US20030119571A1 - Computer-implemented method and gaming apparatus for playing a series of card games in sequence - Google Patents

Computer-implemented method and gaming apparatus for playing a series of card games in sequence Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20030119571A1
US20030119571A1 US10/100,663 US10066302A US2003119571A1 US 20030119571 A1 US20030119571 A1 US 20030119571A1 US 10066302 A US10066302 A US 10066302A US 2003119571 A1 US2003119571 A1 US 2003119571A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
player
card games
card
simulated cards
code
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/100,663
Inventor
Arden Yang
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Tai Game Tech Corp
Original Assignee
Tai Game Tech Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Tai Game Tech Corp filed Critical Tai Game Tech Corp
Assigned to TAI GAME TECH CORP. reassignment TAI GAME TECH CORP. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: YANG, ARDEN
Publication of US20030119571A1 publication Critical patent/US20030119571A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/3244—Payment aspects of a gaming system, e.g. payment schemes, setting payout ratio, bonus or consolation prizes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/326—Game play aspects of gaming systems
    • G07F17/3267—Game outcomes which determine the course of the subsequent game, e.g. double or quits, free games, higher payouts, different new games

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a gaming apparatus, more particularly to a computer-implemented method and gaming apparatus for playing a series of card games in sequence.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a computer-implemented method and gaming apparatus for playing a series of card games in sequence so as to overcome the aforesaid drawbacks of the conventional gaming apparatus.
  • a computer-implemented method for playing a series of card games in sequence Each of the card games is associated with a respective set of card rules, and requires a player to have a set of simulated cards.
  • the simulated cards in each of the card games increase in number with the progression of the card games in the sequence.
  • the computer-implemented method comprises:
  • (c) playing one of the card games in the sequence including the steps of dealing a number of the simulated cards to each of the player and a virtual opponent for playing said one of the card games, showing the simulated cards that were dealt on the display unit, determining the winner in said one of the card games in accordance with the respective set of card rules that are associated with said one of the card games, and adjusting a credit total for the player according to the result of said one of the card games and with reference to the bet placed by the player;
  • step (e) repeating step (d) until all of the card games in the sequence have been completed.
  • a computer program product for a gaming apparatus that includes a user input unit,,a display unit and a processor unit coupled to the user input unit and the display unit.
  • the computer program product adapts the gaming apparatus for playing a series of card games in sequence.
  • Each of the card games is associated with a respective set of card rules, and requires a player to have a set of simulated cards.
  • the simulated cards in each of the card games increase in number with the progression of the card games in the sequence.
  • the computer program product comprises:
  • a computer readable storage medium comprising:
  • a second code that directs the processor unit to control playing of one of the card games in the sequence including a code that directs the processor unit to deal a number of the simulated cards to each of the player and a virtual opponent for playing said one of the card games, a code that directs the processor unit so as to show the simulated cards that were dealt on the display unit, a code that directs the processor unit to determine the winner in said one of the card games in accordance with the respective set of card rules that are associated with said one of the card games, and a code that directs the processor unit to adjust a credit total for the player according to the result of said one of the card games and with reference to the bet placed by the player; and
  • a third code that directs the processor unit to control playing of a succeeding one of the card games in the sequence including a code that directs the processor unit to deal another number of the simulated cards to each of the player and the virtual opponent, said another number of the simulated cards being respectively combined with the simulated cards of the player and the virtual opponent in the previous one of the card games to result in the simulated cards of the player and the virtual opponent for playing the succeeding one of the card games, a code that directs the processor unit so as to show the simulated cards of the player and the virtual opponent on the display unit, a code that directs the processor unit to determine the winner in the succeeding one of the card games in accordance with the respective set of card rules that are associated with the succeeding one of the card games, and a code that directs the processor unit to adjust the credit total for the player according to the result of the succeeding one of the card games and with reference to the bet placed by the player.
  • a gaming apparatus is adapted for playing a series of card games in sequence, each of the card games being associated with a respective set of card rules and requiring a player to have a set of simulated cards, the simulated cards in each of the card games increasing in number with the progression of the card games in the sequence.
  • the gaming apparatus comprises:
  • [0021] means for allowing the player to place a bet via the user input unit
  • means for playing one of the card games in the sequence including means for dealing a number of the simulated cards to each of the player and a virtual opponent for playing said one of the card games, means for showing the simulated cards that were dealt on the display unit, means for determining the winner in said one of the card games in accordance with the respective set of card rules that are associated with said one of the card games, and means for adjusting a credit total for the player according to the result of said one of the card games and with reference to the bet placed by the player; and
