ZA200603175B - System and method of displaying or obscuring electronic playing cards - Google Patents

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD OF DISPLAYING OR OBSCURING ELECTRONIC

PLAYING CARDS

[0001] The present application claims priority to US Provisional Pateent Application . Serial No. 60/481,555 filed om October 24, 2003 and to US Patent Application Serial No. 10/939,772 filed September 13, 2004 and which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention related generally to a system and method for obscuring or partially obscuring an electronic playing card.

BACKGROUND QF THE INVENTION

[0003] Gaming is an increasingly popular form of entertainment. Game=s, particularly, games of change and skill in which one or more players play and place wagers on the outcome thereof may be played in a variety of ways, including at a casino or other venue or on the Internet. Of the various forms of games which are available for play, many are played with playing cards. Of these, poker is arguably the most popular.

[0004] Traditionally, poker is played at a table with several players wag-ering paper or coin money on a series of playing cards dealt from a deck of fifty-two careds. This deck is comprised of four suits at thirteen cards per suit. This form of poker requuires a human dealer to coordinate the game, including dealing, wagering, folding, etc... . One of the problems with traditional poker is that it suffers from the possibility of Fauman/dealer error. In “social” card games, especially poker, the players take turns acting as the dealer, but in licensed commercial gaming establishments, such as casinos_, the dealer is typically a non-playing employee. Thus, another problem associated wih traditional poker games in this context is the training and retention of dealers.

[0005] One alternative form of gaming, with particular reference tos poker, has flourished on the internet. Internet gaming has become quite successful in that it provides many choices for the players. In particular, Internet gaming is fast and convenient, with registration, betting and payouts available from almost ary computer with Internet access and with payments typically arranged via a cre=dit card or - electronically.

[0006] Poker or other card games may also be provided by stand-alon_e machines similar to slot machines.

[0007] One major dr awback of internet and stand-alone ®type games is the lack of the human element. Many= people prefer to play poker against- other players, due in part to the drama associated with “live” gaming. Undoubtedly, an eelevated level of competition exists when humans compete directly against one another. In gaming establishments, experienced players ares trying to hone strategy and read other players’ intentions through their movements and style of play to be more competitive.

[0008] Electronic card games, such as electronic poker games, have been provided which allow players tO compete against one another, but eliminate the dealer and the physical cards. Howewver, one problem associated with electronic cards is maintaining the confidentiality of e-ach player’s cards which are typical ly displayed on a monitor in close proximity to thes player. In general, the prior art deals with this problem by providing some type off shield or other physical barrier. However, these type of devices have several inherent yproblems, in that they are easy to d_efeat by positioning oneself where the player’s cax-d are viewable. Furthermore, the devices have not been well received by players. Additionally, these device are bulky~ and tend to extend upward from the monitor. Thiss detracts from the overall appearances of the environment and may distract the players.

[0009] The present invention is aimed at one or more of the problems set forth above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTI®ON

[0010] In a first aspect of the present invention, a metho d of displaying an electronic playing card to a playem on a video display is provided. The playing card has a back side and a front side. The method includes the steps of displayirg the electronic playing card with the back side visible to the player and the front side not being visible to the player, detecting a triggering esvent, and animating the electronic pMaying card to display at least a portion of the front s ide of the playing card in response to the triggering event.

[0011] Ina second asspect of the present invention, 2 metheod of displaying an electronic playing card to a playexon a video display is provided. The playing card has a back side and a front side. Thes method includes the steps of dete«cling a triggering event and displaying at least a portion of the front side of the electramnic playing card in response to the triggering event .

H0012] In a third aspect of the present in~vention, a method of providieng a description of a hole card in an electronic playing cardl during an electronic card ga me is provided.

The method includes the steps of displaying the electronic playing card \ovith the top side wisible to the player and the bottom side not being visible to the player, detecting a triggering event, and providing an audible signal only to the player can bear in response too the triggering event.

[0013] Ina fourth aspect of the present in-vention, a method of displayimng an electronic

Playing card to a player on a touchscreen vicleo display is provided. The playing card has

Aa back side and a front side. The method iracludes the steps of displayin_g the electronic

Playing card with the back side visible to tkae player and the front side n=ot being visible t othe player, detecting a touch event on thes touchscreen display, and dissplaying at least aa portion of the front side of the electronic playing card in response to t_he touch event. [ 0014] In a fifth aspect of the present inv-ention, a method of providin_g an indication oOfa value of an electronic playing card to a player is provided. The play-ing card having one of a set of predefined values. The method includes the steps of detect=ing a triggering : e=vent and providing an audible signal, audible only to the player, indicatmve of the value ofthe electronic playing card.

[0015] In a sixth aspect of the present inv-ention, a method of displayimg an electronic pelaying card to a player on a touchscreen vidleo display is provided. The pwlaying card has a back side and a front side. The method imacludes the steps of detecting a touch event o-n the touchscreen display and displaying the front side of the electronic —playing card in response to the touch event. [©0016] In a seventh aspect of the present invention, a method of displaying an electronic playing card to a player on a vide o display is provided. The mmethod includes tae steps of allowing the player to designate a location where the electron ic playing card iss to be displayed on the video display and lisplaying the electronic play3ng card on the video display at the location designated by the player. [O017}] In an eighth aspect of the present imvention, a method of displa=ying a player's electronic poker hand on a video display is pmovided. The electronic poker hand includes ome or more hole electronic playing cards and a plurality of commumity electronic playing cards, the playing cards having a back side and a front side. The method iracludes the steps of detecting a triggering event and displaying at least a_ portion of the fronst side of the electronic playing card and a value of the player’s electron ic poker hand on tle video display in response to the triggering event. [001 8] Ina ninth aspect of the present invention, a method of displaying an electronic play#ing card on a video display is provided. The playing card has a back side and a front side. The method includes the steps of displaying an electronic cover or the display, detecting a triggering event, and modifying the electronic cover on the display to display at le=ast a portion of the front side of the electronic playing card.

