JP2008178594A - Game apparatus with common monitor to be made visible by multiple players - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game apparatus capable of making audience be interested in a game, increasing the joy of watching the game and boosting the entire game. <P>SOLUTION: The game apparatus includes: a monitor allowing at least a part of a display screen to be visible in the range of 180 degrees or more to the left and right; and a plurality of stations arranged at positions where at least a part of the display screen of the monitor is made visible, for having a player play the game. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a game apparatus including a common monitor that is visually recognized by a plurality of players.

Conventionally, a multiplayer game using playing cards such as poker is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). A winning-type multiplayer game is also known (see, for example, Patent Document 2). Also, a game system is disclosed for providing to a player via a network what is beneficial to the player in gambling (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

International Publication No. 97/026061 Pamphlet International Publication No. 00/071218 Pamphlet International Publication No. 02/041233 Pamphlet

In a game played by a plurality of players while viewing a common monitor, the reaction of a spectator watching the game (for example, cheers) is an important factor because it affects the psychology of the players. By the way, in the game as described above, the player generally plays the game on the front side of the monitor. Therefore, when the monitor is provided near the wall, the position where the spectator can stand is limited to the back or side of the player, and it becomes difficult for the spectator to visually recognize the expression of the player that changes as the game progresses. . Therefore, for the audience, even when watching the game, it was not interesting. In addition, since it is difficult to visually recognize the player's facial expression, the audience's reaction becomes poor and lack of excitement.

It is an object of the present invention to provide new entertainment properties that are not found in the above-described prior art. Specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a game apparatus that can make the audience interested in the game, increase the enjoyment of watching the game, and further excite the entire game.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the first aspect of the present invention provides a game device having the following configuration.
(1) That is, the game device includes a monitor that can visually recognize at least a part of the display screen in a range of 180 degrees or more to the left and right. In addition, the game device includes a plurality of stations that are arranged at positions where at least a part of the display screen of the monitor can be visually recognized for the player to play a game.

According to the invention of (1), since the monitor can visually recognize at least a part of the display screen in the range of 180 degrees or more to the left and right, if the monitor is installed in a place other than the wall, the display screen of the monitor Is wider than a game device (a conventional multiplayer game device) having a flat monitor that allows a plurality of players to view a common image. Therefore, if the monitor is installed at a place other than the wall, the audience can stand in front of the player. In addition, since the monitor can visually recognize at least a part of the display screen in a range of 180 degrees or more to the left and right, if the monitor is installed in a place other than the wall, the audience can stand up in front of the player. It is also possible to visually recognize the display screen. Accordingly, the spectator can grasp the progress of the game and at the same time visually recognize the player's facial expression. As a result, it is possible to increase the enjoyment of watching the game while making the audience interested in the game. In addition, since the audience can visually recognize the expression of the player, the audience's reaction is improved and the whole game can be excited.
Further, since the range in which the display screen of the monitor can be viewed is wide, more stations can be installed. As a result, more players can participate in the game at one time.
Therefore, it is possible to provide entertainment that is not found in the prior art.
“It is possible to make at least a part of the display screen visible within a range of 180 degrees to the left and right” means that a person usually looks at the monitor at a distance away from the monitor when viewing the monitor. It means that an image displayed on the display screen can be recognized as an image within a range of 180 degrees or more to the left and right.

Furthermore, the second aspect of the present invention provides a game device having the following configuration.
(2) That is, the game device includes a monitor in which two display screens are arranged back to back. In addition, the game device includes a plurality of stations that are arranged at a position where any one of the two display screens can be visually recognized for the player to play a game.

