KR20080070565A - Game system having a plurality of stations provided with display units - Google Patents

Abstract

A game system having multiple stations is provided to enable multiple users to participate and enjoy a game and to increase pleasure from participation of the game. A game system(1) having multiple stations comprises: multiple stations provided for game play of each user; multiple camera units(16) to capture a face image of each user, each of which is provided to each station; multiple display units(10) to display images concerned with the game, each of which is provided to each station; and more than one controllers which control more than one camera units and more than one display units.

Description

GAME SYSTEM HAVING A PLURALITY OF STATIONS PROVIDED WITH DISPLAY UNITS}

Related application cross-reference

This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-015299, filed January 25, 2007, the contents of which are incorporated herein.

The present invention relates to a game system provided with a plurality of stations each having a second display unit.

An example of a conventional multi-player game such as a poker game using cards or the like is disclosed in WO-A1-97026061. One example of a multi-player-tournament game is disclosed in WO-A1-00071218. An example of a game system for awarding a player via a network in gambling is disclosed in WO-A1-02041233.

In games involving multiple players, the facial expressions of other players affect the psychology of the player and are important factors in playing the game. However, when a player side-by-side a game, it is difficult to visually recognize the facial expressions of other players directly. Therefore, it is difficult to guess whether the game proceeds in favor of other players, and thus, it is difficult to establish a strategy, and thus the enjoyment of the game is insufficient in tactically playing the game.

In addition, since the face of the other player cannot be seen, the player cannot realize that he is competing with other players, and cannot fully enjoy the enjoyment of participating in the multi-player game.

One object of the present invention is to provide new entertainment features that cannot be provided using the prior art. In particular, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a game system that can increase the enjoyment of tactical play in the game and the enjoyment of game participation.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a game system for providing a game in which a plurality of players participate, a plurality of stations provided for game play of each player, each provided at each station to capture a face image of each player a plurality of camera devices to be captured, a plurality of display units provided to respective stations to display an image relating to a game, and at least one camera device to capture a face image, and a face image captured by the camera device There is provided a game system including a controller for controlling the display unit to display.

According to the present invention, there is provided a game system having a new entertainment feature, which is not present in the prior art, that is, a game system capable of increasing the enjoyment of game tactics and the enjoyment of game participation.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on a liquid crystal display provided in a station of a game system according to the present embodiment. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of a game system according to the present embodiment. 3 is a schematic plan view of the game system according to the present embodiment. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing an appearance of a station provided in the game system according to the present embodiment.

As shown in Fig. 1, ten player face image display sections 76 are provided on the upper side of the liquid crystal display 10 provided in the station 3 of the game system 1 (see Fig. 2) according to the present embodiment. Are arranged. Alphabets A to J displayed in the player face image display section 76 correspond to stations 3a to 3j (see Figs. 2 and 3) of the game system 1. In each player face image display section 76, a face image (hereinafter also referred to as a face image) of a player using the corresponding station 3 is displayed. For example, in the player face image display section 76 of "A", the face image of the person currently participating in the game is displayed. In the player face image display section 76 of "C" to "J", the face image of the same form as that displayed in the player face image display section 76 of "A" is displayed, but is omitted in FIG. In this embodiment, the face image of the player playing the game at the station 3 is not displayed in the player face image display section 76 of the station. For example, FIG. 1 shows the liquid crystal display 10 of the station 3b, and the face image of the player is not displayed in the player face image display section 76 of "B" corresponding to the station 3b.

In the game system 1, the face of the player playing the game at the station 3 is captured using a camera 16 (see Figs. 2 and 4) installed in the station 3, and the acquired image is recorded at each station ( 3 is displayed in the player face image display section 76 of the liquid crystal display 10.

In this embodiment, the image captured by the camera 16 is a moving picture. As long as the game is played at two or more stations 3, the image capturing operation performed by the camera 16 installed in the station 3 at which the game is played is performed continuously. In particular, the image capturing operation performed by the camera 16 installed in the station 3 is performed from the time when the coin is input to the station 3 to the time when all the coins are paid or consumed in the station 3. The image obtained by the image capturing operation is immediately displayed in the player face image display section 76 of the liquid crystal display 10. Also, when at a predetermined timing (in this embodiment, in a Hold'em Poker game, when a flop, turn, or river to be described later is displayed), an image capturing operation The face image data obtained by is stored in the RAM 42 (see Fig. 6) to be described later.

The liquid crystal display 10 acts as a second display portion according to the invention.

Near the center of the liquid crystal display 10, the special face image display section 77 is arranged. In the special face image display section 77, an enlarged display of the face image of the player that satisfies a predetermined condition in the game (in this embodiment, a condition that raises in Hold'em Poker). In the embodiment, the face image of the player is not displayed in the special face image display section 77 of the station 3 where the player who satisfies the predetermined condition plays the game.

