Automated poker table
The automated poker table of the present invention allows for live, face-to-face play of all types of poker games and limits without the need for live dealers, cards or chips. All aspects of the game play may be automated so hands are played faster, and downtime is reduced. The system includes a table, a player subsystem, and a dealer subsystem. The player subsystem includes a touch-screen display terminal for viewing cards dealt to a player, and includes a mechanism for creating a transitional animation for displaying at least a portion of the face of each card. The system may further include a debit and credit subsystem having a kiosk for accepting cash and transferring it to an account associated with the player, and an administrator module having a device for interfacing with an administrator of the system.
This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/782,173, filed Mar. 13, 2006 incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is directed to an automated poker table that retains the element of live play, while at the same time offering efficiencies of electronic systems for dealing cards and betting. The recent explosion of interest in poker both live and online has created many opportunities to participate in this booming industry. With the recent boom of televised poker and online game rooms, poker is becoming the game of choice for an increasing number of players.
Poker is one of several card games in which multiple players strategically bet against each other, and poker is further subdivided into various types (such as Texas Hold'em, Omaha, and Seven-Card Stud). Many existing casinos and card clubs offer poker of various types wherein up to ten players play at a common table with a dealer. The dealer is responsible for dealing cards, enforcing rules, calculating bets (less a portion to the house), and distributing payouts. Unlike other casino-based games (such as blackjack, roulette, or craps) where the house can win the whole wager, in poker, the aggregated bets are fully redistributed to the players at the table (less a small house “rake”). Because of the high labor costs associated with operating a poker table, and the modest rake, casinos typically do not allocate major amounts of floor space to live-dealer poker, notwithstanding its growing popularity in homes, private clubs and online.
There is a need for an automated poker table for use in commercial casinos, tribal casinos and card rooms by fully automating the games, which (i) lowers labor costs, (ii) lowers security and oversight costs, (iii) allows for more games per hour to be played at each table, and (iv) attracts more patrons into the facility that would otherwise go elsewhere. Such a system would provide the patron with a credit-card style identity card which tracks account deposits, bets and winnings without significant human intervention. Once the card is inserted into table slot, the game can begin with others seated around the table. Just as in live-dealer poker, anyone may assume an unoccupied seat and join the game on the next round of cards; conversely, the system automatically senses empty seats and passes those seats on any given round.
There is a need for a professional style poker table with the same look and feel of live-dealer table. Such a table would have in front of each player seat, embedded in the green table felt, a flat touch-screen LCD (liquid crystal display), which allows users to monitor each persons bet, visible cards, and to discretely “turn over” blind cards for private viewing. The center of the table features a large LCD monitor showing the table cards and table bets. Every aspect of the game is meant to emulate a live-dealer poker experience, with equivalent decision information to players, including realistic cards and stacks of chips before each player. Also, just as in live-dealer games, players can later cash out their accounts into hard currency.
Throughout American history, poker has always been a popular social game, often seen as the main activity at the center of countless Western-genre films. In 2000, with the World Tour of Poker featuring table-embedded “hole-card” cameras, the game experienced an extraordinary surge in popularity, with amateur players like Chris Ferguson earning the $1.5 million grand prize in the World Series of Poker. Because of the growth in demand for poker in private homes, online and on television, customers increasingly expect to be able to play poker when they visit tribal casinos, commercial casinos, card rooms and cruise ships. However, there are a number of factors which have held back poker in these resort facilities. Most importantly, live-dealer poker is expensive to operate because of significant labor costs in (i) live dealers, (ii) selling, auditing, and redeeming chips of various denominations, (iii) security personnel and cameras to watch other employees, and to prevent dealer-player collusion. Labor costs are compounded by (iv) logistic problems in not knowing beforehand the level of requiring staffing demand at any particular time, resulting in either too many dealers (wasted labor costs), or not enough (upset customers due to crowded tables next to unattended ones). Finally, there are further (v) “soft” costs in the form of lost or broken chips and cards.
Players, too, suffer problems with live-dealer poker because (i) many new players are intimated by live-dealers; (ii) experienced players are often put off by inexperienced or indecisive players, thus slowing down the pace of the game; or (iii) the dealers or players make mistakes in counting, matching bets, or other game rules, which makes an unpleasant experience for other players. Added to this, (iv) players are expected to tip dealers from the winnings of each pot.
