JP2008178596A - Game apparatus with plurality of stations including sub monitors installed - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game apparatus capable of increasing the joy of using the tactics of a game and increasing the joy of participating in the game. <P>SOLUTION: The game apparatus includes a plurality of stations provided with a sub monitor and a camera for photographing the face of a player playing the game, for having the player play the game, and a controller programmed so as to executing operations (a)-(b): (a) the operation of performing the control of photographing the face of the player playing the game at the station provided with each camera using each camera; and (b) the operation of performing the control of displaying the image of the face of the player photographed by each camera on the sub monitor of the station at which the game is played. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a game apparatus in which a plurality of stations including sub-monitors are installed.

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 in which a plurality of players participate, the facial expressions of other players are important factors because they affect the psychology of the players. However, when a player plays a game side by side, it is difficult for the player to directly view the facial expressions of other players. Therefore, since it cannot be estimated whether or not the game is advantageous for other players, it is difficult to make a strategy and the game is not interesting.
In addition, since the faces of other players cannot be seen, it is difficult to realize that they are playing against other players, and there is a problem that players cannot fully enjoy the pleasure of participating in a multiplayer game. .

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 increase the enjoyment of game game play and can increase the enjoyment of participating in a game.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a game device having the following configuration.
(1) That is, the game device includes a plurality of stations for a player to play a game, including a sub-monitor and a camera for photographing the face of the player who is playing the game. In addition, the game device includes a controller programmed to execute the following processes (a) to (b). (A) a process for controlling the photographing of the face of a player who is playing a game at the station equipped with each camera using each of the cameras; and (b) the sub-monitor of the station where the game is being played. And a process for performing control to display an image of the face of the player photographed by the camera.

According to the invention of (1), the face of the player who is playing the game at each station is photographed using the camera installed at each station, and the player's photograph taken at each station is captured on the sub-monitor provided at each station. Display the face image.
Therefore, since the face image of the player other than the player is displayed on the sub-monitor provided in the station, the player can know the expressions of other players. As a result, the player can make a strategy by looking at the facial expressions of other players, and can increase the enjoyment of game playing.
Further, since the face image of a player other than himself / herself is displayed on the sub-monitor, the player can feel that he / she is in competition with the player displaying the face image. As a result, it is possible to increase the pleasure of participating in the game.
Therefore, it is possible to provide entertainment that is not found in the prior art.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a game device having the following configuration.
(2) That is, the game device includes a plurality of stations for a player to play a game, including a sub-monitor and a camera for photographing the face of the player who is playing the game. In addition, the game device includes a controller programmed to execute the following processes (a) to (c). (A) Using each of the cameras, a process of performing control for photographing the face of a player who is playing a game at the station including the cameras, (b) To the sub-monitor of the station where the game is being played, A process for performing control to display an image of the face of the player photographed by the camera, and (c) when a predetermined condition is satisfied in at least one of the stations, the station of the station that satisfies the predetermined condition Processing for enlarging and displaying the image of the player's face on the sub-monitor of the station where the game is being played.

According to the invention of (2), the face of the player who is playing the game at each station is photographed using the camera installed at each station, and the player's photograph taken at each station is captured on the sub-monitor provided at each station. Display the face image. In addition, the face image of the player of the station that satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, raising in Hold'em Poker) is enlarged and displayed on the sub monitor of the station.
Therefore, since the face image of the player other than the player is displayed on the sub-monitor provided in the station, the player can know the expressions of other players. As a result, the player can make a strategy by looking at the facial expressions of other players, and can increase the enjoyment of game playing.
Further, since the face image of a player other than the player is displayed on the sub-monitor, the player can feel that he is in competition with the player displaying the face image. As a result, it is possible to increase the pleasure of participating in the game.
Further, since the face image of the player of the station satisfying the predetermined condition is enlarged and displayed on the sub monitor of the station, it is possible to strongly impress other players that the player satisfies the predetermined condition.
Therefore, it is possible to provide entertainment that is not found in the prior art.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a game device having the following configuration.
(3) That is, the game device includes a memory. The game device also includes a sub-monitor, a camera for photographing the face of the player who is playing the game, and facial image data indicating an image of the player's face photographed by the camera, stored in the memory. Among these, a plurality of stations are provided for the player to play a game, including an input switch for inputting an instruction to select face image data of a specific player. In addition, the game device includes a controller programmed to execute the following processes (a) to (c). (A) Processing for performing control for photographing the face of a player who is playing a game at the station including each of the cameras using the respective cameras, (b) Image of the face of the player photographed by the respective cameras Processing for storing the face image data shown in the memory, and (c) selecting the face image data of the designated player from the face image data stored in the memory based on the input from the input switch And a process of performing control to display a face image based on the selected face image data on the sub-monitor of the station.