[00199] In a tenth aspect of the present invention, a method of displaying an electronic playi ng card on a video display is provided. The playing card has a back sicle and a front side. The method includes the steps of” displaying the electronic playing= card on the video display at a first angle such that the e front side of the electronic playing card is or is mostly obscured, detecting a triggerimg event, and displaying the electronic playing card -on the video display at a second angle such that at least a portion of t he front side of thes electronic playing card is visible.

[00203] In an eleventh aspect of the present invention, a system for displaying an electronic playing card to a player is provided. The playing card has a back side and a front side. The system includes a video display and a controller. The contro_llcr displays, on thes video display, the electronic playimg card with the back side visible sto the player and tle front side not being visible to the player, detects a triggering event, amnd animates the el ectronic playing card to display at least a portion of the front side of the playing card i nresponse to the triggering event. [0021 ] In a twelfth aspect of the present invention, a system of displaying &an electronic playirag card to a player is provided. The: playing card has a back side and a front side.

The system includes a video display arad a controller. The is coupled t-o the video displa_y and detects a triggering event andl displays at least a portion of the #ront side of the electronic playing card on the video display in response to the triggerin_g event.

[00227] In a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a system for dissplaying an electronic playing card is provided. The playing card has a back side and & front side,

The system includes a video display and a controller. The controller is comupled to the video display and displays an electronic cover on the display, detects a triggering event, and modifies the electronic cover on the d isplay to display at least a portion of the front side off the electronic playing card.

[0023] In a fourteenth aspe ct of the present invention, a system for displaying an electronic playing card. The playing card has a back side and a fromt side. The system includes a video display and a controller. The controller is coupled —to the video display and displays the electronic plasying card on the video display at a firs# angle such that the front side of the electronic playing card is or is mostly obscured, «detects a triggering event, and displays the electronic playing card on the video displazy at a second angle such that at least a portion of the front side of the electronic playing card is visible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Other advantages of the present invention will be readily= appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a system for providing an electronic poker game on one or more electronic poker tables, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 is a simplified diagram of a table top of the electreonic poker tables of

Figure 1, according to an emb odiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 is a simplified diagram of a table top of the electreonic poker tables of

Figure 1, according to another embodiment of the present inventior;

[0028] Figure 4 is a block- diagram of the system of Figure 71, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[6029] Figure 5 is a second block diagram of the system of Figuare 1, including the element of an electronic poler table, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 is a diagranmatic illustration of an electronic polxer table, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 7 is a top view of the electronic poker table of Figiare 6;

[0032] Figure 8 is a diagrammatic illustration of a module of the el-ectronic poker table of Figure 6, according to an ernbodiment of the preset invention;

[0033] Figure 9 is a represesntation of a first screen shot displayesd on an electronic player interaction area of the system of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[09034] Figure 10 is a representation Of a second screen shot displayed con an electronic player interaction area of the system «of Figure 1, according to an embmodiment of the pressent invention;

[0035] Figure 11 is a representation of an electronic player interact ion area of the sysstem of Figure 1 embodied in a hanci-held device; [0®36] Figure 12 is a representation of a front side and a back side Of an electronic playing card; [0®37] Figure 13 is a representation of an animation sequence u sed to display electronic playing cards, according to =an embodiment of the present inv=ention; [0®038] Figure 14 is a representation of an animation sequence wu sed to display electronic playing cards, according to zanother embodiment of the presemt invention; [0®39] Figure 15 is a representation of an animation sequence u sed to display elesctronic playing cards, according to s till another embodiment of the present invention; [0@D40) Figure 16 is a representation of an animation sequence u sed to display electronic playing cards, according to «one more embodiment of the pressent invention;

[0041] Figure 17 is a representation Of an animation sequence used to Obscure/display ele=ctronic playing cards using an electronic cover, according to an embwodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 18 is a representation Of an animation sequence used to Obscure/display ele=cironic playing cards using an electronic cover, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 19 is a representation of an animation sequence used to Obscure/display ele=ctronic playing cards using an electronic cover, according to still another embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 20 is a representation of an animation sequence used to Obscure/display ele=cironic playing ¢ards using an electronic cover, according to a further eembodiment of thes present invention;

[0045] Figure 21 is a representation c»f an animation sequence used to Obscure/display ele=ctronic playing cards using an electronic cover, according to =a still further emmbodiment of the present invention; and,

[0046] Figure 22 is representation of an animation sequence used to o bscure/display an electronic playing card by rotating the card from a first angle to a sec=ond angle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

I. _ Introduction - Overview

[0047] With reference to the drawings and in operation, the present inventicon relates generally to a system 10 and method for providing, and being related to, electromic poker.

With specific reference to Figure 1, the system 10 is designed to be situated in a gaming environment, such as a casino 12. Typically, such gaming environments 12 are a specialized or designated area within the casino 12, such as a poker room or p= oker area 14, which has been cordoned off by, for example, a railing 16. While the above refers to one possible implementation or lo cation in which the system 10 may be used, the present invention is not limited to any” such location or implementation.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the system 10 utilizes electronic chips and electronic playing cards to provide arn automated poker game for play by one or more players. In one aspect of the present invention, a human dealer is not requi red. The system 10 may handle all dealer functions.

[0049] The system 10 may be used to play any variation or version of poker. “However, for the purposes of discussion, the system 10 will be described as adapted for use in implement the version of poker know as, Texas Hold’em.

[0050] In one aspect of the present invention, the system 10 may handle assigning players to a seat, providing electronic chips, accepting wagers, and assigning a pot to the winning player. The system 10 electronically shuffles a set of electronic play=ing cards and deals the electronic playing cards to the player and any common cards tos the table 18. The system 10 may also handle wagering, folding, calling by the playerss and may restrict such, based on whose turn it is.

