Card- Or Tile-type (e.g., Bridge, Dominoes, Etc.) Patents (Class 463/11)
  • Publication number: 20090051114
    Abstract: A series of trading cards for playing a game comprising a first trading card for a first character comprising a first unique identifier and a first variable rule of play. The series of trading cards also comprises a second trading card for a second character comprising a second unique identifier and a second variable rule of play, wherein the first character is the same as the second character and wherein the second variable rule of play is different than the first variable rule of play.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: TC Digital Games, LLC
    Inventors: Rob Robbers, Bryan Gannon, John T. Milito, J. Jeffrey Filzenger, J. Player Harrill
  • Publication number: 20090045575
    Abstract: The invention relates to a poker game method and device. According to two different game rules, the poker game method can come to two diverse results for every game between each player and the dealer. And, a variety of odds is established in accordance with conditions that may happen to a hand. With diverse game rules and regulations in the poker game method, a great deal of fun is created. And, with the poker game device, the poker game can always go smoothly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Shun-Tsung HSU, Ying-Nan Lai
  • Publication number: 20090023486
    Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a mahjong game which determines winning or losing in a short time. The mahjong game machine according to the present invention has a display to show a plurality of mahjong tiles, the plurality of mahjong tiles shown on the display may be arbitrarily selected, the selected mahjong tiles are exchanged to complete a meld, and a plurality of mahjong tiles may be exchanged in one turn. Also, the mahjong game machine according to the present invention has a display to show a plurality of mahjong tiles. In the mahjong game machine, mahjong tiles may be arbitrarily selected from the plurality of mahjong tiles displayed on the display screen, the selected mahjong tiles are exchanged to complete a meld, and the display is a widescreen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Daisuke Nakamura, Yuji Taniguchi, Kenji Nagata
  • Publication number: 20090023487
    Abstract: A game employing user-modifiable game components, such as cards in a collectable card game, employs various features to provide user-modifiability, including sleeves, transparent cards, stickers, and other elements. Electronic versions of the game and various other features are included, including tracking of history associated with such components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Frank Gilson, Cormac Russell, Paul Sottosanti, Randy Buehler, Ramon Arjona, Karl R. Gutschera, Brandon A. Bozzi, Aaron J. Forsythe
  • Patent number: 7476542
    Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a method is provided that comprises determining a first strategy for play of a game and a second strategy for play of the game, selecting at least one final outcome of the game that cannot result from the first strategy, and increasing a payout ratio associated with the selected at least one final outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Magdalena M. Fincham, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • Patent number: 7472908
    Abstract: A playing card wagering game which involves each player placing an ante bet. Cards are dealt, one face down to the player and one face down to the dealer. After looking at his card, each player makes two additional wagers. The dealer will then turn over his card. Each player then withdraws one of his wagers, leaving the ante bet and one wager. The dealer then draws three additional cards face up. The four dealer cards are added up with the player card to determine a winning number for each player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Inventor: Stephen M. Harris
  • Publication number: 20080303215
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method of playing a modified baccarat card game involving a dealer and a banker, who may be the same person or may be one or more computing devices, and at least one player. At least one player may make a wager on PLAYER, BANKER, or TIE. Two cards may be dealt to each of a PLAYER hand and a BANKER hand, one of the BANKER cards being dealt face down. The PLAYER hand may or may not receive a third card depending on the value of the modulo 10 sum of the first two cards dealt to the PLAYER hand and, in some circumstances, elections by each player individually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Ron M. Sarabi
  • Patent number: 7462102
    Abstract: A method 400 for conducting a gaming business which is based upon a new and novel gaming methodology 66 which requires an initial bonus round of play and a later blackjack round of play. The business methodology dramatically reduces required initial capital expenditures and dramatically increases profits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventors: Todd Michael Mendola, Michael Edward Chevalier
  • Publication number: 20080300034
    Abstract: An automatic multiple player gaming machine includes a central game processor and multiple player terminals wherein each player terminal includes a player input and a player display. The gaming machine also includes a common game display and a game program residing in the processor, wherein the game program executes an interactive multiple player game. The processor further displays individual hands of cards on each player display wherein each hand of cards is randomly selected from its own set of cards. The operation of such a machine may be effected in a computer-based method as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Daymon B. Savage, Roger M. Snow
  • Publication number: 20080293471