  • [0023] means for playing a succeeding one of the card games in the sequence, including means for dealing another number of the simulated cards to each of the player and the virtual opponent, said another number of the simulated cards being respectively combined with the simulated cards of the player and the virtual opponent in the previous one of the card games to result in the simulated cards of the player and the virtual opponent for playing the succeeding one of the card games, means for showing the simulated cards of the player and the virtual opponent on the display unit, means for determining the winner in the succeeding one of the card games in accordance with the respective set of card rules that are associated with the succeeding one of the card games, and means for adjusting the credit total for the player according to the result of the succeeding one of the card games and with reference to the bet placed by the player.
  • a gaming apparatus comprises a user input unit, a display unit, a processor unit coupled to the user input unit and the display unit, and a computer program product for adapting the gaming apparatus for playing a series of card games in sequence.
  • Each of the card games is associated with a respective set of card rules, and requires a player to have a set of simulated cards.
  • the simulated cards in each of the card games increase in number with the progression of the card games in the sequence.
  • the computer program product comprises a computer readable storage medium that includes:
  • a second code that directs the processor unit to control playing of one of the card games in the sequence including a code that directs the processor unit to deal a number of the simulated cards to each of the player and a virtual opponent for playing said one of the card games, a code that directs the processor unit so as to show the simulated cards that were dealt on the display unit, a code that directs the processor unit to determine the winner in said one of the card games in accordance with the respective set of card rules that are associated with said one of the card games, and a code that directs the processor unit to adjust a credit total for the player according to the result of said one of the card games and with reference to the bet placed by the player; and
  • a third code that directs the processor unit to control playing of a succeeding one of the card games in the sequence including a code that directs the processor unit to deal another number of the simulated cards to each of the player and the virtual opponent, said another number of the simulated cards being respectively combined with the simulated cards of the player and the virtual opponent in the previous one of the card games to result in the simulated cards of the player and the virtual opponent for playing the succeeding one of the card games, a code that directs the processor unit so as to show the simulated cards of the player and the virtual opponent on the display unit, a code that directs the processor unit to determine the winner in the succeeding one of the card games in accordance with the respective set of card rules that are associated with the succeeding one of the card games, and a code that directs the processor unit to adjust the credit total for the player according to the result of the succeeding one of the card games and with reference to the bet placed by the player.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic circuit block diagram of the preferred embodiment of a gaming apparatus according to the present invention.
  • FIGS. 2 and 3 are flowcharts to illustrate the preferred embodiment of a computer-implemented method for playing a series of card games in sequence according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates how simulated cards are dealt when playing consecutive card games according to the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3.
  • the gaming apparatus 1 comprises a user input unit 11 , a processor unit 12 , a display unit 13 , a sound generating unit 14 , and a power supply unit 15 coupled to the user input unit 11 , the processor unit 12 , the display unit 13 and the sound generating unit 14 .
  • the user input unit 11 is operable so as to receive an input from the user.
  • the display unit 13 is operable so as to show game images thereon.
  • the sound generating unit 14 is operable so as to provide audible instructions and information to the user.
  • the processor unit 12 is coupled to and controls the operations of the user input unit 11 , the display unit 13 and the sound generating unit 14 in accordance with pre-programmed instructions.
  • the processor unit 12 is in the form of a circuit board that is mounted removably in the gaming apparatus 1 and that includes: a computer readable storage medium 121 , such as a read-only memory device, recorded with program codes for performing the computer-implemented method of this invention; a central processing unit (CPU) 122 for executing the program codes; an image processor 123 ; and a random access memory (RAM) 124 .
  • the processor unit 12 can also be implemented with a storage medium in the form of a floppy disk, a compact disk, a game cartridge, etc.
  • Game-initiating processing When the gaming apparatus 1 is activated, the CPU 122 retrieves image data from the storage medium 121 and sends the same to the image processor 123 for processing. The output of the image processor 123 is sent to the display unit 13 to serve as a visual interface with the user. At the same time, audio data will be sent to the sound generating unit 14 for audio effects. As such, prior to starting a game, the display unit 13 is able to show a series of demonstration images until a player enters a game-playing command via the user input unit 11 .
  • Card-dealing processing As shown in FIG. 2 and 4 , a first card game proceeds in step A. At the onset of the first card game, the processor unit 12 controls the display unit 13 for prompting the player to place a bet via the user input unit 11 (sub-step a). Then, credit totals for the player and a virtual opponent will be stored by the processor unit 12 in the RAM 124 . Subsequently, the processor unit 12 deals simulated cards 20 , 21 to the player and the virtual opponent, respectively (sub-step b) The simulated cards 20 , 21 are shown on the display unit 13 .
