KR20080070577A - Game system providing game in which a plurality of players participate - Google Patents

Abstract

A game system is provided to enable a user satisfying a prescribed condition to obtain facial images of other participants in the same game easily and naturally. A game system comprises: more than one camera(81) units to capture a face image of each user, each of which is provided to each station; multiple display units(10), each of which is established on each station; multiple input units into which each user enter commands for playing the game; a main display on which the player's facial image and a controller to control the main display units and the user display units, which enables a user satisfying a prescribed condition to obtain and display facial images of other participants in the same game.

Description

Game System Providing Game In Which A Plurality Of Players Participate}

The present invention relates to a game system for providing a game in which a plurality of players participate.

A multiplayer game system, called a multi-player game system, comprising Black Jack, Poker, Craps, Roulette, Baccarat, and Pai Gow Poker. A system for automating a game such as (Pai Gow Poker) is proposed, and a plurality of players participate in the game continuously or asynchronously so that information related to an advertisement item can be exchanged between the player and the advertiser. An example of such a system is disclosed in WO 97/026061.

As another example of a multi-player game system, a system for providing a tournament game by using an interactive communication system such as the Internet, for example, is proposed. In the system, a plurality of players play a game against a host computer to obtain a predetermined point, and a player who scores a high level scores an award. An example of such a system is disclosed in WO 00/071218.

As another example of a multi-player game system, a system that provides a positive payment (e.g., performing a lottery using tokens and paying based on the result of the lottery) related to gambling through the network. This is proposed. An example of such a system is disclosed in WO 02/041233.

Multi-player game systems, in which a plurality of players play a group game such as a card game (eg poker) while looking at the same display, have limitations on their configuration when compared to a game system in which remote players play games simultaneously. In other words, in a multi-player game system, large displays are generally arranged that can be visually recognized from a plurality of players, and the plurality of stations are arranged in a line or arc shape to face the large display. Therefore, all players playing the game by using the station can visually recognize the large display by arranging a plurality of stations arranged in a horizontal arrangement or an arc shape so as to face the large display. In addition, since each station has a separate display, each player can recognize the situation of the entire game from the large display, and can recognize the player's own game state from the display placed in the station to proceed with the game. .

When providing a card game, such as poker, by a multi-player game system, for example, cards and other information dispensed to each player are stored in the display provided in each station while the dealer's video image is displayed in the large display. Can be displayed. By this arrangement, it is possible for the player to have a feeling that he is playing the game facing the dealer.

However, if the large display and the plurality of stations are arranged as described above, the player can visually recognize the large display in an easy manner, but it is difficult for the player to recognize the facial expressions of other players. In particular, in card games such as poker, players play tactically by predicting the psychological state of other players from facial expressions, and tactics have a great effect in winning the game. However, if the stations are arranged in a horizontal arrangement or arcuate shape, it is difficult for each player to recognize the facial expressions of other players. In addition, if a plurality of players located in a horizontal arrangement or arc shape attempts to check the facial expressions of other players, the player may give an unpleasant feeling to the other players, and thus the game may not progress smoothly.

In view of the foregoing problems, there is a need for a multi-player game system that can provide new entertainment features by enabling each player to easily and naturally acquire facial expressions of other players.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a game system that provides new entertainment features not proposed in the prior art, in order to enable each player to easily and naturally acquire the facial expressions of other players.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game system for providing a game in which a plurality of players participate, wherein the game system is provided to each player and at least one camera device for photographing a face image of the player. A plurality of display units for displaying related images, a plurality of input devices provided to each player to allow each player to input a command to play a game, and if predetermined conditions relating to all players are satisfied, All indications provided to the players currently playing the game, controlling the camera device to capture the face images of all players playing the game, and displaying at least the face images of players other than the player playing by each display unit. A controller operative to control the unit.

According to the present invention, in a game system that provides a game in which a plurality of players participate, it is possible for each player to easily and naturally acquire a facial expression of another player.

First, the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG.

1 is a flowchart showing camera processing performed by the game system according to the embodiment.

Camera processing is processing for photographing a player's image with a camera and displaying the photographed image on a display.

The game system according to the embodiment includes a main control unit and a plurality of stations. Each station has a microcomputer. The main control unit and the microcomputer serve as controllers of the game system according to the invention.

The process shown in Fig. 1 is a process performed cooperatively by the main control unit and the microcomputer, i.e., the process performed by the controller of the game system according to the present invention.

First, if it is determined that the total bet amount in all stations where the game is played has reached a predetermined amount (steps S131 and S132), the main control unit sends a camera mode transition signal to all stations where the game is played (hereinafter, each station). Also called) (step S133). The camera mode transition signal is a signal used to indicate an instruction for transition to the camera mode. The camera mode represents a state in which an operation for capturing an image of a player is performed by a camera, and an image of the captured image of the player is displayed in the display. Although not shown in the figure, if it is determined in step S132 that the total bet amount in all the stations where the game is played has not reached the predetermined amount, the main control unit does not perform the process after step S133, and is shown in Fig. 1. Completed processing.

If a shooting mode transition signal is received after the processing in step S133 is performed (step S31), each station performs a task for shooting an image of the player by using a camera (step S32). Then, each station transmits the image data obtained by the image shooting job to the main control unit (step S33).

Upon receiving image data from each station (step S134), the main control unit transmits image data shot in stations other than each station to each station where the game is played (step S135).