According to the invention of (3), the face of the player playing the game at each station is photographed using the camera installed at each station, and the face image data indicating the photographed face image of the player is stored in the memory. And the face image based on the face image data selected by the input from the input switch is displayed on the sub-monitor of the station where the input is performed.
Accordingly, since the face image of the player is displayed on the sub-monitor, the player can know the expressions of other players. As a result, the player can make a strategy by looking at the facial expressions of other players, and can increase the enjoyment of game playing.
Further, since the face image of a player other than the player is displayed on the sub-monitor, the player can feel that he is in competition with the player displaying the face image. As a result, it is possible to increase the pleasure of participating in the game.
Further, since the face image based on the face image data stored in the memory can be displayed on the sub monitor as needed, the player can check the facial expression of the player that is interested as needed. As a result, facial expressions of various players at various timings can be confirmed, and a more detailed strategy can be established.
Therefore, it is possible to provide entertainment that is not found in the prior art.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide entertainment that is not found in the above-described prior art, that is, to provide a game device that can increase the enjoyment of game tactics and increase the enjoyment of participating in the game. Can do.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on a liquid crystal display included in a station of the game device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view schematically showing the game apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a top view schematically showing the game device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is an external perspective view schematically showing a station included in the game device according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, ten player face image display units 76 are provided above the liquid crystal display 10 provided in the station 3 of the game apparatus 1 (see FIG. 2) according to the present embodiment. Alphabets A to J displayed on the player face image display unit 76 correspond to the stations 3a to 3j (see FIGS. 2 and 3) included in the game apparatus 1, respectively. The face image of the player of the corresponding station 3 (hereinafter also referred to as a face image) is displayed. For example, the player face image display section 76 of “A” displays the face images of men who are currently participating in the game. The face images similar to those displayed on the player face image display unit 76 of “A” are also displayed on the player face image display units 76 of “C” to “J”. The face image is abbreviated. In the present embodiment, the face image of the player playing the game at the station 3 is not displayed on the player face image display unit 76. For example, FIG. 1 shows the liquid crystal display 10 of the station 3b, but no player's face image is displayed on the “B” player face image display section 76 corresponding to the station 3b.
In the game apparatus 1, a camera 16 (see FIGS. 2 and 4) installed at each station 3 is used to photograph the face of the player who plays the game at the station 3, and the obtained image is displayed on the liquid crystal of each station 3. The image is displayed on the player face image display unit 76 of the display 10.
In the present embodiment, the image obtained by shooting using the camera 16 is a moving image. Further, while a game is being played in two or more stations 3, shooting is always performed by the camera 16 installed in the station 3 where the game is being played. Specifically, shooting is performed by the camera 16 provided in the station 3 from when the coin is inserted until all coins are paid out or consumed. The image obtained by shooting is displayed on the player face image display unit 76 of the immediate liquid crystal display 10. Further, when a predetermined timing (in this embodiment, when a flop, turn, and river described later are displayed in Hold'em Poker), face image data obtained by shooting is stored in a RAM 42 described later (see FIG. 6). ).
The liquid crystal display 10 corresponds to a sub monitor in the present invention.

