes
buttons 422 further including button 422a for limit Holdem, button
422b for limit Stud, and button 422c for limit Omaha. The new
player tells the operator the specific poker game that he wants to
play. The operator touches the specific button 422 relating to the
desired poker game (in this example being limited Holdem) Then the
operator touches enter button 411. Upon enter button 411 being
touched, a signal is sent to Computer 30 for storage relating to
the entered information. Computer 30 then sends a signal to display
43 to display the desired poker game (in this example being limit
Holdem).
[0059] Special keyboard 42 of master console MC 40 also includes
buttons 423 further including button 423a for $5/$10limit; button
423b for $10/$20; button 423c for $15/$30; button 423d for $20/$40;
button 423e for $30/$60; and button 423f for $50/$100. The new
player tells the operator the specific limit that he wants to play.
The operator then touches the specific button 423 relating to the
desired limit (in this example being $10/$20). The operator then
touches enter button 411. Upon enter button 411 being touched, a
signal is sent to Computer 30 for storage relating to the entered
information. Computer 30 then sends a signal to display 43 to
display the specific limit (in this example being $10/$20).
[0060] Special keyboard 42 of master console 40 also includes
buttons 424 further including button 424a for $50 initial buy-in
amount; button 424b for $100; button 424c for $200; button 424d for
$300; button 424e for $400; and button 424f for $500. The new
player tells the operator the specific initial buy-in amount that
he wants to purchase. The operator then touches the specific button
425 relating to the desired initial buy-in amount (in this example
being $500). In the alternative, the operator enters the specific
initial buy-in amount onto numerical keyboard 45. Then the operator
touches enter button 411. Upon enter button 411 being pressed, a
signal is sent to Computer 30 for storage relating to the entered
information. Computer 30 then sends a signal to display 43 to
display the specific initial buy-in amount (in this example being
$500).
[0061] Special keyboard 42 of main console MC 40 also includes
button 425. The operator confirms that the cumulative information
displayed on display 43 is correct being the name of the new
player, the assigned casino ID number of the new player, the
specific game desired, the specific monetary limit desired, and the
specific buy-in amount desired. The operator then touches button
425. Upon enter button 425 being touched, a signal is sent to
Computer 30 for storage confirming the entered information.
Computer 30 then sends a signal to display means 43 to also display
the number of the table and the number of the seat assigned to the
new player in addition to the information already being displayed.
Computer 30 also sends a signal to main printer 44 to print a 1st
paper slip of the displayed information. Computer 30 also sends a
signal to dealer or common console DC 60 at assigned table T50.
Dealer printer 63 prints a 2nd paper slip of the same displayed
information and dealer display 62 displays the same displayed
information. The operator then gives the 1st printed paper slip to
the new player who in turn presents it to the dealer at assigned
poker table T50.
[0062] See FIG. 8. Special keyboard 61 of dealer or common console
DC 60 includes ten buttons 6100-6109 for receiving signals from
Computer 30 and for sending signals to Computer 30. Buttons
6100-6109 visually indicate by a 1st color (such as green) which of
player consoles PC 70-79 is being assigned to the new player. Each
of buttons 6100-6109 also receives signals from Computer 30 for
visually indicating by a 2nd color (such as white) which of player
consoles PC 70-79 were already assigned to the seated players. When
the new player presents his 1st printed paper slip to the dealer,
the dealer then compares it to his own 2nd printed paper slip to
confirm that the new player came to the correct assigned table.
Once the new player sits at assigned player console PC 70-79, then
the dealer pushes appropriate button 6100-6109 to send a signal to
Computer 30. Computer 30 then sends a signal to appropriate button
6100-6109 to change its displayed color from green to white.
Computer 30 also sends a signal to activate assigned player console
PC 70-79 of the new player. The new player is now ready to play the
next poker hand.
[0063] Special keyboard 61 of dealer or common console DC 60 also
includes ten buttons 6110-6119 for sending a signal to Computer 30
relating to the player console positions of the button BU, the
little blind LB, and the big blind LB for the next hand to be
played. Computer 30 then sends a signal to those three buttons to
visually indicate by a 3rd color (such as blue) that they represent
the button BU, the little blind LB, and the big blind BB. Computer
30 also sends signals to the displays of the three player consoles
PC 70-79 which are going to be the button B, the little blind LB,
and the big blind BB to display the words "Button", "Little Blind",
and "Big Blind", respectively.
[0064] Special keyboard 61 of dealer or common console DC 60 also
includes buttons 6120-6125 for sending a signal to Computer 30
relating to the winning player(s) of the main pot, the 1st side
pot, if any, and up to the 5th side pot, if any. Computer 30 then
sends a signal to each winning player's console PC 70-79 to display
the new stored stack amounts of the winning players.
[0065] Special keyboard 61 of dealer or common console DC 60 also
includes button 6130. When a seated player wants to terminate play
and leave the game, the dealer touches the white-lit button
6100-6109 corresponding to that player's console. The dealer then
touches button 6130 for sending a signal to Computer 30 indicating
that such player wants to leave the game. Computer 30 then sends a
signal to dealer printer 63 to print a 3rd paper slip with the name
of the leaving player, the assigned casino ID number of the leaving
player, the table number/player console number of the leaving
player, and the final monetary value of the stored stack of the
leaving player. Computer 30 also sends a signal to the player
console of the terminating player to de-activate such player
console. Computer 30 also sends a signal to the button 6100-6109
corresponding to the leaving player to turn off the white light at
such button.
