WO2010088894A1

WO2010088894A1 - Control device for a poker game, in particular for online poker

Info

Publication number: WO2010088894A1
Application number: PCT/DE2010/000133
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hans-Jörg Helmrich
Original assignee: Helmrich Hans-Joerg
Priority date: 2009-02-07
Filing date: 2010-02-05
Publication date: 2010-08-12
Also published as: DE112010000250A5; DE202009001499U1

Abstract

A control device (20, 21, 22, 23) for a poker game, in particular for online poker, is proposed. The control device has an input device and a display device, wherein the input device is integrated into an operating module. Within the operating module, a first operating element (1) is assigned to the poker game mode "fold", a second operating element (2) is assigned to the poker game mode "call" and a third operating element (3) is assigned to the poker game mode "raise". The operating module further comprises a means (8) for entering or altering the amount of the stakes. In addition, the control device (20, 21, 22, 23) has at least one poker software module (11) and at least one interface (12) or communication means.

Description

Control device for a poker game, in particular for online poker

The invention relates to a control device for a poker game, in particular for online poker.

State of the art

Known are online poker games that are displayed to a participating player on a screen of a computer. A disadvantage of this input means is that the operation is relatively slow and comparatively inaccurate, so that it can come to expensive incorrect entries or late inputs, the player makes his input to online poker game using an input device designed as a so-called "PC mouse". In addition, the operation, especially at long game time, very tiring and may even cause pathological symptoms on the hand, arm and / or shoulder of the player.

The object of the invention is to provide a control device for a poker game, with which the disadvantages of the prior art are avoided. In particular, the player should be able to make his inputs, for example, in online poker, even over a longer playing time free from encumbrance by unsuitable input means, d. H. the control device should be comfortable, easy and quick to use.

Summary and advantages of the invention

The object is achieved with a control device for a poker game with the features of claim 1.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the control device is provided with at least one input device and at least one display device. The display device is preferably integrated in an operating module, but may also be designed as an external display device.

Preferably, the input device is integrated in an operating module, wherein the operating module at least one operating element, for the poker game mode "fold", at least one operating element, in particular a Berührfeld for the poker game mode "call" ), at least one operating element, in particular a touchpad, for the poker game mode "raise", and at least one operating element, in particular a touchpad representing a slider, a slider or a correspondingly formed signal generator, for the poker game mode "increasing the bet" , preferably up to a predefinable maximum amount and / or to the "all-in" has. The "throw away" poker game mode may alternatively be referred to as "pushing" or "passing".

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the operating module further comprises an operating element, in particular a touchpad for the poker game mode "cashier", an operating element, in particular a touchpad, for the poker game mode "suspend" or "watch the game progress" ("leave table "or" view lobby "), an operating element, in particular a touchpad, for the poker game mode" chat "or" notes "(" notes "), and an operating element, in particular a touchpad, for the poker game mode "Retrieval of the current game situation" or "information" ("stats" or "infos").

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the operating module on a poker software module.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the control device has at least one interface, ie an input-output device, or generally a communication means for determining or passing on the selected game mode or generally for receiving and / or providing information from or to external devices or assemblies. The interface or communication means may be configured to communicate with the control device via cables (eg, Ethernet cable or USB cable) or wirelessly (eg, via a USB stick or a wireless device) WLAN) connected external devices (eg a router, a hot spot or a mobile device).

For this purpose, the interface or the communication means may comprise a SIM card, a Bluetooth connection means (in particular to a mobile telephone, a vehicle or a BlackBerry), or a connection means to a wireless LAN or a hotspot.

The poker software module preferably has a chip on which software for operating the control device according to the invention is stored.

The programming of the poker software module is used to adjust the control device or the operating module to individual requirements of the manufacturer or operator, d. H. in particular to add functions and / or adapt the control device or operating module to the respective provider of the poker software. In this way, the control device can be adapted or adjusted in particular as needed or desired to play all or only specially defined poker variants. In addition, the layout of the operating module can be adapted to the needs of the respective manufacturer, poker game or poker portal. With the poker software module updates to upcoming operating systems and technical developments are possible, so that an operation of the control device can be guaranteed for years.

The poker software module can be embodied as a chip permanently integrated into the control device or the operating module. It is preferably as light, d. H. in particular without opening the control device or the control module, replaceable chip or formed as a memory card, as is known for example from the game consoles DSi Nintendo.