Accordingly, there is a need for, and what was heretofore unavailable, an improved automated poker table offering efficiencies of electronic systems for dealing cards and betting having increased profitability and decreased costs. The present invention satisfies these and other needs
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is directed to an automated poker table configured for live play. The automated poker table of the present invention provides for playing poker at a table with the same amount of player positions as a live game, except there will be no dealer, no chips and every player will have a touch screen. The center of the table will have a large screen for the community cards or “flop.” The automated poker table combines the social, face-to-face experience of live poker with the speed and efficiency of online play. This fully automated system allows for faster play without the need for dealers, cards, chips and additional staffing. In one embodiment of the present invention, there will be ten screens and seats at a table, just like a regular poker table. Other table configurations will follow that will allow placement for space sensitive environments. In addition, the cash handling systems and easy floor/tournament management of the automated poker table of the present invention will fit right into your current operations at a lower cost. An automated kiosk may be used for adding value or cashing out.
The automated poker table of the present invention may result in a significant increase of more hands per hour dealt in an electronic table compared with a live dealer. Thus, a casino using the automated poker tables would increase their rake and profitability for the same space as well as reduce expenses. All forms of poker will be available on the automated poker table in the cash formats, as well as the tournament formats. Tournaments in terms of multi table or single table satellites will greatly benefit from the efficiencies of an electronic poker table. Accordingly, casinos may easily run more tournaments with practically no employees, to player's delights. Traditional tournaments are very man-hour intensive, require coloring up chips, moving players, all which would be done automatically. Single table satellites for larger tournaments will be easy to run, compared to live play satellites that also require a live staff. An electronic table will combine the efficiencies of electronic poker and deliver the feel of live play into one.
The problems described herein with existing automated poker systems limit the viability of live-dealer poker in resorts worldwide, despite the underlying growth in popularity. The automated poker table of the present invention is specifically designed to change the cost-benefit profile for commercial casinos, tribal casinos and card clubs, thereby opening this popular game to gaming resorts worldwide.
For the commercial casino, tribal casino, card club or cruise ship, the automated poker table of the present invention provides a way to supply poker with considerably less operating expense, and increased revenue as compared to live-dealer poker:
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- Lower Labor Costs. Because the automated poker table of the present invention is fully automated, there is no to little labor required in hiring and supervising dealers, cashiers and security personnel; and there are no problems in having too many or too few tables in play due to mismatches in personnel vis-à-vis spot demand. The tables are designed to operate twenty-four hours a day without human intervention.
- Lower “Soft” Costs. Because the cards and chips are electronic, there are no consumables to get chipped or lost. Further, unlike slot machines that need to be frequently emptied of coins, the automated poker table of the present invention works with an electronic card system that requires no physical coinage. The automated poker table of the present invention is fully self-contained, self-servicing and self-operating.
- Increased Revenue ner Hour. In conventional poker, the dealer has to collect the cards, then shuffle and deal them after every hand. Management believes that with the automated poker table of the present invention, the dealing and shuffling are instant, there are no delays relating to counting chips (for a split pot), and the play is faster. Management believes that with the automated poker table of the present invention, it may not be uncommon for players to enjoy up to 50% more hands per hour, as common on online poker. The result is a more pleasant experience for the player and an increased rake for the house.
- Increased Money in Play. With live-dealer poker it is customary for the winner to tip the human dealer with approximately $2 in chips per hand from the pot. This custom tends to take money out of play, leaving less for the players and the house. Because tipping is not in issue with the automated poker table of the present invention, each winning pot is richer for the player, and the house benefits by having more money in play and therefore a bigger rake.
- Key-Player Marketing. In live-dealer poker, casinos often have no or little idea of the identity of its players, or any ability to track player patterns. With the automated poker table of the present invention, each player is electronically registered with his personalized automated poker table of the present invention Play card, allowing casinos to capture key information to help establish the hours, frequency and dollar amounts of each player. This data, in turn, may prove indispensable to casinos in developing highly targeted marketing campaigns with appropriate direct-mail advertising and to offer attractive promotional benefits to key players.
In addition to the above benefits to casinos, the individual player also benefits from the automated poker table of the present invention as compared to live-dealer poker:
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- Casino Availability, Most importantly, the automated poker table of the present invention allows poker to be made widely available in commercial casinos, tribal casinos, and cruise ships, when it was not economical to provide previously. Thus, enthusiasts that previously could play only at home or online can now find affordable and ubiquitous resort venues.
- Social Game. Management believes that the automated poker table of the present invention simplifies game mechanics, thereby allowing players to focus on strategy, social contact with fellow players, or to focus on his opponent's body language.
- Increased Up Time. Management believes that the automated poker table of the present invention will allow more hands per hour because of reduced setup time between each game, and automated rule enforcement. Increased up time translates to more games per hour for each player, and less time waiting for dealer setups, or for slow players to organize their bets.