[0066] See FIG. 9 again. Special keyboard 701 of player console PC
70 includes a plurality of buttons 7010-7018 for allowing the
player assigned to player console PC 70 to express his wager action
during a specific poker hand or in between poker hands. Computer 30
sends a signal to player console PC 70 to enable buttons 7010-7018.
If buttons 7010-7018 are not enabled, then the player sitting at
player console PC 70 cannot act. At the same time, Computer 30
sends signals to all other player consoles at the table to
dis-enable all other similar player console buttons. This way no
other player at the table can act before the player at player
console PC 70 acts. For explanatory purposes only, it is assumed
that the player at player console PC 70 is the player who must
act.
[0067] Button 7010 is the "check" button. When the player touches
check button 7010, a signal is sent to Computer 30. Computer 30
then sends a signal to player display 702 to display the word
"check". When the current player checks, it means that all prior
players did not bet and that the current player also does not want
to bet. It may also mean that the current player is the 1st player
to bet after button BU and that such current player does not want
to bet. The amount of the current player's stored stack
amount/account remains the same and the amount of the main pot and
all side pots remain the same. Computer 30 then sends a signal to
the next player console to enable such next player console buttons
and to dis-enable all other player consoles.
[0068] Button 7011 is the "call" button. When the player touches
call button 7011, a signal is sent to Computer 30. Computer 30 then
sends a signal to player display 702 to display the word "call" and
the amount of the call. When the current player calls, it means
that at least one prior player made a bet or raise and that the
current player wants to meet such pending bet or raise amount.
Computer 30 deducts the call amount from the current player's
stored stack amount. Computer 30 also sends a signal to dealer
display 62 to display the new amount of the main pot and all side
pots. Computer 30 then sends a signal to the next player console to
enable such next player console buttons and to dis-enable all other
player consoles.
[0069] Button 7012 is the "bet" button. When the player touches bet
button 7012, a signal is sent to Computer 30. Computer 30 then
sends a signal to player display 702 to display the word "bet" and
the amount of the bet. When the current player bets, it means that
all prior players checked and that the current player wants to bet.
It may also mean that the current player is the 1st player to act
after button BU. Computer 30 deducts the bet amount from the
current player's stored stack. Computer 30 also sends a signal to
dealer display 62 to display the new amount of the main pot and all
side pots. Computer 30 then sends a signal to the next player
console to enable such next player console buttons and to
dis-enable all other player consoles.
[0070] Button 7013 is the "raise" button. When the player touches
raise button 7013, a signal is sent to Computer 30. Computer 30
then sends a signal to player display 702 to display the word
"raise" and the amount of the raise bet. When the current player
raises, it means that at least one prior player made a bet. It may
also mean that at least one prior player made a raise. Computer 30
deducts the raise amount from the current player's stored stack.
Computer 30 also sends a signal to dealer display 62 to display the
new amount of the main pot and all side pots. Computer 30 then
sends a signal to the next player console to enable such next
player console buttons and to dis-enable all other player
consoles.
[0071] Button 7014 is the "fold" button. When the player touches
fold button 7014, a signal is sent to Computer 30. Computer 30 then
sends a signal to player display 702 to display the word
"fold".
[0072] When the current player folds, it means that at least one
prior player made a bet or a raise, and that the current player
does not want to meet the bet or raise. Computer 30 maintains the
player's stored stack amount intact. Computer 30 also sends a
signal to dealer display 62 to display the same prior amounts of
the main pot and all side pots. Computer 30 then sends a signal to
the next player console to enable or activate such next player
console buttons and to dis-enable or de-activate all other player
consoles.
[0073] The betting information sent by player console PC 70 to
Computer 30 relating to the action of the player by way of a check,
fold, call, bet or raise is known as wager information or wager
data.
[0074] Button 7015 is the "re-buy" button. When the player wants to
purchase more chips, i.e. to credit the amount of his stored stack,
the player touches re-buy button 7015, thereby sending a signal to
Computer 30. Computer 30 then sends a signal to dealer display 62
to display the player console number of the player that wants to
re-buy chips and the word "re-buy". Computer 30 also sends a signal
to player display 702 to display the word "re-buy". The dealer then
asks the player for the amount of chips wanted. The dealer then
enters the amount on numerical keyboard 65 and then touches enter
button 65. A signal is sent to Computer 30 to cause main display 43
to display the table number, the player console number, and the
amount of chips being bought by the player. A dealer's assistant
then gets the cash from the player. The main console operator then
touches enter button 411 on main console MC 40. Computer 30 then
stores the credited stack amount of that player. Computer 30 also
sends a signal to player display 702 to display the credited stack
amount of that player. Computer 30 also sends a signal to dealer
display 62 to clear the display of the completed transaction.
Computer 30 also sends signals to main printer 44 and to dealer
printer 63 to print the name, table number, player console number,
and the re-buy amount on respective paper slips. The main console
operator keeps the slip printed on main printer 44 and the dealer
gives to the player the slip printed on dealer printer 63. A player
may re-buy in between poker hands and during a current poker hand
if such player is not in the current poker hand.