The control device according to the invention, the player has advantageously arranged in front of him, that he can operate this according to their own wishes with only one or both hands. This eliminates the time-consuming driving of symbols on a screen by means of a PC mouse always with only one hand. The control device is in this Connection preferably further, as shown in Figure 3, Figure 4 or Figure 5, provided with a central recess which is configured and dimensioned so that the player can support the control device or the control module in front of him on his leg. Such ergonomic design facilitates the operation of the control device and, depending on the game situation and mode of the Steuerangsvorrichtung, the maintenance of confidentiality in the game. In particular, the player can operate the control device so particularly easily with only one hand.

The interface is preferably as an interface for communication, in particular wireless communication, with a PC or laptop - depending on the design of the control device with or without monitor - to communicate a commercial game console, such as Nintendo under the name Wii, Microsoft under the Xbox 360 or by Sony under the name Playstation 3, a modem, a "hot spot", or a mobile device such as a BlackBerry or iPhone 3GS Preferably, the control device has a plurality of such interfaces or at least one interface, which can optionally communicate with several or all of the components mentioned, an interface is preferably provided which enables a direct connection to the Internet, for example via a USB stick.

The display of the cards of the poker game is preferred, for example in the form of a display, integrated in the control device or the operating module, so that an additional PC or laptop, TV and / or an external monitor or an external display is not required. However, the control device may also be configured, as an alternative or in addition to an integrated display, to be connected to a television as a screen.

Overall, the inventive control device allows significantly faster reactions of a player during the game and it facilitates an undivided concentration of the player on the game over a longer period. By directly implementing the game activities, action errors are avoided. Together with a variable choice of location location, this results in a comfortable and at the same time authentic feeling. The control device designed according to the invention as a "stand-alone" version allows the poker player to log in via the interface worldwide to online poker, eg via a "hotspot" or a mobile telephone, and thus participate in the game of distant players. For this purpose, the display device of the control device preferably displays the complete game situations including the card sequences directly. The designed as a "stand-alone" version control device is designed in particular so that can be dispensed with another computer, a game console or a laptop, ie all necessary modules, apart from any communication modules, for example, with a "hot spot", a Mobile phone or a router such as a USB stick are already part of the control device.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one display device for the height of the current pot and / or a display device of the currently played cards, d. H. own and, depending on the game variant, also the community cards provided in the control module. The player has the cards in the field of view, thus making a PC with monitor of an external display dispensable.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one interface designed as a USB stick is provided on the operating module for the connection to a PC or a hotspot or a mobile radio device.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the slider, the touch panel representing a slider or a corresponding alternative signal generator is continuously formed.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least some or, even more preferably, even all operating elements of the operating module are designed as touch-sensitive fields or touchscreen fields (ie "touch fields") In this way, the control device is to be operated particularly comfortably and with little need for destruction. In another embodiment of the invention, at least the encoder for the height of the game insert is designed as a real, infinitely variable slider, while the other controls are designed as buttons or Berührfelder.

drawings

The invention is illustrated below with reference to preferred exemplary embodiments and explained in more detail. Show it:

Figure 1: a top view of a schematic diagram of a first invention

Control device for a poker game in "stand-alone" execution or for connection to a commercially available game console;

Figure 2 is a top view of a schematic diagram of a second erfϊndungsgemäßen control device for a poker game on PC and monitor, laptop, or via TV and hot spot or mobile phone;

Figure 3 is a top view of a third embodiment of a control device according to the invention for a poker games in "stand-alone" design or for connection to a commercial game console;

Figure 4 is a top view of a fourth embodiment of a control device according to the invention for a poker games PC and monitor, laptop, or via TV and hot spot or mobile phone; and

Figure 5: a top view of a fifth embodiment of a control device according to the invention for a poker games in "stand-alone" design or for connection to a commercial game console.

embodiments

FIG. 1 shows a cordless poker game controller 20, such as online poker games, essentially as a miniature form of a poker table For example, made of plastic, and with a player autonomously and separately from another PC, a laptop and / or another monitor, display, a TV or another game console preferably wirelessly ("wireless"), for example via a modem, a Router, a hot spot, a LAN ("local area network") or another network, in particular online to actively participate in a poker game. Preferably, the participation in the game of poker with the control device 20 via the Internet. Of course, the controller 20 of FIG. 1 may also be connected to a modem or router via a cable such as a standard Ethernet cable or a USB connection, but the wireless connection is preferably more convenient and flexible.