  • Winner-determining processing In the first card game, the face values of the simulated cards 20 , 21 are evaluated according to a first set of card rules, e.g. high or low, to determine the winner (sub-step c). The credit totals of the player and the virtual opponent are adjusted accordingly with reference to the bet placed by the player (sub-step d). The updated credit totals are recorded in the RAM 124 . Preferably, when neither the player nor the virtual opponent won, the bet will be accumulated to serve as the winning prize for next card game.
  • a first set of card rules e.g. high or low
  • the processor unit 12 controls the display unit 13 for prompting the player to optionally raise the bet. The player can then raise or maintain the bet via the user input unit 11 . Then, the processor unit 12 deals simulated cards 30 , 31 to the player and the virtual opponent, respectively (sub-step e).
  • the simulated cards 30 , 31 are respectively combined with the simulated cards 20 , 21 in the first card game to result in the simulated cards for the second card game.
  • the simulated cards 20 , 21 , 30 , 31 are all shown on the display unit 13 .
  • the face values of the simulated cards for the player and the virtual opponent are evaluated according to a second set of card rules, e.g. baccarat, to determine the winner, and the credit totals of the player and the virtual opponent are adjusted accordingly in a manner similar to that in the first card game (sub-step f).
  • a second set of card rules e.g. baccarat
  • the processor unit 12 controls the display unit 13 for prompting the player to optionally raise the bet (sub-step g). The player can then raise or maintain the bet via the user input unit 11 . Then, the processor unit 12 deals simulated cards 40 , 41 to the player and the virtual opponent, respectively (sub-step h). The simulated cards 40 , 41 are respectively combined with the simulated cards 20 , 21 , 30 , 31 in the second card game to result in the simulated cards for the third card game.
  • the simulated cards 20 , 21 , 30 , 31 , 40 , 41 are all shown on the display unit 13 .
  • the face values of the simulated cards for the player and the virtual opponent are evaluated according to a third set of card rules, e.g. blackjack, to determine the winner, and the credit totals of the player and the virtual opponent are adjusted accordingly in a manner similar to that in the first card game (sub-step i).
  • the processor unit 12 controls the display unit 13 for prompting the player to optionally raise the bet (sub-step j). The player can then raise or maintain the bet via the user input unit 11 . Then, the processor unit 12 deals simulated cards 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 to the player and the virtual opponent, respectively (sub-step k).
  • the simulated cards 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 are respectively combined with the simulated cards 20 , 21 , 30 , 31 , 40 , 41 in the third card game to result in the simulated cards for the fourth card game.
  • the simulated cards 20 , 21 , 30 , 31 , 40 , 41 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 are all shown on the display unit 13 .
  • the face values of the simulated cards for the player and the virtual opponent are evaluated according to a fourth set of card rules, e.g. five-card poker, to determine the winner, and the credit totals of the player and the virtual opponent are adjusted accordingly in a manner similar to that in the first card game (sub-step l).
  • the processor unit 12 controls the display unit 13 for prompting the player to optionally raise the bet (sub-step m). The player can then raise or maintain the bet via the user input unit 11 . Then, the processor unit 12 deals simulated cards 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 to the player and the virtual opponent, respectively (sub-step n).
  • the simulated cards 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 are respectively combined with the simulated cards 20 , 21 , 30 , 31 , 40 , 41 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 in the fourth card game to result in the simulated cards for the fifth card game.
  • the simulated cards 20 , 21 , 30 , 31 , 41 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 are all shown on the display unit 13 .
  • the face values of the simulated cards for the player and the virtual opponent are evaluated according to a fifth set of card rules, e.g. seven-hand Chinese card game, to determine the winner, and the credit totals of the player and the virtual opponent are adjusted accordingly in a manner similar to that in the first card game (sub-step o).
  • the processor unit 12 controls the display unit 13 for prompting the player to optionally raise the bet (sub-step p). The player can then raise or maintain the bet via the user input unit 11 . Then, the processor unit 12 deals simulated cards 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 , 80 , 81 , 82 , 83 , 84 , 85 to the player and the virtual opponent, respectively (sub-step q).
  • the simulated cards 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 , 80 , 81 , 82 , 83 , 84 , 85 are respectively combined with the simulated cards 20 , 21 , 30 , 31 , 40 , 41 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 in the fifth card game to result in the simulated cards for the sixth card game.
  • the simulated cards 20 , 21 , 30 , 31 , 41 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 , 80 , 81 , 82 , 83 , 84 , 85 are all shown on the display unit 13 .
  • the face values of the simulated cards for the player and the virtual opponent are evaluated according to a sixth set of card rules, e.g. thirteen-card poker, to determine the winner, and the credit totals of the player and the virtual opponent are adjusted accordingly in a manner similar to that in the first card game (sub-step r).
  • Step G it is determined whether the player can be awarded with bonus credit. Particularly, upon determining that the player won in each of the card games in the sequence (sub-steps), the gaming apparatus 1 will award the player with bonus credit, and the display unit 13 and the sound generating unit 14 will be enabled to render animated announcement. Thereafter, the player may start a new game through the user input unit 11 (sub-step t).