[0075] Button 7016 is the "terminate play" button. When the player
wants to terminate play, the player touches terminate play button
7016, thereby sending a signal to Computer 30. Computer 30 then
sends a signal to dealer display 62 to display the player console
number of the player that wants to terminate play and the words
"terminate play". Computer 30 also sends a signal to player display
702 to display the words "terminate play". Computer 30 also sends a
signal to main display 43 to display the table number, the player
console number, and the words "terminate play". Computer 30 also
sends signals to main printer 44 and to dealer printer 63 to print
the name, table number, player console number, and the final stored
stack amount on respective paper slips. The dealer gives to the
terminating player the slip printed on dealer printer 63. The main
console operator keeps the paper slip printed on main printer 44.
When the terminating player brings his printed paper slip to the
main console operator, the operator initials the player's printed
paper slip and the player can go to the cashier to cash out. The
operator keeps his printed paper slip. A player may terminate play
in between poker hands or during a current poker hand if such
player is not an active player in the current poker hand.
[0076] Button 7017 is the "tip" button. When a winning player wants
to tip the dealer, the player touches tip button 7017, thereby
sending a signal to Computer 30. Computer 30 then sends a signal to
dealer display 62 to display the cumulative dealer tips up to and
including such player tip. Computer 30 also sends a signal to
player display 702 to display the debited stored stack amount of
that player. A player may tip the dealer in between poker hands,
during a current poker hand if such player is not in the current
poker hand, and at the end of a winning poker hand.
[0077] Button 7018 is the "negate" button. Whenever a player wants
to negate the prior action taken by that player, i.e., by
previously touching any of the aforementioned buttons, the player
may touch negate button 7018 before the next player acts to send a
signal to Computer 30. The player may then touch any of the buttons
7010-7017 as above-mentioned. If the next player has ready acted,
then touching negate button 7018 will not negate the wager action
of that player.
[0078] FIGS. 10a-18a show various touch-responsive screens of
player display 702 allowing the respective wager actions or other
actions by the player at player console 70 according to the present
invention. In each case the player starts with $100 in his stored
stack account. In FIG. 10a the player checks. In FIG. 11a the
player calls the amount of $20. In FIG. 12a the player bets the
amount of $20. In FIG. 13a the player raises the amount of $40. In
FIG. 14a the player folds. In FIG. 15a the player re-buys the
amount of $100. In FIG. 16a the player terminates play. In FIG. 17a
the player tips the dealer the amount of $1. In FIG. 18a the player
first bets the amount of $20 but then changes his mind and
immediately negates such wager action. All of the above wager
actions or other actions are effected by the player touching player
display 702 at the respective command word.
[0079] FIGS. 10b-18b show the various output screens of dealer
display 62 relating to the respective wager actions or other
actions by the player at player console 70 according to the present
invention. In FIGS. 10b-14b the pot starts with amount of $150. In
FIGS. 15b-18b the amounts stated relate only to the player at
player console PC 70 and do not relate to the overall pot
amount.
[0080] FIGS. 19a-19c show the modular plug-in feature of dealer DC
console 60 and player PC console 70 in relation to poker table T50
according to the present invention. FIG. 19a shows poker table T50,
"=" shaped connector 600 for connecting to dealer or common console
DC 60, and "+" shaped connectors 700-790 for respectively
connecting to player consoles PC 70-79. FIG. 19b shows the back
side 601 of substantially flat dealer or common console 60 and "="
shaped connector 602 for connecting to "=" shaped connector 600
located on poker table T50. FIG. 19c shows the back side 706 of
substantially flat player console 70 and "+" shaped connector 707
for connecting to "+" shaped connector 700 on poker table T50.
[0081] FIGS. 20a-20b show the modular plug-in feature of main
console MC 40 in relation to its support table, podium or other
structure according to the present invention. FIG. 20a shows the
back side 404 of main console support 403 and "x" shaped connector
405 for connecting to main console MC 40. FIG. 20b shows the back
side 401 of substantially flat main console 40 and "x" shaped
connector 402 for connecting to "x" shaped connector of main
console support 403.
[0082] FIGS. 21a-21b show the output screens of main display 43
relating to the assignment of a new poker player and relating to
the termination of an already assigned poker player according to
the present invention. FIG. 21a shows main display 43 of main
console MC 40 displaying the name of the new player, the casino ID
number of such player, the game to be played by such player, the
game limit to be played by such player, the initial buy-in amount
of such player, and the poker table/player console assignment of
such player. FIG. 21b shows main display 43 of main console MC 40
displaying the name of the terminating player, the casino ID number
of such player, the game already played by such player, the game
limit already played by such player, the final stored account
amount of such player, and the poker table/player console where
such player had been assigned.
[0083] FIGS. 22a-22c show the displays of player consoles PC 70-72
indicating the button BU, the little blind LB, and the big blind BB
designations at the beginning of a sample poker hand according to
the present invention. In FIG. 22a the stored stack account in the
original amount of $100 of the player at player console PC 70 is
not deducted any amount because such player console is designated
the button BU console. In FIG. 22b the stored stack account in the
original amount of $100 of the player at player console PC 71 is
deducted the amount of $5 because such player console is designated
the little blind LB console. In FIG. 22c the stored stack account
in the original amount of $100 of the player at player console PC
72 is deducted the amount of $10 because such player console is
designated the big blind BB console.