Preferably, all functions of the game of poker with the control device 20 or the operating module of the control device 20 are controlled or operated via touch-sensitive fields within a touch screen. Optionally, the poker table, but at least the playing cards and preferably also individual or even all function keys are mapped with the aid of at least one integrated in the operating module of the control device 20 display device 10 in the form of a display.

An input device provided in the operation module has function keys or boxes, wherein touching the touch panel 1 makes the poker game mode "fold", the touch panel 2 the poker game mode "call", the touch panel 3 the poker game mode. "Raise", the touchpad 4 the poker game mode "cashier", the touchpad 5 the poker game mode "suspended / watching the game progress"("leavetable" and "view lobby"), the touchpad 6 den Poker game mode "Talking"("chat" and "notes") and the touch pad 7 controls the poker game mode "Retrieving the current game situation"("stats" and "infos"), or is assigned to this, preferably a continuously adjustable slider 8 The control device 20 further comprises a poker software module 11 in the form of an integrated chip or a memory card on which the poker game mode "increase the stake." Software for the poker game and software for operating the control device 20 is stored. The slider 8 is preferably formed as an elongated touch-sensitive field. It can have the value "All-in" as the upper limit and / or a lower minimum value as a predetermined minimum bid Control device 20, a display device 9 in the form of a display to the height of the current pot and the display device 10 in the form of a display for displaying the currently played cards, ie the own maps 10 "and possibly also the community maps 10 '(see Fig. 5) on The display devices 9 and 10 can also be combined into a single display device, as shown in the control device 23 according to Fig. 3. Alternatively to Fig. 1, the functions "suspending / monitoring the game progressions", "speeches / notes" and "retrieval of the current game situation" as shown in the control device 22 shown in FIG. 4 also be assigned to separate Berührfeldern, ie it can be a separate Berührfeld 5 for "exposure", a touch panel 15 for "watching", a Berührfeld 6 for ""Chat", a touchpad 16 for "notes", a touchpad 7 for "retrieving the current game situation" or "status" , and a touch panel 17 for "information" (ie, for example, statistical information or information about the current own or foreign asset situation) may be provided.

FIG. 2 shows a control device 21 similar to FIG. 1, which is operated in conjunction with a PC with monitor, a laptop or a television because it does not have its own display device 9 or 10. The control device 21 is thus less expensive to manufacture than the control device 20, but less comfortable and less flexible. The reference numerals in Fig. 2 otherwise have the same meaning as in Fig. 1. In Fig. 2, a USB stick 12 or other communication means 12 to a LAN ("local area network") is further provided with the the control device 21 is connected to allow a preferably wireless connection with a PC with a monitor, a laptop or a TV, on which the current game situations of (online) poker game are displayed.

Figures 3, 4 and 5 show further embodiments of control elements 22, 23, 24, wherein the reference numerals in these figures have the meaning of the reference numerals in Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 and like reference numerals stand for the same or corresponding components. In particular, the control elements 22, 23, 24 each have a poker software module 11, and preferably in each case also via a communication means 12. The control devices 20 or 23 or 24 may be designed for communication with a commercially available game console, in which case preferably a plurality of the control devices 20 or 23 or 24 are connected to the game console, so that several, in particular in close proximity player against each other can play. The connection to the game console can be configured both wirelessly ("wireless") and via cable.

The operating elements or input devices provided in the operating module of the control devices 20, 21, 23, 24 may alternatively also be in the form of conventional buttons or buttons, as shown in the control device 22 in FIG. 4. In the control device 22, according to the control device 21, the current pot height display device 9 and the display device 10 of the currently played map, that is, the current one. H. one's own and possibly the community cards are not integrated in the operating module itself. In this respect, the control device 22 requires the connection of an external monitor, which can be ensured via a PC or television communicating with the USB stick 12. In this regard, the embodiment of the control device 22 thus corresponds to the control device 21.

Overall, the following embodiments of the control device are thus essentially available: A first variant is designed according to FIG. 4 or FIG. H. either with touch screen or alternatively with usual buttons, buttons or knobs. A second, "stand-alone" variant is shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 3, d. H. again either with touch screen or alternatively with conventional buttons, buttons or knobs, but additionally with at least one integrated display or an integrated display device. In the variant according to FIG. 3, the touch screen is at the same time also the display or the display device, as is known from the so-called Apple iPhone 3GS. Fig. 5 shows a continuation of the embodiment of FIG. 1 or 3 with a separate display device (display) 10 for the community cards 10 'and the own maps 10 ", wherein the controls or input devices either in the form of conventional buttons or buttons or as Touchscreen fields can be formed.