In addition, a special face image display unit 77 is provided at a substantially lower central portion of the liquid crystal display 10. On the special face image display unit 77, a face image of a player that satisfies a predetermined condition in the game (in this embodiment, raising in Hold'em Poker) is displayed in an enlarged manner. However, in this embodiment, the face image of the player is not displayed on the special face image display unit 77 of the station 3 where the player who satisfies the predetermined condition is playing the game.

The special face image display unit 77 can also display the face image of the player designated by the player playing the game at the station 3. A player selection unit 78 for selecting a player to display a face image is provided on the upper right end of the liquid crystal display 10, and the player is provided via a touch panel 11 (see FIG. 4) provided on the upper surface of the liquid crystal display 10. Thus, the player who displays the face image can be selected.
When the player who displays the face image is selected, the face image of the designated player is displayed on the special face image display unit 77 based on the face image data stored in the RAM 42.

Next, the game apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.
As shown in FIG. 2, the game apparatus 1 has two monitors 2 installed back to back. Each monitor 2 has a front display 21 on which dealer images, face images of each player, information about a game (hereinafter also referred to as game information) and the like are displayed, and is arranged on the top of the front display 21 to match the progress of the game. A speaker 22 that outputs music and sound effects and an LED 23 that is turned on during various effects are provided.

2 and 3, the game apparatus 1 includes 10 stations 3 (stations 3a and 3b counterclockwise from the lower left end of FIG. 2 so as to surround the 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”.
In the present invention, the number of stations is not limited to ten as long as it is plural.
As shown in FIG. 4, a camera 16 for photographing the player's face is provided on the back side of the upper surface of the station 3.
In front of the camera 16, a liquid crystal display 10 that displays an image related to the operation (see FIG. 1), a game result, and the like is provided.
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, and coins corresponding to stored credits when a payout operation is performed below the banknote insertion slot 14 are provided. And a coin payout exit 15 for paying out medals to the player.

In the game apparatus 1, 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. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the front display.
As shown in FIG. 5, 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 the face images and 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 face images of the players of the corresponding station 3 are always displayed on each game information display unit 35. . In addition, game information is also 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. Further, 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 instead of the face image.
When there is a station 3 that is not used in the game, the game information display unit 35 corresponding to the station 3 displays the game information of the player who is in the bet selection order.
A face image enlargement display unit 36 is provided at the upper left end of the front display 21. The face image enlargement display unit 36 enlarges and displays the face image of the player who is in the order of card distribution or bet selection.
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. However, you may comprise so that a mutually different image may be displayed on two front displays according to progress of a game.
In the present embodiment, the face images of all players participating in the game are always displayed on the front display 21, but the way of displaying the face images is not limited to this example. For example, when a predetermined timing (for example, when a bet is selected or when a card is distributed), or for a predetermined condition (for example, the amount of the pot exceeds a predetermined amount or raises more than a predetermined amount) The face image may be displayed only when is satisfied. Further, for example, only the face images of players who are in the order of card distribution and bet selection may be displayed, and only the face images of players that satisfy a predetermined condition (for example, raise) are displayed. It is good. Furthermore, the position where the face image is displayed is not limited to the example shown in FIG.

Next, an image displayed on the liquid crystal display 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, ten player face image display sections 76 are provided on the upper side of the liquid crystal display 10. In the player face image display unit 76, an image of the face of the player captured by the camera 16 installed in the station 3 other than the station 3 is displayed.
At the lower left end of the player face image display section 76, two card images 70 showing two cards distributed 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.
Further, in the lower central portion of the liquid crystal display 10, a face image of a player that satisfies a predetermined condition in the game (in this embodiment, raising in Hold'em poker), or a game is played at the station 3. A special face image display unit 77 for displaying the face image of the player designated by the player is provided.
A player selection unit 78 for selecting a player to display a face image on the special face image display unit 77 is provided at the upper right end of the liquid crystal display 10. The player can designate the player to display the face image by touching the part corresponding to the alphabet of the station 3 on which the player wants to display the face image on the touch panel 11. The touch panel 11 corresponds to an input switch in the present invention.
Below the player selection unit 78, when selecting a bet, 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.

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 basically includes a microcomputer 45 including a CPU 41, a RAM 42, a ROM 43, a timer 90, and a bus 44 for transferring data between them. The main control unit 40 corresponds to the controller in the present invention.
The ROM 43 stores various programs, data tables, and the like for performing processing necessary for controlling the game apparatus 1. The RAM 42 temporarily stores various data calculated by the CPU 41 and face image data obtained by photographing with the camera 16. The RAM 42 corresponds to the memory in the present invention. The timer 90 performs time measurement.
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 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, the camera 16, 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.
The camera 16 is for photographing the face of a player who is playing a game. In the present embodiment, face image data obtained by photographing with the camera 16 is always transmitted to the CPU 41 and the CPU 51.

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. 1).

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.
When the main control unit 40 receives the selection information, the main control unit 40 displays the received selection information on the game information display unit 35 of the front display 21, and accumulates and stores credits corresponding to the bet chips in the RAM 42. Processing for recording the player's face, determining three cards to be a flop, displaying the cards on the front display 21, and transmitting a signal for instructing acceptance of bet selection to the CPU 51. Processing will be 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).
When the main control unit 40 receives the selection information, the main control unit 40 displays the received selection information on the game information display unit 35 of the front display 21, and accumulates and stores credits corresponding to the bet chips in the RAM 42. Processing for recording the player's face, processing for determining a card to be turned and displaying the card on the front display 21 and processing for transmitting a signal for instructing acceptance of bet selection to the CPU 51 are performed. It will be.

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).
When the main control unit 40 receives the selection information, the main control unit 40 displays the received selection information on the game information display unit 35 of the front display 21, and accumulates and stores credits corresponding to the bet chips in the RAM 42. Processing for recording the player's face, processing for determining a card to be used as a river, displaying the card on the front display 21, and processing for transmitting a signal for instructing acceptance of bet selection to the CPU 51 are performed. It will be.

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 S104, the CPU 41 displays the face image of the player received from the camera 16 of the station 3 that transmitted the card information in step S103 (that is, the face image of the player in the card distribution order) on the front display. 21 on the face image enlargement display unit 36.
After performing the processes of step S103 and step S104 for all the stations 3, the process proceeds to step S105.

Next, in step S105, the CPU 41 executes selection information reception processing. This process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. Subsequently, in step S106, the CPU 41 displays the selection information received in step S105 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.
After performing the processes of step S105 and step S106 for all the stations 3, the process proceeds to step S107.

Next, in step S107, the CPU 41 starts recording the face of each player. Specifically, the CPU 41 starts a process of storing the player's face image data received from each station 3 in the RAM 42. The CPU 41 performs a process of step S108 described later after 5 seconds from the start of recording, and ends the recording after 5 seconds from the end of the process of step S108. That is, the recording is started 5 seconds before the process of step S108 is performed, and is ended 5 seconds after the end of the process of step S108.

Next, in step S108, 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 S109, the CPU 41 executes a selection acceptance instruction transmission process. This process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

Next, in step S110, the CPU 41 executes selection information reception processing. Subsequently, in step S111, the CPU 41 displays the selection information received in step S110 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.
After performing the processing of step S109 to step S111 for all the stations 3, the processing proceeds to step S112.

Next, in step S112, the CPU 41 starts recording the face of each player. The CPU 41 performs a process of step S113 described later after 5 seconds from the start of recording, and ends the recording after 5 seconds from the end of the process of step S113. That is, the recording starts 5 seconds before the process of step S113 is performed, and ends 5 seconds after the end of the process of step S113. When this process is executed, the face image data stored in the RAM 42 in step S107 is deleted.

Next, in step S113, 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 S114, the CPU 41 executes a selection acceptance instruction transmission process.