Abstract

A computer-implemented method is adapted for playing a series of card games in sequence. Each of the card games is associated with a respective set of card rules, and requires a player and a virtual opponent to have a set of simulated cards. The simulated cards in each of the card games increase in number with the progression of the card games in the sequence. In the method, a gaming apparatus includes a user input unit and a display unit, and the player is allowed to place a bet via the user input unit. The card games are played in sequence such that the cards in a previous card game are combined with new cards to result in the cards of a succeeding card game. A computer program product for a gaming apparatus that includes a user input unit, a display unit and a processor unit is also disclosed.

Description

    CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
  • This application claims priority of R.O.C. Patent Application No. 090131640, filed on Dec. 20, 2001. [0001]
    • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • 1. Field of the Invention [0002]
  • The invention relates to a gaming apparatus, more particularly to a computer-implemented method and gaming apparatus for playing a series of card games in sequence. [0003]
  • 2. Description of the Related Art [0004]
  • Conventional gaming apparatus allow players to play only one kind of card game. In order to maintain the interest of customers and keep them from getting bored, business establishments must provide different gaming apparatus and replace them with new types periodically. This not only entails huge operating costs, but also arises in personnel training and apparatus maintenance problems. [0005]
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a computer-implemented method and gaming apparatus for playing a series of card games in sequence so as to overcome the aforesaid drawbacks of the conventional gaming apparatus. [0006]
  • According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer-implemented method for playing a series of card games in sequence. Each of the card games is associated with a respective set of card rules, and requires a player to have a set of simulated cards. The simulated cards in each of the card games increase in number with the progression of the card games in the sequence. The computer-implemented method comprises: [0007]
  • (a) providing a gaming apparatus that includes a user input unit and a display unit; [0008]
  • (b) allowing the player to place a bet via the user input unit; [0009]
  • (c) playing one of the card games in the sequence, including the steps of dealing a number of the simulated cards to each of the player and a virtual opponent for playing said one of the card games, showing the simulated cards that were dealt on the display unit, determining the winner in said one of the card games in accordance with the respective set of card rules that are associated with said one of the card games, and adjusting a credit total for the player according to the result of said one of the card games and with reference to the bet placed by the player; [0010]
  • (d) playing a succeeding one of the card games in the sequence, including the steps of dealing another number of the simulated cards to each of the player and the virtual opponent, said another number of the simulated cards being respectively combined with the simulated cards of the player and the virtual opponent in the previous one of the card games to result in the simulated cards of the player and the virtual opponent for playing the succeeding one of the card games, showing the simulated cards of the player and the virtual opponent on the display unit, determining the winner in the succeeding one of the card games in accordance with the respective set of card rules that are associated with the succeeding one of the card games, and adjusting the credit total for the player according to the result of the succeeding one of the card games and with reference to the bet placed by the player; and [0011]
  • (e) repeating step (d) until all of the card games in the sequence have been completed. [0012]
  • According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer program product for a gaming apparatus that includes a user input unit,,a display unit and a processor unit coupled to the user input unit and the display unit. The computer program product adapts the gaming apparatus for playing a series of card games in sequence. Each of the card games is associated with a respective set of card rules, and requires a player to have a set of simulated cards. The simulated cards in each of the card games increase in number with the progression of the card games in the sequence. The computer program product comprises: [0013]
  • a computer readable storage medium comprising: [0014]
  • a first code that directs the processor unit to allow the player to place a bet via the user input unit; [0015]
  • a second code that directs the processor unit to control playing of one of the card games in the sequence, including a code that directs the processor unit to deal a number of the simulated cards to each of the player and a virtual opponent for playing said one of the card games, a code that directs the processor unit so as to show the simulated cards that were dealt on the display unit, a code that directs the processor unit to determine the winner in said one of the card games in accordance with the respective set of card rules that are associated with said one of the card games, and a code that directs the processor unit to adjust a credit total for the player according to the result of said one of the card games and with reference to the bet placed by the player; and [0016]
  • a third code that directs the processor unit to control playing of a succeeding one of the card games in the sequence, including a code that directs the processor unit to deal another number of the simulated cards to each of the player and the virtual opponent, said another number of the simulated cards being respectively combined with the simulated cards of the player and the virtual opponent in the previous one of the card games to result in the simulated cards of the player and the virtual opponent for playing the succeeding one of the card games, a code that directs the processor unit so as to show the simulated cards of the player and the virtual opponent on the display unit, a code that directs the processor unit to determine the winner in the succeeding one of the card games in accordance with the respective set of card rules that are associated with the succeeding one of the card games, and a code that directs the processor unit to adjust the credit total for the player according to the result of the succeeding one of the card games and with reference to the bet placed by the player. [0017]
  • According to yet another aspect of the invention, a gaming apparatus is adapted for playing a series of card games in sequence, each of the card games being associated with a respective set of card rules and requiring a player to have a set of simulated cards, the simulated cards in each of the card games increasing in number with the progression of the card games in the sequence. The gaming apparatus comprises: [0018]
  • a user input unit; [0019]
  • a display unit; [0020]
  • means for allowing the player to place a bet via the user input unit; [0021]
