Card game simulator

Abstract

A card game simulator includes storage of a rules base having programming specific to enforcing rules of a number of discrete card games. The rules base may be internal to a main unit or may be a number of plug-in modules that are received by the main unit. The main unit includes at least one main display that is responsive to a processor to generate visual representations of activities that are to be accessible in common to all player during the enforcement of the rules of a particular card game. In addition to the main unit, there are a number of individual display units that are separately responsive to the processor of the main unit. Each player unit includes a player display that is enabled to generate visual representations of activities specific to a participant to whom the player unit is assigned.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority from copending provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 608,644, filed Sep. 9, 2004.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The invention relates generally to devices for coordinating game play and more particularly to systems for simulating participation in card games. BACKGROUND ART [0003] The rules of most games feature some combination of timing, scoring, and randomness. While most card games do not include timing restrictions, scoring is significant. The scoring may be based upon point totals, possession of chips, or movement along a board (such as in Pinochle). In card games, the randomness aspect is provided by card shuffling and deck cutting before the cards are distributed to the players. [0004] While card games are popular, there are frustrations. For example, deck shuffling requires a dexterity that may not be available to young persons and the elderly. Another possible frustration relates to the need to keep track...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] The rules base store may be a number of different logic modules which are plugged into the main unit on an as-needed basis. In another embodiment, the main unit includes sufficient memory for storing rules for a large number of games. An advantage of the invention is that when the system is activated, the simulator automates shuffling, dealing, scoring, and adherence to the rules of the game being played. The individual player units allow each participant to view the cards dealt to that participant and allow the manipulation of the cards by use of the input means of the player unit. Discarded cards from the various players may appear in the main display of the main unit.

[0011] As an optional feature, the system may enable the tracking of play for subsequent evaluation of strategy. For example, during the electronic simulation of a Bridge game, each decision may be stored, so that the effectiveness of decisions can be discussed while the system is in a review mode that presents the sequence of decisions.

[0012] The system may also include a connection capability (such as a standard USB connector) to other devices or systems. Thus, a scanner may be coupled to the system to enable capture of images of specialty cards and the like.

Problems solved by technology

While card games are popular, there are frustrations.

For example, deck shuffling requires a dexterity that may not be available to young persons and the elderly.

Another possible frustration relates to the need to keep track of items, such as chips or specialty game pieces.

Moreover, there are occasions in which players disagree as to the rules of a game or are not aware of certain rules.

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