In one embodiment, the player is thus provided with touch-sensitive fields to control game play, and he needs to be next to the control device another computer or at least a separate monitor or TV.

In another embodiment, touch-sensitive panels are again available to the player to control game play, with the card sequences displayed immediately on the display integrated with the controller.

hi another embodiment, the so-called "stand-alone" version, is a control device or a "poker controller", which is autonomous and completely detached from an external PC or monitor capable of a poker game, in particular In this way, players worldwide can log in to their respective poker portal via a hiternet connection without any additional hardware and can play in a very flexible manner at any time, for example while traveling, in the hotel, in the office or in the car 9, 10 indicate the complete game situation to this end Preferably, the "stand-alone" version also includes the functions of the other two aforementioned embodiments, d. H. It is preferably designed so that it can also be operated optionally on the PC, on the television or on a game console.

The touch screen or display device is preferably formed with a flexible top layer of polyester and a rigid base layer of glass, which are separated by non-conductive spacers, so-called "spacer dots". The thus separated surfaces are each provided with a transparent, conductive layer, wherein in operation a voltage applied to the conductive layers creates a voltage gradient. The contact of the flexible upper layer creates an electrical contact between the two layers or alters the capacitance between the layers, thus generating a fictitious event that is registered and evaluated by means of a controller, preferably integrated in the Poker Software Module 11. The touch screen or the corresponding touch screen fields which are preferably used in the control devices 20, 21, 23, 24 can be operated with a variety of means (finger, pen, etc.) and ensure a high image resolution with low power consumption. The touchscreen panels are in a preferred embodiment of the invention in size, location and function largely freely programmable, ie according to the specifications or the Programming the poker software module 11 definable and / or assignable. A software located on the poker software module 11 thus defines the location, size and functions of the individual touch panels of the touch screen. In this way, via the poker software module 11 or the software stored there in a simple manner updates and change the control panels, their functions and / or the arrangement or size of the individual Berühungsfelder.

Preferably, the touch screen is designed analogous to the touch screen of the well-known iPhone 3GS Apple.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the user-facing surface of the operating module of the control devices 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, regardless of whether the surface is designed as a touch screen or with conventional controls (buttons, controls, encoders, ...) formed as separable from the rest of the operating module surface or surface layer. This allows a variable design of the surface of the control module regardless of the rest of the control device depending on the country, poker portal, language, desired design, desired advertising on the surface of the control module and the respective game variant. In addition, this allows a simple and inexpensive replacement of the surface in case of wear or damage.

The various embodiments of the control devices 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and the resulting diverse possibilities of the game or the communication (eg via the Internet, wireless LAN, LAN, Bluetooth, USB stick, via mobile network, via a game console, ...) with other players allow a tailored to the preferences of each user game and the wishes of the user corresponding choice of location (eg at home, traveling, in the hotel, in the office, in the car, on the train , Play together with others on a common game console with several connected control modules, ...). Of course, also a "traditional" games via PC and connected monitor or a TV with the control devices 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 is possible.

Preferably, the controllers 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 are compatible with all current operating systems and online poker portals. The operation of the control device 20, 21, 23, 24 via Berühungsfelder a touch screen requires advantageously no mechanical switches and is subject to little wear.

In a preferred embodiment, the control functions 20, 21, 23, 24, the game functions and controls on the programming of the poker software module 11 largely expandable.

Overall, the control devices 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 completely replace the mouse function of a personal computer.

Another advantage of the control devices 20, 23, 24 is that their surface layout can be easily adapted to the respective provider. For this purpose, it is generally sufficient that the uppermost layer of the touch screen or the surface of the operating module of the control device 20, 23, 24 is designed to be individualized. The simplest solution consists of adhering a correspondingly printed, vendor-specific thin film to the surface of the touchscreen or the operating module of the control device 20, 23, 24. At the same time, this surface or film can then be used on request for advertising.