- Reduced Errors. In conventional, other players and dealers can make errors contrary to the rules (knowingly or unknowingly) in placing bets, skipping turns or properly following the rules. In the automated poker table of the present invention, all plays, bets and card moves pass through the Company's computer system assuring that illegal plays cannot occur, and allowing players to focus on strategy.
- Reduced Collusion. In live-dealer poker it is possible for two or more players to secretly collude (for example, by passing private hand information amongst conspiring players) to the disadvantage of an unsuspecting player, and thereby unfairly cause that player to lose more hands than otherwise. Such collusion is difficult to detect because colluding players can simply fold their hands without anyone knowing the strength of their holding. However, with the automated poker table of the present invention, there is an historic record of all hands allowing bets to be analyzed to spot historic patterns of collusion, and thereby blocking certain players to play on the same table in future hands. To the extent that such collusion can be reduced, it is an advantage to rule-abiding players.
- Real-Time Game Information. The automated poker table of the present invention provides automated information that removes the guesswork from live-dealer poker in knowing the exact amount of each player's bet, each player's chip count, the size of the pot, and other parameters that allow each player to be better informed.
The automated poker table system of the present invention includes a table, a player subsystem and a dealer subsystem. The player subsystem includes a touch-screen display terminal for viewing cards dealt to a player, and provides for creating a transitional animation for displaying at least a portion of the face of each card. The player subsystem may be configured for displaying a transitional animation to allow a player to touch a plurality of areas on a card for exposing different portions of the face of the card. The player subsystem may be further configured with an identification terminal for accepting a device containing data related to a player, at least one pressure sensitive chair connected to the player subsystem, a microphone configured to a speech recognition system and reader for a player card associated with a user of the system.
The present invention includes a method for playing poker that includes providing an automated poker table having a plurality of player stations, a processing system for controlling the player stations and a virtual dealer screen, and a kiosk for dispensing a player card. The user or player first enters cash value and player data onto a player card at the kiosk, and then uses the player card at a player station at the table to initiate playing a game of poker at a player station while interfacing with the virtual dealer screen. The method of using an automated poker table configured with a processing system that interfaces with a plurality of player stations over the Internet and/or a virtual private network.
The automated poker table system of the present invention may be configured to interface with a kiosk system that includes a subsystem configured for a user to store a cash value onto an electronic player card. The kiosk may be configured for dispensing to the user the cash value stored on the electronic player card, and for displaying the cash value available on electronic player card. The kiosk may also be configured for entering and storing user information onto the player card, for displaying the user information stored on the electronic player card, and for altering the user information stored on the electronic player card. The kiosk may be further configured for entering a personal identification number and user name on the player card.
The CPU server of the present invention may power (control the gaming and other system functions) of the player tables and player stations remotely via a private virtual private network (VPN) or the Internet. This aspect of the present invention is not what was heretofore known as traditional “Internet Poker.” Instead, the system of the present invention may be configured to have automated poker tables with a plurality of player stations in multiple locations. The system of the present invention may further be configured to have a CPU server at each location. Furthermore, the system may be configured to have one server powering (controlling) many automated poker tables and player stations over the Internet, thus making the server more efficient.
Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the features of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The automated poker table of the present invention allows for live, face-to-face play of all types of poker games and limits without the need for live dealers, cards or chips. The speed and efficiency of online games are combined with the advantages of a live environment as players physically sit at a multi-person table and interact with those they're playing against. All aspects of the game play are automated—from dealing to winner payouts—so hands are played faster, downtime is reduced and players can focus on the game.
Turning now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like or corresponding elements in the drawings, and in particular
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A. The Player Station Units
As shown in
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The automated poker table does not require chips or cash. To start, players obtain a magnetic-striped player card and add value to it at a kiosk or through a wireless terminal (
1. Player Station Touch Screen
Each player station (
2. Player Station Tools
As shown in
When the player approaches the table, player card is inserted or swiped into the appropriate terminal or seat assigned to him/her by the casino personnel (floor man). The player will then be prompted to enter his pin (
During play of a game, the player will transfer funds from the player's account as table stakes. Player will then be dealt a hand. The automated poker table system will allow head-to-head multiplayer game to be played. Examples of games to be configured in the system of the present invention include, but are not limited to, Texas Hold'em, seven-card stud, Omaha and multiple variations of those games. The casino or other operator of the automated poker table of the present invention will be able to set the game as well as the betting limit (for example, 3/6 or no limit). All limits and games may be supported by the present system.