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and system for providing card game services. The method includes entering a virtually implemented game room to play a card game provided over the Internet, participating in the card game according to predetermined rules of the card game, setting a betting action depending on a situation of the card game in advance during the card game, and playing the game by automatically entering the set betting action on a relevant turn. The system includes at least one user terminal for playing a card game over an Internet, and a game provision server for implementing a virtual game room, enabling a betting action to be selected during the game through input from the user terminal, and automatically taking the selected betting action on a relevant turn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: NHN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ki Yong Kim, Tae Jong Lee
  • Publication number: 20080274780
    Abstract: A card game program is executed in a computer device for playing a game using a plurality of cards. The identification information of each card is used to generate a combination of the cards for a game player. The combination of the cards is changed in response to an instruction of the game player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akitoshi Yamada, Hirokazu Uchio, Kenji Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20080268931
    Abstract: In various embodiments, motion is used to control games played on a mobile gaming device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Dean P. Alderucci, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • Publication number: 20080268932
    Abstract: A gaming machine includes a display device, a plurality of input devices, and a controller. Each input device that is made of transparent material allows an image of a card displayed on the screen of the display device to be externally observable. The plurality of input devices is configured to output independently of one another data related to a position in a coordinate system. The controller is configured to: (a) start a card game; (b) cause the display device to display a plurality of images of cards at specified positions in the coordinate system on a screen; and (c) cause the display device to display an image of a card corresponding to each of the plurality of input devices in a specified manner in response to reception of a signal indicating data related to a position in the coordinate system from each of the plurality of input devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Aruze Corp.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Nagano
  • Patent number: 7435171
    Abstract: A network card game in which a user purchases actual trading cards from a game planning company via a store or cellular phone agency. The user can transfer ownership of the card in a virtual card game space established by a service provider, separately from the actual trading cards. The card transfer In the virtual card game space enables the release of damaged cards which were damaged in a network card game, in addition to granting a point to a transfer source person. When the card is transferred to a friend, for example, and returned from the friend immediately after the transfer, the state of the damaged card returns to the normal state, and It becomes possible to use the card in a game soon. If logs of the transfer process are held, they can be used for various marketing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Motohiro Hanafusa
  • Patent number: 7431297
    Abstract: A card game apparatus includes a large-size panel display, a main control unit that controls screens on the large-size panel display, and a plurality of terminal apparatuses that are communicably connected to the main control unit. A game player purchases an integrated circuit card and, for example, eleven player cards on each of which, a soccer player's photograph is printed. When the game player arranges the player cards on a player card arrangement panel of one of the terminal apparatuses, card data recorded on the back of the player card will be read by an internal image sensor. Then, a team is organized by the player cards, and a game starts. The game player can direct a player's position and formation by changing placement of the player card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Sega Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Kaji, Toshikazu Yoshida, Hidenori Shiba, Takao Yamauchi, Fumihiro Kato, Junichi Tsuchiya, Yoshitaka Maeyama, Jinichiro Okuda, Mitsuhiko Kakita
  • Publication number: 20080234024
    Abstract: The invention provides an electronic playing card comprising electronic paper that displays a playing card. Two or more of such electronic playing cards can comprise an electronic playing card deck. The invention further provides an electronic playing card shuffler for electronically shuffling an electronic playing card deck by way of a wired or wireless signal, or alternatively, by way of an electronic paper printer adapted to shuffle the electronic playing card deck. The invention additionally provides an apparatus for playing a card game with an electronic playing card deck in order to improve card game efficiency while maintaining a tactile experience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Andrew P. Connors, Marc A. Rossi
  • Publication number: 20080234025
    Abstract: A gaming machine is configured of: stations each for individually carrying out a card game; a display visible to players each playing the card game in one of the stations; and a control device configured to control progress of game situation and the like played in the entire system. Each of the stations samples a predetermined number of cards from multiple cards having their own attributes different from one to another. The last stages of the card games played in the stations are shared and carried out as a shared game on the display. A card sampled in the shared game is added to the cards sampled in each station. Whether each player wins or loses is determined on the basis of whether the rank of the player's hand formed as an outcome of the addition is higher or lower. An award is provided to the player on the basis of the hand rank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: Aruze Corp.
    Inventor: Kazumasa YOSHIZAWA
  • Publication number: 20080227512
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes generating a plurality of playing cards, each playing card having a unique identifying code and one or more attributes; distributing the plurality of playing cards to a plurality of players, each player receiving at least one playing card; receiving electronic information relating to a playing card's unique identifying code from one or more of the players; and maintaining an online data registry relating to each trading card for which electronic information has been received. Maintaining the data registry may include tracking the one or more attributes (e.g., monetary value, strategic value, current owner) associated with each playing card. The data registry may be updated by modifying one or more attributes associated with a playing card in response to receiving information indicating a change in status of the card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: James Lang
  • Publication number: 20080227511
    Abstract: Two card decks A and B are allocated to and shared by a dealer and each of “main players 1 to 5”. Two cards to be dealt respectively to the dealer and each of the main players are determined from the two card decks A and B. On the other hand, two card decks C and D are allocated to “sub player 3”. Two cards to be dealt to the sub player are determined from the two card decks C and D. In the determination, the same cards which dealt to the dealer are excluded from the two card decks C and D. Similarly, with respect to “sub player 5”, two cards to be dealt to the sub player are determined from two card decks E and F. Further, with respect to “sub player 8”, two cards to be dealt to the sub player are determined from two card decks G and H.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: Aruze Corp.
    Inventor: Junpei SATO
  • Patent number: 7425175
    Abstract: A game apparatus includes a CPU core. The CPU core firstly displays a field defined by a first side and a second side and shows a fixed block in the field. Then, the CPU core executes a player game process using the fixed block in response to a player's input operation, and displaces the fixed block in a direction of moving from the first side toward the second side based on result of the execution. The CPU core also executes an opponent game process and displaces the fixed block in a direction of moving from the second side toward the first side based on result of the execution. In addition, the CPU core determines whether the fixed block has reached the first section or not, and if result of the determination is affirmative, it executes a player defeat process. Moreover, the CPU core determines whether the fixed block has reached the second section or not, and if result of the determination is affirmative, it executes a player victory process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takao Nakano, Kazuki Yoshihara
  • Publication number: 20080220835
    Abstract: A playing method of a card game according to the present invention comprises the steps of: (a) dealing a predetermined number of cards to a player as player's cards and dealing a predetermined number of cards to a banker as banker's cards; (b) placing a side BET different from a normal BET; (c) determining whether or not the banker should fold; (d) determining a result of a game by comparing a hand of the player's cards with a hand of the banker's cards, when determining that the banker should not fold in the step (c); (e) determining whether or not the banker should fold following a rule different from a rule in the step (c), on condition that the side BET is placed, when determining that the banker should fold in the step (c); and (f) determining the result of the game by comparing the hand of the player's cards with the hand of the banker's cards, when determining the banker should not fold in the step (e).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Kazuo OKADA
  • Publication number: 20080214255
    Abstract: A video poker gaming device, a method of operating a gaming device and a method of playing a poker game including a plurality of cards displayed to a player where the cards are drawn from a deck of fifty-two cards including at least one modifier card. The gaming device deals a first draw of the cards to form a player's hand. Any multiplier cards in the player's hand are replaced by a non-multiplier card. The gaming device enables the player to hold any of the cards in the hand and then determines if any winning card combinations are indicated by the non-multiplier cards in the hand. An award associated with any indicated winning card combinations is provided to the player. The award is multiplied by the multipliers associated with any multiplier cards in the player's hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Eugene P. Jarvis, Andrew W. Eloff
  • Publication number: 20080197571
    Abstract: A playing method of a card game according to the present invention comprises the steps of: (a) dealing a predetermined number of cards to a player as player's cards and dealing a predetermined number of cards to a banker as banker's cards; (b) placing a side BET different from a normal BET; (c) dividing the predetermined number of the player's cards and the predetermined number of the banker's cards into two sets of cards respectively; (d) determining winning or losing of a game by comparing hands of the player's cards divided into two sets and hands of the banker's cards divided into two sets; (e) selecting cards out of the predetermined number of the player's cards, when determining the game is tied in the step (d) and the side BET is placed in the step (b); and (f) determining winning or losing of the game by comparing the hand of the player's cards selected in the step (e) with the hand of the same number of the banker's cards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Publication number: 20080200227