Upon receiving such image data (step S34), each station displays an image photographed by other stations in its display (step S35).

In the embodiment, the case where each station transmits image data to the main control unit, and image data from each station is transmitted from the main control unit to other stations will be described. However, according to the present invention, the transmission path of the video data from each station to other stations is not particularly limited. For example, the image data may be configured to be transmitted from each station to other stations without passing through the main control unit.

1 will be described later in detail.

2 is a schematic perspective view of a game system according to one embodiment. 3 is a plan view of a game system according to an embodiment. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a station included in a game system according to an embodiment.

As shown in Fig. 2, two main displays 2 are arranged in an array back to back within the game system 1 according to the embodiment. Each main display 2 is arranged on the front display 21, the front display 21 for displaying the dealer's image, the game information of the player, etc., the speaker 22 for outputting music or effect sounds as the game progresses. And LEDs 23 that are 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 of Fig. 1). 3j) is arranged to surround the two main displays 2 of the game system 1.

As shown in Fig. 4, a liquid crystal display 10 for displaying an image (see Fig. 6) related to the operation, game result, and the like described later is disposed at an approximately center of the upper portion of the station 3.

On the surface of the liquid crystal display 10, a touch panel 11 for arranging a player to input an operation is disposed. The touch panel 11 serves as an input device according to the present invention. The input device according to the present invention is not particularly limited. For example, a conventionally known input device can be employed as the input device. In addition, according to the present invention, the position or method for installing the input device is not particularly limited and may be appropriately designed according to the input device.

As shown in FIG. 4, the station 3 has a player display 80 in addition to the liquid crystal display 10. On the player display 80, the camera 81 is disposed. If the predetermined condition is satisfied (in the embodiment, when the bet amount for one game in one station 3 reaches the predetermined amount), the camera 81 captures the image of the player. Then, an image of the captured image of the player is displayed on the player display 80. The player display 80 serves as a display unit according to the present invention.

In the embodiment, the station 3 has two types of displays, including a liquid crystal display 10 and a player display 80, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The station 3 may be configured to have only the liquid crystal display 10. In other words, the video image of the player captured by the camera 81 can be configured to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 10. In such a case, the liquid crystal display 10 serves as a display unit according to the invention.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the camera 81 is exposedly positioned above the player display 80, and the presence of the camera can be recognized by the player at any time. However, the installation aspect of the camera according to the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the camera may be configured to appear in the field of view of the player only when the camera is normally covered with a shutter or the like and the transition to the camera mode (described later) is made.

In the embodiment, one camera 81 is configured to be provided in each station 3, but the number of cameras arranged in the game system according to the present invention is not limited thereto. In other words, arranging cameras for each station is not necessarily required. For example, only one camera 81 may be placed on the main display 2 or the like so that all players are shot separately by a single camera 81. In addition, a plurality of cameras 81 may be arranged on the main display 2 or the like so that all players are photographed individually by the cooperation of the plurality of cameras 81. In other words, as long as all the players can be photographed individually, the number and installation positions of the cameras 81 are not particularly limited.

As described above, in the embodiment, the station 3 includes a camera 81 (camera according to the present invention), a player display 80 (display unit according to the present invention), and a touch panel 11 (input device according to the present invention). Has As mentioned above, the station according to the present invention has a camera, a display, and an input device, which is used by a player to play a game.

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

In the upper right part of the front of the station 3, the banknote insertion slot 14 for injecting a banknote is arrange | positioned. Below the banknote insertion slot 14, a coin dispensing opening 15 for dispensing a coin or medal corresponding to the stored credit to the player when the dispensing operation is performed is disposed.

In the game system 1 according to the embodiment, Hold'em poker is performed as a game.

Here, the holdem poker rule will be described.

In Holdem Poker, a set of play cards (52 cards) is used except for Joker.

First, the dealer deals two cards to each player. Each player sees the cards dispensed to him, the chip bet (hereinafter also abbreviated as "bet"), the same amount of chip bet as the previous player (hereinafter referred to as "call"), the bet amount One action is selected from Increment (hereinafter also referred to as "raise") and Completing the game without betting (hereinafter also referred to as "fold"). In the following, this selection is referred to as the selection of bets (also called the selection of bets). Each player's bet selection here will be called in turn.

Next, the dealer deals three cards (called "Flops") that he holds. In the game system 1 according to the embodiment, the flop is displayed on the front display 21, as described below. Here, each player performs a bet selection. Each player's bet selection here will be called in a flop order.

Next, the dealer draws a fourth card (called "Turn"). Each player then makes a bet selection. Each player's bet selection here will be called in turn.

Next, the dealer plays a fifth card (called "River"). Each player then makes a bet selection. Each player's bet selection here will be called reverse.

Next, all cards held by the remaining players in the game (the first cards dispensed) are unfolded (called showdown), and each player takes three cards out of two holding cards and a dealer's five cards. This is done by combining cards. All betting chips are awarded to the player with the strongest hand by comparing the players' hand.

Next, the image displayed on the front display 21, the liquid crystal display 10, and the player display 80 during the game will be described.

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

As shown in FIG. 5, at the approximate center of the front display 21, the dealer 30 is displayed.

Under 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 betting chips are displayed.

Further, under the table 31, a game information display unit 35 in which game information of a player is displayed is arranged. The letters A to J displayed in the game information display unit 35 correspond to the stations 3a to 3j. Within each game information display section 35, game information for the player using the corresponding station 3 is displayed.