3. Viewing the Cards
As shown in
Referring to
4. Other Player Station Functions
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When the player selects the “Leave Table” feature, the automated poker table system logs the player off the table and returns the player's table stakes back into the player's account. When the player asks to get cashed out, a receipt will be printed with the total money he can be redeemed at the cashier cage. The player may then go back to the kiosk and enter or swipe the player's card and enter the player's pin. The player then selects the cash out option and will then be prompted to select either partial or full cash out. After the player selects the cash-out type and inputs the amount the kiosk will then dispense a voucher with the amount to be cashed out at the casino's Cage Cashier or other facility administrator.
Referring to
Beside the general game controls, the system of the present invention includes extra controls for no limit games have that go along with the game structure. For example, the player can make bet combinations by touching the chips (
B. Dealer Screens
As shown in
C. Components of the Automated Poker Table
1. Main Table CPU Server
The central processing unit (CPU) system server of the present invention is configured to control the player stations and maintain all gaming and other system data. Currently known and yet to be developed online style poker software or stand alone gaming software (for example, but not limited to, home computer and video game platforms such as SONY's PLAYSTATION, MICROSOFT's X-BOX and NINTENDO's GAMECUBE) may be modified and configured for use with the automated poker table of the present invention. The system server provides overall system control and runs the random number generator (RNG) system of the present invention. The system server also controls the automated poker table functions so as to deal cards, to control games, and to control all functions of the systems on each table and player station. The system server further controls the center community screen information (virtual dealer screen) and related functions. The CPU server is configured to handle (control) as many tables as are deployed in a specific location. The CPU server also controls and monitors all account information, including the kiosk and cashier cage information.
Powering Many Tables With One Server: The CPU server of the present invention may power (control the gaming and other system functions) of the player tables and player stations remotely via a private virtual private network (VPN) or the Internet. This aspect of the present invention is not what was heretofore known as traditional “Internet Poker.” Instead, the system of the present invention may be configured to have automated poker tables with a plurality of player stations in multiple locations. The system of the present invention may further be configured to have a CPU server at each location. Furthermore, the system may be configured to have one server powering (controlling) many automated poker tables and player stations over the Internet, thus making the server more efficient.
2. Wireless Network Router
The router will allow the tables to be networked, as well as tracked and maintained in reference to software. It will also allow for multi table tournaments within an establishment, or across multiple establishments. Industry required security and encryption technology will be used to provide the necessary security.
3. Games and Limits
The automated poker table will allow any poker or head-to-head multiplayer game to be played. The most popular games are Texas Hold'em, seven-card stud and Omaha. These games have multiple variations as well as other games. The casino operator will be able to set the game as well as the betting limit (3/6 or no limit etc.). All limits and games may be supported.
The game should not start until a minimum number of players are logged in. That minimum number should be a variable (X) determined and set by the casino administration or floor manager. For example, if the casino requires a minimum number of five players to start a game, then the game should be set so it wouldn't start until all five players are logged in. Further, some casinos will require all seats to be filled before game start. The system may be configured to allow a floor person to force start the game even if the minimum amount of players' condition is not met (for example, by using an override password). Accordingly, if the minimum amount of players required to start a game is set to eight players, then the floor person should be able to override that condition and start the game with five players. Upon the start of the game all players should be dealt one face up card in order to determine the button position. As a result, the player that receives the highest card may receive the button and the two seats to the left are the small and the big blinds. For example, if five players are available at the start of the game, then the game should deal each player a random face up card. Thus, if seat one gets a two of hearts, seat two gets an ace of hearts, seat three gets a king of spades, seat four gets an ace of spades and seat five gets a five of hearts, then the button should start on seat four because the ace of spades is the highest card, seat five is small blind and seat one is big blind.
4. Poker Tournaments
The tournament features of the automated poker table of the present invention will make poker tournaments greatly efficient, by allowing multiple tables to be networked and eliminating the large staff of people required to run them. Tournament formats will permit from one table satellite (sit and go) type formats to multi-table same location formats to large-scale simultaneous multi-table multi-location events. The tournament system would tell players to move tables, adjust the blind amounts as well as tournament chip leader, blind clock, players remaining and more.
5. Accessories
As shown in
6. Table Sizes
Different versions of tables will be produced. An eight to ten player standard table (
7. Automated Buy in Kiosk
As shown in
8. Point of Sale Function
As shown in
D. Table Management System
1. Open Seats
As shown in
2. Hand Replay
The administrator module should also allow the administrator to replay a hand and possibly reassign chips by nullifying a hand.
3. Game Selection
The administrator module will should also include a module to set the type of a game at a table (Texas Hold'em, Omaha etc.), as well as the limits. Rake amounts will be set at the highest level of security in the administrative module.