According to the invention of (2), since the two display screens are arranged back to back, if the monitor is installed in a place other than the wall, the range in which the monitor display screen can be visually recognized is plural. It is wider than a game device (a conventional multiplayer game device) having a flat monitor that allows a player to view a common image. Therefore, if the monitor is installed at a place other than the wall, the audience can stand in front of the player. In addition, since the two display screens are arranged back to back, if the monitor is installed in a place other than the wall, the spectator will be able to see one of the display screens even when standing in front of the player. Is possible. Accordingly, the spectator can grasp the progress of the game and at the same time visually recognize the player's facial expression. As a result, it is possible to increase the enjoyment of watching the game while making the audience interested in the game. In addition, since the audience can visually recognize the expression of the player, the audience's reaction is improved and the whole game can be excited.
Moreover, since two display screens are installed back to back, more stations can be installed. As a result, more players can participate in the game at one time.
Therefore, it is possible to provide entertainment that is not found in the prior art.
In addition, the game device according to the invention of (2), for example, only requires some design changes to a game device (conventional multiplayer game device) having a flat monitor that allows a plurality of players to view a common image. , It can be a back-to-back configuration.
In the invention of (2), since it becomes impossible to visually recognize the display screen when standing next to the monitor, there is a discontinuous portion in the range where the display screen can be visually recognized. Become.
However, since the total range in which each display screen can be viewed is 180 degrees or more to the left and right, a monitor in which the two display screens are placed back to back displays “displays in a range of 180 degrees or more to the left and right. It is included in “a monitor capable of visually recognizing at least a part of the screen”.

Furthermore, the third aspect of the present invention provides a game device having the following configuration.
(3) That is, the game device includes a monitor that is erected so as to be rotatable in a horizontal direction with respect to the ground. In addition, the game device is arranged such that when the monitor rotates and the display screen of the monitor is in a predetermined orientation, the player plays a game when the player can view the display screen of the monitor. It has multiple stations to do. The game apparatus also includes a controller programmed to execute a process of rotating the monitor in a horizontal direction with respect to the ground.

According to the invention of (3), since the monitor rotates, if the monitor is installed at a place other than the wall, the range in which the display screen of the monitor can be viewed is made to allow a plurality of players to view a common image. Compared to a game device (a conventional multiplayer game device) having a flat monitor. Therefore, if the monitor is installed at a place other than the wall, the audience can stand in front of the player and can visually recognize the expression of the player. In addition, since the monitor rotates, if the monitor is installed in a place other than the wall, the spectator can visually recognize the display screen when the display screen of the monitor faces itself even when standing in front of the player. It is possible. Therefore, the audience can grasp the progress of the game. As a result, it is possible to increase the enjoyment of watching the game while making the audience interested in the game.
Since the monitor rotates, there is always a timing at which each player and each spectator can see the display screen of the monitor from the front. Therefore, the player and the audience can accurately visually recognize the image displayed on the display screen from the front. In addition, since the audience can visually recognize the expression of the player, the audience's reaction is improved and the whole game can be excited.
In addition, since the range in which the display screen can be visually recognized is widened by rotating the monitor, more stations can be installed. As a result, more players can participate in the game at one time.
Therefore, it is possible to provide entertainment that is not found in the prior art.
Further, since the display screen is made visible to the player and the audience by rotating the monitor, the number of players who play a game on one game device can be increased without increasing the number of display screens and monitors.
In the invention of (3), if the monitor rotates, it is possible to make at least a part of the display screen visible in the range of 180 degrees or more left and right as a whole before and after the rotation of the monitor. It is included in “a monitor capable of visually recognizing at least a part of the display screen within a range of at least a degree”.

Furthermore, the fourth aspect of the present invention provides a game device having the following configuration.
(4) That is, the game device includes a monitor whose display screen is formed in a cylindrical shape. In addition, the game device includes a plurality of stations that are arranged at positions where at least a part of the display screen of the monitor can be visually recognized for the player to play a game.

According to the invention of (4), since the display screen of the monitor is cylindrical, the range in which the display screen of the monitor can be viewed when the monitor is installed at a place other than the wall is common to a plurality of players. This is wider than a game device (a conventional multiplayer game device) provided with a flat monitor for visually recognizing the image. Therefore, if the monitor is installed at a place other than the wall, the audience can stand in front of the player. In addition, since the display screen of the monitor has a cylindrical shape, if the monitor is installed in a place other than the wall, the spectator can visually recognize the display screen even when standing in front of the player. Accordingly, the spectator can grasp the progress of the game and at the same time visually recognize the player's facial expression. As a result, it is possible to increase the enjoyment of watching the game while making the audience interested in the game.
Further, since the display screen of the monitor has a cylindrical shape, the player and the audience can always see the displayed image from the front regardless of the position around the monitor.
Further, since the range in which the display screen of the monitor can be viewed is wide, more stations can be installed. As a result, more players can participate in the game at one time.
Therefore, it is possible to provide entertainment that is not found in the prior art.
In the invention of (4), since the display screen can be viewed from any position around the monitor, “at least part of the display screen can be viewed in the range of 180 degrees to the left and right. Included in “Monitor”.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide entertainment that is not found in the above-described prior art, that is, to make the audience more interested in the game, to increase the enjoyment of watching the game, and to make the whole game more exciting. A game device can be provided.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a game apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a top view schematically showing a game device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a station included in the game device according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the game apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, two monitors 2 are installed back to back. Each monitor 2 has a front display 21 on which images of dealers, information about games of each player (hereinafter also referred to as game information), and the like are displayed. A speaker 22 that outputs sound and an LED 23 that is turned on during various effects are provided.
The front display 21 corresponds to a display screen in the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the game apparatus 1 includes 10 stations 3 (stations 3a and 3b counterclockwise from the lower left end in FIG. 1) so as to surround two monitors 2. , ..., station 3i and station 3j). “Install around the monitor” means that a plurality of stations in a range wider than 180 degrees to the left and right (which may have discontinuous parts) where the display screen of the monitor can be visually recognized. Means installing. When using a monitor in which two display screens are arranged back to back as in this embodiment, a plurality of stations must be installed at positions on both sides of the monitor where the display screen can be seen. Is also included in “installing surrounding the monitor”.
As shown in FIG. 3, the station 3 includes a liquid crystal display 10 that displays an image (see FIG. 5) related to an operation to be described later, a game result, and the like at a substantially central portion of the upper surface.
A touch panel 11 is provided on the upper surface of the liquid crystal display 10 for a player to input an operation.
In addition, an operation button 12 for performing a payout operation and a coin insertion slot 13 for inserting coins and medals are provided in front of the liquid crystal display 10.
Further, a banknote insertion slot 14 for inserting banknotes is provided at the upper right end of the front surface of the station 3. Below the banknote insertion slot 14, coins corresponding to credits stored when a payout operation is performed, A coin payout exit 15 for paying out medals to the player is provided.

In the game apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, hold'em poker is performed as a game.
Here, the rules of Hold'em Poker will be described.
In Hold'em Poker, one set (52 cards) of playing cards excluding the joker is used.
First, the dealer distributes two cards to each player. Each player sees the cards distributed to each player and bets chips (hereinafter also simply bet), bets the same amount of chips as the previous player (hereinafter also called calls), bets The user selects which action to take between increasing the amount of money to be played (hereinafter also referred to as raising) and ending the game without placing a bet (hereinafter also referred to as folding). Hereinafter, this selection is referred to as bet selection.
Next, the dealer reveals three cards (called flops) from among the cards on hand. In the game apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the flop is displayed on the front display 21 as described later. Here, each player selects a bet.
Next, the dealer reveals a fourth card (called a turn). Each player selects a bet.
Next, the dealer reveals a fifth card (called a river). Each player selects a bet.
Next, the player's remaining cards (first dealt cards) remaining in the game are all revealed (called a showdown), and each player has two cards on hand and five dealer cards. Combine three of them to make a hand. All the betted chips are awarded to the player who has established the strongest hand by comparing the hands of each player.
Hands in Hold'em poker include, in order of strength, royal flush, straight flush, four-card, full house, flush, straight, three-card, two-pair, one-pair, and no-pair.

Next, an image displayed on the front display 21 and the liquid crystal display 10 when playing a game will be described.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the front display.

As shown in FIG. 4, a dealer 30 is displayed at a substantially central portion of the front display 21.
A table 31 is displayed below the dealer 30, and five card images 32 indicating five cards and a chip image 33 indicating bet chips are displayed on the table 31.
Further, a game information display unit 35 for displaying game information of each player is provided below the table 31. The alphabets A to J displayed on the game information display unit 35 correspond to the stations 3a to 3j, respectively, and the game information of the player of the corresponding station 3 is displayed on each game information display unit 35.
The game information includes information regarding the number of bets to date for each player and bet selection. At the time of the showdown, cards distributed to each player at the beginning of the game are displayed on the game information display unit 35.
When there is a station 3 that is not used in the game, the game information display section 35 corresponding to the station 3 displays the game information of the player who is in the bet selection order.
At the upper right end of the front display 21, there is provided a pot display unit 34 for displaying the total amount of chips currently bet.
In the present embodiment, of the front displays 21 installed on the two monitors 2, the image displayed on one front display 21 is the same as the image displayed on the other front display 21. .