As explained, the controllers 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 each have only the presence of the "discard" (or "move or pass"), "go" and "set" or "increase" fields together with means for input All other fields, ie "checkout", "suspend", "watch", "chat", "notes" or "stats", "info" or "au-in" are just optional, but advantageous for comfortable playing, in particular only a few of these touch fields can be provided.

hi preferred embodiment, the control devices 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 each further at least one "multi-table switch", ie a table switch 13, is provided which allows a player to play at several (virtual) poker tables simultaneously ie between different tables or several at the same time to change running poker games. With (a gegebeben if also multiple) pressing the table switch 13 is to change from one game of poker to another. Of course, several such table switch 13 may be provided, which are each assigned to one of the parallel running games. The table switch 13 may be formed as Berührfeld (preferred) as well as a knob or switch.

In a preferred embodiment, the control devices 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 each have at least one "Quick-Fold" function and an associated operating element such as a corresponding touch panel or a corresponding button or switch on the operating module. Function or the corresponding control element connects the poker game mode "throwing away" with a switch of the poker table, as it can be accomplished by the table switch 13, so that a player on pressing the "Quick-Fold" control element ends the current game (corresponding the poker game mode "throw away" or "fold") and immediately to another game or virtual poker table changes (corresponding to pressing the table switch 13). As a result, this results in a faster and more comfortable playing than in a successive actuation of the control panel 1 and the table switch 13. In FIGS. 1 to 5, the "Quick-Fold" function is not shown, but it is preferably analogous to the table switch 13, for example, on the opposite side of the surface of the operating module, implemented, ie there provided as a control analogous to the table switch 13.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one display device 18 is provided in each of the control devices 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, with the number of players involved in each game and vorzusgweise also the name of the respective player and / or the state of their respective Asset or credit or chip booth is displayed. The display device 18 is preferably, as shown in Fig. 3, Fig. 4 or Fig. 5, in the form of a plurality of arranged around the operating module display devices 18, each of these display devices 18 stands for a player and its assets status and / or name displays. For this purpose, the display devices 18 are designed, for example, as small, local, recordable, circular displays. In a preferred embodiment, proceed in this context, that by means of Display devices 18 is displayed which of the participating players is just the dealer ("Dealer") For this purpose, for example, in or next to this player associated display device 18, a corresponding icon or a "D" be displayed.

When operating the control devices 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 with a game console are preferably several, the number of players corresponding control device 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 or control modules connected to the console, the game software preferably on the game console stored, d. H. In this case, the poker software module 11 in each control device 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 or in each corresponding operating module can be dispensed with. The connection of the control devices 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 can be done either wirelessly (preferred) or via cable again. In this game form, the various connected control devices 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 or control modules each have a display device for their own Kartesequenzen.

hi preferred embodiment, the control devices 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 or the respective operating modules according to the above-described Ausführungsbes games further each have a (not shown) button or a Berührfeld, with the respective own card sequence at the option of the player concerned only temporarily visible and otherwise covering, displayed only with the back of the card or hidden, d. H. it is provided a means by which the respective player can switch between the display modes "cards visible" and "cards not visible", so as to avoid by temporary covering or hiding the own cards unwanted inspection by other persons. This function is especially important when several people in a room play together, for B. on a game console.

The transmission of data takes place in the control devices 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 preferably encrypted using known, also used in wireless LAN encryption technologies and standards.

Finally, the control devices 22, 23 and 24 according to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 preferably have a central recess 25. The above-described embodiments are preferably designed to be multilingual, ie the language used in each case can be set or changed among several languages, preferably via the poker software module 11 or its programming.

In addition, it is provided that the Austauschungsformen explained above preferably each have a particular rechargeable energy storage (battery operation or battery operation), so that they can be operated without power mains connection as desired. Furthermore, the control devices 20, 21, 22, 23 24 optionally each have a multi-adapter for connection to a charging station, which fits all international standard plugs (in particular USA, Japan, Great Britain and Germany). The control devices 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 preferably also have a USB connection for charging the energy store via this USB connection.

The control devices 20, 21, 22, 23 24 preferably further have a device for warning the player when a predetermined charging state of the energy store is undershot, such as a signal lamp or a device for emitting a warning tone.

In a further embodiment, the control devices 20, 23 and 25 are provided with an operating system or a browser for mobile devices, in particular as software stored on the poker software module 11. This makes it possible to use the control devices 20, 23 and 25 also for surfing the Internet or at least for access to predefined released Internet sites, such as the poker portal operator.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the control devices 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 have a device for inserting one or preferably several cards, so that over these cards and with the communication means 12 different options of external communication are available.