[0051] In another aspect of the present invention, the poker tables 18 in the system 10 are networked and connected to one or more servers (see below). The server may be used to implement and facilitate, player tracking, ticket in ticket out (cashless) —wagering, assigning player’s to a seat at a partictilar table, tournament play, table set-up Cincluding turning the tables on and off and modi fying table parameters), and progressive= jackpots.

II. The Poker Table(s) 18

[0052] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the system 10 includes a pRurality of electronic poker tables 18. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the system 1O includes ten electronic poker tables 18A-18], although the present invention is not limited to a specific number of electronic poker tables.

[0053] A simple representative layout of = table top 20 of the pokem tables 18, accordimg to first and second embodiments of tke present invention are shown in Figures 2 and 3, respectively.

[0054] In the top view of the table top 20 shawwn in Figure 2, the table top 20 includes a playimeg surface 22 and a plurality of electronic player interaction areass 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the poker tables 18 are able to seat a maximum of ten players at a time, and thus, includes ten electronic player— interaction areas 24A-24J.

[0055] In the top view of the table top 20 sh own in Figure 3 (in which like elements are labeled with the same reference numbers), thhe table top 20 includes a playing surface 22 and =a plurality of electronic player interaction areas (EPIA) 24. In thee illustrated embodirnent, the poker tables 18 are able to sea®t a maximum of ten players ata time, and thus, includes ten electronic player interaction. areas 24A-24J. The table top 10 also includes a central or common display area (CIDA) 26.

[0056] In one embodiment, the individual electronic player interaction arezas 24A-24] are used to convey game information directly to a player assigned to a specific player interaction area 24A-24) and to implement a player user interface (se< below) to effectuate interaction or input from the player. The central or common disgplay area 26 is used €o display information to all off the players.

[0057] For example in one embodiment, the system 10 is used to play th e version of poker kmown as Texas Hold'em. In Texas Hold’em, each player is dealt = number of cards, e-g., two cards, face down. These are Bknown as a player’s “hole” cards 28. A pumber of cards are dealt face-up and displaye din the common display are a26. These are known as the common cards 28. A player’ss hand, thus, consists of the polayer’s hole cards 28 and the common cards 28. Whicheve=r player’s hand makes the highest poker hand is the winner of that round or hand of poker.

[0058] In one aspect of the present inventio=n, the hole cards 28 are displayed face- down or the respective electronic player interaction area 24 and the common cards are displayed in the central display area 26. Thee hole cards 28 are display=ed at a first predetermined ratio and the common cards 28 are displayed at a second prezdetermined ratio. The first and second predetermined ratios may be expressed as a ratio ©f a standard size playing card or a predetermined default size. In one embodiment, the first and second ratios are the same. In another emtoodiment, the first and second ratios are diffesrent. For example, the first and second ra tios may be defined such that the common cards 28 are displayed larger than the hole cards 28. [00S 9] With reference to Figures 6, 7, and & in one embodiment, the electronic player inter action areas 24 are implemented using separate display devices, such as toumchscreen displays 32. Each display 32 may be housed in a removable module 34. [006.06] The module 34 may incorporate a £ully-functional computer. The computer inclvades a processor capable of running an operating system, such as Windowwvs XP or

Windows CE, both available from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Washirgton. In one embodiment, the module 34 includes a card reader 36 for reading a playes ID card {not shown). [006 1] In the illustrated embodiment, the modules 34 are mounted into the —table top 20, such that the touchscreen display 32 is p arallel to the table top 20. Howaeever, the . touchscreen display 32 may be mounted at an angle with respect to the table top 20.

Altemrnatively, the modules 34 may be adjustable to provide a adjustable viewi ng angle of th_e touchscreen display 32. [006 2] In one embodiment, the central display area 26 is implemented in a separate dispRay 38, such as a LCD or plasma monitor or similar device. [006 3] The remainder of the table top may be covered in a material such a_s felt, or more specifically, green, blue, red, or other color felt. Logos, game information, or other information may be printed on the material.

[0064] In an altemnative embodiment, the electronic player interaction areas 2=% and the centr-al display area 26 may be implemented in a single display which coverss a large porti on of the table top. The electronic player dnteraction areas 24 and the centraml display area 26 may be set apart from the rest of the table top 20 by virtual borders. T he areas of th_e display around the electronic player interaction areas 24 and the central display area 26 may be used to simulate the table top Of a standard poker table, e.g., an Zimage of matesrial, such as green felt, may be displayed. Furthermore, logos, game info rmation, other- information, advertisements, announcements, pictures, videos, or other infeormation may be displayed, rotated, cycled, or displayed for a limited period of time on —the table top 20.

[0065] As discussed below, the system 10 and p-oker tables 18, although electronic, are designed to convey and retain the overall sense amd ambience of a standard ~poker room with non-el ectrical poker tables. Each electron ic poker table 18 is surro—unded by a number of poker chairs 40. The number of poke=r chairs 40 being equal to the number of electroni«c player interaction areas 24 on the el ectronic poker table 18.

[0066] With particular reference to Figures 6 ard 7, in the illustrated embodiment the poker tabless 18 have an oval shape and may sea® a maximum number of pBayers. For example, thee poker tables 18 may be sized to s eat a maximum of 7, 8, 9», 10, or 11 players, althmough the present invention is not limited to any particular sized gooker table.

As stated aboove the table top is covered, in betwe=en the electronic player int erface area, and the central or common display area if provid_ed, by material, such as green felt, or simulation t"hereof. The poker table includes two bases 42 to which one or mmore legs 44 are connecteed. The legs 44 support the table top. _A rail or bumper 46 encircl es the outer circumferen_ce of the table top 20.

ITI. The System 10

[0067] Wath specific reference to Figures 4 and §, as discussed above the= system 10 may include one or more electronic poker tables 18. In one aspect of ®he present invention, thme poker tables 18 are networked togetkner using, e.g., an Ethernet —network 48 (wired or wi_eless). One or more servers 50 may bee used to provide functionality for the system 10. Wor example, the server 50 may be 1ased to implement various- functions, including, but not limited to: - dat=a and player tracking, - cas hless wagering, - defaning and modifying table parameters, Jncluding, turning the tables 18 on and off, ssetting the poker game being played at the table 18, setting wager parameters, ete.. ., - defining and managing jackpots, including the a house percentage, i.<., the rake, - def3ning and managing progressive jackpots, oo establishing and managing a queue for pelayers and assigning players to seats and/or specific tables from the queue, and - esteablishing and managing tournament play, including assigning pl ayer seats, collapsing tables, etc. ... .

[0068] With particular reference to Figure 5, in on_e embodiment each table 18 includes ten electroniic player interface areas 24 which are= implemented in a computer base=d module 34. JBach module 34 operates or runs on an operating system, such as Microsoft

Windows XE or Windows CE. Each module 34 is connected to the server 50 through thme network 48. As shown, another computer 52, such as a personal computer running o-n

Windows XP, may also be connected to the servesr 50 through the network 48. Thae primary function of the PC 52 may be to control amd drive the central display area 28.

[0069] In «ne embodiment, the server 50 runs th_e poker games on each of the tables 18. The primnary function of the modules 34 is to rum the electronic player interface areas 34, to display and run a user interface.

[0070] In another embodiment, the poker game o=1 portions of the poker game may te executed or Tun by the modules 34 and/or the computer 52.

[6071] In another aspect of the present invention, the system 10 will implement a player-accovant based cash in/cash out system. The system 10 will create a user accourt for each player. Once an account is established for the player, the player is issued a

Player Card “having an associated personal identifica tion number or PIN. Once the player has been isswaed a Player Card, their account may bes funded. The Player Card is used fo identify the player at the tables 18. The player may~ fund their account by bringing cash to a cage, where the cash is accepted and crediteed to the player’s account. Printesd receipts are given to the player and maintained by~ the casino 12. To bring electronic chips to the table 18, the player sits down at a seat. swipes their Player Card and enters their PIN. The system 10 informs the player of thesir account balance and allows thexm to convert al 1 or a portion of the account balance to electronic chips to bring to the gam-e.

IV. The Electronic Player Interface Area

[0072] With reference to Figures 9 and 10, cach electronic player interface area 24 implements a player interface 54. The player inter—faces 54 may be implemented on the table top 20 (see above), or in the module 34. In another embodiment, the player interface 54- may be implemented on a hand-held device 58, such as a personal data assistant (PIDA).

[0073] The player interfacce 52 may be graphical in nature (ass shown in Figures 9 and 10), or may take other form s, such as a simple textual format. In one embodiment the electronic player interface areas 24 provide the player with the option of choosing between several player interfaces 52, such as a graphical represemtational of an electronic poker table 56 or the text in®terface .

[0074] Returning to Figuzres 9 and 10, in one embodiment the player interface 54 includes a graphical represemtation of a poker table 56. Each pwlayer in the poker game may be represented by a use=r graphic or icon 62, which may list their names as well as their chip totals. The pot of the current hand may be represented in the center of the poker table 56 by stack(s) of chips 64 and/or a number 66 representing the value of the current pot. Each player’s contribution to the pot may be represented by stack(s) of chips 68 and/or a number 70 adjacent their user graphic 62.

[0075] The player interface 54 may also includes a series of yolayer option buttons 72 and a series of game buttons 74. The player option buttons 72 nmay include, for example, a sit in button 72A, a leave table button 72B, and an options butt<on 72C. Generally, only one of the sit in button 72A. and the leave table button 72B would be active at any time.

The options button 72C al Jows the player to access an option menu or screen (not shown) which allow the plamyer to modify certain parameters of the player interface 54, such as, for example, to chosose between different formats of tthe player interface 54.

The series of game buttons 74 allow the player to signal their gaame play decisions to the system 10 during the play of the game. The game buttons 74 nmay include a fold button 74A, a call button 74B and a raise button 74C. In one embodirment, the buttons 72 are implemented on the touch screen display devices 32. In an altemnative embodiment, the buttons 72 are embodied in electro-mechanical switches or buttons (not shown).

[0076] In one embodiment, the player interface 34 may also include the community cards 30. Other information which may be displayed on the playwer interface include, but is not limited to indicator of” the player whose turn it is, a total of chips for each player, any cards of the other player=s which are face-up, and/or messagses to the player, such as advertising.

Vv. System and Method for Displaying and/or Obscuring Electronic Playing Cards

[0077] In another aspect Of the present invention, the player interface 54 includes a graphical representation of One or more of electronic playing cards 76 (see Figure 12).

Each electronic playing card 76 has a front side 76A and a back side 76B. Tine back sides 76B of each card has an identical pattern oer image such that the cards cannot be told apart when viewing the back side 76B. The electronic playing card 76 is typically one of a set or deck of standard playing cards. The deck may be a standard deck of 52 cards, each card having a value. The value being tw-o components: the first componen.t being one of a two through ACE and the second component being one of four suits (hears, diamonds, clubs, spades). The value of each card is indicated on the front side 76A of each playing card 76.

[0078] The image displayed on the back sides 76B of the playing cards may be alogo, a random image (chosen from a set of predetermined images), or may be advesrtising directed at the player. The image may include a video. In one embodiment, thes image displayed on the back side 76B of the playirmag cards may be cycled through & set of pre determined images. The image may be sel ectable by a user, who may be the= player or an employee of the casino. [00:79] In one embodiment, the electronic playing card or cards 76 are a player—’s hole car«d(s) in an electronic poker game. Howeve, the electronic playing 76 cards mmay be use=d in any sort of electronic card game im which it is desirable to controllably dispplay/hide the player’s cards. Thus, while the present invention may be described below in the context of an electronic poker gare (and more specifically, with respect to a player's hole cards in a Hold’ em style poker game), the present invention is not limited to such a card game. [00 80] In a playing card game with physical cards, in which the player’s card amre dealt “face-down” and not revealed to any other pl ayer, the player may look at their cards, while attempting to keep the cards secret frorm the other players in several ways. For example, the player may lift the cards close to their bodies, spread them out, and shield then with their hands, so only the player can see the front side of their cards. Or the pla-yer may leave the cards face down on the t-able and lift one side or corner revealing at 1 east a portion of the front side, while shielding the cards with their hands.

[081] A controller, which is either, the module 34, the personal computer 52, the harad-held device 58, the server 50 or a combin ation thereof, controls the player iraterface 54, ie. controls the information components ofthe player interface 54 displayed on the electronic player interaction areas 24, detects touches on the touch screen display adevices

32 (when utilized) and interprets the touches as trigger or touch events (see below). As discussed below, the cormtroller 24, 52, 58, 50 may control. the display or obscuring (hiding) of the player’s hole electronic playing card(s) ssuch that the player may controllably display and view the cards, while maintaining hem secret from the other players. As if the player ~was playing with physical playing ards, the player, thus, has the opportunity to shielcl their cards with their hand or h ands prior to them being : revealed.

[0082] In one aspect off the present invention, the controll er 24, 52, 58, 50 detects a trigger event and displays at least a portion of the front side 76A of the hole electronic playing card or cards 76 i nresponse to the trigger event. The back side 76B of the hole electronic playing card or cards 76 are displayed on the electreonic player interaction area 24, i.e., the hole electromic playing card or cards 76 are displayed face-down. The electronic player interaction area 24 is implemented on the touch-screen display device 32. In one embodiment, the trigger event is defined as a touckn event on the touch-screen display device 32.

[0083] In one aspect Of the present invention, the touch event may be defined by several parameters. For example, the touch event may require that the player touches a pre-defined location (indicated for purposes of illustration oraly by a dotted line) on the touch-screen display device 32 for a predetermined period of time. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the predefined location may be indicated on the touch-screen display device 32 by a graphic or icon 80. In the illustrated embodiment, t-he graphic 80 includes the phrase “PRESS HERE TO REVEAL HOLE CARDS”, but cether words and/or graphics may be used. Alterna tively, the touch event may be defined by two or more predetermined locations 78 on the touch-screen display device 32.

[0084] In another embodiment, the touch event may be defined as actuation of a mechanical switch/buttom (not shown).

[0085] In one embodiment, the at least a portion of the front side 76A of the hole electronic playing card 7€5 may be displayed, after the occurre=nce of the trigger event, for a predetermined time period, e.g., 2 seconds. Alternatively, the front side 76A of the hole electronic playing card 76 may be displayed until t-he trigger event has been removed. In this case where the trigger event is a touch eveent, the front side 76 of the hole electronic playing card 76 is, thus, dispslayed until the player stops touching the . predetermined location. [0086 With reference to Figure 8, the electronic player interaction areas 24 i nclude 2 hand rest 82. The band rest 82 is located in a Jocation relative to the touchscree=n device 32 which guides a hand of the player towards the predetermined location 78. TE he hand rest 82 may be in either or both sides of the device 32 and may be implement=ed as an indentation.

[0087] In another aspect of the present inwention, the controller 24, 52, 5&8, 50 for allowimg the player to designate a location where the hole electronic playing; card or cards 776 are to be displayed on the touch-screen video display 34. For example, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the hole electroni_c playing cards 76 are located adjacent a right side of the touch-screen video display 34. However, some players suchn as left- handed players, may prefer that the hole electronic playing cards 76 be located or the left side of the touch-screen video display 34. Additionally, other players may prefer— that the hole electronic playing cards 76 are located =n the center of the touch-screen display device 34. In one embodiment, the locations amt which the hole electronic playirg cards are displayed may be predetermined. The player may select betweemn these predetermined locations through a menu accessible through the options button ~72C. In anothex embodiment, the player may set the position by touching an area on thes touch- screen display device 34. This feature may alse be accessible through the option s button 72C.

[0088] With reference to Figures 13-22 seveeral methods for displaying or otherwise indicating the value of the hole electronic play ing cards 76. For purposes of illu stration only, a pair of hole electronic playing cards 76 are shown. However, the present invention is not limited to any such number of playing cards 76.

[0089] With specific reference to Figure 9 arad 10, the system 10 may initially display the back side 76B of the hole electronic playdng cards 76. When the trigger event is detected, at least a portion of the front side 76.A of the hole electronic playing cards 76 is displ ayed (see Figure 10).

[0090] In one aspect of the present invention, the controller 24, 52, 58, 50 anim _ates the electronic playing cards 76 to display the at leasst a portion of the front side of the playing card in response to the triggering event.

[0091] This may be done through the serial display of an animation sequence 82 compos ed of a series of images of the playing cards 76.

[0092] Alternatively, the electronic player cards 76 may be animated using 3-D mathematical modeling algorithms which use a 3-ID model of an object and simulate the animation or movement of the object using a mathematical object. One such suitable piece of software is DirectX, available from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, CA. } [0093] In returning to displaying the back side 76 B of the hole electronic playing card : 76, the animation sequence may be reversed or the back side 76 may be simply displayed or some: other animation sequence or variation thereof may be used.

[0094] With specific reference to Figure 13, in one embodiment the animation sequenc € 82 contains a plurality of images 824A, 82B, 82C, 82D, 82E, 82F designed such that a costmer of the playing cards 76 appears to bend in an upward direction revealing the at least a portion of the front side 76A of the playin g cards 76. Although six images are shown, he animation sequence 82 may contain any number of images.