In the special face image display section 77, the face image of the player designated by the player playing the game at the station 3 can be displayed. At the upper right end of the liquid crystal display 10, a player selection section 78 for selecting a player of a face image to be displayed is arranged. The player can select the player of the face image to be displayed by using the touch panel 11 (see FIG. 4) disposed on the liquid crystal display 10.

When an operation for selecting a player of the face image to be displayed is performed, the face image of the selected player is displayed in the special face image display section 77 based on the face image data stored in the RAM 42.

Next, the game system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

As shown in Fig. 2, in the game system 1, two main displays 2 are arranged in a back-to-back arrangement. Each main display 2 has a front display 21 which displays information about the game (hereinafter also referred to as game information), the front display 21 and music or sound effects as the game progresses. It has a speaker 22 that outputs, and an LED 23 that is turned on to provide various visual effects.

As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, ten stations 3 (station 3a, station 3b, ..., station 3i, and station (counterclockwise from the lower left end of Fig. 2) are shown. 3j) is arranged to surround the two main displays 2 in the game system 1. The description "arranged to surround the main display" indicates that a plurality of stations are installed in a range (possibly with discrete portions) covering at least 180 degrees with respect to the left and right sides of the main display, where the display screen of the main display can be viewed. it means. When two main displays are arranged in an array back to back as in this embodiment, when the main display is interposed between a plurality of stations and each of the plurality of stations is installed at a position where one of the display screens of the main display can be seen Is included in the substrate that is “arranged to surround the main display”.

According to one embodiment, the number of stations may be two or more, but is not limited to ten.

As shown in Fig. 4, inside the upper surface of the station 3, a camera 16 used for capturing an image of the face of the player is disposed.

In front of the camera 16, a liquid crystal display 10 for displaying an image (see Fig. 1) relating to an operation, a game result, or the like is disposed.

Above the liquid crystal display 10, the touch panel 11 for a player to input operation is arrange | positioned.

In front of the liquid crystal display 10, an operation button 12 for performing a payment operation and a coin input slot 13 for injecting a coin or a medal are arranged.

In the upper right front in front of the station 3, a banknote insertion slot 14 for inserting banknotes is disposed. Below the banknote insertion slot 14, a coin payment port 15 for distributing coins or medals corresponding to the stored credits to the player when a payment operation is performed is disposed.

In the game system 1, hold'em poker is performed as a game.

Here, the hold'em poker rule will be described.

In Hold'em Poker, one set (52 cards) of playing cards without the joker is used.

First, the dealer deals two cards to each player. Each player sees the cards distributed to him and reports chip bets (abbreviated as "bet"), bets of the same amount of chips as the previous player (hereinafter referred to as "call"), and increases bet amount ( one action is selected from raising (hereinafter also referred to as "raise"), and the end of the game (hereinafter also referred to as "fold") without betting. In the following, this selection is referred to as a bet selection.

Next, the dealer opens three cards (called "flops") out of the cards he holds. In the game system 1 according to the present embodiment, the flop is displayed on the front display 21 as described later. Here, each player makes a bet selection.

Next, the dealer opens the fourth card (referred to as "turn"). Each player then makes a bet selection.

Next, the dealer opens the fifth card (referred to as "river"). Each player then makes a bet selection.

Next, all the cards left by the remaining players in the game (the first cards distributed) are opened (called Showdown), and each player has two cards and three of the dealer's five cards. Combination of cards to make a hand. All bet chips are awarded to the player who made the highest hand by comparing the hands of several players.

If you list your hand in Hold'em Poker in high order, there are Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four Card, Full House, Flush, Straight, Three cards, Two Pair, One Pair, and No Pair.

Next, the image displayed on the front display 21 and the liquid crystal display 10 during a game is demonstrated.

5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on a front display.

As shown in Fig. 5, the dealer 30 is displayed in the approximately center of the front display 21.

Below the dealer 30, a table 31 is displayed. On the table 31, five card images 32 representing five cards and a chip image 33 representing bet chips are displayed.

Further below the table 31, a game information display section 35 in which face images and game information of players are displayed is arranged. The alphabets of A to J displayed in the game information display section 35 correspond to the stations 3a to 3j, and the face image of the player at the corresponding station 3 is continuously connected to each game information display section 35. Is displayed. In each game information display section 35, game information is displayed. Game information contains information about the number of bets placed and the bet selection of each player so far. In addition, when showdown processing is performed, the card first distributed to the player is displayed in the game information display section 35 in place of the face image.

When there is a station 3 that is not used in the game, information about the player who is in turn to bet selection is displayed in the game information display section 35 corresponding to the station 3.