  • means for playing one of the card games in the sequence including means for dealing a number of the simulated cards to each of the player and a virtual opponent for playing said one of the card games, means for showing the simulated cards that were dealt on the display unit, means for determining the winner in said one of the card games in accordance with the respective set of card rules that are associated with said one of the card games, and means for adjusting a credit total for the player according to the result of said one of the card games and with reference to the bet placed by the player; and [0022]
  • means for playing a succeeding one of the card games in the sequence, including means for dealing another number of the simulated cards to each of the player and the virtual opponent, said another number of the simulated cards being respectively combined with the simulated cards of the player and the virtual opponent in the previous one of the card games to result in the simulated cards of the player and the virtual opponent for playing the succeeding one of the card games, means for showing the simulated cards of the player and the virtual opponent on the display unit, means for determining the winner in the succeeding one of the card games in accordance with the respective set of card rules that are associated with the succeeding one of the card games, and means for adjusting the credit total for the player according to the result of the succeeding one of the card games and with reference to the bet placed by the player. [0023]
  • According to a further aspect of the invention, a gaming apparatus comprises a user input unit, a display unit, a processor unit coupled to the user input unit and the display unit, and a computer program product for adapting the gaming apparatus for playing a series of card games in sequence. Each of the card games is associated with a respective set of card rules, and requires a player to have a set of simulated cards. The simulated cards in each of the card games increase in number with the progression of the card games in the sequence. The computer program product comprises a computer readable storage medium that includes: [0024]
  • a first code that directs the processor unit to allow the player to place a bet via the user input unit; [0025]
  • a second code that directs the processor unit to control playing of one of the card games in the sequence, including a code that directs the processor unit to deal a number of the simulated cards to each of the player and a virtual opponent for playing said one of the card games, a code that directs the processor unit so as to show the simulated cards that were dealt on the display unit, a code that directs the processor unit to determine the winner in said one of the card games in accordance with the respective set of card rules that are associated with said one of the card games, and a code that directs the processor unit to adjust a credit total for the player according to the result of said one of the card games and with reference to the bet placed by the player; and [0026]
  • a third code that directs the processor unit to control playing of a succeeding one of the card games in the sequence, including a code that directs the processor unit to deal another number of the simulated cards to each of the player and the virtual opponent, said another number of the simulated cards being respectively combined with the simulated cards of the player and the virtual opponent in the previous one of the card games to result in the simulated cards of the player and the virtual opponent for playing the succeeding one of the card games, a code that directs the processor unit so as to show the simulated cards of the player and the virtual opponent on the display unit, a code that directs the processor unit to determine the winner in the succeeding one of the card games in accordance with the respective set of card rules that are associated with the succeeding one of the card games, and a code that directs the processor unit to adjust the credit total for the player according to the result of the succeeding one of the card games and with reference to the bet placed by the player. [0027]
  • Because different card games are played in sequence in a single game round, the player's desire for variety can be satisfied, and the costs and overhead in allocating and maintaining automated gaming apparatus in business establishments can be reduced. [0028]
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: [0029]
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic circuit block diagram of the preferred embodiment of a gaming apparatus according to the present invention; [0030]
  • FIGS. 2 and 3 are flowcharts to illustrate the preferred embodiment of a computer-implemented method for playing a series of card games in sequence according to the present invention; and [0031]
  • FIG. 4 illustrates how simulated cards are dealt when playing consecutive card games according to the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3.[0032]
    • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
  • Referring to FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of a [0033] gaming apparatus 1 according to the present invention is adapted for playing a series of card games in sequence. The gaming apparatus 1 comprises a user input unit 11, a processor unit 12, a display unit 13, a sound generating unit 14, and a power supply unit 15 coupled to the user input unit 11, the processor unit 12, the display unit 13 and the sound generating unit 14. The user input unit 11 is operable so as to receive an input from the user. The display unit 13 is operable so as to show game images thereon. The sound generating unit 14 is operable so as to provide audible instructions and information to the user. The processor unit 12 is coupled to and controls the operations of the user input unit 11, the display unit 13 and the sound generating unit 14 in accordance with pre-programmed instructions. Preferably, the processor unit 12 is in the form of a circuit board that is mounted removably in the gaming apparatus 1 and that includes: a computer readable storage medium 121, such as a read-only memory device, recorded with program codes for performing the computer-implemented method of this invention; a central processing unit (CPU) 122 for executing the program codes; an image processor 123; and a random access memory (RAM) 124. However, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the processor unit 12 can also be implemented with a storage medium in the form of a floppy disk, a compact disk, a game cartridge, etc.
  • The program codes in the [0034] storage medium 121 control game progress as follows:
  • Game-initiating processing: When the [0035] gaming apparatus 1 is activated, the CPU 122 retrieves image data from the storage medium 121 and sends the same to the image processor 123 for processing. The output of the image processor 123 is sent to the display unit 13 to serve as a visual interface with the user. At the same time, audio data will be sent to the sound generating unit 14 for audio effects. As such, prior to starting a game, the display unit 13 is able to show a series of demonstration images until a player enters a game-playing command via the user input unit 11.
  • Card-dealing processing: As shown in FIG. 2 and [0036] 4, a first card game proceeds in step A. At the onset of the first card game, the processor unit 12 controls the display unit 13 for prompting the player to place a bet via the user input unit 11 (sub-step a). Then, credit totals for the player and a virtual opponent will be stored by the processor unit 12 in the RAM 124. Subsequently, the processor unit 12 deals simulated cards 20, 21 to the player and the virtual opponent, respectively (sub-step b) The simulated cards 20, 21 are shown on the display unit 13.