Game information includes information about each player's current number of bets and bet selections. In addition, when the showdown process is performed, the card initially distributed to the player is displayed in the game information display unit 35.

If there is a station 3 not used for the game, the game information for the player having a turn to perform betting selection is configured to be displayed in the game information display unit 35 corresponding to the station 3.

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

In the embodiment, 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.

6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on a liquid crystal display of a station.

As shown in Fig. 6, on the left side of the liquid crystal display 10, two card images 70 showing two cards dispensed to the player at the start of the game are shown.

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

On the right side of the liquid crystal display 10, a bet selector 72 for selecting "bet", a call selector 73 for selecting "call", and a raise selector 74 for selecting "raise" ), And a fold selector 75 for selecting a "fold" is arranged for betting selection. The player may perform betting selection by touching a portion on the touch panel 11 corresponding to the selection unit.

Also, on the upper side of the liquid crystal display 10, an instruction image 76 indicating " Please select a process " for requesting the player to make a bet selection is displayed.

7 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on a player display of a station.

As shown in Fig. 7, the player display 80 is divided into ten sections (player display unit 80a, player display unit 80b, ..., and player display unit 80j). The player display units 80a to 80j correspond to the stations 3a to 3j. Within each player display unit 80a to 80j, a video image of a player playing a game using the corresponding station is displayed. However, as will be described later, in the player display section (in the example shown in FIG. 7, player display section 80j) corresponding to the station 3 having the player display 80, the game is played using the station 3. The game information of the player is displayed.

In an embodiment, the video image of the player is configured to be displayed in the player display 80, but the position at which the video image of the player is displayed according to the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, as described above, only the liquid crystal display 10 may be included in the station 3 as a display, and the video image of the players may be configured to be displayed in the liquid crystal display 10. Also, even when the station 3 has the player display 80, the video images of the players can be configured to be displayed on both the liquid crystal display 10 and the player display 80. FIG. In addition, the video image of the players may be configured to be displayed on the front display 21. In such a case, on the display of the station 3, the video image of the players can be displayed or not configured.

As described above, when the station 3 includes the player display 80, a video image of the players is displayed on one or more of the front display 21, the liquid crystal display 10, and the player display 80. It may be configured to. On the other hand, if the station 3 does not include the player display 80, the video image of the players may be configured to be displayed on one or both of the front display 21 and the liquid crystal display 10. One or more displays on which video images of players are displayed are display units according to the invention.

In the example shown in Fig. 7, video images of players are displayed in a total of nine player display units except the player display unit 80j corresponding to the station 3j having the player display 80 among the ten player display units (described later). (Step S35 shown in FIG. 1). However, according to the present invention, the number of video images of the players displayed in the player display (the number of players displayed) is not limited thereto. For example, the station 3 may be configured to include an input device for selecting a player on which a video is displayed, and to display only the video image of the player selected by the input device. In addition, it may be configured to display only a video image of a player who satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, a player whose bet reaches a predetermined amount). In other words, the selection of one or more players whose video is to be displayed on the player display 80 may be appropriately determined.

In the example shown in Fig. 7, the sizes of the ten player indicators are the same. However, according to the present invention, the size of the display portion of the players, that is, the size of the video image of the players is not required to be the same. For example, a video image of a player selected by the aforementioned input device, a player that satisfies a predetermined condition, or the like may be configured to be displayed in an enlarged size. The size of the video image of the players can be changed based on the player's betting amount or game history. In other words, the sizes of the ten player indicators can be designed differently from each other according to the situation of the game.

In an embodiment, the player display 80 is configured to include ten player indicators according to the number of stations 3. However, according to the present invention, the player display 80 may include up to nine player indicators. Even when the camera 81 has a function for recording and playback, and the player display 80 is constituted by nine or less player indicators, the images of the other players may be connected to the station 3 including the player display 80. Once the player display is designed to be properly recorded and played back by the operation of the player playing the game, the player playing the game using the station 3 including the player display 80 may have the facial expressions of all other players. Can be recognized.

Next, the internal configuration of the game system 1 will be described.

8 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a game system according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8, the game system 1 has a main control unit 40, a plurality of stations 3 connected to the main control unit 40, and two main displays 2.

The main control unit 40 is a core component and includes a microcomputer 45 basically having a CPU 41, a RAM 42, a ROM 43, and a bus 44 for transmitting data therebetween. do.

In the ROM 43, various programs, data tables, and the like for performing the processing required for controlling the game system 1 are stored. In the embodiment, a predetermined number of bets (500 in the embodiment, also called a predetermined amount in the following) is stored in the ROM 43. The number of bets serves as a criterion for determining whether to transition to the camera mode described later (see step S132 shown in FIG. 1).

The RAM 42 is a memory for temporarily storing various types of data calculated by the CPU 41.

According to the embodiment, the total bet amount (hereinafter abbreviated to the total bet amount) for one game that is held by all stations 3 where the game is played is stored in the RAM 42. The total bet amount becomes a criterion for the transition to the camera mode, such as a predetermined amount stored in the ROM 43.

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 voice circuit 48. The LED 23 is connected to the LED drive circuit 49. Ten stations 3 are connected to the communication interface 50.

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

Next, the internal configuration of the station 3 will be described.

9 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a station according to the embodiment.