At the left end of the upper portion of the front display 21, an enlarged face image display section 36 is arranged. In the enlarged face image display section 36, the face image of the player who is in turn receiving cards or betting selection is displayed in an enlarged size.

At the right end of the top of the front display 21, a pot display section 34 for displaying the total amount of chips currently bet is arranged.

In this embodiment, although the image displayed on the front display 21 of one of the front displays 21 of the two main displays 2 is configured to be the same as the image displayed on the other front display 21, the game proceeds. May be configured such that different images are displayed on the two first display units.

In the present embodiment, the face images of all players participating in the game are displayed on the front display 21 continuously, but the display method of the face images is not limited to this. For example, the face image may be subjected to a predetermined timing (e.g., when a bet selection is made or a card is distributed) or a predetermined condition (e.g., a condition in which the total amount exceeds a predetermined amount or raises a predetermined amount or more). ) May only be displayed when is satisfied. In addition, for example, only the face image of the player who is in the turn to receive the card or the turn to bet may be displayed, or the face image of the player (for example, the player who raises) that satisfies a predetermined condition. Only may be configured to be displayed. The position for displaying the face image is not limited to the example shown in FIG.

Next, an image displayed on the liquid crystal display 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in Fig. 1, on the upper side of the liquid crystal display 10, ten player face image display sections 76 are arranged. In the player face image display section 76 of each station 3, the face image of the player captured by the camera 16 provided 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 are shown that represent two cards that are distributed to the player at the start of the game.

Below the card image 70, a bet display section 71 for displaying the current number of bets of the player is arranged.

In the substantially center portion of the lower part of the liquid crystal display 10, a face image of a player who satisfies a predetermined condition in the game (in this embodiment, a condition in which a raise is made in Hold'em poker) or a face image designated by the player playing the game in the station 3 A special face image display section 77 for displaying the face image of the player is arranged.

At the right end of the upper portion of the liquid crystal display 10, a player selection section 78 for selecting a player to be displayed in the special player face image display section 77 is arranged. The player can designate the player whose face image is to be displayed by touching a part of the touch panel 11 corresponding to the alphabet of the station 3 at which the player of the face image to be displayed is played.

The touch panel 11 acts as an input device according to the invention.

Under the player selection section 78, a bet selection section 72 for selecting "Bets", a call selection section 73 for selecting "Calls" and a raise selection section 74 for selecting "raise" And a fold selection section 75 for selecting “fold” is arranged for bet selection. The player may perform bet selection by touching a portion on the touch panel 11 corresponding to the selection section.

Next, the internal structure of the game system 1 is demonstrated.

Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the game system according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6, the game system 1 has a main control unit 40, a plurality of stations 3 connected to the control unit 40, and two main displays 2.

The main control unit 40 essentially includes a microcomputer 45 having a CPU 41, a RAM 42, a ROM 43, a timer 90, and a bus 44 for transferring data therebetween. It is provided as. The main controller 40 corresponds to the controller according to the invention. The ROM 43 stores various programs, data tables, and the like for performing various processes required for controlling the game system 1. The RAM 42 temporarily stores various types of data calculated by the CPU 41 and face image data obtained by the image capturing operation of the camera 16. RAM 42 corresponds to a memory according to the invention. The timer 90 measures the time.

The CPU 41 is connected to the image processing circuit 47, the audio circuit 48, the LED driving circuit 49, and the communication interface 50 through the I / O interface 46.

The front display 21 is connected to the image processing circuit 47. The speaker 22 is connected to the audio circuit 48. The LED 23 is connected to the LED driving circuit 49. Ten stations 3 are connected to the communication interface 50.

The main control unit 40 also outputs an image signal to be displayed on the front display 21 and performs a task of controlling the driving of the speaker 22 and the LED 23.

Next, the internal structure of the station 3 is demonstrated.

7 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of a station according to the embodiment.

As shown in Fig. 7, the station 3 basically has a microcomputer 55 having a CPU 51, a RAM 52, a ROM 53, and a bus 54 for transferring data therebetween. It is provided as a part.

In the ROM 53, various programs, data tables, and the like necessary for performing the station 3 control processing are stored. The RAM 52 is a memory for temporarily storing the number of credits currently stored in the station 3 or various types of data calculated by the CPU 51.

The CPU 51 connects the liquid crystal panel drive circuit 57, the touch panel drive circuit 58, the hopper drive circuit 59, the payment completion signal circuit 60, and the coin input detection signal circuit through the I / O interface 56. 67, the banknote detection signal circuit 64, the operation signal circuit 66, the camera 16, and the communication interface 61.

A liquid crystal display (LCD) 10 is connected to the LCD driving circuit 57. The touch panel 11 is connected to the touch panel driving circuit 58. The hopper 62 is connected to the hopper drive circuit 59. The coin detector 63 is connected to the payment completion signal circuit 60. A coin input detection unit 68 is connected to the coin input detection signal circuit 67. The banknote detection unit 65 is connected to the banknote detection signal circuit 64. The operation button 12 is connected to the operation signal circuit 66.