    Abstract: A playing method of a card game according to the present invention comprises the steps of: (a) dealing a predetermined number of cards to a player as player's cards and dealing a predetermined number of cards to a banker as banker's cards; (b) placing a side BET different from a normal BET; (c) cumulatively accumulating a predetermined ratio of a side-BET currency value; (d) dividing the predetermined number of the player's cards and the predetermined number of the banker's cards into two sets of cards respectively; (e) determining winning or losing of a game by comparing hands of the player's cards divided into two sets and hands of the banker's cards divided into two sets; (f) selecting cards out of the predetermined number of the player's cards, when determining the game is tied in the step (e) and the side BET is placed in the step (b); (g) determining winning or losing of the game by comparing the hand of the player's cards selected in the step (f) with the hand of the same number of the banker's cards;
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Patent number: 7413508
    Abstract: A gaming device and method having a selection award revealing bonus game, where during the primary game the player is awarded indicators. The gaming device reveals the values associated with selections in the bonus game, and the bonus game is initiated upon the player accumulating a predetermined combination of indicators. The player is allowed to pick the selections which the associated values have been previously revealed to the player and the gaming device provides awards associated with the picked selections to the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Dwayne Nelson, David Haag
  • Publication number: 20080194308
    Abstract: A system and method for playing a card game includes dealing first and second hands. The first hand of cards is dealt all face up from at least one deck of cards. The second hand of cards is also dealt all face up from the at least one deck of cards. Each of the cards of the second hand corresponds to a card of the first hand forming a plurality of corresponding pairs of cards. The system and method can provide a player with at least one strategy for selection. The at least one strategy for selection can include a winning hand selection, a pair selection, a two-pair selection, a straight draw selection, a flush draw selection, a straight flush draw selection, a royal flush draw selection, a best choice selection, a prospect choice selection, and/or a player choice selection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Sal Falciglia
  • Publication number: 20080188278
    Abstract: A gaming device which includes a plurality of sets of interactive player-selectable symbols which are sequentially offered to a player during a game played upon the gaming device. The player may select one or more of the player-selectable symbols to be added to one or more sets of symbols which were initially provided to the player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Craig A. Paulsen, Binh T. Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20080182636
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a card stack reader, a card thereof, a card case, a method for manufacturing the card, a game machine using the same, and a computer-readable storage medium on which a game program is recorded. The card stack reader comprises an imaging unit which reads an image from a peripheral side portion of a stack of cards, each card having a read code along a peripheral side edge thereof, the read code identifying the card, and a code recognizing unit which recognizes the read code of each card from the image read by the imaging unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Toshikazu Yoshida, Hidenori Shiba, Toshiyuki Kaji, Takao Yamauchi, Fumihiro Kato, Akira Nishino, Toru Ohara, Takaharu Terada
  • Publication number: 20080182635
    Abstract: Generation of video game photominoes is provided by constructing polyomino game pieces from the salient parts of digital photographic images. Further, generation of jigsaw puzzle photominoes is provided by constructing polyomino puzzle pieces from the salient parts of digital photographic images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Patrick Chiu
  • Publication number: 20080176613
    Abstract: A gaming environment, in which a player may set the betted amount to the card game played by the other players so as to provide a brand new and interesting gaming system and a card gaming method, is described. Especially a gaming environment, in which a player may select the betted amount through the three kinds of betting buttons 75, and determine his/her betted amount to the game executed in the other terminal at which the player does not seat by touching each tip display area 73, wherein each tip display area 73 is displayed on each corresponding terminal display area 301, wherein each terminal display area 301 is displayed on the betting screen 70 which is used to make a bet for the other terminal by the player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: ARUZE CORP.