[0084] FIG. 23 shows system 10 according to another multiple poker
table embodiment of the present invention. System 10 comprises main
Computer 30; main console MC 40; poker tables T50-T59; and
secondary self-powered Computer 80. Computer 30 further comprises
random card generator 3010. Main console 40 and Computer 30 may
send signals to each other and may receive signals from each other
via the combination of wireless transceiver 401 and wireless
transceiver 301. Tables T50-T59 and Computer 30 may send signals to
each other and may receive signals from each other via the
combination of wireless transceivers 501-591 and wireless
transceiver 301. Secondary Computer 80 and Computer 30 may send
signals to each other and may receive signals from each other via
the combination of wireless transceiver 801 and wireless
transceiver 301.
[0085] FIG. 24 shows system 10 according to another embodiment of
the present invention depicting a detailed view of main console 40
plus the layout of dealer or common console 60 and player consoles
PC 70-79 at poker table T50. Computer 30 further comprises random
card generator 3010. Main console 40 and Computer 30 may send
signals to each other and may receive signals from each other via
the combination of wireless transceiver 401 and wireless
transceiver 301. Table T50 including dealer or common console DC 60
and player consoles PC 70-PC 79 and Computer 30 may send signals to
each other and may receive signals from each other via the
combination of wireless transceiver 501 and wireless transceiver
301. Main console MC 40 further comprises standard keyboard 41,
special keyboard 42, display 43, printer 44, numerical keyboard 45,
and card swiper 46. The components of standard keyboard 41, special
keyboard 42, and numerical keyboard 45 may be electronically
displayed on display 43 and may be operated as a touch-screen
responsive system.
[0086] FIG. 25 shows a detailed view of table T50 while FIGS.
25a-25o show various display screens of dealer or common console 60
and player consoles 74-76 according to the present invention. Table
T50 comprises dealer or common console 60, player consoles 70-71,
and wireless transceiver 501. For illustrative purposes only,
player console 74 is designated the button BU, player console 75 is
designated the little blind LB, and player console 76 is designated
the big blind BB.
[0087] The upper portion of FIGS. 25a-25e show display screens 62
of dealer or common console 60 while the lower portion of FIGS.
25a-25e show display screens 742 of player console 74 during the
various betting rounds of the poker hand. Display screens 62 of
dealer or common console 60 show that player console 74 is the
button BU, the monetary calls made at player console 74, the common
flop card numerical designations (ace of clubs "Ac", ten of clubs
"10c", three of clubs "3c"), the common turn card numerical
designation (five of spades "5s"), and the common river card
numerical designation (nine of spades "9s") . The display screens
of player console 74 show that player console 74 is the button BU,
the unique two unique hole card numerical designations (ace of
spades "As", king of clubs "Kc") dealt to player console 74, the
monetary calls made at player console 74, the common flop card
numerical designations stated above, the common turn card numerical
designation stated above, and the common river card numerical
designation stated above. The unique two hold card numerical
designations, the common flop cards numerical designations, the
common turn card numerical designation, and the common river card
numerical designation may also be displayed as graphic card image
designations as will be disclosed hereinafter.
[0088] The upper portion of FIGS. 25f-25j show display screens 62
of dealer or common console 60 while the lower portion of FIGS.
25f-25j show display screens 752 of player console 75 during the
various betting rounds of the poker hand. Display screens 62 of
dealer or common console 60 show that player console 75 is the
little blind LB, the monetary calls made at player console 75, the
common flop card numerical designations (ace of clubs "Ac", ten of
clubs "10c", three of clubs "3c") , the common turn card numerical
designation (five of spades "5s") , and the common river card
numerical designation (nine of spades "9s") . The display screens
of player console 75 show that player console 75 is the little
blind LB, the unique two unique hole card numerical designations
(two of spades "2s", three of clubs "3c") dealt to player console
75, the monetary calls made at player console 75, the common flop
card numerical designations stated above, the common turn card
numerical designation stated above, and the common river card
numerical designation stated above. The unique two hold card
numerical designations, the common flop cards numerical
designations, the common turn card numerical designation, and the
common river card numerical designation may also be displayed as
graphic card image designations as will be hereinafter
disclosed.
[0089] The upper portions of FIGS. 25k-25o show display screens 62
of dealer or common console 60 while the lower portions of FIGS.
25k-25o show display screens 762 of player console 76 during the
various betting rounds of the poker hand. Display screens 62 of
dealer or common console 60 show that player console 76 is the big
blind BB, the monetary calls made at player console 76, the common
flop card numerical designations (ace of clubs "Ac", ten of clubs
"10c" , three of clubs "3c"), the common turn card numerical
designation (five of spades "5s"), and the common river card
numerical designation (nine of spades "9s") . The display screens
of player console 76 show that player console 76 is the little big
BB, the unique two unique hole card numerical designations (five of
spades "5s", six of spades "6s") dealt to player console 76, the
monetary calls made at player console 76, the common flop card
numerical designations stated above, the common turn card numerical
designation stated above, and the common river card numerical
designation stated above. The unique two hold card numerical
designations, the common flop cards numerical designations, the
common turn card numerical designation, and the common river card
numerical designation may also be displayed as graphic card image
designations as will be hereinafter disclosed.