  • Winner-determining processing: In the first card game, the face values of the [0037] simulated cards 20, 21 are evaluated according to a first set of card rules, e.g. high or low, to determine the winner (sub-step c). The credit totals of the player and the virtual opponent are adjusted accordingly with reference to the bet placed by the player (sub-step d). The updated credit totals are recorded in the RAM 124. Preferably, when neither the player nor the virtual opponent won, the bet will be accumulated to serve as the winning prize for next card game.
  • When the first card game ends, the aforesaid card-dealing and winner-determining processing will be repeated to proceed with the second card game (step B) Preferably, before dealing simulated cards for the second card game, the [0038] processor unit 12 controls the display unit 13 for prompting the player to optionally raise the bet. The player can then raise or maintain the bet via the user input unit 11. Then, the processor unit 12 deals simulated cards 30, 31 to the player and the virtual opponent, respectively (sub-step e). The simulated cards 30, 31 are respectively combined with the simulated cards 20, 21 in the first card game to result in the simulated cards for the second card game. The simulated cards 20, 21, 30, 31 are all shown on the display unit 13. Finally, the face values of the simulated cards for the player and the virtual opponent are evaluated according to a second set of card rules, e.g. baccarat, to determine the winner, and the credit totals of the player and the virtual opponent are adjusted accordingly in a manner similar to that in the first card game (sub-step f).
  • When the second card game ends, the aforesaid card-dealing and winner-determining processing will be repeated to proceed with the third card game (step C). Preferably, before dealing simulated cards for the third card game, the [0039] processor unit 12 controls the display unit 13 for prompting the player to optionally raise the bet (sub-step g). The player can then raise or maintain the bet via the user input unit 11. Then, the processor unit 12 deals simulated cards 40, 41 to the player and the virtual opponent, respectively (sub-step h). The simulated cards 40, 41 are respectively combined with the simulated cards 20, 21, 30, 31 in the second card game to result in the simulated cards for the third card game. The simulated cards 20, 21, 30, 31, 40, 41 are all shown on the display unit 13. Finally, the face values of the simulated cards for the player and the virtual opponent are evaluated according to a third set of card rules, e.g. blackjack, to determine the winner, and the credit totals of the player and the virtual opponent are adjusted accordingly in a manner similar to that in the first card game (sub-step i).
  • When the third card game ends, the aforesaid card-dealing and winner-determining processing will be repeated to proceed with the fourth card game (step D). Preferably, before dealing simulated cards for the fourth card game, the [0040] processor unit 12 controls the display unit 13 for prompting the player to optionally raise the bet (sub-step j). The player can then raise or maintain the bet via the user input unit 11. Then, the processor unit 12 deals simulated cards 50, 51, 52, 53 to the player and the virtual opponent, respectively (sub-step k). The simulated cards 50, 51, 52, 53 are respectively combined with the simulated cards 20, 21, 30, 31, 40, 41 in the third card game to result in the simulated cards for the fourth card game. The simulated cards 20, 21, 30, 31, 40, 41, 50, 51, 52, 53 are all shown on the display unit 13. Finally, the face values of the simulated cards for the player and the virtual opponent are evaluated according to a fourth set of card rules, e.g. five-card poker, to determine the winner, and the credit totals of the player and the virtual opponent are adjusted accordingly in a manner similar to that in the first card game (sub-step l).
  • With further reference to FIG. 3, when the fourth card game ends, the aforesaid card-dealing and winner-determining processing will be repeated to proceed with the fifth card game (step E). Preferably, before dealing simulated cards for the fifth card game, the [0041] processor unit 12 controls the display unit 13 for prompting the player to optionally raise the bet (sub-step m). The player can then raise or maintain the bet via the user input unit 11. Then, the processor unit 12 deals simulated cards 60, 61, 62, 63 to the player and the virtual opponent, respectively (sub-step n). The simulated cards 60, 61, 62, 63 are respectively combined with the simulated cards 20, 21, 30, 31, 40, 41, 50, 51, 52, 53 in the fourth card game to result in the simulated cards for the fifth card game. The simulated cards 20, 21, 30, 31, 41, 50, 51, 52, 53, 60, 61, 62, 63 are all shown on the display unit 13. Finally, the face values of the simulated cards for the player and the virtual opponent are evaluated according to a fifth set of card rules, e.g. seven-hand Chinese card game, to determine the winner, and the credit totals of the player and the virtual opponent are adjusted accordingly in a manner similar to that in the first card game (sub-step o).
  • When the fifth card game ends, the aforesaid card-dealing and winner-determining processing will be repeated to proceed with the sixth card game (step F) Preferably, before dealing simulated cards for the sixth card game, the [0042] processor unit 12 controls the display unit 13 for prompting the player to optionally raise the bet (sub-step p). The player can then raise or maintain the bet via the user input unit 11. Then, the processor unit 12 deals simulated cards 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85 to the player and the virtual opponent, respectively (sub-step q). The simulated cards 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85 are respectively combined with the simulated cards 20, 21, 30, 31, 40, 41, 50, 51, 52, 53, 60, 61, 62, 63 in the fifth card game to result in the simulated cards for the sixth card game. The simulated cards 20, 21, 30, 31, 41, 50, 51, 52, 53, 60, 61, 62, 63, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85 are all shown on the display unit 13. Finally, the face values of the simulated cards for the player and the virtual opponent are evaluated according to a sixth set of card rules, e.g. thirteen-card poker, to determine the winner, and the credit totals of the player and the virtual opponent are adjusted accordingly in a manner similar to that in the first card game (sub-step r).
  • Subsequently, it is determined whether the player can be awarded with bonus credit (Step G). Particularly, upon determining that the player won in each of the card games in the sequence (sub-steps), the [0043] gaming apparatus 1 will award the player with bonus credit, and the display unit 13 and the sound generating unit 14 will be enabled to render animated announcement. Thereafter, the player may start a new game through the user input unit 11 (sub-step t).
  • It has thus been shown that the computer-implemented method and gaming apparatus of this invention enable players to play different card games in sequence in a single game round so as to satisfy their desire for variety without increasing the operating costs of business establishments. [0044]
  • While the present invention has been described in connection with what is considered the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment but is intended to cover various arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements. [0045]