Next, in step S115 in FIG. 9, the CPU 41 executes a selection information reception process. Subsequently, in step S116, the CPU 41 displays the selection information received in step S115 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.
After performing the processing of step S114 to step S116 for all the stations 3, the processing proceeds to step S117.

Next, in step S117, the CPU 41 starts recording the face of each player. The CPU 41 performs a process of step S118 described later 5 seconds after the start of recording, and ends the recording 5 seconds after the process of step S118 ends. That is, the recording starts 5 seconds before the process of step S118 is performed, and ends 5 seconds after the process of step S118 ends. When this process is executed, the face image data stored in the RAM 42 in step S112 is deleted.

Next, in step S118, 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 S119, the CPU 41 executes a selection acceptance instruction transmission process.

Next, in step S120, the CPU 41 executes selection information reception processing. Subsequently, in step S121, the CPU 41 displays the selection information received in step S120 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.
After performing the processing of step S119 to step S121 for all the stations 3, the processing proceeds to step S122.

Next, in step S122, 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 S123, 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> 124, 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 S124, the present game process is terminated.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the selection reception instruction transmission process executed by the main control unit in step S109, step S114 in FIG. 8 and step S119 in FIG.

In step S <b> 201, 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 S202, the CPU 41 receives the face image of the player (that is, the bet selection order) received from the camera 16 included in the station 3 that has transmitted the signal for instructing acceptance of the bet selection in step S201. Is displayed on the enlarged face image display section 36 of the front display 21.
After executing the process of step S202, this subroutine is terminated.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of selection information reception processing executed by the main control unit in step S105, step S110 in FIG. 8, step S115 in FIG. 9, and step S120.

In step S <b> 301, the CPU 41 receives selection information from the CPU 51. Next, in step S302, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the player of the station 3 has raised based on the selection information received in step S301. If it is determined that the player of the station 3 is not raising, this subroutine is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the player of the station 3 has raised, the CPU 41 transmits the face image data of the player received from the station 3 to the CPU 51 of the station 3 other than the station 3 in step S303. To do. In the station 3 that has received the face image data, a face image based on the received face image data is displayed on the special face image display unit 77 of the liquid crystal display 10 (see FIG. 1).
In the present embodiment, the face image of the player who has raised is displayed on the special face image display unit 77 for 5 seconds. When there are a plurality of players who have raised, the corresponding face images are sequentially displayed.
However, in the present invention, the way of displaying the face image of the player who has raised is not limited to this example. For example, the face image of the player who made the raise is displayed until the next bet is selected, and if the player does not raise at the time of the bet selection, the display of the player's face image is stopped. You may comprise. Further, for example, the face image data of the player who has raised is stored in the memory, and when there are a plurality of players who have raised, the face image is displayed sequentially based on the stored face image data. Also good.

Next, a process for displaying the face image of the player designated by the player playing the game at the station 3 on the liquid crystal display 10 of the station 3 will be described.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a designated player face image display process executed at predetermined time intervals in the station and the main control unit separately from the game processes of FIGS. 8 and 9.

This subroutine is executed only when an input for designating a player to display a face image is made by the player.
First, in step S401, the CPU 51 of the station 3 determines whether an input for designating a player to display a face image has been performed by the player. In this process, the CPU 51 determines whether any alphabet of the player selection unit 78 (see FIG. 1) has been selected via the touch panel 11. If it is determined that the input for specifying the player displaying the face image has not been made, the process returns to step S401.

On the other hand, if it is determined that an input for designating a player to display a face image has been made, the CPU 51 determines the designated player in step S402. In this process, the CPU 51 determines which alphabet has been selected in step S401.

Next, in step S <b> 403, the CPU 51 transmits information regarding which player is designated (hereinafter also referred to as designated player information) to the CPU 41 of the main control unit 40.

Next, in step S <b> 501, the CPU 41 of the main control unit 40 receives designated player information from the CPU 51 of the station 3.