4. Player Removal
The administrator module will allow the floor man to remove a player electronically form the game
5. Single Table Tournaments (Satellites/Sit and Go's)
The administrator should also be able to determine the way the prizes will be split (winner take all, pay 1st and 2nd, pay 1st, 2nd and 3rd, as well as percentages that go to each player/winner. The administrator should also automatically or manually allow a partially filled up satellite to start, even if two or three seats may not be filled. The administrator should also be able to “speed up” the blinds in the middle of a game or even manually increase them if there are time constraints. A time constraint would be that the main tournament is starting and they need for the satellite to finish so the winner can go play the main tournament. The administrator module should allow to be set the fees for the tournaments
6. Maintenance
The administrator or authorized service personnel (locally or remote) should be able to stop play or indicate to the table there will be XX amount of more hands and then “the table will be shut down for XX amount of minutes.” This in the case the table needs to be serviced locally or remotely.
7. Rebooting the Table, Game and Database Servers
An option on the administrator module may be provided to rebooting the table, game and database servers as is necessary.
8. Wireless Chip Runner Terminal
As sown in
9. Voice Over Feature
A dealer sound may play when certain events occur, for example, but not limited to, (1) when a player is all in saying “ALL IN”; (2) when a players splits a pot saying “SPLIT POT”; (3) when a player wins a pot saying “WINNER”; and (4) during a tournament when blinds increase saying “ROUND UP, BLINDS INCREASE”.
10. Jackpot Functionality
The automated poker table system of the present invention may also provide a casino or other user the ability to set the hand level threshold that needs to be beat, by what other hand threshold. For example, some casinos have Aces full, but must be beat by a four of a kind and, always both hole cards have to play on both players. Accordingly, the settings of the administration module of the present system should allow the casino to set the following: (1) set minimum players at the table for a jackpot; (2) set the lowest level hand that needs to be beat; (3) set the lowest level hand that must beat the lowest jackpot qualifying hand (for example, provide the function to pay on any Aces full, but must be beat by four of a kind and not another higher Aces full); and (4) set an economic (for example, dollar) amount per hand to be raked for the jackpot.
E. Administration System
1. Overview
The administration system is a .NET-based website that allows the system administrator to manage the automated poker table system. The administration system lets the system admin configure the system on the server, and to operate the different game processes.
2. Login
Referring now to
3. Main Menu
As shown in
The GROUPS menu provides administrator with information about physical tables or groups of tables. As shown in
If administrator wishes to change details of the existing group, the administrator may click on it within the list of table groups. Information about this group will appear above the list of table groups. The administrator can change the desired details and click on the SAVE button to save any changes.
As shown in
After the hardware fields are filled in, administrator should click the SAVE button to save new hardware. Clicking on some hardware ID within the list (
Referring to
To send message to a certain hardware the administrator may: (1) Select the table hardware is located at from the drop-down list; (2) Select hardware the message will be sent to from the list of available hardware names; (3) Enter text of the message within MESSAGE TO SEND field; (4) Click on the SEND MESSAGE button.
4. Game Menu
The GAME menu provides information about the game processes (poker tables) and tournaments that run within the system. Bots information is also included to this menu. The Game menu includes four different drop-down menu items: TABLES, MINI-TOURNEYS, RAKE TEMPLATES, and Game HISTORY.
As shown in
The admin should then fill in the fields concerning creation of a new table: (1) GAME NAME—enter in the new table name; (2) TABLE GROUP—select the group the new table will be assigned to from the list of existing groups; (3) ACTIVATED TIME—time a new table is created will be displayed within this field (current time of a table creation) and the Administrator can change this field; (4) STATUS—from the drop-down list, select the status for the table (enable, disable, pending, approved or paused); (5) GAME STAKE TYPE—the list of this drop-down combo box contains types of stakes for using at the crated table (fixed limit, pot limit or no limit); (6) LOWER STAKES LIMIT—the field contains lower limit of the stakes; (7) MINIMUM TABLE AMOUNT—this is the minimal money amount user should have for playing at the table; (8) MAXIMUM TABLE AMOUNT—this is the maximum money amount user should have for playing at the table; (9) CHAIRS COUNT—enter the number of chairs (seats) for the table.