Claims (12)

I claim:
1. A computer-implemented method for playing a series of card games in sequence, each of the card games being associated with a respective set of card rules and requiring a player to have a set of simulated cards, the simulated cards in each of the card games increasing in number with the progression of the card games in the sequence, said computer-implemented method comprising:
(a) providing a gaming apparatus that includes a user input unit and a display unit;
(b) allowing the player to place a bet via the user input unit;
(c) playing one of the card games in the sequence, including the steps of dealing a number of the simulated cards to each of the player and a virtual opponent for playing said one of the card games, showing the simulated cards that were dealt on the display unit, determining the winner in said one of the card games in accordance with the respective set of card rules that are associated with said one of the card games, and adjusting a credit total for the player according to the result of said one of the card games and with reference to the bet placed by the player;
(d) playing a succeeding one of the card games in the sequence, including the steps of dealing another number of the simulated cards to each of the player and the virtual opponent, said another number of the simulated cards being respectively combined with the simulated cards of the player and the virtual opponent in the previous one of the card games to result in the simulated cards of the player and the virtual opponent for playing the succeeding one of the card games, showing the simulated cards of the player and the virtual opponent on the display unit, determining the winner in the succeeding one of the card games in accordance with the respective set of card rules that are associated with the succeeding one of the card games, and adjusting the credit total for the player according to the result of the succeeding one of the card games and with reference to the bet placed by the player; and
(e) repeating step (d) until all of the card games in the sequence have been completed.
2. The computer-implemented method as claimed in claim 1, wherein step (d) further includes the step of allowing the player to raise or maintain the bet via the user input unit prior to dealing said another number of the simulated cards.
3. The computer-implemented method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
(f) awarding the player with bonus credit in the event that the player won in each of the card games in the sequence.
4. A computer program product for a gaming apparatus that includes a user input unit, a display unit and a processor unit coupled to the user input unit and the display unit, said computer program product adapting the gaming apparatus for playing a series of card games in sequence, each of the card games being associated with a respective set of card rules and requiring a player to have a set of simulated cards, the simulated cards in each of the card games increasing in number with the progression of the card games in the sequence, said computer program product comprising:
a computer readable storage medium comprising:
a first code that directs the processor unit to allow the player to place a bet via the user input unit;
a second code that directs the processor unit to control playing of one of the card games in the sequence, including a code that directs the processor unit to deal a number of the simulated cards to each of the player and a virtual opponent for playing said one of the card games, a code that directs the processor unit so as to show the simulated cards that were dealt on the display unit, a code that directs the processor unit to determine the winner in said one of the card games in accordance with the respective set of card rules that are associated with said one of the card games, and a code that directs the processor unit to adjust a credit total for the player according to the result of said one of the card games and with reference to the bet placed by the player; and
a third code that directs the processor unit to control playing of a succeeding one of the card games in the sequence, including a code that directs the processor unit to deal another number of the simulated cards to each of the player and the virtual opponent, said another number of the simulated cards being respectively combined with the simulated cards of the player and the virtual opponent in the previous one of the card games to result in the simulated cards of the player and the virtual opponent for playing the succeeding one of the card games, a code that directs the processor unit so as to show the simulated cards of the player and the virtual opponent on the display unit, a code that directs the processor unit to determine the winner in the succeeding one of the card games in accordance with the respective set of card rules that are associated with the succeeding one of the card games, and a code that directs the processor unit to adjust the credit total for the player according to the result of the succeeding one of the card games and with reference to the bet placed by the player.
5. The computer program product as claimed in claim 4, wherein said third code further includes a code that directs the processor unit to allow the player to raise or maintain the bet via the user input unit prior to dealing said another number of the simulated cards.
6. The computer program product as claimed in claim 4, wherein said computer readable storage medium further comprises a fourth code that directs the processor unit to award the player with bonus credit in the event that the player won in each of the card games in the sequence.
7. A gaming apparatus for playing a series of card games in sequence, each of the card games being associated with a respective set of card rules and requiring a player to have a set of simulated cards, the simulated cards in each of the card games increasing in number with the progression of the card games in the sequence, said gaming apparatus comprising:
a user input unit;
a display unit;
means for allowing the player to place a bet via said user input unit;
means for playing one of the card games in the sequence including means for dealing a number of the simulated cards to each of the player and a virtual opponent for playing said one of the card games, means for showing the simulated cards that were dealt on said display unit, means for determining the winner in said one of the card games in accordance with the respective set of card rules that are associated with said one of the card games, and means for adjusting a credit total for the player according to the result of said one of the card games and with reference to the bet placed by the player; and
means for playing a succeeding one of the card games in the sequence, including means for dealing another number of the simulated cards to each of the player and the virtual opponent, said another number of the simulated cards being respectively combined with the simulated cards of the player and the virtual opponent in the previous one of the card games to result in the simulated cards of the player and the virtual opponent for playing the succeeding one of the card games, means for showing the simulated cards of the player and the virtual opponent on said display unit, means for determining the winner in the succeeding one of the card games in accordance with the respective set of card rules that are associated with the succeeding one of the card games, and means for adjusting the credit total for the player according to the result of the succeeding one of the card games and with reference to the bet placed by the player.
8. The gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said means for playing the succeeding one of the card games further includes means for allowing the player to raise or maintain the bet via said user input unit prior to dealing said another number of the simulated cards.
9. The gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 7, further comprising means for awarding the player with bonus credit in the event that the player won in each of the card games in the sequence.
10. A gaming apparatus comprising a user input unit, a display unit, a processor unit coupled to said user input unit and said display unit, and a computer program product for adapting said gaming apparatus for playing a series of card games in sequence, each of the card games being associated with a respective set of card rules and requiring a player to have a set of simulated cards, the simulated cards in each of the card games increasing in number with the progression of the card games in the sequence, said computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium that includes:
a first code that directs said processor unit to allow the player to place a bet via said user input unit;
a second code that directs said processor unit to control playing of one of the card games in the sequence, including a code that directs said processor unit to deal a number of the simulated cards to each of the player and a virtual opponent for playing said one of the card games, a code that directs said processor unit so as to show the simulated cards that were dealt on the display unit, a code that directs said processor unit to determine the winner in said one of the card games in accordance with the respective set of card rules that are associated with said one of the card games, and a code that directs said processor unit to adjust a credit total for the player according to the result of said one of the card games and with reference to the bet placed by the player; and
a third code that directs said processor unit to control playing of a succeeding one of the card games in the sequence, including a code that directs said processor unit to deal another number of the simulated cards to each of the player and the virtual opponent, said another number of the simulated cards being respectively combined with the simulated cards of the player and the virtual opponent in the previous one of the card games to result in the simulated cards of the player and the virtual opponent for playing the succeeding one of the card games, a code that directs said processor unit so as to show the simulated cards of the player and the virtual opponent on the display unit, a code that directs said processor unit to determine the winner in the succeeding one of the card games in accordance with the respective set of card rules that are associated with the succeeding one of the card games, and a code that directs said processor unit to adjust the credit total for the player according to the result of the succeeding one of the card games and with reference to the bet placed by the player.
11. The gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein said third code further includes a code that directs said processor unit to allow the player to raise or maintain the bet via said user input unit prior to dealing said another number of the simulated cards.
12. The gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein said computer readable storage medium further comprises a fourth code that directs said processor unit to award the player with bonus credit in the event that the player won in each of the card games in the sequence.
US10/100,663 2001-12-20 2002-03-18 Computer-implemented method and gaming apparatus for playing a series of card games in sequence Abandoned US20030119571A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
TW090131640 2001-12-20
TW090131640A TWI234478B (en) 2001-12-20 2001-12-20 Method for executing an all-in-one staged game and its device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20030119571A1 true US20030119571A1 (en) 2003-06-26