In particular, a slot for a PCMCIA card (Multimedia Net Card GPRS / UMTS) is a common cellular SEVI card, a mobile prepaid card, an account card of the respective poker portal with the information about the player account, a credit card of the respective poker portal (preferably rechargeable via the Internet, via the portal of the respective provider or directly via the control device 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 via online banking such as GiroPay) or a plurality of different such slots provided. In this way, the player can bespielsweise set a personal limit, prevent misuse by strangers or minors and / or log on the card, which preferably has a PIN, with individual access to the relevant poker portal. At the same time, this also protects against the consequences of theft of the control device 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and allows their use by several persons who identify themselves by means of their respective personal card and possibly their PIN, wherein the control device 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 preferably automatically recognizes the portal on the basis of the respectively used card, in which the player must log in and prepares access to this portal or establishes a connection thereto and adapts the surface of the touch screen with regard to occupancy and design to the respective portal.

Claims

claims

1. Steuerangsvorrichtung for a poker game, especially for online poker, with at least one input device and at least one display device, wherein the input device is integrated into a control module, wherein in the operating module, a first control element (1) the poker game mode "fold", a second operating element (2) is assigned to the poker game mode "call", and a third operating element (3) is assigned to the poker game module "increase", wherein the operating module has a means (8) for entering or changing the height of the game insert, and wherein Control device (20, 21, 22, 23) at least one poker software module (11) and at least one interface (12) or a communication means.

2. Control device according to claim 1, wherein the operating module has at least one further operating element, wherein the at least one further operating element (4, 5, 6, 7, 15, 16, 17) the poker game mode "cashier", the poker game mode " "Leave table", the poker game mode "Watch" (view lobby), the poker game mode "chat", the poker game mode "notes", the poker game mode "retrieval of the current game situation" (stats), the poker game mode " Information "(infos) or the poker game mode" All-in "is assigned.

3. Control device according to claim 2, wherein the operating module has a further operating element, which is assigned to the poker game mode "cashier", having a further operating element, the poker game mode "leave table" and / or "Watch" ( view lobby), has another control element associated with the poker play mode "chat" and / or "notes", and has a further control element that corresponds to the poker game mode "retrieving the current game situation" (stats) and / or "information" (infos).

4. Control device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the operating module has a further operating element, which is assigned to the poker game mode "all-in", or wherein the means (8) for entering or changing the height of the game use as the upper limit of the value Has "all-in".

5. Control device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein as the display device at least a first display device (9) is provided to the height of the current pot

6. Control device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein as the display device at least a second display device (10) is provided for displaying currently played cards.

7. Control device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the means (8) for entering or changing the height of the game insert means for continuously inputting or changing the height of the game insert, in particular a slider, a knob or a slider corresponding trained touch-sensitive Signaling device is.

8. Control device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the poker software module (11) in the form of an integrated into the control device (20, 21, 22, 23) chip or a removable memory card is formed on the software for the Poker game and / or for the control or operation of the control device (20, 21, 22, 23) is stored.

9. Control device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the interface (12) or the communication means for determining or passing on the selected game mode or for receiving and / or providing information from or to external devices or assemblies is formed.

10. Control device according to claim 1 or 9, wherein the interface (12) or the communication means is adapted to communicate with the control device via cable, in particular via Ethernet cable or USB cable, or wirelessly, in particular by means of a USB Sticks, an infrared interface, a Bluetooth interface, a SIM card or a WLAN connection card, connectable external devices, in particular a router, a hot spot or a mobile device to allow.

11. Control device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating module is provided with a central recess (25).

12. Control device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the user during operation facing surface of the operating module is designed as detachable from the rest of the operating module.

13. Control device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein some, several or all operating elements (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 15, 16, 17) are designed as touch-sensitive panels or touchscreen panels, and / or the means (8) for entering or changing the height of the game insert is designed as a touch-sensitive field or touchscreen field.

14. Control device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating module has at least one table switch (13) and / or wherein the operating module has a means such as a button or a Berührfeld, with the currently played cards are alternatively visible and not visible.

A control device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20, 21, 22, 23) is configured for direct, in particular wireless, dial-up to the Internet independently of an external computer, and wherein the control device (20, 21, 22 , 23) comprises a display device (9, 10) allowing operation without an external monitor, display or television.