    Inventor: Kazumasa YOSHIZAWA
  • Publication number: 20080176614
    Abstract: A gaming environment, in which a game is executed by adding the condition in which additional payout is provided to the hand of the cards to provide a brand new and interesting gaming system, gaming machine and a card gaming method, is described. Especially a gaming environment, in which a game is executed by setting two cards as specific cards from a plurality of cards consisting a card deck, when one specific card is distributed as the dealer's card and the other specific card is distributed as the player's card by the dealer, under the condition that the player having the other specific card distributed as the player's card wins the game, the award provided to the winning player is increased, is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: ARUZE CORP.
    Inventor: Kazumasa YOSHIZAWA
  • Publication number: 20080167103
    Abstract: A gaming apparatus includes: a first memory that stores dealer images of a plurality of dealer characters; a display device that displays the dealer image of one of the dealer characters; a betting unit that receives a bet operation input by a player; a second memory that stores a total amount of game media that are provided to the player as awards in accordance with results of a plurality of rounds of a game that are performed based on the bet operation; and a controller that determines whether the total amount has reached a predetermined amount and controls the display device to change the dealer image of the displayed dealer character to another dealer character when determined that the total amount has reached the predetermined amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Publication number: 20080167102
    Abstract: A multi-player solitaire or multi-player video game that generates tags for digital images. A tabletop or computer screen video game provides an enjoyable way for collocated players to view, share, talk about and, in the process tag photos. The video games can generate valuable text labels for photos with multiple levels of specificity and named entities. These labels can be used to help manage and index collections of photos for browsing and retrieval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Diakopoulos, Patrick Chiu
  • Publication number: 20080161084
    Abstract: A gaming machine comprises a controller, a first display and a second display. The controller is operable to (a) execute a poker game as a base game, (b) execute the base game to be played subsequently as a high-probability game with a raised winning probability if the predetermined combination is a specific combination, and (c) execute a determination game for determining whether or not to execute the high-probability game. The first display displays images related to the base game. The second display is provided independently from the first display and displays images related to the determination game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Hirobumi TOYODA
  • Patent number: 7387570
    Abstract: A coin-operated player-operable entertainment machine has a main display device comprising a matrix of symbol selections with which a main game can be played involving selection and display of symbols. An award is made in correspondence with display of at least one predetermined winning combination of symbols at least one predetermined combination of positions within the matrix. These predetermined combinations of positions may be lines of positions running either vertically, horizontally or diagonally extending fully or partially across the matrix or scattered about the matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: IGT-UK Limited
    Inventor: Dov Liam Randall
  • Publication number: 20080139271
    Abstract: A gaming machine including a controller is provided. The controller is configured with logic to: (a) distribute cards to a player; (b) exchange one or more of the distributed cards selected by the player with different cards; (c) execute a win game in which the player wins a predetermined award when the final cards possessed by the player include a first predetermined card combination; (d) execute a plurality of high-probability win games in a subsequent game when the final cards include a second predetermined card combination; and (e) execute a special win game that consistently provides an award in each of the plurality of high-probability win games.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Hirobumi Toyoda
  • Publication number: 20080139266
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a card game in which at least five cards are dealt to at least one player position in which the player may have made a wager. The player must make at least one wager corresponding to one or more of the player positions. To initiate a round of play, a number of cards are dealt face down to each of the player positions and one card is dealt to a dealer position. All the cards are turned face up and each player position card is individually compared to the dealer's card. A winning status occurs for each wagered player position in which the player's upturned card has a higher ranking than the dealer's assigned card. The player is awarded a bonus payout according to a predetermined payout table if the player's cards form at least one of a plurality of predetermined combinations and the player has made a corresponding wager prior to any cards being dealt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph Scibetta
  • Publication number: 20080132305
    Abstract: A card game system, including a plurality of terminal apparatuses, a card data reading unit for detecting unique data of each of cards when an operator arranges and manipulates a set of cards selected by the operator on a flat surface of the panel on the terminal apparatus, and a game execution unit which is arranged to organize a playing team in a virtual game space based on the data detected from the cards placed on the flat surface of the panel and to execute a game against another playing team organized on another terminal apparatus connected via a network. A progress of the game is controlled in response to manipulation by the operator with the cards on the panel, a main control unit to which individual game data is transmitted from the plurality of the terminal apparatuses, and a display connected to the main control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: SEGA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Kaji, Toshikazu Yoshida, Hidenori Shiba, Takao Yamauchi, Fumihiro Kato, Junichi Tsuchiya, Yoshitaka Maeyama, Jinichiro Okuda, Mitsuhiko Kakita
  • Publication number: 20080132306
    Abstract: A gaming machine comprises a controller, a first display and a second display. The controller is operable to (a) execute a poker game as a base game, and (b) execute the base game to be played subsequently as a high-probability game with a raised winning probability if the predetermined combination is a specific combination. The first display is controlled by the controller for displaying images related to the base game. The second display is controlled by the controller and provided independently from the first display. The controller is further operable to display images related to the high-probability game on at least one of the first and second displays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: Aruze Corp.