[0090] FIG. 26 shows a detailed view of table T50 while FIGS.
26a-26eshow various display screens of player console 74 according
to the present invention. Table T50 comprises dealer or common
console 60, player consoles 70-79, and wireless transceiver 501.
For illustrative purposes only, player console 74 is designated the
button BU, player console 75 is designated the little blind LB, and
player console 76 is designated the big blind BB. In FIG. 26a,
display screen 742 of player console 74 displays that player
console 74 is to be designated the button BU for the next poker
hand. In FIG. 26b, display screen 742 displays that player console
74 is the button BU; displays the two unique hole card images 900
dealt only to player console 74 (ace of spades "As", king of clubs
"Kc"); and displays that player console 74 has called the sum of
$10 during the first betting round of the poker hand. In FIG. 26c,
display screen 742 displays that player console 74 is the button
BU; displays the two unique hole card images 900 dealt only to
player console 74 (ace of spades "As", king of clubs "Kc");
displays the three common or community flop card images 952 dealt
to all the player consoles (ace of clubs "Ac", ten of clubs "10c",
three of clubs "3c"); and displays that player console 74 has
called the sum of $10 during the second betting round of the poker
hand. In FIG. 26d, display screen 742 displays that player console
74 is the button BU; displays the two unique hole card images 900
dealt only to player console 74 (ace of spades "As", king of clubs
"Kc"); displays the combination 951 of the three common or
community flop card images 952 plus the common turn card image
dealt to all the player consoles (ace of clubs "Ac", ten of clubs
"10c", three of clubs "3c", plus the five of spades "5s"); and
displays that player console 74 has called the sum of $20 during
the third betting round of the poker hand. In FIG. 26e, display
screen 742 displays that player console 74 is the button BU;
displays the two unique hole card images 900 dealt only to player
console 74 (ace of spades "As", king of clubs "Kc"); displays the
combination 950 of the three common or community flop card images
952, the turn card image, plus the river card image dealt to all
the player consoles (ace of clubs "Ac", ten of clubs "10c", three
of clubs "3c", five of spades "5s", plus the nine of spades "9s"),
and displays that player console 74 has called the sum of $20
during the fourth betting round of the poker hand.
[0091] FIGS. 27a-27c show various display screens of dealer or
common console 60 depicting displayed card images according to the
present invention. FIG. 27a shows dealer or common console 60
comprising proximal display 610, distal display 611, right lateral
display 612, and left lateral display 613 wherein displays 610 and
611 show images of the three common or community flop cards, the
common turn card, and the common river card. Proximal means closest
to the dealer, distal means furthest to the dealer, right means to
the right of the dealer, and left means to the left of the
dealer.
[0092] FIG. 27b shows dealer or common console 60 comprising
proximal display 610, distal display 611, and left lateral display
613 wherein display 613 shows images of the three common or
community flop cards, the common turn card, and the common river
card. The bottom surface of console 60 attaches onto table T50 as
hereinbefore disclosed.
[0093] FIG. 27c shows dealer or common console 60 comprising
proximal display 610, distal display 611, and right lateral display
612 wherein display 612 shows images of the three common or
community flop cards, the common turn card, and common the river
card. The bottom surface of console 60 attaches onto table T50 as
hereinbefore disclosed.
[0094] FIGS. 28a-28c show various display screens of player console
70 depicting displayed card images according to the present
invention. FIG. 28a shows player console 70 comprising proximal
display 710, distal display 711, right lateral display 713, and
left lateral display 712 wherein displays 710 and 711 show images
of the three common or community flop cards, the common turn card,
and the common river card. Proximal means closest to the player,
distal means furthest to the player, right means to the right of
the player, and left means to the left of the player.
[0095] FIG. 28b shows player console 70 comprising proximal display
710, distal display 711, and right lateral display 713 wherein
display 713 shows images of the three common or community flop
cards, the common turn card, and the common river card. The bottom
surface of console 70 attaches onto table T50 as hereinbefore
disclosed.
[0096] FIG. 28c shows player console 70 comprising proximal display
610, distal display 611, and left lateral display 712 wherein
display 712 shows images of the three common or community flop
cards, the common turn card, and the common river card. The bottom
surface of console 70 attaches to table T50 as hereinbefore
disclosed.
[0097] FIGS. 29a-29c show various display screens of dealer or
common console 60 depicting displayed chip stacks according to the
present invention. FIG. 29a shows dealer or common console 60
comprising proximal display 610, distal display 611, right lateral
display 612, and left lateral display 613 wherein displays 610 and
611 show images of the chip stacks made up of chips of varying
values and corresponding to the value of the pot at that time.
Proximal means closest to the dealer, distal means furthest to the
dealer, right means to the right of the dealer, and left means to
the left of the dealer.
[0098] FIG. 29b shows dealer or common console 60 comprising
proximal display 610, distal display 611, and left lateral display
613 wherein display 613 shows an image of the chip stack made up of
chips of varying values and corresponding to the value of the pot
at that time. The bottom surface of console 60 attaches to table
T50 as hereinbefore disclosed.
[0099] FIG. 29c shows dealer or common console 60 comprising
proximal display 610, distal display 611, and right lateral display
612 wherein display 612 shows an image of the chip stack made up of
chips of varying values and corresponding to the value of the pot
at that time. The bottom surface of console 60 attaches to table
T50 as hereinbefore disclosed.