The hopper 62 is disposed inside the station 3 and pays coins from the coin payment port 15 based on the control signal output from the CPU 51.

The coin detector 63 is disposed inside the coin payment port 15. When the coin payment port 15 detects that a predetermined number of coins have been paid, the coin detector 63 transmits a signal to the CPU 51.

When it is detected that coin is input into the coin input slot 13, the coin input detection unit 68 detects the amount of coin and transmits a detection signal indicating the detected amount to the CPU 51.

When the banknote is accommodated, the banknote detecting 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 used to perform a payment operation when coin payment is determined.

The camera 16 is used to capture the face image of the player playing the game. In the embodiment, the face image data obtained by the image capturing operation of the camera 16 is transmitted to the CPU 41 and the CPU 51.

Next, a process performed in the game system 1 will be described.

8 and 9 are flowcharts showing game processing according to the embodiment.

First, processing performed in each station 3 will be described.

In step S1 shown in Fig. 8, the CPU 51 determines whether or not coins have been input by the player. If it is determined that no coin has been put, the process returns to step S1. On the other hand, if it is determined that the coin has been put, the CPU 51 adds the credit corresponding to the put coin to the credit stored in the RAM 52 in step S2.

In step S3, the CPU 51 transmits a coin detection signal to the CPU 41 of the main control unit 40.

In step S4, the CPU 51 receives, from the CPU 41 of the main control unit 40, distribution card information, which is information about two cards distributed to the player. The distribution card information includes numbers, alphabets, and marks.

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).

In step S6, the CPU 51 accepts the bet selection. In this step, the player performs bet selection on the touch panel 11.

In step S7, the CPU 51 transmits the information about the bet selection input by the player (hereinafter also referred to as the selection information) to the CPU 41 and corresponds to the bet chip from the credits stored in the RAM 52. A process for subtracting credits is performed. The selection information includes information about the number of chips bet by the player.

Upon receiving the selection information, the main control unit 40 processes to display the received selection information in the game information display section 35 of the front display 21, accumulates credits corresponding to the bet chips in the RAM 42, and Processing for storing, processing for recording the face of the player, processing for determining three cards to be flopped and displaying the determined cards on the front display 21, and a bet selection acceptance instruction signal to the CPU 51; Perform the processing for sending.

Next, the CPU 51 receives the bet selection acceptance instruction signal from the CPU 41 (step S8), accepts the bet selection (step S9), transmits the selection information to the CPU 41, and sends it to the bet chip. The corresponding credit is subtracted from the credit stored in the RAM 52 (step S10).

Upon receiving the selection information, the main control unit 40 processes to display the received selection information in the game information display section 35 of the front display 21, accumulates credits corresponding to the bet chips in the RAM 42, and Processing for storing, processing for recording the face of the player, processing for determining the card to be turned and displaying the determined card on the front display 21, and sending a bet selection acceptance instruction signal to the CPU 51 To perform the processing.

Next, the CPU 51 receives the bet selection acceptance instruction signal from the CPU 41 (step S11), accepts the bet selection (step S12), transmits the selection information to the CPU 41, and sends it to the bet chip. The corresponding credit is subtracted from the credit stored in the RAM 52 (step S13 shown in FIG. 9).

Upon receiving the selection information, the main control unit 40 processes to display the received selection information in the game information display section 35 of the front display 21, accumulates credits corresponding to the bet chips in the RAM 42, and Processing for storing, processing for recording the face of the player, processing for determining the card to be the river and displaying the determined card on the front display 21, and sending a bet selection acceptance instruction signal to the CPU 51; To perform the processing.

Next, the CPU 51 receives the bet selection acceptance instruction signal from the CPU 41 (step S14), accepts the bet selection (step S15), transmits the selection information to the CPU 41, and sends it to the bet chip. The corresponding credit is subtracted from the credit stored in the RAM 52 (step S16).

In step S17, the CPU 51 receives information on the amount of payment (hereinafter also referred to as payment information) from the CPU 41.

In particular, the CPU 51 receives information on the amount of credits accumulated and stored in the RAM 42 of the main control unit 40 from the CPU 41.

In step S18, the CPU 51 pays the credit based on the payment information received in step S17.

In particular, the CPU 51 stores in the RAM 52 information on the amount of credit accumulated and stored in the RAM 42 received from the CPU 41. Thereafter, when the operation button 12 is pressed, the CPU 51 pays the coin corresponding to the number of credits stored in the RAM 52 from the coin payment port 15.

After the process of step S18 is performed, the game process ends.

Next, the process performed by the main control part 40 is demonstrated.