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display included in the station.
As shown in FIG. 5, on the left side of the liquid crystal display 10, two card images 70 showing two cards dealt to the player at the beginning of the game are displayed.
Below the card image 70, a bet number display portion 71 for displaying the current bet number of the player is provided.
On the right side of the liquid crystal display 10, when a bet is selected, a bet selection unit 72 for selecting “bet”, a call selection unit 73 for selecting “call”, and “raise” are selected. For this purpose, a raise selection unit 74 and a fold selection unit 75 for selecting “fold” are provided. The player can select a bet by touching a portion corresponding to each selection unit on the touch panel 11.
Also, on the upper side of the liquid crystal display 10, an instruction image 76 “Please select a process.” Is displayed to prompt the player to select a bet.

Next, the internal configuration of the game apparatus 1 will be described.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the game device according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 6, the game apparatus 1 includes a main control unit 40, a plurality of stations 3 connected to the main control unit 40, and two monitors 2.

The main control unit 40 is basically configured with a microcomputer 45 including a CPU 41, a RAM 42, a ROM 43, and a bus 44 for transferring data between them as a core.
The ROM 43 stores various programs, data tables, and the like for performing processing necessary for controlling the game apparatus 1. The RAM 42 is a memory for temporarily storing various data calculated by the CPU 41.
The CPU 41 is connected to the image processing circuit 47, the audio circuit 48, the LED drive circuit 49, and the communication interface 50 via the I / O interface 46.
The image processing circuit 47 is connected to the front display 21, the audio circuit 48 is connected to the speaker 22, the LED drive circuit 49 is connected to the LED 23, and the communication interface 50 is connected to ten stations 3. .
The main control unit 40 also performs output control of image signals displayed on the front display 21 and drive control of the speaker 22 and the LED 23.

Next, the internal configuration of the station 3 will be described.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the station according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 7, the station 3 is basically configured by a microcomputer 55 including a CPU 51, a RAM 52, a ROM 53, and a bus 54 for transferring data between them.
The ROM 53 stores various programs, data tables and the like for performing processing necessary for controlling the station 3. The RAM 52 is a memory that temporarily stores the number of credits currently stored in the station 3 and various data calculated by the CPU 51.
The CPU 51 also has a liquid crystal panel drive circuit 57, a touch panel drive circuit 58, a hopper drive circuit 59, a payout completion signal circuit 60, a inserted coin detection signal circuit 67, a bill detection signal circuit 64, and an operation signal via an I / O interface 56. The circuit 66 and the communication interface 61 are connected.
The liquid crystal panel drive circuit 57 has the liquid crystal display 10, the touch panel drive circuit 58 has the touch panel 11, the hopper drive circuit 59 has the hopper 62, the payout completion signal circuit 60 has the coin detection unit 63, and the inserted coin detection signal circuit 67 has the input. The coin detector 68 and the bill detection signal circuit 64 are connected to the bill detector 65, and the operation signal circuit 66 is connected to the operation button 12.
The hopper 62 is provided inside the station 3 and pays out coins from the coin payout exit 15 based on a control signal output from the CPU 51.
The coin detection unit 63 is provided inside the coin payout exit 15 and transmits a signal to the CPU 51 when detecting that a predetermined number of coins have been paid out from the coin payout exit 15.
When the inserted coin detection unit 68 detects that a coin has been inserted from the coin insertion slot 13, it detects the amount of the coin, and transmits a detection signal indicating the detected amount to the CPU 51.
When the banknote detection unit 65 accepts a banknote, the banknote detection unit 65 detects the amount of the banknote and transmits a detection signal indicating the detected amount to the CPU 51.
The operation button 12 is a button for performing a payout operation when coin payout is determined.

Next, processing performed in the game apparatus 1 will be described.
8 and 9 are flowcharts showing game processing according to the present embodiment.

First, processing performed in each station 3 will be described.
In step S1 of FIG. 8, the CPU 51 determines whether or not a coin has been inserted by the player. If it is determined that no coin has been inserted, the process returns to step S1.
On the other hand, if it is determined that a coin has been inserted, the CPU 51 adds the credit corresponding to the inserted coin to the credit stored in the RAM 52 and stores it in step S2.

Next, in step S <b> 3, the CPU 51 transmits a coin detection signal to the CPU 41 of the main control unit 40.

Next, in step S <b> 4, the CPU 51 receives distribution card information, which is information of two cards distributed to the player, from the CPU 41 of the main control unit 40. The distribution card information includes numbers or alphabets and marks.

Next, in step S5, the CPU 51 displays two cards on the liquid crystal display 10 based on the distribution card information received in step S4 (see FIG. 5).

Next, in step S6, the CPU 51 accepts a bet selection. In this step, the player selects a bet on the touch panel 11.

Next, in step S7, the CPU 51 transmits information related to bet selection (hereinafter also referred to as selection information) input by the player to the CPU 41, and credits corresponding to the bet chips are stored in the RAM 52. Executes the process of subtracting from the credit that is present. The selection information includes information regarding the number of chips bet by the player.
In the main control unit 40, when the selection information is received, a process of displaying the received selection information on the game information display unit 35 of the front display 21, a process of accumulating and storing credits corresponding to bet chips in the RAM 42, A process of determining three cards to be a flop and displaying the cards on the front display 21 and a process of transmitting a signal for instructing acceptance of bet selection to the CPU 51 are performed.

Next, the CPU 51 receives a signal for instructing acceptance of bet selection from the CPU 41 (step S8), accepts bet selection (step S9), transmits selection information to the CPU 41, and bets. The credit corresponding to the chip obtained is subtracted from the credit stored in the RAM 52 (step S10).
In the main control unit 40, when the selection information is received, a process of displaying the received selection information on the game information display unit 35 of the front display 21, a process of accumulating and storing credits corresponding to bet chips in the RAM 42, A process of determining a card to be turned and displaying the card on the front display 21 and a process of transmitting a signal for instructing acceptance of bet selection to the CPU 51 are performed.

Next, the CPU 51 receives a signal for instructing acceptance of bet selection from the CPU 41 (step S11), accepts bet selection (step S12), transmits selection information to the CPU 41, and bets. The credit corresponding to the chip obtained is subtracted from the credit stored in the RAM 52 (step S13 in FIG. 9).
In the main control unit 40, when the selection information is received, a process of displaying the received selection information on the game information display unit 35 of the front display 21, a process of accumulating and storing credits corresponding to bet chips in the RAM 42, A process of determining a river card and displaying the card on the front display 21 and a process of transmitting a signal for instructing acceptance of bet selection to the CPU 51 are performed.

Next, the CPU 51 receives a signal for instructing acceptance of bet selection from the CPU 41 (step S14), accepts bet selection (step S15), transmits selection information to the CPU 41, and bets. The credit corresponding to the chip obtained is subtracted from the credit stored in the RAM 52 (step S16).

Next, in step S <b> 17, the CPU 51 receives information on the number of payouts (hereinafter also referred to as payout information) from the CPU 41.
Specifically, the CPU 41 receives information on the credit amount accumulated in the RAM 42 of the main control unit 40 from the CPU 41.

Next, in step S18, the CPU 51 pays out credits based on the payout information received in step S17.
Specifically, information regarding the amount of credit accumulated from the CPU 41 and stored in the RAM 42 is stored in the RAM 52. When the operation button 12 is pressed, coins corresponding to the number of credits stored in the RAM 52 are paid out from the coin payout exit 15.
After executing the process of step S18, the game process is terminated.

Next, processing performed in the main control unit 40 will be described.
In step S <b> 101, the CPU 41 receives a coin detection signal from the CPU 51 of the station 3.

Next, in step S102, the CPU 41 determines two cards to be distributed to each player using random numbers.

Next, in step S103, the CPU 41 transmits the card information determined in step S102 to the CPU 51.

Next, in step S <b> 104, the CPU 41 receives selection information from the CPU 51. Subsequently, in step S105, the CPU 41 displays the selection information received in step S104 on the game information display unit 35 of the front display 21 and, on the basis of the received selection information, credits corresponding to the bet chips are stored in the RAM 42. Is accumulated and stored.

Next, in step S106, the CPU 41 determines three cards using random numbers and displays them on the table 31 of the front display 21 as a flop.

Next, in step S <b> 107, the CPU 41 transmits a signal for instructing acceptance of bet selection to the CPU 51.
In the station 3, when a signal for instructing acceptance of bet selection is received, processing for accepting bet selection and processing for transmitting the input selection information to the CPU 41 are performed.

Next, in step S <b> 108, the CPU 41 receives selection information from the CPU 51. Subsequently, in step S109, the CPU 41 displays the selection information received in step S108 on the game information display unit 35 of the front display 21 and, based on the received selection information, credits corresponding to the bet chips are stored in the RAM 42. Is accumulated and stored.

Next, in step S110, the CPU 41 determines one card using a random number and displays it on the table 31 of the front display 21 as a turn.

Next, in step S <b> 111, the CPU 41 transmits a signal for instructing acceptance of bet selection to the CPU 51.
In the station 3, when a signal for instructing acceptance of bet selection is received, processing for accepting bet selection and processing for transmitting the input selection information to the CPU 41 are performed.

Next, in step S <b> 112, the CPU 41 receives selection information from the CPU 51. Subsequently, in step S113, the CPU 41 displays the selection information received in step S112 on the game information display unit 35 of the front display 21 and, on the basis of the received selection information, credits corresponding to the bet chips are stored in the RAM 42. Is accumulated and stored.

Next, in step S114 of FIG. 9, the CPU 41 determines one card using a random number and displays it on the table 31 of the front display 21 as a river.

Next, in step S115, the CPU 41 transmits a signal for instructing acceptance of selection of a bet to the CPU 51.
In the station 3, when a signal for instructing acceptance of bet selection is received, processing for accepting bet selection and processing for transmitting the input selection information to the CPU 41 are performed.

Next, in step S <b> 116, the CPU 41 receives selection information from the CPU 51. Subsequently, in step S117, the CPU 41 displays the selection information received in step S116 on the game information display unit 35 of the front display 21, and based on the received selection information, credits corresponding to the bet chips are stored in the RAM 42. Is accumulated and stored.

Next, in step S118, the CPU 41 executes a showdown process.
Specifically, two cards distributed to each player at each station 3 are displayed on the game information display unit 35 corresponding to each station 3.

Next, in step S119, the CPU 41 performs hand comparison.
Specifically, among the hands that can be formed by combining two cards dealt to one player and three of the five cards displayed on the table 31 of the front display 21, A strong hand is determined to be the player's hand. After performing the same processing for all the players remaining in the game, the hands of each player are compared, and the player with the strongest hand is determined.

Next, in step S <b> 120, the CPU 41 transmits payout information to the CPU 51.
Specifically, information on the amount of credit stored cumulatively in the RAM 42 is transmitted to the CPU 51.
After executing the process of step S120, the present game process is terminated.

As described above, the game apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes the two monitors 2 installed back to back. In addition, the game apparatus 1 includes ten stations 3 installed so as to surround the two monitors 2.

In the present embodiment, a case where the image displayed on one front display 21 of the front displays 21 installed on the two monitors 2 is the same as the image displayed on the other front display 21 will be described. However, in the present invention, the method of displaying an image on the display screen is not limited to this example.
For example, different images may be displayed on the two display screens as the game progresses. An example of the embodiment configured as described above is shown below.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on a front display included in a game device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 10, the dealer 101 is displayed in a substantially central portion of the front display 100 (display screen) according to the present embodiment with the card 102 in the right hand and facing backward. A table 103 is displayed before and after. FIG. 10 shows a state where the dealer 101 is giving the card 102 to the player on the side of the front display 100 installed back to back. At this time, on the front display 100 installed back-to-back with the front display 100, a dealer who distributes cards is displayed so as to face the player who is hit in the order in which the cards are currently distributed.

That is, the game device according to the present embodiment displays an image of a dealer that distributes cards so that the player faces the player on the display screen installed on the side of the player that is in the order in which the cards are distributed. Display the image of the dealer that distributes the cards on the display screen that is placed back-to-back with the display screen on the player's side in the order in which the cards are distributed. It has a controller that is programmed to run.

When configured as described above, the direction of the dealer changes depending on the position of the player in the order in which the cards are distributed, so that the player can visually recognize that his / her turn is coming. It becomes.

In the embodiment described above, the case where the game apparatus includes a monitor installed back to back has been described. However, in the present invention, the monitor provided to the game apparatus is not limited to the one installed back to back.
An example of an embodiment of the present invention using a game device having a monitor different from the above example is shown below.

11 and 12 are top views showing an example of a game apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
In the game device 200 shown in FIG. 11, three flat monitors 201 are erected so as to form a triangle when viewed from above, and a station unit 202 surrounds the three flat monitors 201. is set up.
Further, in the game apparatus 203 shown in FIG. 12, five flat monitors 204 are erected so as to form a pentagon when viewed from above, and the station portion surrounds the five flat monitors 204. 205 is installed.
Thus, the monitor in the present invention may be a combination of a plurality of flat monitors so as to form a polygon when viewed from above.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a game device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 13, the game apparatus 300 includes a monitor 301 erected so as to be rotatable in the horizontal direction with respect to the ground, and a station unit 302 installed so as to surround the monitor 301.
The monitor 301 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from above (see the arrow in FIG. 13), and when the player distributes cards and selects a bet, the player displays the monitor 301 on the monitor 301. The screen is controlled to stop within a range where the screen can be seen from the front.

In the present embodiment, the case has been described where the monitor 301 is controlled to stop in the direction of the player in the order of card distribution and bet selection. However, in the present invention, the method of controlling the rotation of the monitor is as follows. It is not limited to this example.
For example, when an instruction is input by the player, the monitor may be controlled to stop in the direction of the player. Further, for example, the monitor may always be rotated at a constant speed.
In this embodiment, the monitor 301 rotates counterclockwise. However, in the present invention, the direction of rotation of the monitor is not limited to counterclockwise.
For example, the rotation may be clockwise, or it may be determined each time whether the rotation is clockwise or counterclockwise according to the rotation angle to the next stop position.

In the embodiment described above, the case where the display screen of the monitor included in the game device is a flat type has been described. However, in the present invention, the shape of the display screen of the monitor is not limited to this example. For example, the display screen may be a convex surface type.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a game device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 14, the game apparatus 400 includes a cylindrical monitor 401 and a station unit 402 installed so as to surround the monitor 401.
In the game apparatus 400, when the image displayed on the display screen of the monitor 401 moves on the display screen in the horizontal direction with respect to the ground, and the order of the distribution of cards and selection of bets to one player has come. The player is controlled to stop in a range where the player can see the image from the front.
However, the method of controlling image display in the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the display screen may be divided into a plurality of parts, and a dealer image and a card image may be displayed on each part. Good.
Further, the shape of the display screen of the monitor is not limited to a complete cylindrical shape. For example, a donut shape may be sufficient and a plane may be included in a part of cylinder.

In the embodiment described above, a common image visually recognized by a plurality of players is displayed on the display screen of the monitor. However, in the present invention, the method of displaying an image is not limited to this example. For example, an image may be projected onto a screen as a monitor by a projector. In this case, a plurality of screens may be used in a back-to-back arrangement or a polygonal shape, or a single screen may be used. In the case of a single screen, a curved screen may be used so that an image on the screen can be viewed in a range of 180 degrees or more on the left and right.

In the embodiment described above, the station is installed so as to surround the monitor. However, in the present invention, the position where the station is installed is a position where the player can visually recognize the display screen of the monitor. There is no particular limitation. For example, a plurality of all stations may be arranged within a range of 180 degrees on the left and right. For example, when a monitor is arranged back to back, a station may be arranged only on one monitor side.

In the embodiment described above, the case where the game played on the game device is Hold'em poker has been described. However, in the present invention, the game played on the game device has a display screen shared by a plurality of players, The game is not particularly limited as long as it is a game played while viewing individual display screens that can be viewed only by each player.
The game device according to the present invention is used to execute a game using a common main monitor visually recognized by a plurality of players and individual sub-monitors that can be visually recognized only by each player, as in the above-described embodiment. A game device that executes a game that can be executed only by the main monitor is not included in the game device of the present invention.
For example, games that use cards and do not reveal each player's hand, such as poker games, blackjack, tarot games, etc., require both a main monitor and a sub-monitor. The game device that executes the process belongs to the game device of the present invention.
On the other hand, for example, games such as Othello, chess, roulette, bingo game, and fighting game can be executed only by the main monitor, and a game device that executes such a game is not included in the game device of the present invention.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but only specific examples are illustrated, and the present invention is not particularly limited. The specific configuration of each unit and the like can be appropriately changed. The effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are only the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. is not.

Further, in the above detailed description, the characteristic portions have been mainly described so that the present invention can be easily understood. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the detailed description above, but can be applied to other embodiments, and the scope of application is various. The terms and terminology used in the present specification are used to accurately describe the present invention, and are not used to limit the interpretation of the present invention. Moreover, it would be easy for those skilled in the art to infer other configurations, systems, methods, and the like included in the concept of the present invention from the concept of the invention described in this specification. Accordingly, the description of the claims should be regarded as including an equivalent configuration without departing from the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. The purpose of the abstract is to simplify the technical contents and essence of this application by patent offices and general public institutions, and engineers belonging to this technical field who are not familiar with patents, legal terms or technical terms. It is intended to be able to make a quick judgment through a simple survey. Accordingly, the abstract is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to be evaluated by the claims. Moreover, in order to fully understand the object of the present invention and the specific effects of the present invention, it is desirable that the interpretation should be made with sufficient consideration of the literatures already disclosed.

The above detailed description includes processing executed by a computer. The above explanations and expressions are given for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to understand the most efficiently. In this specification, each step used to derive one result should be understood as a self-consistent process. In each step, transmission / reception, recording, and the like of electrical or magnetic signals are performed. In the processing in each step, such a signal is expressed by bits, values, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, etc., but these are used only for convenience of explanation. There is a need. In addition, the processing in each step may be described in an expression common to human behavior, but the processing described in this specification is executed by various devices in principle. Further, other configurations required for performing each step will be apparent from the above description.

It is a perspective view showing typically a game device concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view which shows typically the game device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the station with which the game device which concerns on this embodiment is provided. It is a figure which shows an example of the image displayed on a front display. It is a figure which shows an example of the image displayed on the liquid crystal display with which a station is provided. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the game device which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the station which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the game process which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the game process which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the image displayed on the front display with which the game device which concerns on other embodiment of this invention is provided. It is a top view which shows an example of the game device which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows an example of the game device which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the game device which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the game device which concerns on other embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game device 2 Monitor 3 Station 10 Liquid crystal display 11 Touch panel 21 Front display 41 CPU
42 RAM
43 ROM
51 CPU
52 RAM
53 ROM
200 game apparatus 201 flat monitor 202 station section 203 game apparatus 204 flat monitor 205 station section 300 game apparatus 301 monitor 302 station section 400 game apparatus 401 monitor 402 station section

Claims (4)

A monitor capable of visually recognizing at least a part of the display screen within a range of 180 degrees to the left and right;
A game apparatus comprising: a plurality of stations arranged at a position where at least a part of a display screen of the monitor can be visually recognized for a player to play a game. A monitor with two display screens arranged back to back,
A game apparatus comprising: a plurality of stations arranged at a position where any one of the two display screens can be visually recognized for a player to play a game. A monitor erected so as to be rotatable in a horizontal direction with respect to the ground;
A plurality of stations for a player to play a game, arranged at a position where the player can visually recognize the display screen of the monitor when the monitor rotates and the display screen of the monitor is in a predetermined orientation; ,
A game device comprising: a controller programmed to execute a process of rotating the monitor in a horizontal direction with respect to the ground. A monitor whose display screen is formed into a cylindrical shape;
A game apparatus comprising: a plurality of stations arranged at a position where at least a part of a display screen of the monitor can be visually recognized for a player to play a game.

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