[0100] FIGS. 30a-30c show various display screens of player console
70 depicting displayed chip stacks according to the present
invention. FIG. 30a shows player console 70 comprising proximal
display 710, distal display 711, right lateral display 713, and
left lateral display 712 wherein displays 710 and 711 show images
of the chip stacks made up of chips of varying values and
corresponding to the value of the pot at that time. Proximal means
closest to the player, distal means furthest to the player, right
means to the right of the player, and left means to the left of the
player.
[0101] FIG. 30b shows player console 70 comprising proximal display
710, distal display 711, and right lateral display 713 wherein
display 713 shows an image of the chip stack made up of chips of
varying values and corresponding to the value of the pot at that
time. The bottom surface of console 70 attaches onto table T50 as
hereinbefore disclosed.
[0102] FIG. 30c shows player console 70 comprising proximal display
710, distal display 711, and left lateral display 712 wherein
display 712 shows an image of the chip stack made up of chips of
varying values and corresponding to the value of the pot at that
time. The bottom surface of console 70 attaches onto table T50 as
hereinbefore disclosed.
[0103] FIGS. 31a-31d show the detailed structure of player console
70 depicting various display screen surfaces according to the
present invention. FIG. 31a shows player console 70 comprising
proximal display screen surface 720, distal display screen surface
721, right lateral display screen surface 723, and left lateral
display screen surface 722. Proximal means closest to the player,
distal means furthest to the player, right means to the right of
the player, and left means to the left of the player. FIG. 31a
shows player console 70 also comprising rotatable hood or cover
730. This view shows hood 730 further comprises left lateral
surface 731 and upper surface 732. This view shows that hood 730
may be rotatably adjustable about horizontal laterally extending
axes 740, 741 or 742. Hood 730 is rotatably adjustable to
accommodate the player's desire and of course to hide the player's
two unique hole card images from the other players. The bottom
surface of console 70 attaches onto table T50 as hereinbefore
disclosed. FIG. 31a also shows acute angles 725 and 726 which may
be designed or made smaller to lessen the height of player console
70 if desired.
[0104] FIG. 31b shows player console 70 comprising proximal display
screen surface 720, distal display screen surface 721, right
lateral display screen surface 723, and left lateral display screen
surface 722. This view also shows hood 730 further comprising upper
surface 732, left lateral surface 731, and right lateral surface
733.
[0105] FIG. 31c shows player console 70 comprising proximal display
screen surface 720, left lateral display screen surface 722, and
right lateral display screen surface 723. This view shows hood 730
further comprising upper surface 732, left lateral surface 731, and
right lateral surface 733. The bottom surface of player console 70
attaches onto table T50 as hereinbefore disclosed.
[0106] FIG. 31d shows an enlarged view of player console 70
comprising proximal display screen surface 720 displaying card
images 900 being the player's two unique hole or hidden cards plus
the common board card images 950 being the flop cards, the turn
card, and the river card.
[0107] FIGS. 32a-32c show various display screens of player console
70 depicting displayed card images at the end of the poker hand
according to the present invention. FIG. 32a shows player console
70 comprising proximal display 710, distal display 711, right
lateral display 713, and left lateral display 712. Proximal display
710 and distal display 711 each show images of the two unique hole
cards; the three common or community flop cards; the common turn
card; the common river card; and the winning player designation.
Proximal means closest to the player, distal means furthest to the
player, right means to the right of the player, and left means to
the left of the player.
[0108] FIG. 32b shows player console 70 comprising proximal display
710, distal display 711, and right lateral display 713. Right
lateral display 713 shows images of the two unique hole cards; the
three common or community flop cards; the common turn card; and the
common river card; and the winning player designation. The bottom
surface of player console 70 attaches onto table T50 as
hereinbefore disclosed.
[0109] FIG. 32c shows player console 70 comprising proximal display
710, distal display 711, and left lateral display 712. Left lateral
display 712 shows images of the two unique hole cards; the three
common or community flop cards; the common turn card; the common
river card; and the winning player designation. The bottom surface
of player console 70 attaches onto table T50 as hereinbefore
disclosed.
[0110] FIGS. 33a-33d show the detailed structure of player console
70 depicting various display screen surfaces according to the
present invention. FIG. 33a is a left side view showing player
console 70 comprising proximal display screen surface 720, distal
display screen surface 721, left lateral display screen surface 722
and hood or cover 730. Proximal means closest to the player, distal
means furthest to the player, right means to the right of the
player, and left means to the left of the player. Hood 730 further
comprises left lateral surface 731 and upper surface 732. Hood or
cover 730 may be rotatably adjustable about horizontal laterally
extending axis 741. In this Figure hood or cover 730 is rotatably
adjusted downward to hide the player's two unique hole card images
from the other players. Bottom surface 724 attaches onto or below
the upper surface of table T50. Also shown are acute angles 725 and
726 which may be designed or made smaller to lessen the height of
player console 70 if desired. Also shown are the images of common
or community cards 950 being displayed by display surface 722. FIG.
33c is a corresponding front view showing hood or cover 730, hood
surface 732, proximal display screen surface 720, and the images of
common or community cards 950 being displayed by display screen
surface 720.