In step S101, the CPU 41 receives a coin detection signal from the CPU 51 of the station 3.

In step S102, the CPU 41 determines the two cards to be distributed to each player using a random number.

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

In step S104, the CPU 41 displays the face image of the player (i.e., the face image of the player whose turn is to receive the card) received from the camera 16 of the station 3 that sent the card information in step S103. The enlarged face image display section 36 of 21 is displayed.

After the processing in steps S103 and S104 is performed for all stations 3, the processing proceeds to step S105.

In step S105, the CPU 41 performs selection information reception processing. This processing will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. Then, in step S106, the CPU 41 displays the selection information received in step S105 in the game information display section 35 of the front display 21, and credits corresponding to the bet chip based on the received selection information. Accumulate and store in the RAM 42.

After the processing in steps S105 and S106 is performed for all stations 3, the processing proceeds to step S107.

In step S107, the CPU 41 starts face recording (capture) of the player. In particular, the CPU 41 starts a process of storing the face image data of the player received from the station 3 in the RAM 42. The CPU 41 executes the processing of step S108 to be described later when 5 seconds have elapsed after the start of the recording job, and ends the recording job when 5 seconds have elapsed after the processing of step S108 ends. That is, the recording job is started five seconds before the process of step S108 is performed, and ends five seconds after the process of step S108 is finished.

In step S108, the CPU 41 determines three cards using random numbers, and displays the determined cards as flops on the table 31 of the front display 21.

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

In step S110, the CPU 41 performs selection information reception processing. Thereafter, in step S111, the CPU 41 displays the selection information received in step S110 in the game information display section 35 of the front display 21, and credits corresponding to the bet chip based on the received selection information. Accumulate and store in the RAM 42.

After the processing in steps S109 to S111 is performed for all the stations 3, the processing proceeds to step S112.

In step S112, the CPU 41 starts a face recording operation of the player. The CPU 41 performs the processing of step S113 to be described later when 5 seconds have elapsed after the start of the recording job, and ends the recording job when 5 seconds have elapsed after the processing of step S113 ends. In other words, the recording job is started five seconds before the process of step S113 starts, and ends five seconds after the process of step S113 ends. If this processing is performed, the face image data stored in the RAM 42 is removed in step S107.

In step S113, the CPU 41 determines a single card by using random numbers, and displays the determined card as a turn on the table 31 of the front display 21.

In step S114, the CPU 41 performs a selection acceptance instruction transmission process.

In step S115 shown in Fig. 9, the CPU 41 performs selection information reception processing. Thereafter, in step S116, the CPU 41 displays the selection information received in step S115 in the game information display section 35 of the front display 21, and credits the credit corresponding to the bet chip based on the received selection information. Accumulate and store in the RAM 42.

After the processing in steps S114 to S116 is performed for all stations 3, the processing proceeds to step S117.

In step S117, the CPU 41 starts a face recording operation of the player. The CPU 41 performs the process of step S118 to be described later when 5 seconds have elapsed after the start of the recording job, and ends the recording job when 5 seconds have elapsed after the end of the process of step S118. That is, the recording job is started 5 seconds before the process of step S118 is started, and ends 5 seconds after the process of step S118 is finished. When this processing is performed, the face image data stored in the RAM 42 is removed in step S112.

In step S118, the CPU 41 determines a single card using random numbers, and displays the determined card as a river on the table 31 of the front display 21.

In step S119, the CPU 41 performs a selection acceptance instruction transmission process.

Next, in step S120, the CPU 41 performs a selection information receiving process. Then, in step S121, the CPU 41 displays the selection information received in step S120 on the game information display section 35 of the front display 21, and credits corresponding to the bet chip based on the received selection information. Accumulate and store in the RAM 42.

After the processing in steps S119 to S121 is performed for all the stations 3, the processing proceeds to step S122.

In step S122, the CPU 41 performs showdown processing.

In particular, the CPU 41 displays in the game information display section 35 corresponding to the station 3 each card of two cards distributed to the player using each station.

In step S122, the CPU 41 compares the cards with each other.

In particular, first, the CPU 41 is the highest among the cards made by combining two cards distributed to one player with three of the five cards displayed on the table 31 of the front display 21. As the player's hand. After the same processing as described above is performed for all players remaining in the game, the CPU 41 compares the hands of several players to determine the player with the highest hand.

In step S124, the CPU 41 transmits payment information to the CPU 51.

In particular, the CPU 41 transmits to the CPU 51 information on the amount of credit accumulated and stored in the RAM 42.

After the process of step S124 is performed, the game process ends.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing subroutines for the selection acceptance instruction transmission process performed by the main control unit in steps S109 and S114 shown in FIG. 8 and step S119 shown in FIG.

In step S201, the CPU 41 transmits a bet selection acceptance instruction signal to the CPU 51.