The system may be configured such that when the administrator clicks on the SAVE button, the administration system will save the changes and create a new table within the processes list. Clicking the BACK button will return the admin to GAME TABLES menu page. The administrator can delete game table(s) by selecting of them and further clicking on DELETE button. The administrator also can do the following actions by selecting the needed table(s) from the list and clicking on the respective button: (1) FORCE START—this will start the game at the selected table(s) before number of players who are sitting at the table(s) amount to the required number of players for game starting, wherein anode administrator can use the ability to force start to avoid too waiting; (2) PAUSE GAME—this will pause game at the selected table(s); (3) RESUME GAME—this will resume game at the selected table(s) after it was paused; (4) RESTORE GAME—this will restore game after forced game failing, and restoration of the game will start when all players involved in failed game take their seats; (5) UNDO HAND—this will undo the last hand for the selected table(s) to make able its replaying; (6) DISABLE GAME—this will disable game at the selected table(s); (7) ENABLE GAME—this will enable game at the selected table(s). As shown in
The administrator can change some fields within table details and save any changes made by clicking on the SAVE button. The administrator may obtain additional abilities for table administration through the TABLE DETAILS page, for example, setting of rake rules of the table. Once the RAKE RULES button is clicked, the RAKE RULES of TABLE page (
As shown in
When viewing of existing mini-tourneys, the administrator may set blinds for mini-tourney by: clicking the BLINDS button located below the mini-tourney information; select the needed template from the list of blind templates; and clicking on the SET BLIND button.
Referring to
The details of the rake rules include: (1) NAME—this is a name of rake rules template to be created, wherein this name will be displayed in the list of rake rules templates when assigning to a table; (2) STATUS—this is a status of a new rake rules template, wherein the administrator should select the status from drop-down list, and wherein the status of a new rake rules template can be the following: ENABLE, DISABLE, APPROVED, PENDING or PAUSED, such that it does not influence on availability of the rake template; (3) RAKE TYPE—this is the rake type defining the way of rake gathering, wherein there are two rake types for Poker Automation: percent (a specified percent of a total pot goes to the rake) or absolute amount (some absolute fixed amount that conforms to the rules of template goes to the rake); (4) RAKE CATEGORY—different rake categories such as house rake) may be used; (5) NUMBER of PLAYERS TO QUALIFY FOR RAKE STAR—this is the minimal number of players who must play at the table to qualify for rake start; wherein a rake cannot start until number of players is less than value of this field.
Additional details of the rake rules include: (6) NUMBER OF PLAYERS MUST BE INVOLVED IN HAND AFTER FLOP TO QUALIFY THE RAKE—this is the minimal number of players who must be involved in hand after flop to qualify for the rake, wherein if the number of players involved in a hand after flop is less than value of this field, the rake isn't qualified, wherein if real values of NUMBER OF PLAYERS TO QUALIFY FOR RAKE START and/or NUMBER OF PLAYERS WHO MUST BE INVOLVED IN HAND AFTER FLOP TO QUALIFY THE RAKE exceed the respective values defined by the sys admin, the rake isn't qualified; (7) % of TOTAL POT THAT GOES TO RAKE—this field have effect on rake only if rake type is percent. It defines percent of total pot that goes to rake after game finishing, wherein in spite of value of % of total pot that goes to rake field, real amount that goes to rake is limited by the next two values (A DOLLAR VALUE OF MAXIMUM RAKE AMOUNT and A DOLLAR VALUE OF MINIMUM RAKE AMOUNT), and if percent of total pot going to the rake is less than A DOLLAR VALUE OF MINIMUM RAKE AMOUNT, then the rake is not qualified, and wherein if it exceeds A DOLLAR VALUE OF MAXIMUM RAKE AMOUNT maximum permitted dollar value goes to the rake; (8) A DOLLAR VALUE OF MAXIMUM RAKE AMOUNT—this is maximum amount of dollars that goes to the rake; (9) A DOLLAR VALUE OF MINIMUM RAKE AMOUNT—this is minimum amount of dollars that goes to the rake.
The final details of the rake rules include: (10) RAKE AMOUNT—this field have effect on rake only if rake type is absolute amount, wherein it contains fixed dollar value gathered from a part of total pot (this part is defined in RARE THRESHOLD) to be gone to the rake, wherein the real rake amount that goes to the rake is limited by previous two values (A DOLLAR VALUE OF MAXIMUM RAKE AMOUNT and A DOLLAR VALUE OF MINIMUM RAKE amount) wherein if the real rake amount is less than A DOLLAR VALUE OF MINIMUM RAKE AMOUNT, then the rake is not qualified, and if it exceeds A DOLLAR VALUE OF MAXIMUM RAKE amount, then a maximum permitted dollar value goes to the rake; (11) RAKE THRESHOLD—this field contains value that defines threshold of a rake, wherein when rake calculating, total pot is divided into a few parts, such that the dollar value of every part is equal to value of RAKE THRESHOLD field; thus the quantity of RAKE AMOUNTS that will form the rake is aliquot of quotient of division total pot amount by rake threshold.