[0111] FIG. 33b shows player console 70 comprising proximal display
screen surface 720, distal display screen surface 721, left lateral
display screen surface 722 and display cover 730. Player console 70
also comprises rotatable hood or cover 730. Hood 730 further
comprises left lateral surface 731 and upper surface 732. Hood 730
may be rotatably adjustable about horizontal laterally extending
axis 741. In this Figure hood 730 is rotatably adjusted upward to
discretely show the player's two unique hole card images only to
the player and not the other players. Bottom surface 724 attaches
onto or below the upper surface of table T50. Also shown are acute
angles 725 and 726 which may be designed or made smaller to lessen
the height of player console 70 if desired. Also shown are the
images of common or community cards 950 being displayed by display
surface 722. FIG. 33d is the corresponding front view showing hood
or cover 730 in the up position, proximal display screen surface
720, the images of common or community cards 950 being displayed by
display screen surface 720, and the images of unique hole card
images 900 also being displayed by display screen surface 720.
[0112] Table 1 below shows the 52 cards comprising the standard
poker deck. The standard poker deck includes 13 clubs "c", 13
diamonds "d", 13 hearts "h", and 13 spades "s". In a holdem poker
game according to the present invention, computer 30 first deals
onto each player console display two unique hidden or hole cards.
This is followed by the first betting round. Then computer 30 deals
the three common flop cards. This is followed by the second betting
round. Then computer 30 deals the common turn card. This is
followed by the third betting round. Then computer 30 deals the
common river card. This is followed by the fourth betting round. In
omaha poker games the computer deals each player four unique hidden
or hole cards. This is followed by the first betting round. Then
the computer deals the three common or flop cards. This is followed
by the second betting round. Then the computer deals the common
turn card. This is followed by the third betting round. Then the
computer deals the common river card. This is followed by the
fourth betting round. Then the computer determines the winning
player and designates the winning player on the winning player's
player console display means.
[0113] According to the present invention, system 10 allows for the
playing of at least one betting round of a poker hand at poker
table T50 by a plurality of players. System 10 comprises main
Computer 30; player consoles PC 70-PC 79. Player consoles PC 70-PC
79 are distributed at poker table T50 in a manner to accommodate
the players. Also player consoles PC 70-PC 79 respectively comprise
display means 702-792 which respond to and are controlled by
Computer 30. System 10 also comprises transmitting means 3070-3079
for allowing Computer 30 and player consoles PC 70-PC 79 to send
signals to each other and to receive signals from each other.
Computer 30 comprises random card generating means 301 for
effecting display of randomly generated card images on player
console display means 702-792.
[0114] During the first betting round of the poker hand, Computer
random card generating means 301 effects display of an equal number
of unique hole card images on each player console display means
702-792. Such unique hole card images are respectively displayed
only on the proximal display surface of each player console PC
70-PC 79. In the game of holdem the number of unique hole cards is
two. In the game of omaha the number of unique hole cards is
four.
[0115] During a particular time interval of the first betting round
of the poker hand, Computer 30 responds to wagering information
being sent by a particular player console. Computer 30 does not
respond to any wagering information being sent by the other player
consoles during that particular time interval. Such betting process
during the first betting round is sequentially repeated for each
player console. The poker hand may be completed at the end of the
first betting round if any one player makes a raise that is not met
by any other player. In FIG. 25, sequential means that player
console 77 may send wager information to computer 30 while the
other player consoles 78-76 may not send any wager information to
computer 30. Next, player console 78 may send wager information to
computer 30 while the other player consoles 79-77 may not send any
wager information to computer 30. Next, player console 79 may send
wager information to computer 30 while the other player consoles
79-78 may not send any wager information to computer 30. This
clockwise sequential process is continued until player console 76
may send wager information to computer 30 while the other player
consoles 77-75 may not send any wager information to computer
30.
[0116] After the first betting round and before the second betting
round if played, Computer random card generating means 301 effects
display of an equal number of common card images on each player
console display means 702-792. Such common card images are
displayed on all display surfaces of each player console PC 70-PC
79. In the games of holdem and omaha the number of common hole
cards is three.
[0117] During a particular time interval of the second betting
round, Computer 30 responds to wagering information being sent by a
particular player console. Computer 30 does not respond to any
wagering information being sent by the other player consoles during
that particular time interval. Such betting process during the
second betting round is repeated for each player console. The poker
hand may be completed at the end of the second betting round if any
one player makes a bet or raise that is not met by any other
player. In FIG. 25, sequential means that player console 75 may
send wager information to computer 30 while the other player
consoles 76-74 may not send any wager information to computer 30.
Next, player console 76 may send wager information to computer 30
while the other player consoles 77-75 may not send any wager
information to computer 30. Next, player console 77 may send wager
information to computer 30 while the other player consoles 78-76
may not send any wager information to computer 30. This clockwise
sequential process is continued until player console 74 may send
wager information to computer 30 while the other player consoles
75-73 may not send any wager information to computer 30.
[0118] After the second betting round if played and before the
third betting round if played, Computer random card generating
means 301 effects display of one more common card image on each
player console display means 702-792. Such common card image is
displayed on all display surfaces of each player console PC 70-PC
79.