When the bet selection acceptance instruction signal is received, the station 3 performs a bet selection acceptance process and a process of transmitting the input selection information to the CPU 41.

In step S202, the CPU 41 makes a face image of the player received from the camera 16 of the station 3 that sent the bet selection acceptance instruction signal in step S201 (i.e., the face of the player who is in turn to perform bet selection). Image) is displayed on the enlarged face image display section 36 of the front display 21.

After the processing in step S202 is performed, the subroutine is completed.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for the selection information receiving process performed by the main control unit in steps S105 and S110 shown in FIG. 8 and in steps S115 and S120 shown in FIG.

In step S301, the CPU 41 receives selection information from the CPU 51. Then, in step S302, the CPU 41 determines whether the player using the station 3 has raised based on the selection information received in step S301. If it is determined that the player using the station 3 has not raised, this subroutine ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the player using the station 3 has raised, the CPU 41 sends the face image data of the player received from the station 3 to the station 3 other than the station 3 in step S303. It transmits to CPU51. In the special face image display section 77 of the liquid crystal display 10 of the station that has received the face image data, a face image based on the received face image data is displayed (see Fig. 1).

In this embodiment, the face image of the raised player is displayed in the special face image display section 77 for 5 seconds. When there are several players who raised, the face images of these players are displayed sequentially.

However, the method of displaying the face image of the raised player is not limited to this in the present invention. For example, the face image of the raised player is displayed until the next bet selection is made, and the display of the face image of the player may be configured to stop when the player does not raise in the bet selection. The face image data of the raised player is stored in the memory, and when there are a plurality of raised players, the face images may be configured to be sequentially displayed based on the stored face image data.

Next, a process of displaying the face image of the player designated by the player playing the game in the station 3 on the liquid crystal display 10 of the station 3 will be described.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for face image display processing of a designated player performed by the station and the main control unit at regular time intervals, irrespective of the game processing shown in FIG. 8 and FIG.

This subroutine is executed only when an input for specifying a player of a face to be displayed is performed by the player.

First, in step S401, the CPU 51 of the station 3 determines whether an input for designating a player of a face image to be displayed has been performed by the player. In this process, the CPU 51 determines whether the alphabet of the player selection section 78 (see Fig. 1) is selected via the touch panel 11. If it is determined that an input for designating a player of the face image to be displayed has not been performed, the process returns to S401.

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

In step S403, the CPU 51 transmits information on the designated player (hereinafter referred to as designated player information) to the CPU 41 of the main control unit 40.

In step S501, the CPU 41 of the main control unit 40 receives designated player information from the CPU 51 of the station 3.

In step S502, the CPU 41 transmits the face image data received from the station 3 where the designated player plays the game to the CPU 51. That is, the CPU 41 transmits the face image data obtained by the 10 second recording (see steps S107 and S112 shown in FIG. 8 and step S117 shown in FIG. 9) to the CPU 51.

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

Next, in step S405, the CPU 51 sends the face image of the designated player to the special face image display section 77 of the liquid crystal display 10 of the station 3 based on the face image data received in step S404. Display for seconds.

In this embodiment, if the face image of the raised player is already displayed in the special face image display section 77 when an input for designating the player of the face image to be displayed is made by the player, the face image of the designated player is displayed. This is displayed first. In addition, if the face image of the designated player is displayed in the special face image display section 77 when the player raises, the face image of the raised player is preferentially displayed.

However, according to the present invention, the method of displaying the face image of the designated player and the face image of the raised player is not limited to this.

After the processing of step S405 is performed, this subroutine ends.

As described above, the game system 1 according to this embodiment has a liquid crystal display 10 (second display) and ten stations 3 for the player to play the game, each station of which the player plays the game. It has a camera 16 for capturing a face image. The game system 1 has a main control unit 40 (controller) programmed to execute the following "(a)" to "(c)" processes.

(a) a process of controlling an operation for capturing a face image of a player playing a game using the camera 16 at a station 3 having a camera 16.

(b) a process of controlling an operation for displaying the face image of the player captured by the camera 16 of the station 3 on which the game is played on the liquid crystal display 10 of the station 3;

(c) When a predetermined condition is satisfied in at least one station 3, the liquid crystal display of the station 3 in which the game is played may display a face image of the player in the at least one station 3 in which the predetermined condition is satisfied. 10) Magnifying and displaying treatment.

In the present embodiment, when the player raises, the face image of the player is configured to be displayed enlarged on the liquid crystal display 10. However, in the present invention, the predetermined condition for enlarging and displaying the face image of the player is not limited to this. For example, the player's face image may be enlarged and displayed when the player calls or raises a predetermined number of times. Further, the player's face image may be enlarged and displayed when the number of bets of the player exceeds a predetermined amount.

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 plays the game. do. However, the face image of the player who satisfies the predetermined condition may be enlarged and displayed on the second display unit of the station where the player plays the game.

In this embodiment, the image capturing operation is performed continuously by the camera 16, but the image capturing method by the camera is not limited to this. For example, the image capture operation is only performed at a predetermined timing (e.g., when a bet selection is made or a card is dispensed), or a predetermined condition (e.g., the amount of the total amount exceeds the predetermined amount or raises the predetermined amount or more). Can be made only when the conditions under which

In the present embodiment, the face image of all players participating in the game in the station 3 other than the station is displayed on the liquid crystal display 10 of the station 3, but is displayed on the second display unit according to the present invention. The face image to be made is not limited to this. For example, the station may be configured to display only the face image of the player designated by the player and the face image of the player satisfying the predetermined condition. Further, for example, it may be configured to display a face image of a player playing a game at a station.

In this embodiment, the face image of the player designated by the player playing the game is displayed on the liquid crystal display of the station 3 to which the selection operation is input, but in the present invention, the face image of the selected player is the station to which the selection operation is input. It may be displayed on the second display portion of the station other than this.

In this embodiment, the face image is configured to be displayed continuously on the liquid crystal display 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the face image is displayed only at a predetermined timing (e.g., when a bet selection is made or a card is dispensed), or a predetermined condition (e.g., the amount of total amount exceeds a predetermined amount or a raise of a predetermined amount or more). It can also be configured to be displayed only when the conditions) are met.

In the present invention, the position at which the face image is displayed on the second display portion is not limited to that shown in the example of FIG.

In this embodiment, although the face image of the player is recorded (the face image data is stored in the RAM 42) when the flop, the turn, or the river is displayed on the front display 21, the image capturing operation according to the present invention. The timing for storing the face image data obtained by the above is not limited to this. For example, the face image data may be configured to be stored in the memory when the bet selection is made or the card is distributed, and the face image data may be configured to be stored in the memory when an input instruction is made by the player. Also, for example, the process of storing the face image data in the memory may be configured to be performed continuously.

In the present embodiment, the case where the game system 1 has two main displays 2 arranged in the back state is described, but the game system according to the present invention is not limited to this.

An example of a game system having a configuration other than that of the game system 1 will be described below.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a game system according to another embodiment. As shown in Fig. 13, the game system 100 has one main display, and all players participating in the game are configured to play the game while watching the same main display.

As mentioned above, the present invention can be applied to a game system having one main display.

In the above embodiment, the case where the game system has the first display unit as the main display and a plurality of players play the game while watching the main display has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to a game system without the first display portion. For example, the present invention can be applied to a game system each of which has a plurality of stations having a camera and a second display portion, wherein the face image of the player designated by the player playing the game at the station is displayed on the second display portion. Controlled.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where hold'em poker is played as a game is described, but the game played by the game system is not limited to a specific game as long as a plurality of players can participate.

As described above with reference to the embodiment, a game system is provided in which a face of a player playing a game at a station is captured using a camera installed in the station, and a face image of the player captured by the camera is displayed on the second display portion of the station. .

Therefore, since the face image of the other player is displayed on the second display portion of each station, each player can recognize the facial expression of the other player. As a result, each player can strategize based on the facial expressions of other players, and the enjoyment of the game tactics can be increased.

Further, since the face image of the other player is displayed on each second display portion, each player can realize that the face image is competing with the players on which the face image is displayed. As a result, the pleasure of participating in the game can be increased.

Thus, it is possible to provide entertainment features that have not been provided using prior art.

There is also provided a game system in which the face of a player playing a game at the station is captured using a camera installed in the station, and the face image of the player captured by the camera is displayed on the second display portion of the station. In addition, the face image of the player using the station, in which a predetermined condition (for example, a condition in which a raise is made in hold'em poker) is satisfied, is enlarged and displayed on the second display portion of the station.

Thus, since the face image of the other player is displayed on the second display portion of each station, each player can recognize the facial expression of the other player. As a result, each player can strategize based on the facial expressions of other players, and the enjoyment of the game tactics can be increased.

In addition, since the image of another player is displayed on each second display portion, the player can realize that he competes with the player on which the face image is displayed. Thus, the pleasure of participating in the game can be increased.

Further, since the face image of the player at the station where the predetermined condition is satisfied is enlarged and displayed on the second display portion of the station, a strong impression that the player meets the predetermined condition can be given to other players.

Thus, it is possible to provide entertainment features that have not been provided using prior art.

The face of the player playing the game at the station is captured using a camera installed in the station, and face image data representing a captured image of the player's face is stored in the memory and based on the face image data selected by input from the input device. A game system is also provided in which the face image is displayed on the second display portion of the station where the input operation is performed.