Family

ID=21679985

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/100,663 Abandoned US20030119571A1 (en) 2001-12-20 2002-03-18 Computer-implemented method and gaming apparatus for playing a series of card games in sequence

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US20030119571A1 (en)
TW (1) TWI234478B (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
TWI417123B (en) * 2010-04-16 2013-12-01 Xpec Entertainment Inc Electronic game methods and systems, computer program products

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5356140A (en) * 1993-04-14 1994-10-18 Dabrowski Stanley P Double poker
US5377993A (en) * 1994-03-04 1995-01-03 Josephs; Ronald H. Wagering game
US5678821A (en) * 1996-06-19 1997-10-21 Hedman; Michael Method of playing a combination poker-like and blackjack-like wagering card game
US5823873A (en) * 1995-06-28 1998-10-20 Moody Ernest W Method of playing electronic video poker games
US5947822A (en) * 1997-04-15 1999-09-07 Weiss; Malcolm H. Method and apparatus for wagering
US5988643A (en) * 1998-02-05 1999-11-23 Awada; Yehia Multi-action card game for a casino
US6206780B1 (en) * 1998-03-02 2001-03-27 Yehia Awada Multi poker
US6481717B1 (en) * 2000-01-24 2002-11-19 Iroc Worldwide Gaming, Inc. Method of playing a card game
US6523831B2 (en) * 1995-07-19 2003-02-25 Prime Table Games Llc Method and apparatus for playing blackjack with a three card poker wager (“21+3/4”)

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5356140A (en) * 1993-04-14 1994-10-18 Dabrowski Stanley P Double poker
US5377993A (en) * 1994-03-04 1995-01-03 Josephs; Ronald H. Wagering game
US5823873A (en) * 1995-06-28 1998-10-20 Moody Ernest W Method of playing electronic video poker games
US6523831B2 (en) * 1995-07-19 2003-02-25 Prime Table Games Llc Method and apparatus for playing blackjack with a three card poker wager (“21+3/4”)
US5678821A (en) * 1996-06-19 1997-10-21 Hedman; Michael Method of playing a combination poker-like and blackjack-like wagering card game
US5947822A (en) * 1997-04-15 1999-09-07 Weiss; Malcolm H. Method and apparatus for wagering
US5988643A (en) * 1998-02-05 1999-11-23 Awada; Yehia Multi-action card game for a casino
US6206780B1 (en) * 1998-03-02 2001-03-27 Yehia Awada Multi poker
US6481717B1 (en) * 2000-01-24 2002-11-19 Iroc Worldwide Gaming, Inc. Method of playing a card game

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
TWI234478B (en) 2005-06-21

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6991538B2 (en) Gaming device having a card game with negative impact cards
US6478676B1 (en) Method of playing a game and hardware configuration therefor
US7419162B2 (en) Gaming system with blackjack primary game and poker secondary game
US6371851B1 (en) Extended hand modified video poker game system and method of playing the same
US7297057B2 (en) Apparatus and method for poker game with additional draw card options
US7544129B2 (en) Gaming device having multiple selection groups with related picks
US8272940B2 (en) Gaming device having match game with award determined by prediction of correct matches
US20080090650A1 (en) System and method of pausing and restarting wagering games
US20060058093A1 (en) Electronic card table and method for displaying video/animation thereon
RU2004126432A (en) METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PROVIDING WINNING ON PROGRESSIVE GLOBAL SYSTEM WITH PERSONAL ACCOUNTING FOR THE GAME DEVICE
US7097175B2 (en) Method and device for conducting a blackjack-type card game
US20050221883A1 (en) Apparatus, method, and program product for conducting a bingo game to produce card game-type results
US20050261050A1 (en) Amusement gaming machine
US6755736B2 (en) Computer-implemented method and gaming apparatus for playing two different card games simultaneously
US20030119571A1 (en) Computer-implemented method and gaming apparatus for playing a series of card games in sequence
US6719629B2 (en) Computer-implemented method and gaming apparatus for playing card games in succession
US20030119574A1 (en) Computer-implemented method and gaming apparatus for allowing a player-banker to play against at least one virtual opponent
US20140213334A1 (en) Casino wagering system with additional options for pairs
WO1998052659A9 (en) Extended hand modified video poker game system and method of playing the same
AU755382B2 (en) A method of playing a game and hardware configuration therefor
US11043081B2 (en) Method and system for conducting a wagering game
US20150111634A1 (en) Casino wagering system
US20110250945A1 (en) Gaming apparatus
US20210012620A1 (en) Casino wagering system
US20070060238A1 (en) Electronic poker style video game

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: TAI GAME TECH CORP., TAIWAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:YANG, ARDEN;REEL/FRAME:012710/0769

Effective date: 20020301

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION