Video and wheel card game

Abstract

A card amusement game apparatus is provided which contains two different regions representing a card game hand. One region displays a hand by means of a video display and another region represents a hand by a display on at least one rotatable wheel. The apparatus includes the option of the player selecting the hands to be played by either the dealer or the player.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a video card game amusement apparatus in combination with a wheel card game feature. More particularly, there is provided an amusement apparatus in which a card game, in association with a video program and a computer, provides a hand and a wheel controlled by the player that controls the result of an opposing hand.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Reel-type slot machines are well known and have been employed in both conventional slot machine games as well as card games. The traditional slot machine has a series of annular reels disposed in side-by-side relationship that rotate separately about a common axis. Players' scores or winnings are indicated by indicia on the peripheral surfaces of the reels that may align in any of a number of different combinations following a period of rotation of the reels. Players of gaming apparatus typically find it enjoyable to have a variety of different forms of gaming apparatus available. For this purpose, slot machines of the spinning reel type have been provided with a variety of different graphics, cabinet configurations and other varied embellishments such as varying visual or sound effects and differing scoring systems for example. Modifications of slot machines of this kind to enhance player enjoyment are circumscribed if the above-described basic geometry of mechanical components of the apparatus is retained. The side-by-side reel arrangement has in the past imparted an undesirable degree of similarity to slot machines of this type notwithstanding the superficial variations of the above-described kind.

[0003] With the advent of computer technology, electronic slot machines were designed. Initially, the electronic slot machines did not employ reels. Rather, these machines utilized a video screen to simulate a reel. These machines were of limited commercial success. Eventually, electronic reel-type machines were developed. These machines removed the game from the reels and played the game in a microprocessor. The reels became simply a method of displaying the results of the game. Such a machine is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,095,795. In these machines “virtual reels” are represented by random number generators in a microprocessor. The random number generators generate a number and that number corresponds to a reel position on the physical reel. In other words, the numbers of the random number generators are mapped to the physical reel positions. Initially, these virtual reel machines generated one number for each position on the reel, thus there was a direct mapping and the odds were not changed. Subsequently, the concept of many to one mapping was introduced and it allowed the odds associated with virtual reel machines to be adjusted. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,448,419. These machines use random number generators to generate numbers from a range of numbers that exceeds the number of physical reel combinations. These numbers are mapped to certain reel combinations with multiple numbers being mapped to some combinations. In this manner, the odds of displaying some combinations will exceed the odds of displaying other combinations thereby allowing for higher payout odds.

[0004] In operation, the virtual reel slot machines generate a number with a random number generator. That number is then put into a lookup table to ascertain the appropriate display and pay out. This whole procedure is independent of the physical reels.

[0005] The use of only computer controlled reel type card games and computer controlled video card games has resulted in a loss of confidence by the player as to his ability to control the results of the game. The card amusement game player has become to believe that the game of chance no longer exists and that the outcome and payout is all controlled by the house, which has programmed the computer to the number and degree of payouts.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,529 to Rodesch et al, which is herewith incorporated by reference, discloses a reel type slot machine having a microprocessor driven game control circuit including a reel driven by a stepper motor, which could be used, in the present invention.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,081 to Suzuki, which is herein incorporated by reference, discloses a card game amusement apparatus having a graphic screen, which displays playing cards.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,105,962 to Malavazos et al, which is herein incorporated by reference, discloses an amusement apparatus that contains two separate games. One game is a conventional reel game and the other game has plurality of rotatable disks having spaced apart indicia that encircle the disks and provide a score when the indicia rest at any of a plurality of angular orientations.

[0009] It is therefore proposed to provide a card game amusement apparatus in which the player can determine the outcome of at least one hand whose outcome has not been predetermined by a computer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In accordance with the invention, there is provided a card game amusement apparatus having a wheel or disk device displaying card indicia and a video card display. Accordingly, the video card game device displays cards in a first region on the apparatus and the wheel or disk device displays cards on a second region of the apparatus. One of the card displays is associated with a microprocessor that controls the starting and stopping of the device and controls the probability of the card value and suit on stoppage. The other of the card displays has a manual control for a player to determine the probability of the card value and suit.

[0011] Preferably, the game on the apparatus is similar to the game of blackjack, and one display region represents the dealer and the other region represents the player.

[0012] There may also be provided a third region in which the first card of the player's hand is determined by a microprocessor.

[0013] It is therefore a general object of the invention to provide a card game amusement apparatus in which one player's hand that is displayed, is generated by a video and the other player's hand is mechanically displayed on rotatable wheels or disks.

[0014] It is another object of the invention that only one hand displayed in generated by a microprocessor.

[0015] It is a further object of the invention that a player can control the probability of the cards displayed.

[0016] The objects and advantages of the invention will be better understood in the drawings and the preferred embodiments which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a game apparatus embodying the invention.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the upper portion of another embodiment of the invention.

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates an arrangement for the wheel or disk display of FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a further embodiment of the invention wherein microprocessor operated chase lights select a card.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a card amusement device according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Referring to the drawings and particularly FIG. 1, a card game amusement device 10 is shown in accordance with the invention having a cabinet 21 with a region 21A housing game wheels 15, 16 which contain indicia showing cards with suit and value 15A, 15B at the display 22. The wheels 15A, 15B contain indicia about their periphery of card values and suits. The indicia may also include a wild card or joker.

[0023] At the lower region 21B there is a video display 11 of cards 14A, 14B that is operated and controlled by microprocessor 20.

[0024] The lower region 21B includes a conventional coin slot 13 and a payout chamber 23.

[0025] There may be included a start button 18 which initiates the game or one of the games at the region 21A or 21B depending on which is controlled for stoppage by a player. The apparatus 10 has stop buttons 19A and 19B that are used by the player to either control the video reel games or the wheel game. Preferably, the player uses the buttons 19A, 19B to control stoppage of the wheels 15, 16. If the wheels 15, 16 are not controlled by a microprocessor, the player will believe that he has control of the chance of a particular card appearing than if controlled by a programmed microprocessor.

[0026] In the game of blackjack, either the region 21A or 21B can represent the dealer. The player can have the option of controlling his hand or that of the dealer.

[0027] Within the apparatus it is provided a conventional game control apparatus in a microprocessor for controlling the game apparatus for the video display 14A, 14B to cause reels 14A and 14B to stop at predetermined stopping positions. Game control circuits which normally include a microprocessor and associated memory input and output circuits receive signals from a coin input detector (not shown) in the coin slot 13 and the microprocessor 20 selects a game result which requires reels 14A and 14B to stop at a predetermined area which will display the results. Such display can be either for the dealer or the player. The microprocessor 20 utilizes a stored random number generating algorism, selects a game result that requires stoppage of the video reels 14A, 14B at predetermined stopping positions that will be displayed at region 11. The cards can be either the dealer's hand or the player's hand whereby the outcome of the game will be determined by the player of the wheels or disks 15 and 16.

[0028] FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of the invention wherein the wheels of the game 25A, 26A display a suit 27 on one reel and a card value 28 on the other reel at the display 37. This can be used where the other card dealt in a blackjack game is on a video display 17 that shows both the card and the suit. In such a case, the microprocessor can control the outcome of the card at the display 17. Alternatively, each of 27 and 28 can display a card and display 17 displays a card when “hit” is played.

[0029] Optionally, there may be one or more additional video card displays 17A if additional cards are desired for the game of blackjack.

[0030] Indicia are imprinted on the visible regions of each disk 27, 28 and are arranged in annular bands of indicia which are centered on the axis of rotation 30. The indicia of each wheel or disk 27, 28 can represent suit and value as shown or both suit and value as illustrated in FIG. 1. As in other slot machines, a player or dealer's score is determined by the particular indicia which comes to rest or in alignment in the display region 37 following a period of rotation of the wheels 27, 28. The same is for the video display 11 in region 21B.

[0031] The wheels or disks 27, 28 are housed in a cabinet 21 behind a transparent window.

[0032] Switch button 18 and the electrical components of the apparatus 10 may also be of conventional form. The apparatus 10 may be embellished with lights, bells, and/or other visual and audio effects in the manner known in the art.

[0033] As seen in FIG. 2, the play of the second hand can be determined by a video display 17, which provides the card value and suit of a first card. The second card, such as in the game of blackjack is determined by wheels or disks 27 and 28, which determines the value and suit of the second card.

[0034] The apparatus 10 is provided with button 18 that activates the rotation of wheels 15 and 16 of FIG. 1 or the wheels of FIG. 2. Buttons 19A and 19B are used to stop the rotation of the wheels. In this case, either one of wheels can be free spinning or that the wheels operate from gears of different diameters so that one wheel travels faster than the other wheel. In such cases, it is the luck of the player and not the programming by the house, which determines the outcome of the wheels.

[0035] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the disk or wheels 15A, 15B of FIG. 1 are supported and rotated on a common axis of rotation 32 and collar 30 on front panel 28 and have spin gears 34, 35 at their forward ends which engage the gear teeth 33, 331 driven by a particular motor 36. By having wheels 15A, 15B of different size and gear teeth 33, 331 of different size, a single stepper motor may be utilized. However, the invention also contemplates that each disk or wheel 15A, 15B can be rotated by its own motor which can be independently stopped by pressing buttons 19A, 19B.

[0036] The microprocessor is used in combination with sensors (not shown) that sense the card suit and card value, which is displayed through window 37. The speed of rotation of the wheels or disk 15A, 15B whose stoppage is determined by a player provides greater confidence in the player that it is his luck and not the program of the microprocessor which will determine the outcome of the game.

[0037] Accordingly, one wheel or disk 15A or 15B carries at least thirteen indicia representing card value and one disk or wheel carries four different indicia representing card suit.

[0038] FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of the invention which includes additional buttons 19C and 19D which provides a player with additional options found in the game of blackjack such as to hit, stay, bet, double or the like which are processed or programmed into the microprocessor 20.

[0039] A still further embodiment, which may be included, is a further play game 35 that has indicia, which represents card and suit. The hand is played utilizing chase lights that are operated by the microprocessor 20. The card selection of game 35 can be used to either represent additional card selections for the video display hand 14A, 14B or for the wheel or disk display 15A, 15B or both. The chase light stoppage can be controlled by either the player or microprocessor.

[0040] Accordingly, there is provided a card game apparatus that includes one or more disks or wheels that are associated with a mechanism that physically controls the odds of the wheel or disk stopping at any particular wheel or disk position in such a manner that the probability of stopping one wheel or disk position differs from the probability of stopping at least one other wheel or disk position.

[0041] Slot machine motor control circuits, which are microprocessor controlled, require tracking of the rotary movement of the indicia-carrying member by the microprocessor. In a known manner such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,105,962 tracking means may be provided to cause the stopping of rotation of the wheels or disks when the indicia are aligned o determine card suit and value.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a card game amusement device of the invention. The card game amusement device comprises a memory device 40 in which every processing program is stored, a CPU 20 for controlling operations of the processing programs, a control panel 41 with every switch arranged. The card game amusement device further comprises a CRT 42, a coin insert detection unit 43 for detecting the insertion of a coin, a random number generator 44 for generating a random number, and a coin payout unit 45 for paying out coins.

[0043] The display control unit 46 comprises a CRT controller 47 for controlling the display of images to the CRT 42, a graphic RAM unit 48 for temporarily storing graphic data to be sent to the CRT 42, and a character ROM 49 in which character data are stored.

[0044] The memory device 40 contains a first display control program 50, which displays the cards on the video display. There is provided additional display control circuit 51 for additional card plays. There is also provided a value-determining program 52 for determining whether the plural cards displayed determine a winning hand.

[0045] The control panel 41 comprises a card selection switch 52 for selecting one or more cards to be displayed on the video display, a switch 53 for entering a bet and a switch 54 for requesting a payment of coins.

[0046] Accordingly, when a coin is inserted through the coin slot, the coin-detecting unit 43 detects the fact of the insertion and the number of coins inserted and transmits to the CPU 20.

[0047] From the invention thus described, it will be obvious that the invention may be varied in many ways. For example, other card games than blackjack are possible, such as 7-11 and baccarat. Such inventions are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. The combination of a video card game apparatus and a wheel or disk card game apparatus comprising a housing have a first region having a first display of a video display of a plurality of cards,

a second region on said housing having a second display of at least one rotatable disk or wheel, said disk or wheel having an annular band of playing card indicia which encircles said disk or wheel and where a card value and suit is determined by arrival of a particular card indicia at a particular location,

at least one control means associated with a game program and microprocessor for controlling the drawing of cards appearing at a display, and

manual control means operated by a player for controlling at least one outcome of the cards appearing on at least one display.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 comprising two rotatable disks, one of said disks having the indicia of a card suit and the other disk having the indicia of a card value.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said disk rotation stoppage after rotation is controlled by a player.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 including a further video card display on said first region associated with a game program and said microprocessor,

5. The apparatus of claim 1 comprising a video card display on said second region associated with a microprocessor to provide a card game hand.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 including a further video display of cards associated with a microprocessor that provides a card selection with chase lights.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the stoppage of said chase lights is controlled by the microprocessor.

8. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the stoppage of the chase lights is controlled by a player.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 which represents the game of blackjack and one display region represents a dealer and the other region represents a player.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a single drive motor drives the rotation of said at least one disk.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 comprising two disks and the speed rotation of one disk is greater than the speed of rotation of the other disk.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said wheels or disks are centered on a common axis of rotation.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a stepper motor is coupled to said at least one disk or wheel.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, which comprises separately rotatable wheels or disks.

15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the microprocessor controls drawing of cards at one display and the player affects the drawing of the cards at the other display.