Therefore, since the face image of the player is displayed on the second display portion, each player can recognize the facial expression of the other player. As a result, the player can make a strategy based on the facial expressions of other players, and the enjoyment of the game tactics can be increased.

In addition, since the image of another player is displayed on each second display portion, each player can realize that he competes with the player whose face image is displayed. Thus, the pleasure of participating in the game can be increased.

The face image based on the face image data stored in the memory may be frequently displayed on the second display unit, and the player may check the facial expressions of the competing players from time to time if necessary. As a result, facial expressions of various players can be checked at various timings, and precise strategies can be established.

Thus, it is possible to provide entertainment features that have not been provided using prior art.

There is provided a game system having the aforementioned new entertainment features, which is not present in the prior art, that is, a game system capable of increasing the enjoyment of game tactics and the enjoyment of game participation.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described as described above, these embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention, and thus the present invention is not limited thereto, and the design of the detailed configuration of each means or the like may be appropriately changed. have. The advantages described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely illustrative of the appropriate advantages resulting from the present invention, and thus the advantages of the present invention are not limited thereto.

In the foregoing description of the present invention, the specific features of the present invention have been focused for ease of understanding. The invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the detailed description, but may be applied to other embodiments, and may be applied to various fields of application. It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Those skilled in the art will readily be able to infer other configurations, systems, or methods that fall within the inventive concept from the inventive concepts described herein. Accordingly, the description of the claims should be understood to include equivalent constructions within the spirit and scope of the invention. The purpose of the abstract is to enable the patent office, the public authority, or a person skilled in the art of the present invention, which is not familiar with patents, legal terms or jargon, to easily learn the technical contents and gist of the present invention by performing a simple study. It is. Accordingly, the summary is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which should be defined by the claims. In order to fully understand the objects and particular advantages of the present invention, it is necessary to refer fully to the disclosed references and the like.

The foregoing detailed description of the invention includes processing executed by a computer. The purpose of the description and representation as described above is to enable those skilled in the art to effectively understand the present invention. In this specification, steps used to derive one result should be understood as a process without self-contradiction. In each step, transmission, reception, recording, and the like of electric or magnetic signals are performed. In the processing of the above steps, these signals are represented by bits, values, symbols, letters, terms, numbers, etc., but it should be understood that these indications are used only for convenience of explanation. Although the processing of the above steps may be described as a universal expression in human behavior, the processing described herein is basically performed by various apparatuses. In addition, other configurations required to perform the processing of these steps are apparent from the foregoing.

1 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on a liquid crystal display provided in a station of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of a game system according to the embodiment;

3 is a schematic plan view of a game system according to the embodiment;

4 is a schematic perspective view showing an appearance of a station provided in the game system according to the embodiment;

5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on a front display.

6 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of a game system according to the embodiment;

Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of a station according to the embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing game processing according to the embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing game processing according to the embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for the selection acceptance instruction transmission process performed by the main control section.

Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for the selection information receiving process performed by the main control section.

Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for face image display processing of a designated player performed at regular time intervals by the station and the main control unit, regardless of the game processing shown in Figs. 9 and 10;

Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a game system according to another embodiment.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

1: game system 2: main display

3: station 10: liquid crystal display

11: touch panel 12: operation buttons

16: camera 21: front display

22: speaker 40: main control unit

44, 54: bus 45, 55: microcomputer

46 and 56: I / O interface 47: image processing circuit

48: voice circuit 49: LED drive circuit

50: communication interface 57: liquid crystal panel drive circuit

58: touch panel drive circuit 59: hopper drive circuit

60: payment completion signal circuit 61: hopper

63: coin detector 64: banknote detection signal circuit

65: banknote detector 66: operation signal circuit

67: coin input detection signal circuit 68: coin input detection unit

90: timer

Claims (5)

A game system that provides a game in which a plurality of players participate, A plurality of stations provided for gameplay of each player, A plurality of camera apparatuses provided to respective stations to capture face images of each player, A plurality of display units provided to respective stations to display images related to the game, And a controller for controlling one or more camera devices to capture a face image, and controlling one or more displays to display a face image captured by the camera device. The game system of claim 1, wherein the controller controls the camera device to capture face images of all players currently playing a game. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to capture, by a camera device provided at a target station, a display portion provided to a station other than a target station where the predetermined condition is satisfied when one of the stations is satisfied. And a game system for controlling the enlarged face image. The memory device of claim 1, further comprising: a memory device; Further comprising a plurality of input devices each provided at each station to allow each player to input game play instructions, The controller may further Save the face image captured by the camera device to the memory device, Allows the player to select one or more face images from the face images stored on the memory device through the input device, A game system that controls the display unit to display the selected face image. The game system of claim 4, wherein the input device is a touch panel provided on each screen of the display unit.

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