In step S <b> 502, the CPU 41 transmits the face image data of the designated player stored in the RAM 42 to the CPU 51. That is, the face image data obtained by recording for 10 seconds (see step S107, step S112 in FIG. 8 and step S117 in FIG. 9) is transmitted to the CPU 51.

Next, in step S404, the CPU 51 of the station 3 receives the face image data of the designated player from the CPU 41.

Next, in step S405, the CPU 51 displays the face image of the designated player on the special face image display unit 77 of the liquid crystal display 10 included in the station 10 for 10 seconds based on the face image data received in step S404. .
In this embodiment, when the player's face image that has been raised is already displayed on the special face image display unit 77 when the player designates the player to display the face image, the designated player is displayed. The face image of is preferentially displayed. If any player's face image is already displayed in the special face image display unit 77 when any player raises, the face image of the raised player is preferentially displayed.
However, in the present invention, how to display the face image of the designated player and the face image of the raised player is not limited to this example.
After executing the processing of step S405, the present subroutine is terminated.

As described above, the game apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes the liquid crystal display 10 (sub monitor) and the camera 16 for shooting the face of the player who is playing the game. A station 3 is provided. In addition, the game apparatus 1 includes a main control unit 40 (controller) programmed to execute the following processes (a) to (c). (A) Processing for performing control for photographing the face of a player who is playing a game in the station 3 provided with each camera 16 using each camera 16, (b) On the liquid crystal display 10 of the station 3 where the game is being performed A process of performing control to display an image of the face of the player taken by the camera 16 of the station 3 where the game is being played, and (c) when a predetermined condition is satisfied in at least one of the stations 3, Processing for enlarging and displaying on the liquid crystal display 10 of the station 3 where the game is being played, the face image of the player of the station 3 that satisfies the predetermined condition

In this embodiment, when a player raises, the player's face image is enlarged and displayed on the liquid crystal display 10, but in the present invention, a predetermined condition for enlarging and displaying the player's face image is displayed. Is not limited to this example. For example, the face image may be enlarged and displayed when the player makes a call, and the face image may be enlarged and displayed when the player raises a predetermined number of times or more. Further, for example, when the player's bet amount exceeds a predetermined amount, the player's face image may be enlarged and displayed.
Further, in this embodiment, when the player raises, the face image of the raised player is enlarged and displayed on the liquid crystal display 10 of the station 3 other than the station 3 where the raised player is playing the game. However, in the present invention, a face image of a player that satisfies a predetermined condition may be enlarged and displayed on a sub-monitor of a station where the player is playing a game.

In the present embodiment, shooting with the camera 16 is always performed. However, in the present invention, the method of shooting with the camera is not limited to this example. For example, when a predetermined timing (for example, when a bet is selected or when a card is distributed), or for a predetermined condition (for example, the amount of the pot exceeds a predetermined amount or raises more than a predetermined amount) Shooting may be performed only when the condition is satisfied.

In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display 10 provided in the station 3 displays the face images of all players who are playing the game in the station 3 other than the station. In the present invention, the face images are displayed on the sub-monitor. The face image is not limited to this example. For example, only the face image of the player designated by the player of the station and the face image of the player satisfying a predetermined condition may be displayed. Further, for example, a face image of a player playing a game at the station may be displayed.
In the present embodiment, the face image of the player designated by the player who is playing the game is displayed on the liquid crystal display 10 of the station 3 where the input of selection is performed. The face image of the player may also be displayed on a sub-monitor of a station other than the station where the selection is input.

In the present embodiment, a face image is always displayed on the liquid crystal display 10, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, when a predetermined timing (for example, when a bet is selected or when a card is distributed), or for a predetermined condition (for example, the amount of the pot exceeds a predetermined amount or raises more than a predetermined amount) The face image may be displayed only when is satisfied.