Once game rake rules details are specified, the administrator can save a created rake template. The details are also available thought editing of existing rake template. The administration system may be configured so that the administrator may delete some rake templates from the list.
As shown in
5. Accounts Menu
Referring now to FIGS. 63 to 65, The ACCOUNTS menu contains information about the players (users). It includes two menu items: USERS and NAMES OF USERS. The USERS menu item lets the admin manage the user (player) list. The LIST OF USERS also contains scrolled info at the bottom of the list. The administrator can add a user or view/edit the existing user data within this menu (
The administrator may then fill in the proposed fields: (1) ALTER ID—this is identification number of a user that is assigned to the player in the casino; (2) PIN—this is personal identification number of a user that is given to every user when buying the casino card; (3) LOGIN—this is user login name; (4) STATUS—this is the user status (enable, disable, approved or pending). After each field is filled in, the administrator can save the new user in the system by clicking the SAVE button. Clicking the BACK button will return the system administrator to the previous page. The administrator can edit information about the existing user by clicking on the player's ID from within the user list. Details of the selected user will be displayed above the user list allowing changing user info. The system administrator may delete a user or a group of users from the list by checking the boxes opposite of user(s) to be deleted and clicking on the DELETE button.
As shown in
6. REPORTS MENU
Referring now to
As shown in
Further clicking on CREATE REPORT button will create the report. Report information will be displayed at the table below report creation form. This information is: (1) The TOTAL HANDS PLAYED—this is the total number of hands played within defined time period; (2) NUMBER OF HOURS OF OPERATION—this is time spent for the games played (in hours); (3) TOTAL DOLLARS BET—this is the total number of dollars bet which was made during a certain time period; (4) TOTAL RAKE EMBED—this is total rake earned during a certain time period; (5) AVERAGE NUMBER OF HANDS PLAYED PER HOUR—this is the average number of hands played per hour, wherein the number is calculated on the base of information for time period defined by the administrator; (6) AVERAGE DOLLAR CONTRIBUTION PER PLAYER—this is average amount in dollars which was contributed by a player during a certain time period; (7) AVERAGE NUMBER OF PLAYERS WHO SEE FLOP —this is average number of players who were involved in a flop; (8) AVERAGE NUMBER OF PLAYERS WHO SEE TURN—this is average number of players who were involved in a turn; (9) AVERAGE NUMBER OF PLAYERS WHO SEE RIVER—this is average number of players who were involved in a river.
7. Miscellaneous Menu
Referring now to
Clicking on the OPTIONS menu will display the Options page. This page includes options which can be edited by the system administrator. Options include: ADMIN EMAIL OPTION (Email address of the system administrator); SUPPORT EMAIL OPTION (Email address of a user who makes support); and SMPT SERVER OPTIONS, including (1) URL—this is SMTP server URL; (2) PORT—this is SMTP server port (3) USER—this is the name of SMTP server user; (4) PASSWORD—this is the password of SMTP server user.
The OPTIONS page further allows selection of GAME PROCESS OPTIONS, WHICH INCLUDES (1) ALL-IN COUNT PER DAY—this is the number of all-ins permitted in a twenty-four-hour period, with a count of all-ins per day, wherein this option is intended to help prevent cheating by players; (2) TIMEOUT OF GAMERS ACTIVITY—gamer will be kicked off if the player has no activity during this timeout; (3) LOGGING ALLOWED—this option allows controlling of users logging to all services of the system; (4) MAXIMUM NUMBER of LOG FILES—this is the maximum number of log files that can be stored without zipping; (5) CLEAR OLD LOG FILES ON SERVICE START UP—this field contains true if administrator allows clearing of old log files on every service start up and false if the administrator does not; (6) SAVE TO ZIP OLD LOG FILES—the field contains true if old log files will be saved to zip at every service finish and false if they will not; (7) DO NOT UP STAKES FOR NO LIMIT GAMES—value of this field defines if stakes can be up for no limit games or not; (8) SHOW AVATARS—defines if avatars will be showed in a game or not; (9) PIN TIME OUT (sec)—this is time restriction for PIN entering by a player in seconds; (10) MESSAGE TIME OUT (sec)—this is timeout between PABA and PASA communications; (11) PLAYER ENTER TIMEOUT (sec)—this is time limitation for player's sitting down at the table after his card was swiped. the administrator can edit the options through this page, and clicking the SAVE button will save the changes made by the administrator.