As shown in Fig. 9, the station 3 is a core component, a microcontroller basically having a CPU 51, a RAM 52, a ROM 53, and a bus 54 for transmitting data therebetween. Computer 55.

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

The CPU 51 connects the liquid crystal panel drive circuit 57, the touch panel drive circuit 58, the hopper drive circuit 59, the supply completion signal circuit 60, and the coin input detection signal through the I / O interface 56. Circuit 67, banknote detection signal circuit 64, operation signal circuit 66, communication interface 61, and camera drive circuit 82.

The liquid crystal display 10 and the player display 80 are connected to the LCD drive 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 detection unit 63 is connected to the payment completion signal circuit 60. The 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 camera 81 is connected to the camera drive circuit 82.

The hopper 62 is disposed inside the station 3 and supplies coins from the coin dispensing opening 15 based on the control signal output from the CPU 51.

The coin detection unit 63 is disposed inside the coin dispensing opening 15. When the payment of the predetermined number of coins is detected from the coin supply opening unit 15, the coin detection unit 63 transmits a signal to the CPU 51.

Upon detecting the input of coins into the coin input slot 13, the coin input detecting unit 68 detects the amount of coins and transmits a detection signal indicating the detected amount to the CPU 51.

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

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

10 and 11 are flowcharts showing game processing according to the embodiment.

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

In step S1 shown in Fig. 10, the CPU 51 determines whether or not a coin is input by the player. If it is determined that no coins have 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 coin put into 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 that is information about two cards dispensed to the player.

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. 6).

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

In step S7, the CPU 51 transmits information (below, also referred to as selection information) about the bet selection input by the player to the CPU 41.

Next, in step S8, the CPU 51 performs camera processing. Such camera processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

In step S9, the CPU 51 receives an instruction signal for receiving a bet selection from the CPU 41.

Thereafter, since the processing of steps S10 to S13 and the processing of steps S14 to S17 shown in FIG. 11 are the same processing as the steps S6 to S9, their description is omitted here.

Next, in step S18 shown in Fig. 11, the CPU 51 receives a bet selection. Next, in step S19, the CPU 51 transmits the selection information input by the player to the CPU 41. FIG.

Next, in step S20, the CPU 51 performs camera processing, which is the same processing as step S8.

Next, in step S21, the CPU 51 receives a calculation result (hereinafter also referred to as a payment result) of the number of payments from the CPU 41.

In step S22, the CPU 51 issues a credit based on the payment result received in step S21.

In particular, the CPU 51 stores in the RAM 52 the total number of credits wagered by the player during the game. Then, when the operation button 12 is pressed, the CPU 51 issues a coin corresponding to the number of credits stored in the RAM 52 from the coin dispensing opening section 15.

After the process of step S22 is performed, this game process is completed.

Next, the processing performed by the main control unit 40 will be described.

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 two cards to be dispensed to each player by using random numbers.

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

Next, in step S104, the CPU 41 receives selection information from the CPU 51.

Then, in step S105, the CPU 41 performs camera processing. Camera processing will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

Next, in step S106, the CPU 41 displays the selection information received in step S104 in the game information display unit 35 (see Fig. 5) of the front display 21.

In step S107, the CPU 41 determines three cards by using random numbers, and displays the determined cards as flops on the table 31 of the front display 21.

In step S108, the CPU 41 sends a signal to the CPU 51 for requesting to receive a bet selection.

In step S109, the CPU 41 receives selection information from the CPU 51.

Next, in step S110, the CPU 41 performs the same camera processing as step S105.

In step S111, the CPU 41 displays the selection information received in step S109 in the game information display unit 35 of the front display 21. Then, in step S112, the CPU 41 determines one card by using a random number and displays the determined card as a turn on the table 31 of the front display 21.

Since the processing subsequent to steps S113 to S116 shown in Fig. 11 is the same as the processing for steps S108 to S111, their description is omitted here.

In step S117 shown in Fig. 11, the CPU 41 determines one card by using a random number and displays the determined card as a river on the table 31 of the front display 21.

Since the processing subsequent to steps S118 to S121 is the same as the processing for steps S108 to S111, their description is omitted here.

Next, in step S122, the CPU 41 performs showdown processing.

In particular, the CPU 41 displays in the game information display unit 35 corresponding to the station 3 each of the two cards dispensed to the player using the respective station 3.

In step S123, the CPU 41 compares the tiles with each other.

In particular, the CPU 41 first of all paddles made by combining two cards dispensed to one player and three cards out of five cards displayed on the table 31 of the front display 21 as a player's hand. Determine the strongest hand. After the same processing as described above is performed for all players remaining in the game, the CPU 41 compares the players' cards with each other and determines the player whose hand is the strongest.

Next, in step S124, the CPU 41 calculates the number of payments.

In particular, the CPU 41 calculates the total credits wagered during the game.

In step S125, the CPU 41 transmits the payment result obtained in step S124 to the CPU 51.

After performing the process of step S125, the CPU 41 completes the game process.

As described above, in the embodiment, the camera processing in the station 3 is configured to be performed after the selection information is transmitted (steps S8, S12, S16, and S20), and the camera processing in the main control unit 40 is selected. Configured to be performed after the information is received (steps S105, S110, S115, and S120). However, according to the present invention, the viewpoint for performing the camera processing is not limited to this, and can be changed as appropriate.

In the flowcharts shown in Figs. 10 and 11, the station 3 and the main control unit 40 have been described as having a one-to-one correspondence. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in the embodiment, there are ten stations 3. At 10 stations, the game proceeds as follows. Here, the game is played by using ten stations 3, and the processing will be briefly described focusing on the selection of bets performed by the player. In an embodiment, betting selection proceeds in the order of stations 3a, 3b, ..., 3j.

When the game starts, first, two cards are called a player playing the game by using the station 3a (hereinafter referred to as a player "a"), and similarly a player playing the game by using the stations 3b to 3j. Is also distributed to players (called "b" through "j"), and the player "a" performs the first bet selection. Then, at the stations 3b to 3j, the first bet selection by the play and the work for dispensing the cards to the player is sequentially performed. The series of bet selections performed here by the player is the "distribution turn".

Thereafter, when determination and display of the flop are performed, the players "a" through "j" sequentially perform the second bet selection. The series of bet selections performed here by the player is the "flop turn".

Thereafter, when determination and display of the turn are performed, the players "a" through "j" sequentially perform the third bet selection. The series of bet selections performed here by the player is the "turn turn".

Thereafter, when the determination and the display of the river are performed, the players "a" to "j" sequentially perform the fourth bet selection. The series of bet selections performed here by the player is the "river turn".

As described above, the game proceeds through stages of "distribution turn", "flop turn", "turn turn", and "river turn".

Now, camera processing performed in steps S8, S12, S16, and S20 shown in Figs. 10 and 11 by the CPU 51 and cameras performed in steps S105, S110, S115, and S120 by the CPU 41; The processing will be described in detail with reference to FIG. As will be described later, the main control unit 40 and the microcomputer 55 act cooperatively as a controller according to the invention.

Fig. 1 shows the processing performed by the main control unit 40 and the station 3 when the trigger condition is satisfied and the transition to the camera mode is made. The trigger condition is a condition that triggers the transition to the camera mode. The camera mode is a state in which an image capturing operation for the player is performed by the camera 81, and an image of the captured image of the player is displayed on the display 80. The processing performed by the main control unit 40 and the station 3 when the trigger condition is not satisfied will be described later.

First, the processing performed by the main control unit 40 will be described.

In S131, the CPU 41 adds the bet amount put by the bet selection to the total bet amount stored in the RAM 42 based on the selection information received in step S104, S109, S114, or S119 shown in Fig. 10 or 11. do.

Next, in step S132, the CPU 41 performs a process of determining whether the total bet amount updated in step S131 reaches a predetermined number (in this embodiment, 500, which is 500 in the example) stored in the ROM 43. do.

In step S133, the CPU 41 transmits a camera mode transition signal to the CPU 51 of all stations 3 except for the station 3 used by the player who selected the fold. The camera mode transition signal is a signal for requesting transition to the camera mode.

Next, in step S134, the CPU 41 receives information about the video image of the play transmitted by the CPU 51 of each station 3 in step S33 described later.

In step S135, the CPU 41 is an image of the players taken by the other stations with the CPU 51 of all the stations 3 (except the station 3 used by the player who selected the fold) where the game is played. Information about the image (in the figure, video data of other players) is transmitted.

After the processing in step S135 is performed, the CPU 41 completes this subroutine.

Next, the processing performed by each station 3 will be described.

First, in step S31, the CPU 51 of each station 3 receives a camera mode shift signal sent by the CPU 41 in step S133.

In step S32, the CPU 51 of each station shoots an image of the player by using the camera 81. FIG.

Next, in step S33, the CPU 51 of each station 3 transmits the information (video data) on the video image of the player photographed in step S32 to the CPU 41.

In step S34, the CPU 51 of each station 3 is the image data of other players transmitted by the CPU 41 in step S135, i.e., the player photographed by the stations 3 other than the station 3; Receives information about the video image of them.

Next, in step S35, the CPU 51 of each station 3 performs stations 3 other than the station 3 on the player display 80 based on the image data of other players received in step S34. Display the video image of the players photographed by.

According to the embodiment, in the station 3 used by the player who selected the fold, the image shooting operation for the player by the use of the camera 81 and the display of the captured image on the player display 80 are not performed. It is configured not to. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, the image capturing operation for the player by using the camera 81 and / or the display of the captured image on the player display 80 is configured to be performed in the station 3 used by the player who selected the fold. Can be.

In an embodiment, if there is no station 3 (including the station 3 used by the play that has selected the fold) in which the game is not played, images of nine players are displayed on the player display 80. In other words, the video image of the player is not displayed in one player display unit (one player display unit corresponding to one station 3) among the ten player display units.

In the embodiment, in one player display portion corresponding to the display station 3, game information of the player playing the game is displayed by using the station 3 (see Fig. 7).

However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, within one display portion corresponding to the display station 3, the video image of the player playing the game may be displayed by using the station 3, or the player having a turn to perform betting selection. The game information or the video image may be displayed. The game information or the video of any player can be configured to be displayed according to the selection of the player playing the game by using the station 3, or the game information or the video of the arbitrarily determined player can be displayed. In other words, one player display portion corresponding to the display station 3 can be designed to appropriately display the game information, the video image, etc. of the player. Further, in one player display portion corresponding to the display station 3 on which the game is played, the dealer's image may be configured to be displayed, or nothing may be displayed. The display contents can be appropriately changed by the operation of the player playing the game by using the station 3. In other words, whether an image is displayed in one player display portion corresponding to the display station 3 on which the game is played, and what image is displayed when the image is determined to be displayed can be changed as appropriate.

On the other hand, if there is a station 3 (including a station 3 used by a player who has selected a fold) that is not used for the game, then within the player display corresponding to the station 3 that is not used for the game, The video image of the player is not displayed.

In such a case, according to the embodiment, an image of the dealer is displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, by using the station 3 including the player display unit, game information or a video image of a player playing a game, a player having a turn to perform betting selection, or the like can be configured to be displayed therein. Alternatively, game information or images of any player may be displayed therein based on the selection of a particular player, such as the player playing the game or the player with the maximum number of bets by using the station 3. In addition, the game information or the video of the arbitrarily determined player may be configured to be displayed therein, or nothing may be displayed therein. The display contents can be appropriately changed by the operation of the player playing the game by using the station 3. In other words, if there is a station 3 (including a station 3 used by a player who has selected a fold) that is not used for the game, within the player display corresponding to the station 3 that is not used for the game, Whether an image is displayed and what image is displayed when it is determined to be displayed can be changed as appropriate.

In the embodiment, when the image shooting operation using the camera 81 and the display on the player display 80 are performed in the game, the image shooting operation and the display is configured to continue until the game is completed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the image photographing operation and the display operation may be configured to be performed only for a predetermined time. In such a case, by configuring the camera 81 to have functions for recording and playback, and using the display station 3 having the player display 80, video images of players other than the player playing the game are displayed on the player display 80. By designing a configuration that can be appropriately recorded and reproduced by the operation of the player playing the game by using the station 3 including), the image shooting operation and display are performed only for a predetermined time, and the player Can be seen repeatedly. Even when the image shooting operation is designed to continue until the game is completed, it includes a function for recording and playback in the camera 81, and enables the player to view any image among the continuously shot images and the recorded images. It is possible to design a configuration in which the displayed image can be changed as appropriate.

After performing the process of step S35, the CPU 51 completes this subroutine.

As described above, Fig. 1 shows the processing performed by the main control unit 40 and the station 3 when the trigger condition is satisfied. On the other hand, if the trigger condition is not satisfied, the following processing is performed. After performing additional processing for obtaining the total bet amount in step S131, the CPU 41 of the main control unit 40 performs a process for determining that the total bet amount does not reach a predetermined amount in S132. The CPU 41 then completes this subroutine without performing the processing of steps S133 to S135. The CPU 51 of each station 3 completes this subroutine without performing the processing of steps S31 to S35.

As described above, camera processing has been described with reference to FIG.

In an embodiment, the condition under which the total bet amount spent in all stations during one game reaches the predetermined upper limit 500 is set as the trigger condition. However, according to the present invention, the upper limit of the total bet amount for the trigger condition can be changed as appropriate. The upper limit of the total bet may be preset by the manufacturer of the game system or the administrator of the game arcade in which the game system is installed. If the administrator of the game arcade has to set an upper limit on the bet amount, a setting switch may be provided.

Further, according to the present invention, the upper limit of the total bet amount for the trigger condition is not limited to a predetermined value. For example, in a game, a transition to camera mode may be made if the total bet amount in all stations where the game is played exceeds the maximum total bet amount in previous games. In a game, a transition to camera mode may be made if the total bet amount in all stations where the game is played exceeds the cumulative bet amount in previous games. In other words, the upper limit of the total bet amount for the trigger condition may change as the game progresses.

In addition, according to the present invention, the total bet amount for the trigger condition is not limited to the total bet amount for one game. For example, the total bet for the trigger condition may be the total bet of each player from the start of the game, or the total bet of several games (eg five games) prior to a particular game. In other words, the total bet amount for the trigger condition may be determined based on the bet amount of games before a particular game as well as the bet amount of one game.

As described above, whether the trigger condition is satisfied may be determined by referring to the bet amount of previously played games as well as the bet amount of one game.

In the above-described embodiment, it has been described that whether the trigger condition is satisfied is determined with reference to the bet amount. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the trigger condition may be a condition in which the total number of games after the game system is turned on exceeds a predetermined number. Also, a condition in which a game is continuously played by the same player for a predetermined number of games may be used as the trigger condition. In other words, whether the trigger condition is satisfied can be determined by determining whether the number of times of a particular game has reached a predetermined number.

As described above, it is possible to employ as a trigger condition a condition in which a certain number, such as a bet amount or the number of games, reaches a predetermined value. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the dealer's card satisfies a certain strong combination (e.g., the same number of cards appear more than a predetermined number of times), a transition to camera mode can be made. Further, when a player having a predetermined number of players (for example, five players) or more has a combination of a predetermined combination (for example, straight) or more, the transition to the camera mode can be made. In addition, if there is a " rich " applied to a given combination (e.g., the combination varies randomly for each game) in a plurality of players, then a transition to camera mode can be made. Also, for example, if there is a big change in the player ranking according to the dealer's card that will appear in the next edition, the transition to the camera mode can be made. In other words, whether the trigger condition is satisfied can be determined with reference to the dealer's card and / or information about the card of one or more players.

As described above, whether the trigger condition is satisfied may be determined by referring to game information other than the bet amount, the number of games, and the like. The trigger condition is one based on a situation in which a game can be promoted, such as a situation in which a certain strong hand can be made, a situation in which a combination of a predetermined combination or more is made, a situation in which a close encounter occurs among a plurality of players, and the like. The condition is not particularly limited. In addition, the trigger conditions described above may be used together. The trigger condition is not particularly limited to one condition as long as the condition relates to all players playing the game.

In an embodiment, after the fourth bet selection of all players is completed, camera processing is configured to be performed (steps S20 and S120). However, according to the present invention, the camera processing of steps S20 and S120 may be configured not to be performed.

Embodiments have been described with reference to the drawings. The game system 1 according to the embodiment comprises two main displays 2 arranged so that the two front displays 21 of the main display 2 are placed face to back. The game system 1 comprises ten stations 3 arranged to surround the two main displays 2 so that one of the two front displays 21 can be visually recognized. .

In the embodiment, 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, According to the invention, the method of displaying an image on the display screen is not limited thereto.

For example, different images may be configured to be displayed on two display screens as the game progresses. An example of an embodiment having such a configuration is shown below.

12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on a front display included in a game system.

As shown in Fig. 12, at the approximate center of the front display 100 according to the embodiment, a dealer 101 having a card 102 in his right hand with his back behind is displayed. Before and after the dealer 101, the table 103 is displayed. FIG. 12 shows a state in which the dealer 101 dispenses the card 102 to a player located on the side of the other front display 100 which is disposed with the front display 100 facing back. At this time, in another front display 100 which is disposed with the front display 100 facing back, the dealer who distributes the cards is displayed facing the player who receives the dispensed cards.

As mentioned above, in the embodiment, the game system 1 is configured to include two main displays 2 arranged such that the two front displays 21 are arranged in an array back to back, but the game system The main display 2 included in (1) is not limited to this. For example, only one main display 2 may be arranged. In the following, another example will be described.

13 and 14 are plan views showing examples of game systems.

In the game system 200 shown in Fig. 13, three flat main displays 201 are arranged to form a triangular plan view. In addition, the station units 202 are arranged to surround the three flat main displays 201.

In the game system 203 shown in Fig. 14, five flat main displays 204 are arranged to form a pentagonal plan view. In addition, the station units 205 are arranged to surround the five flat main displays 204.

15 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a game system.

As shown in FIG. 15, the game system 300 includes a main display 301 disposed rotatably in a horizontal direction with respect to the floor, and a station unit 302 disposed to surround the main display 301. .

The main display 301 rotates in the counterclockwise direction (see the arrow shown in FIG. 15) when viewed from the top. The main display 301 is controlled such that when one player receives a dispensed card or needs to make a bet selection, the player is stopped within a range where the player can see the display screen of the main display 301 from the front.

In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the main display 301 is controlled to stop toward a player having a turn to receive a dispensed card or to make a bet selection, but according to the present invention, the method of controlling the rotation of the main display is limited thereto. It doesn't work.

For example, the main display may be controlled to stop towards the player who entered the command. Alternatively, for example, the main display may be configured to continue to rotate at a constant speed.

Although the main display 301 is configured to rotate in the counterclockwise direction according to the embodiment, according to the third embodiment, the rotation direction of the main display is not limited thereto.

For example, the main display may be configured to rotate clockwise, and may be determined to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise depending on the rotation angle of the next stop position.

In the above embodiment, the main display 2 having a flat display screen is used, but the display screen of the main display 2 is not limited to flat. For example, the display screen may be convex.

16 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a game system.

As shown in FIG. 16, the game system 400 includes a cylindrical main display 401 and station units 402 arranged to surround the main display 401.

In the game system 400, the image displayed on the display screen of the main display 401 moves horizontally with respect to the floor on the display screen, and is face to face when one player must receive a dispensed card or make a bet selection. Is controlled to be stopped within the viewable range of the image.

However, the method of controlling the display of the image according to the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the display screen may be divided into a plurality of parts, and an image may be displayed on each part.

The shape of the main display according to the invention is not limited to a perfect cylinder. For example, the main display may have a toroidal shape and a plane may be included within a portion of the cylinder.

In the above-described embodiment, the common image visible to the plurality of players is configured to be displayed on the display screen of the main display, but the method for displaying the image according to the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the image can be projected onto the screen by using a projector.

In the above embodiment, the stations are arranged to surround the main display, but the position of the stations according to the present invention is not limited to a specific position as long as the display screen of the main display located at such a position can be visually recognized.

Although the case where the game played by the game system is Holdem Poker has been described in the above-described embodiment, the game played by the game system is not particularly limited to a specific game as long as the game is played by a plurality of players while the common screen is visible. Do not.

As described with reference to the embodiments, if a predetermined condition is satisfied that is related to all players playing the game (e.g., the total bet of all players in one game reaches a predetermined amount), the input device is There is provided a game system in which all the players who operate are photographed by using the camera, and video images of players other than the player who operates the input device corresponding to each display are displayed in each display in which the game is played. Therefore, if certain conditions related to all players playing the game are satisfied, all players can naturally acquire facial expressions and the like of other players in an easy manner.

Also, by configuring the game system so that all players can obtain other players' facial expressions, etc., only when certain conditions are satisfied in the game played by the players, the facial expressions of each player are made by the other players. May not continue to be observed. Thus, a period can be provided in which players can play the game with little attention to other players seeing him. In general, when a card game is played by using an actual card, each player can know from any other player's field of view whether any other player sees him. However, if a configuration is used in which a video image of players captured by the camera is seen from the display, each player may not be aware of any other player seeing him from the player's field of view, etc., so that the player may continue to see him. There can be a feeling of seeing, so there is a possibility that the player cannot concentrate on the game. However, according to the invention of " (1) ", there is provided a period in which each player can play the game with little interest in seeing the other play, so that each player keeps watching other players. It is possible to prevent having a feeling.