In the present invention, the position where the face image is displayed on the sub-monitor is not limited to the example shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, the player's face is recorded when the flop, turn, and river are displayed on the front display 21 (the player's face image data is stored in the RAM 42). The timing for storing the face image data obtained by shooting in the memory is not limited to this example. For example, the face image data may be stored in the memory when a bet is selected or a card is distributed, and the face image data may be stored in the memory when an instruction is input from the player. In addition, for example, the process of always storing the face image data in the memory may be performed.

Moreover, although this embodiment demonstrated the case where the game device 1 was provided with the two monitors 2 installed back to back, the game device in this invention is not limited to this example.
Hereinafter, an example of a game apparatus having a configuration different from that of the game apparatus 1 will be described.
FIG. 13 is an external perspective view showing an example of a game apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 13, the game apparatus 100 includes a single monitor, and is configured so that all players participating in the game play the game while viewing the same monitor.
As described above, the present invention can also be applied to a case where the game apparatus has one monitor.

In the embodiment described above, a case has been described in which the game apparatus includes a monitor as a main monitor, and a game is played while a plurality of players visually recognize the monitor. However, the present invention can also be applied to a game device that does not include a main monitor. For example, a game apparatus that includes a plurality of stations including a camera and a sub-monitor and is controlled to display a face image of a player designated by a player who plays a game at the station on the sub-monitor.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where Holdem Poker is played as a game has been described. However, in the present invention, the game played on the game device is not particularly limited as long as it is a game in which a plurality of players participate.

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 figure which shows an example of the image displayed on the liquid crystal display with which the station of the game device which concerns on this embodiment is provided. 1 is an external perspective view schematically showing a game device according to the present embodiment. It is a top view which shows typically the game device which concerns on this embodiment. It is an appearance perspective view showing typically the station with which the game device concerning this embodiment is provided. It is a figure which shows an example of the image displayed on a front display. 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 flowchart which shows the subroutine of the selection reception instruction | indication transmission process performed with the main control part. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the selection information reception process performed by the main control part. 11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of designated player face image display processing executed at predetermined time intervals in the station and the main control unit separately from the game processing of FIGS. 9 and 10. It is an external appearance perspective view 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 16 Camera 21 Front display 41 CPU
42 RAM
43 ROM
51 CPU
52 RAM
53 ROM
90 timer 100 game device

Claims (3)

A plurality of stations for the player to play a game, comprising a sub-monitor and a camera for photographing the face of the player playing the game;
A game apparatus comprising: a controller programmed to execute the processes (a) to (b) below.
(A) a process of performing control for photographing a face of a player who is playing a game at the station including each camera using each of the cameras; and
(B) A process of performing control to display the face image of the player photographed by the camera on the sub-monitor of the station where the game is being performed. A plurality of stations for the player to play a game, comprising a sub-monitor and a camera for photographing the face of the player playing the game;
A game device comprising: a controller programmed to execute the processes (a) to (c) below.
(A) A process for performing control for photographing a face of a player who is playing a game at the station including each camera, using each camera.
(B) a process of performing control to display an image of the player's face taken by the camera on the sub-monitor of the station where the game is being played; and
(C) When a predetermined condition is satisfied in at least one of the stations, the face image of the player of the station that satisfies the predetermined condition is enlarged and displayed on the sub-monitor of the station where the game is being performed. To do. Memory,
From the sub-monitor, the camera for photographing the face of the player who is playing the game, and the face image data stored in the memory and indicating the image of the face of the player photographed by the camera, A plurality of stations for a player to play a game, including an input switch for inputting an instruction to select face image data;
A game device comprising: a controller programmed to execute the processes (a) to (c) below.
(A) A process for performing control for photographing a face of a player who is playing a game at the station including each camera, using each camera.
(B) a process of storing face image data indicating an image of the face of the player photographed by each camera in the memory; and
(C) Based on the input from the input switch, the face image data of the designated player is selected from the face image data stored in the memory, and the face image based on the selected face image data is selected. , A process of performing control to display on the sub-monitor of the station.

Images