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When working with BLIND DEFAULTS, the administrator may first select blind group from the list (
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The administration system of the present invention can run “beat” jackpots, where they will award ajackpot to a player who loses with a very strong hand. For example, if player is holding a full house, Aces full of Tens, but he lose to four-of-a-kind Eights, the player may win a cash prize from the Casino. To give this flexibility to operators of the automated poker table of the present invention, the ability to pause the game at a certain table if a particular hand rank loses to another may be configured in the system. Pausing the game gives the floor person in charge time to review the hand, and note all the relevant information so any jackpot can be awarded.
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To include a new combination in the list the system administrator may: enter the name of a new beat combination within the cell containing [new row] record; select values of cards for each of five positions; wherein these values represent the minimum rank of a hand necessary to qualify in the case that card value is not algoristic; if all cards of combination should be of the same suit, the administrator should check the SUIT box; within the ORDER field, it is necessary to enter order of the beat, wherein the card combination with larger order number will beat minor card.; and click on the provided button to save a new beat card combination. To edit the existing beat card combination, admin should make changes and save them. Deletion of card combination(s) from the list can be accomplished by selecting of them from the list and further clicking the DELETE button.
Referring lastly to
To add a new beat jackpot, the system administrator may also: select the minimum rank of the hand by the losing player to qualify the jackpot from the LOSING HAND RANK list; select the minimum rank of the hand held by the winning player to qualify the jackpot from the WINNING HAND RANK list, wherein the “Losing” hand rank must be a lower rank than the “Winning” hand rank; click on the provided button to save the selected hand ranks ; and click on the provided button to save beat jackpot template. The system administrator may also possible to edit/delete the existing beat jackpots
8. LOGOUT MENU
The LOGOUT menu lets the system administrator finish their current session and logout from the administration system of the present invention.
While particular forms of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made without departing from the inventive concept. References to use of the invention with a particular automated poker table and poker game are by way of example only, and the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited except by the appended claims. I claim:
Claims
1. A system for playing poker, comprising:
- a table;
- a player subsystem; and
- a dealer subsystem.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the player subsystem includes a touch-screen display terminal for viewing cards dealt to a player, and includes means for creating a transitional animation for displaying at least a portion of the face of each card.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the means for displaying a transitional animation includes means for touching a plurality of areas on a card for exposing different portions of the face of the card.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the player subsystem includes:
- an identification terminal for accepting a device containing data related to a player;
- at least one pressure sensitive chair connected to the player subsystem;
- a microphone configured to a speech recognition system; and
- a bar code reader.
5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a debit and credit subsystem having a kiosk for accepting cash and transferring it to an account associated with the player.
6. The system of claim 1, further including a processing system that interfaces with a plurality of player stations over the Internet.
7. The system of claim 1, further including a processing system that interfaces with a plurality of player stations over a virtual private network.
8. The system of claim 1, further including a processing system that provides for a user of the player system to temporarily suspend an interface with the dealer subsystem.
9. The system of claim 1, further comprising an administrator module having a device for interfacing with an administrator of the system.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the administrator module is configured to control functions of the player subsystem.
11. The system of claim 9, wherein the administrator module is configured to provide an administrator data related to a plurality player stations associated with the player subsystem.
12. The system of claim 9, wherein the administrator module is configured to provide an administrator the ability to initiate mini-tournament play.
13. The system of claim 9, wherein the administrator module is configured with a reporting function.
14. The system of claim 5, further comprising a central processing subsystem for interfacing with the player subsystem, the dealer subsystem, a kiosk, an administrator module and a point of sale subsystem.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the administrator module is configured to provide accounting data from an accounting database.
16. A method for playing poker; comprising:
- (a) providing, a table having a plurality of player stations, a processing system for controlling the player stations and a virtual dealer screen; a kiosk for dispensing a player card;
- (b) entering cash value and player data onto a player card at the kiosk;
- (c) using the player card at a player station at the table;
- (d) playing a game of poker at a player station while interfacing with the virtual dealer screen.
17. The method of claim 16, further including providing a processing system that interfaces with a plurality of a player the Internet.
18. The method of claim 16, further including providing a processing system that interfaces with a plurality of player stations over a virtual private network.
19. A kiosk, comprising:
- means for a user to store a cash value onto an electronic player card;
- means for dispensing to the user the cash value stored on the electronic player card;
- means for displaying the cash value available on electronic player card
- means for entering and storing user information onto the player card;
- means for displaying the user information stored on the electronic player card; and
- means for altering the user information stored on the electronic player card.
20. The method of claim 19, further including means for entering a personal identification number and user name on the player card.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 13, 2007
Publication Date: Jan 31, 2008
Inventor: Rafael Groswirt (La Verne, CA)
Application Number: 11/717,900
International Classification: A63F 1/00 (20060101); A63F 9/24 (20060101);