    Inventor: Hirobumi Toyoda
  • Publication number: 20080132304
    Abstract: An entertainment system includes a playing surface divided into discrete fields each having distinct indicia such as a color. The system includes a plurality of game pieces, such as letter tiles, each having an indicia corresponding to a respective field as well as having an alphanumeric or user-choice indicia. The entertainment system includes an input device for actuating a timer or processor. A display is included for displaying instructions, aesthetic elements, or even a sound emitter. A method of playing the entertainment system includes a plurality of players initially selecting a predetermined number of game pieces and then, in turn, arranging game pieces on playing surface fields having like color indicia to form words, selecting additional game pieces or taking other actions relative to game pieces, and rearranging game pieces to form other words. Electronic components are included to provide elements of chance, instructions, or aesthetic appeal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Patricia L. Fleury, Martha K. Carter
  • Publication number: 20080122180
    Abstract: The present invention provides a game for play by a player using a plurality of cards. The game includes a wager placed by the player and a player hand including at least four cards. A player score is calculated for the player hand according to a set of cribbage rules. The player receives a payout based on the wager if the player score exceeds a predetermined total. The payout preferably increases as the player score increases based on the odds of achieving a given player score. The game may include an initial player hand, with the player replacing between none and all of the cards from the initial player hand to create the player hand. The game may be played using a video display or live.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Kenneth Brunelle
  • Publication number: 20080125204
    Abstract: A gaming apparatus according to the present invention including: a display capable of displaying a plurality of cards, a sugoroku (Japanese board game like “Snakes and Ladders”) board provided with a plurality of spaces, and a player's piece; an input switch capable of making an input of a hold and/or a change from the player; and a controller, the controller programmed to conduct the processing of: (a) displaying the plurality of cards, the sugoroku board, and the player's piece to the display; (b) detecting the input of a hold and/or a change from the input switch; (c) exchanging a card in accordance with the detection; (d) moving the player's piece, when a combination of a plurality of cards after the exchange is a predetermined combination, on the sugoroku board by the number of spaces corresponding to the combination of the plurality of cards; and (e) providing an award corresponding to the space at which the player's piece stopped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: Aruze Corp.
    Inventor: Yukinori INAMURA
  • Publication number: 20080119256
    Abstract: A gaming machine includes a display and a controller. The controller controls the display so as to display an image related to a win game. The controller is configured with logic to: (a) distribute cards to a player; (b) replace one or more of the distributed cards selected by the player with different cards; (c) executes a win game in which the player wins a predetermined award when the final cards possessed by the player includes a predetermined card combination; (d) execute a subsequent win game in a high-probability mode when the card combination entitled to the award matches a first predetermined special combination; and (e) change the number of times of win games to be continuously executed, based on the first predetermined special combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Hirobumi Toyoda
  • Publication number: 20080113700
    Abstract: An automatic card handling device, automatic card handling devices within a network, and methods of use are disclosed. An automatic card handling device includes a shuffling apparatus with a controller and configured to deliver a set of shuffled cards, and a communication module operably coupled to the controller. The communication module is configured for establishing an electronic communication with a local or world-wide network and thereafter sending and receiving information related to the operation of the automatic card handling device across the network. A network of automatic card handling devices may include plurality of automatic card shufflers. The network may also include at least one server operably coupled to the plurality of automatic card shufflers. In addition, the server may be operably coupled to a service center through a world-wide network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Zbigniew Czyzewski, Vladislav Zvercov
  • Publication number: 20080111309
    Abstract: A gaming device having a primary Three Card Poker game is provided. The Three Card Poker game includes three cards dealt to the player and the dealer, where all cards are dealt face-up. First, the player has an option to replace one card from the players hand. Then, the dealer may replace one card according to a set of predetermined rules. The player makes a primary wager and an optional secondary wager. A primary award is provided if the players hand beats the dealer's hand. In the secondary wager is placed, a secondary is award is provided if the either the player's or the dealer's hand is of a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Mark C. Nicely, Scott A. Caputo, Paul B. Stroube
  • Patent number: 7371165
    Abstract: A card game program has a routine for displaying areas of a player and an opponent, each being comprised of a plurality of hexes, a routine for displaying selective disposition of card on the hex, a routine for removing for displaying remove of a card between the hexes, a routine for dealing with battle for seizing damage between the cards of a player and the opponent and displaying the result, and a routine for computing point for computing victory point from a form of location of a card. A player can fight against the opponent, seizing damage between the player and the opponent by removing the card between the respective areas. Therefore, an element like strategic simulation game of attacking the respective areas can be added in addition to the interest as a card game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Konami Corporation
    Inventors: Hirotaka Reizei, Kazunobu Uchida
  • Patent number: 7371178
    Abstract: A card game system is disclosed, which enables to execute the card game using a basic function of a video game apparatus. The card game system includes a card acceptance means for accepting a plurality of cards of either a first category or a second category each having information attached thereto for identifying each, a memory for storing card data and a program for controlling a card game, and a controlling means for defining the first category cards as the cards for use in a card game based on the card data, and for controlling to execute the card game according to the program stored in the memory, wherein the control means controls to execute the card game depending on the number of second category cards detected by the card acceptance means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Sega Corporation
    Inventors: Keiji Yano, Tomio Kikuchi
  • Publication number: 20080096624
    Abstract: An electronic game card and a method for playing an instant lottery game which may provide a novel game experience as well as a game card which is cost effective to produce. The game card comprises a control chip, a start button, a random value generator and a display, which are each arranged on a flexible support of the game card, and the outcome of the lottery game is determined by said random number generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Matthias Rydberg
  • Patent number: 7357321
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a card stack reader, a card thereof, a card case, a method for manufacturing the card, a game machine using the same, and a computer-readable storage medium on which a game program is recorded. The card stack reader comprises an imaging unit which reads an image from a peripheral side portion of a stack of cards, each card having a read code along a peripheral side edge thereof, the read code identifying the card, and a code recognizing unit which recognizes the read code of each card from the image read by the imaging unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Sega Corporation
    Inventors: Toshikazu Yoshida, Hidenori Shiba, Toshiyuki Kaji, Takao Yamauchi, Fumihiro Kato, Akira Nishino, Toru Ohara, Takaharu Terada
  • Patent number: 7351139
    Abstract: A game played in conjunction with card games and including an auxiliary feature. The game is playable in conjunction with standard card games, such as Poker, using a standard decks of cards or representations thereof. The game is further playable on a gaming table by players and a dealer using cards, or on a computer, other electronic medium, or slot machine. At the time of ante in the card game, each player optionally selects whether to participate in the auxiliary play, for example, by placing an auxiliary ante. Play then proceeds according to the rules of the underlying card game. A player participating in auxiliary play wins a bonus prize if the player does not fold in the underlying card game and if the player holds four “royal” cards (i.e., four face cards (10, Jack, Queen, King, Ace)) of the same suit (e.g., hearts, diamonds, clubs, spades).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas E. Sawyer