If a predetermined condition relating to all players playing the game (e.g., the bet amount reaches a predetermined amount) is satisfied, the image shooting operation is performed by using the camera of the station where the game is played, and at least, There is also provided a game system in which an image taken by stations other than the station is displayed in the display of each station where the game is played. Therefore, if certain conditions related to all players playing the game are satisfied, all players can naturally acquire facial expressions and the like of other players in an easy manner.

In addition, as described above, by configuring the game system so that all players can acquire the facial expressions of other players, etc., only when predetermined conditions relating to all players playing the game are satisfied, the facial expressions of each player are It may not be observed continuously by other players. Thus, a period can be provided in which players can play the game with little interest in seeing other players seeing him. Thus, it is possible to prevent each player from having the feeling that other players keep watching him.

When the total number of bets taken in all stations during one game reaches a predetermined amount, an image shooting operation by using the camera of the station where the game is played is performed, and at least, images shot by stations other than each station There is also provided a game system that is displayed within the display of each station on which this game is played. Therefore, when the total number of bets placed in all stations where the game is played reaches a predetermined amount, all players can naturally acquire facial expressions and the like of other players in an easy manner.

In addition, as described above, when the bet amount reaches a predetermined amount in the game played by the player, the game system is configured such that all players can acquire the facial expressions of other players, and the like, thereby making each player's facial expressions. May not continue to be observed by other players. Thus, a period can be provided in which players can play the game with little interest in seeing other players seeing him. Thus, it is possible to prevent each player from having the feeling that other players keep watching him.

The situation in which a bet staked by all players in a game reaches a predetermined amount is an atmosphere that promotes the game, and only in such a situation, all players can acquire the facial expressions of other players and the like, so that the tactics are frequently used in an easy manner. Can be used. Thus, a game with a high entertainment characteristic can be provided, and the game speed can be controlled.

As described with reference to the embodiments, a game system is provided with new entertainment features that enable each player to easily obtain the facial expressions of other players in a natural way.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the embodiment is merely a detailed example of the present invention, and therefore the present invention is not particularly limited thereto, and the design of the detailed configuration of each means or the like can be changed as appropriate. The advantages described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely examples of suitable advantages resulting from the present invention, and therefore the advantages of the present invention are not limited thereto.

In the foregoing description of the invention, the distinguishing features of the invention have been focused for easy understanding thereof. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the detailed description and can be applied to other embodiments, and the present invention can be applied to various applications. The terms and expressions used herein are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention but to explain the present invention in detail. It will be appreciated that those skilled in the art can readily derive 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 considered to include equivalent configurations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The purpose of the abstract is to obtain the technical content and gist of the present application in an easy manner by performing a simple search by a patent office, a general public authority, or a person skilled in the art of the present invention who is not familiar with patents, legal terms, or jargon. To make it possible. Accordingly, the summary is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which should be determined by the claims. In order to fully understand the object and distinguishing advantages of the present invention, it is required to refer fully to the disclosed literature and the like.

The foregoing detailed description of the invention includes processing executed by a computer. The purpose of the above description and representation is to enable those skilled in the art to efficiently understand the present invention. In this specification, steps used to derive one result should be understood as a process without magnetic contradiction. In each step, transmission, reception, recording, and the like of electric or magnetic signals are performed. In the processing of the steps, these signals are represented by bits, values, signs, letters, terms, numbers, etc., but it should be considered that such indications are used only for ease of explanation. Although the processing of steps could be described as a general representation of a person's behavior, the processing described herein is basically performed by various apparatus. In addition, other configurations required for performing the processing in the steps are apparent from the above description.

1 is a flowchart showing camera processing performed by a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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

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

4 is a schematic perspective view of a station included in a game system according to an embodiment.

Fig. 5 shows an example of an image displayed on a front display.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on a liquid crystal display of a station.

Fig. 7 shows an example of an image displayed on the player display of the station.

8 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a game system according to the embodiment;

9 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a station according to the embodiment;

Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing game processing according to the embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing game processing according to the embodiment.

12 illustrates an example of an image displayed on a front display included in a game system.

Fig. 13 is a plan view showing an example of a game system.

14 is a plan view illustrating an example of a game system.

15 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a game system.

16 is a perspective view showing an example of a game system.

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

3: station

10: liquid crystal display

11: touch panel

80: player display

81: camera

Claims (4)

A game system that provides a game in which multiple players participate. At least one camera device for shooting a face image of the player, A plurality of display units provided to each player to display images related to the game, A plurality of input devices provided to each player to allow each player to input a command to play a game, If a predetermined condition relating to all players is satisfied, the camera apparatus is controlled to shoot face images of all players currently playing the game, and each display unit displays at least face images of players other than the player playing the game. And a controller operative to control all display units provided to players currently playing the game. The method of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of stations each provided to each player for playing a game, Each station having one of the camera devices, one of the display units, and one of the input devices. 3. The game system according to claim 2, wherein the controller controls the camera device to photograph face images of all players currently playing the game when the bet amount to be waged in one game in all stations reaches a predetermined amount. The game system of claim 1, wherein each input device is a touch panel provided on a screen of each display unit.

Images