[0095] With specific reference to Figure 14, in which like elements are numbered similarlwy, in another embodiment, the animation sequence 82 contains a plurality of images R4A, 84B, 84C, 84D, 84E, 84F designed such that the at least a portion of the front side 76A of the playing card 76 is displayed in a wiping motion. Although six images zre shown, the animation sequence 82 may contain any number of images.

[0096] With specific reference to Figure 15, in which like elements are numbered similarly, in another embodiment, the animation sequence 82 contains a plurality of images 86A, 86B, 86C, 86D, 86E, 86F designed such that the at least a portion of the front side 76A of the playing card 76 is displayed using a fan-type motion. Although six images zare shown, the animation sequence 82 may contain any number of images.

[0097] With specific reference to Figure 16, in which like elements are numbered similarly, in another embodiment, the animation sequence 82 contains a plurality of images 838A, 88B, 88C, 88D, 88E, 88F designed suich that the at least a portion of the front sid_e 76A of the playing card 76 is displayed by fading the back side of the playing card. Although six images are shown, the animation sequence 82 may contain any number of images.

[0098] In oene embodiment, if there are two or nore hole electronic playings cards 76, the cards 76 zare animated to reveal the at least a p-ortion of the front side 76A. of the hole electronic plaaying cards 76 at the same time. In another embodiment, the tw=o or more hole electron ic playing cards 76 are animated sequentially.

[0099] In another aspect of the present invermtion, the system 10 allows a user to modify certain parameters of the electronic playem interaction area 24, includimng, but not limited to, ore or more of the following: a speed of the animation, a physicaml size of a size or letter-ing of the electronic playing card, amnd a contrast and/or brightraess of the ) electronic plaaying card. The user may be the plamyer or an employee of the ¢ asino.

[00100] In s-till another aspect of the present inve=ntion, a value of the player’ss hand may be displayed while the at least a portion of the front side 76A of the hole electronic playing card=s 76 is revealed. For example, & sh_own in Figures 10, the highest hand or value of the player’s hand, including the two hole electronic playing cards ~76 and the community cards 30 is a pair of tens. The value= of the player’s hand may b e removed either with tlhe removal of the trigger event or after a predetermined period Of time.

[00101] In manother aspect of the present invention, the system 10 provides a adescription of an electromnic playing card 76 during an electreonic card game. The controller detects the trigger e~vent and provides an audible signal only the player can hear in response to the triggerirmg event. In one embodiment, the audible signal is provided sthrough an earpiece or headset (headphones) 60.

[00102] Wikth reference to Figures 17, 18, 19 20, in another aspect of the present invention, ar electronic cover 90 may be used to controllably obscure/reveal the at least a portion of the hole electronic playing card 76. In embodiment, the electroric cover is animated to reveal the front side 76A of the underlying electronic playing card(s) 76.

[00103] Fo r example, the electronic cover 90 may be rotated, bent in an upward direction, resmoved in a wiping motion, removed in a fan motion or faded to reveal the at least a po rtion of the front side 76A of the ele=ctronic playing card(s) 76, &xs shown in

Figures 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21 respectively.

[00104] With reference to Figures 22, in another— embodiment the hole electronic playing cards 76 ma_y be displayed at a first angle such that the at least a portion of th_e front face 76A is not “visible and rotated to a second angl e such that the at least a po=xtion of the front 76A iss visible. The first and second angMes may be changed by a us er, e.g., the player or an employee of the casino. The first and second zangle may be related to any axis of the playing caxd such that the above conditions are Emet.

[00105] Obviously, mmany modifications and variations of the present invention are . possible in light of thes above teachings. The invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (81)

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A method of displaying an electronic playing card teo a player on a video display, the playing card having a back side and a front side, comprising: displaying the electronic playing card with the back sidee visible to the player and the front side not beimg visible to the player; detecting a triggering event; and, animating the electronic playing card to display at least a portion of the front side of the playing card ira response to the triggering event.

2. A method, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the step Of animating the electronic playing card includes an animation sequence composed of aa serial of images of the playing card.

: 3. A method, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the step Of animating the electronic playing card includes the step of displaying an animation sequence designed such that a corner of the playirag card appears to bend in an upward d_irection revealing the at least a portion of the front side of the playing card.

4. A method, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the step of animating the electronic playing card includes the step of displaying an animation sequence designed such that the at least a portion of the front side of the playing card is «displayed in a wiping motion.

5. A method, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the step of animating the electronic playing card includes the step of displaying an animation sesquence designed such that the at least a portion of the front side of the playing card is «displayed using a fan-type motion.

6. A method, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the step caf animating the electronic playing card includes the step of displaying an animation se=quence designed such that the at least a portion of the front side of the playing card is «displayed by fading the back side of the playing card.

7. A method, as set for-th in claim 1, wherein the pla~ying card is displayed omn a touch screen, display, the triggering event being a touch eevent by the player on tine touchscreen.

8. A method, as set forth in claim 7, wherein the toumch event must occur in & predetermined location on t=he touch screen display.

9. A method, as set forth in claim 7, wherein the toumch event has a defined duration period.

10. A method, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the at 1_east a portion of the frort side of the playing card is dRisplayed for a predetermined time period.

11. A method, as set forth in claim 1, including the step of displaying the back side of the electronic playirg card again in response to removal of the triggering event.

12. A method, as set for-th in claim 1, wherein a secorad playing card is displayed, the method including the st-eps of: displaying the second electronic playing card with thee back side visible to the player and the front side no-t being visible to the player; zand, animating the second el_ectronic playing card to displ=ay at least a portion of tine front side of the second electronic playing card in respon _se to the triggering evermt.

13. A method, as set for-th in claim 12, wherein the st-eps of animating the firsstand second electronic playing ¢ ards occur in sequence.

14. A method, as set forth in claim 12, wherein the st-eps of animating the first and second electronic playing c ards occur at the same time.

15. A method, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the vidlleo display is mounted ta video poker table.

16. A method, as set fomrth in claim 1, wherein the video display is embodied na hand-held device. :

17. A method, as set forth in claim 16, where the hand-held device is ®ethered or wirelessly coupled to a video poker table.

18. A method, as set forth in claim 1, inc luding the step of allowing a user to modify one or more of a speed of the animation, a physical size of a size cor lettering of the e lectronic playing card, a contrast and/or brightness of the electronic playing card.

19. _A method, as set forth in claim 1, wh erein the electronic playing c-ard is a hole card of aplayer’s hand in a poker game, the player’s hand consisting of ome or more hole camds and a plurality of community cards, the method including the sstep of display®ng a front side of the community cards on the video display.

20. _A method, as set forth in claim 19, in cluding the step of displaying on the video ddsplay, one or more of the following: a pot amount of the poker ga-me, a bet amount of the player and any other players ira the poker game, depictions of which players are in or out in the poker game, indicator of the player whose turn_ it is, a total of chipss for each player, any cards of the oth«er players which are face-up, messages to the play=er, such as advertising.

21. _A method, as set forth in claim 1, wheerein an image is displayed o n the back side of she electronic playing card, the method including the step of allowing a user to change the image.

22. _A method, as set forth in claim 21, wherein the image is chosen froma predetemrmined set of images, the image cyclimg through the set of predetemrmined images.

23. _A method, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the electronic playing czard is a hole card of a player’s hand in a poker game, the polayer’s hand consisting of ome or more hole car=ds and a plurality of community card s, the method including the step of displaying a value of the player’s hand in response to the triggering event _

24. _A method of displaying an electronic playing card to a player on a video display, the playing card having a back side and a front side, comprising:

detecting a triggering event; and, dispLaying at least a portion of the front side of the electronic playings card in responses to the triggering event. : 25. A method, as set forth in claim 24, wherein the electronic playing card is not displaye d prior to the triggering event.

26. A method, as set forth in claim 25, imcluding the step of stopping the display of the at least a portion of the playing card ira response to the triggering e=vent being removed.

27. A method, as set forth in claim 24, wherein the step of displaying= the electronic playing card includes the steps of first displaying the back sides of the playing «cards.

28. A method, as set forth in claim 27, imcluding the step of animating the electronic playing card such that a corner of the playing card appears to Boend in an upward adirection revealing the at least a port-ion of the front side of the p-laying card.

29. A method, as set forth in claim 27, imcluding the step of animating the electron; c playing card such that the at least a portion of the front side of the playing card is displayed in a wiping motion.

30. A method, as set forth in claim 27, irecluding the step of animatin. g the electronic playing card includes such that thes at least a portion of the fromnt side of the playing «card is displayed using a fan-type meotion.

31. A method, as set forth in claim 27, imcluding the step of animatin g the electronic playing card such that the at least a portion of the front side is displayed of the playmng card by fading the back side of tlhe playing card.

32. A method, as set forth in claim 27, wherein the playing card is di=splayed on a touch screen, display, the triggering event besing a touch event by the pla_yer on the touchscreen.

33. A method, as set forth in claim 32, wherein the touch event must occur in & predetermined location on the touch screen dispelay.

34-. A method, as set forth in claim 33, wherein the touch event has a defined duratieon period.

35. A method of providing a description of & hole card in an electronic playings card d.uring an electronic card game, comprising: displaying the electronic playing card with the top side visible to the player and the bo-ttom side not being visible to the player; de tecting a triggering event; and, providing an audible signal only to the player can hear in response to the triggering event.

36s. A method, as set forth in claim 35, wher ein the audible signal is provided througzh an earpiece or headset worn by the play~er.

37 . A method of displaying an electronic playing card to a player on a touchscmreen video display, the playing card having a back si«le and a front side, comprising: displaying the electronic playing card with the back side visible to the player and the front side not being visible to the player; detecting a touch event on the touchscreen display; and, displaying at least a portion of the front side= of the electronic playing card in resporase to the touch event.

38 . A method, as set forth in claim 37, wherein the touch event must occur within a pred_etermined area of the touchscreen video d.isplay.

39 . A method, as set forth in claim 38, including the step of providing a hand reest in a location relative to the touchscreen device which guides a hand of the player towarcls the predetermined location.

40 . A method of displaying an electronic playing card to a player on a touchscr—een video display, the playing card having a back sicde and a front side, comprising: detecting a touch event on the touchscreen d isplay; and,

displaying the front side of the electronic playing card in responses to the touch event.

41. A method, as set forth in claim 40, including the step of remowing the electronic playing card in response to removal or termination of the tcouch event.

42. A method of displaying an electronic playing card to a player on a video display, comprising: allowing the player to designate a location where the electronic playing card is to be displayed on the video display; and, displaying the electronic playing card on the video display at the Mocation designated by the player.

43. A method, as set forth in claim 42, wherein the location is des ignated from a plurality of predetermined locations.

44. A method, a set forth in claim 44, the video display having a 1 eft side and a right side, the plurality of predetermined locations including the left sside and the right side of the video display.

45. A method, as set forth in claim 44, the plurality of predetermimned locations including a center of the video display.

46. A method of displaying a player’s electronic poker hand on a video display, the electronic poker hand including one or more hole electronic playing cards and a plurality of community electronic playing cards, the playing cards ha~ving a back side and a front side, comprising: detecting a triggering event; ard, displaying at least a portion of the front side of the electronic playing card and a value of the player’s electronic polker hand on the video display in response to the triggering event.

47. A method, as set forth in cl aim 46, including the step displaying the back side of the electronic playing card in the absence of the triggering event.

48. A method, as set forth in claim 47, including the step of removing the value of the player’s electronic poker hand from the video display in the absence of the triggering event.

49. A method of displaying an electronic playin g card on a video display, the playing card. having a back side and a front side, coamprising: displayimg an electronic cover on the display; detecting a triggering event; modifying the electronic cover on the display to display at least a portion of the front side of" the electronic playing card.

50. A method, as set forth in claim 49, where th e step of modifying the electroni=c cover includles the step of animating the electronic cover.

51. A method, as set forth in claim 50, wherein ‘the step of animating the electronic cover includes the step of displaying an zanimation sequence of the electronic cover such that the electronic cover appe ars to rotate revealing the at least a portion of the front side of the electronic playing card.

52. A method, as set forth in claim 50, wherein -the step of animating the electronic cover includes the step of displaying an éanimation sequence of the electronic cover such that a corner of the electronic cover appears to bend in an upward dire ction revealing the at least a portion of =the front side of the electronic playing carck.

53. A method, as set forth in claim 50, wherein the step of animating the electronic cover includes the step of displaying an sanimation sequence of the electronic cover such that the at least a portion of the front side of the electronic playing card} is displaying in a wiping motion.

54. A method, as set forth in claim 50, wherein the step of animating the electronic cover includes the step of displaying an animation sequence of the electronic cover such that the at least a portion of the front side of the electronic playing card is displayed using a fan-type motion.

WNVO 2005/043475 P~CT/US2004/033724

55. A method, as set forth in claim 50, wherein the step of ani ating the electronic cover includes the step of displaying an animation sequaence of the electronic cover such that the at least a portion of the front side off the electronic playing card is displaying by fadling the electronic cover.

56. A method of displaying an electronic playing card on a vicdeo display, the playing card having a back side and a front side, comprising: displaying the electronic plaxying card on the video display at =a first angle such that the front side of the electrom ic playing card is or is mostly obascured; detecting a triggering event; displaying the electronic playing card on the video display at =a second angle such that at least a portion of the front side of the electronic playing cazxd is visible.

57. A method, as set forth in claim 56, including the step of arimating the electronic playing card to rotate between the first angle and the se=cond angle.

58. A method, as set forth in claim 57, including the step of al lowing a user to modify the first angle and/or the second angle.

59. A method, as set forth in claim 57, including the step of al lowing the player to modify the first angle and/or the second angle.

60. A system for displaying an electronic playing card to a plaayer, the playing card having a back side and a front side, comprising: a video display; a controller coupled to the vi deo display and for displaying, om the video display, the electronic playing card with the back side visible to the player— and the front side not being visible to the player, detecting a triggering event, and arimating the electronic playing card to display at least a portion of the front sicie of the playing card in response to the triggering event.

61. A system, as set forth in <laim 60, wherein the controller zanimates the electronic playing card by displaying an animation sequence designed such that a corner of the playing card appeaxs to bend in an upward direction revealing the at least a portion of the front side o fthe playing card.

622. A system, as set forth in claim 60, wherein the controller animates the electronic playing card by displaying an anim ation sequence designed such th_at the at least a portion of the front side of the playing card is displayed in a wiping motion.

63. A system, as set forth in claim 60, wherein the controller animates the electronic playing card by displaying an animation sequence designed such th .at the at least a portion of the front side of the playing card is displayed using a fan-typoe motion,

6-1. A system, as set forth in claim 60, whe=rein the controller animates the electronic playing card by displaying an animation sequence designed such th=attheat least a portion of the front side of the playing «card is displayed by fading the tack side of the playing card.

65. A system of displaying an electronic playing card to a player, the play ng card havin g a back side and a front side, comprisingg: a video display; and, a controller coupled to the video display amd for detecting a triggering evemnt and displaying at least a portion of the front side of the electronic playing card on &he video display in response to the triggering eve nt.

66. A system, as set forth in claim 65, the controller for stopping the display of the at least a portion of the playing card in responsse to the triggering event being remowed.

67. A system, as set forth in claim 65, whexein the video display is a touch—screen display and the triggering event is a touch evemt on the touch-screen display.

68. A system, as set forth in claim 67, wherein the touch event must occur within a predetermined area of the touchscreen video display.

69. A system, as set forth in claim 68, incliading a hand rest in a location re=lative to the touchscreen device which guides a hand of the player towards the predetermined location.

70. A system, as set forth in claim 65, the controller for allowing the player to designate a location where the electronic playing card is to be displayed on the videe display.

71. A system for displaying an electronic playing camrd, the playing card having & back side and a front si de, comprising: a video display; a controller couple to the video display and for displaying an electronic cover osn the display, detecting a triggering event, and modifying —the electronic cover on the display to display at least a portion of the front side of tke electronic playing card.

72. A system, as set= forth in claim 71, wherein the controller modifies the electronic cover by anirnating the electronic cover.

73. A system for displaying an electronic playing car—d, the playing card having aa back side and a front side, comprising: a video display; a controller being coupled to the video display and for displaying the electronic playing card on the video display at a first angle such that the front side of the electronic playing card is or is mostly obscured, detectin_g a triggering event, and displaying the electronic playing card on the video display ata second angle such that at least a portion of the front side of the electronic playirmg card is visible.

74. A system, as set forth in claim 73, the controller #or animating the electronic playing card to rotate between the first angle and the seceond angle.

75. A method, as sek forth in claim 73, the controller for allowing a user or the - player to modify the firsst angle and/or the second angle.

76. A method, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the stegp of animating the electronic playing card is performe=d using a 3-D model.

77. A method, as set: forth in claim 50, wherein the stwep of animating the electronic cover is perfosrmed using a 3-D model.

78. A method, as set forth in claim 57, wherein the step o—f animating the electronic playing card is performed using a 3-D model.

79. A system, as set forth in claim 60, the controller for armimating the electronic play card using 3-D xmnodeling,

80. A system, as set forth in claim 72, wherein the controL ler animates the electronic cover using a 3-D model.

81. A system, as set forth in claim 74, wherein the step of animating the electronic playing card is perfoxmed using a 3-D model.