[0119] During a particular time interval of the third betting
round, Computer 30 responds to wagering information being sent by a
particular player console. Computer 30 does not respond to any
wagering information being sent by the other player consoles during
that particular time interval. Such betting process during the
third betting round is repeated for each player console. The poker
hand may be completed at the end of the third betting round if any
one player makes a bet or raise that is not met by any other
player. In FIG. 25, sequential means that player console 75 may
send wager information to computer 30 while the other player
consoles 76-74 may not send any wager information to computer 30.
Next, player console 76 may send wager information to computer 30
while the other player consoles 77-75 may not send any wager
information to computer 30. Next, player console 77 may send wager
information to computer 30 while the other player consoles 78-76
may not send any wager information to computer 30. This clockwise
sequential process is continued until player console 74 may send
wager information to computer 30 while the other player consoles
75-73 may not send any wager information to computer 30.
[0120] After the third betting round if played and before the
fourth betting round if played, Computer random card generating
means 301 effects display of one more common card image on each
player console display means 702-792. Such common card image is
displayed on all display surfaces of each player console PC 70-PC
79.
[0121] During a particular time interval of the fourth betting
round, Computer 30 responds to wagering information being sent by a
particular player console. Computer 30 does not respond to any
wagering information being sent by the other player consoles during
that particular time interval. Such betting process during the
fourth betting round is repeated for each player console. The poker
hand may be completed at the end of the fourth betting round if any
one player makes a bet or raise that is not met by any other
player. In FIG. 25, sequential means that player console 75 may
send wager information to computer 30 while the other player
consoles 76-74 may not send any wager information to computer 30.
Next, player console 76 may send wager information to computer 30
while the other player consoles 77-75 may not send any wager
information to computer 30. Next, player console 77 may send wager
information to computer 30 while the other player consoles 78-76
may not send any wager information to computer 30. This clockwise
sequential process is continued until player console 74 may send
wager information to computer 30 while the other player consoles
75-73 may not send any wager information to computer 30.
[0122] At the end of the fourth betting round if played, Computer
30 effects display of the two unique hole card images plus the five
common card images on the display surfaces of the respective player
console display means for each two unique hole cards. Computer 30
then determines which player has the winning poker hand. Computer
30 then effects display of the winner designation on the display
surfaces of the winning player's player console display means.
[0123] According to the present invention the main Computer
comprises in part a random card generator. The random card
generated may be displayed as a numerical equivalent image of such
card such as the image "Ac" being the ace of clubs. See FIG. 25.
The random card generated may also be displayed as a graphical
image of such card such as the graphical image of the ace of clubs.
See FIG. 31. TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Suit Club/C Diamond/D Heart/H
Spade/S Value 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 8 8 8
8 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 Jack Jack Jack Jack Queen Queen Queen Queen
King King King King Ace Ace Ace Ace
[0124] In a holdem poker game, Computer 30 comprises a random card
generator for first randomly generating a plurality of unique
two-card combinations chosen from the data base of cards shown in
Table 1 above. The number of generated two-card combinations is
equal to the number of activated player consoles at the poker
table. Computer 30 then causes each activated player console to
display one unique two-card combination being the two unique
hole-cards in effect dealt to and played by the respective player.
This is followed by the first betting round of the poker hand. The
random card generator then randomly generates a common three-card
combination chosen from the data base of remaining cards shown in
Table 1 above. This is called the flop cards and is used in common
by all the players common to make a poker hand. Computer 30 then
causes each activated player console and the dealer or common
console to display the image of such three-card combination. This
is followed by the second betting round of the poker hand. The
random card generator then randomly generates one card chosen from
the data base of remaining cards shown in Table 1 above. This is
called the turn card and is used in common by all the players in
combination with the flop cards and the respective two unique hole
cards to make a poker hand. Computer 30 then causes each player
console and the dealer or common console to display the image of
such turn card. This is followed by the third betting round of the
poker hand. The random card generator then randomly generates one
card chosen from the data base of remaining cards shown in Table 1
above. This is called the river card and is used in common by all
the players in combination with the flop cards, the turn card, and
the unique two-hole cards to make a poker hand. Computer 30 then
causes each player console and the dealer or common console to
display the image of such river card. This is followed by the
fourth betting round of the poker hand. See FIGS. 27 and 28.
[0125] According to the present invention, Computer 30 comprises
means for storing an algorithm for determining the winning poker
hand. Such algorithm compares the combinations of five cards
comprising the two unique hole cards plus the five common cards
whose images are displayed on the player console display means
during the progress of the poker hand as explained above. After
determining the winning hand, Computer 30 then effects display of
the winning designation upon the player console display means of
the winning player. Computer 30 also credits the value of the pot
to the stored account of the winning player.
[0126] Five card poker hands as ranked are shown in Table 2 below.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Five Card Poker Hand Rankings High card
only: A s 10 c 9 s 3 d 2 h One pair: A s 10 c 10 d 9 s 3 d Two
pair: A s 10 c 10 d 9 s 9 c Three of a kind: A s 10 c 10 d 10 h 9 s
Full house: A s A c 10 c 10 d 10 h Four of a kind: A s 10 s 10 c 10
d 10 h Straight Flush: 8 c 9 c 10 c J c Q c Royal Flush: 10 c J c Q
c K c A c
[0127] While the present invention has been described in terms of
specific illustrative embodiments, it will be apparent to those
skilled in the art that many other embodiments and modifications
are possible within the spirit and scope of the disclosed
principle.
* * * * *