Patent Abstract:
A game system provides a game in which a plurality of players participate and includes: a plurality of stations that are provided for each of the players to play the game; a plurality of camera devices that are respectively provided in each of the stations and capture facial images of the respective players; a plurality of display units that are respectively provided in each of the stations and display images related to the game; and a controller that operates to: control at least one of the camera devices to capture the facial images; and control at least one of the display units to display the facial images captured by the camera devices.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
       [0001]    The present application is based upon and claims priority from prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-015299, filed on Jan. 25, 2007, the entire content of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
       TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a game system in which a plurality of stations each having a second display unit is installed. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    An example of conventional multi-player games, such as poker games which use cards or the like, is disclosed in WO-A1-97026061. An example of multi-player-tournament games is disclosed in WO-A1-00071218. An example of game systems for providing award to players through a network in gambling is disclosed in WO-A1-02041233. 
         [0004]    In a game in which a plurality of players participates, facial expressions of other players have an effect on psychology of players and are considerable factor in playing the game. However, when the players play the game side by side, it is difficult to directly recognize the facial expressions of other players visually. Accordingly, it is difficult to guess whether the game proceeds to be advantageous to other players, and thus it is difficult to set up a strategy, and thereby amusement in the game becomes insufficient in terms of tactically playing the game. 
         [0005]    In addition, since other players&#39; faces cannot be seen, a player cannot have a realistic feeling that the player competes with other players, and enjoyment of participating in a multi-player game cannot be acquired sufficiently. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    One of objects of the present invention is to provide a new entertaining feature that cannot be provided by using the conventional technology. In particular, one of objects of the present invention is to provide a game system capable of increasing enjoyment of tactical play in a game and enjoyment of participating in the game. 
         [0007]    According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a game system that provides a game in which a plurality of players participate, the game system including: a plurality of stations that are provided for each of the players to play the game; a plurality of camera devices that are respectively provided in each of the stations and capture facial images of the respective players; a plurality of display units that are respectively provided in each of the stations and display images related to the game; and a controller that operates to: control at least one of the camera devices to capture the facial images; and control at least one of the display units to display the facial images captured by the camera devices. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    In the accompanying drawings: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on a liquid crystal display included in a station of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of a game system according to the embodiment; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a schematic top view of a game system according to the embodiment; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of a station included in a game system according to the embodiment; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on a front display; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a game system according to the embodiment; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a station according to the embodiment; 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a flowchart showing a game process according to the embodiment; 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a flowchart showing a game process according to the embodiment; 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart showing a subroutine for a process of transmitting a command for receiving a selection which is performed by a main control unit; 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is a flowchart showing a subroutine for a selection information receiving process which is performed by a main control unit; 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  is a flowchart showing a subroutine for a process of displaying the face image of a designated player which is performed at regular time intervals by the station and the main control unit, independently of the game process shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 ; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  a perspective view showing the appearance of a game system according to another embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on a liquid crystal display included in a station of a game system according to the embodiment.  FIG. 2  is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of a game system according to the embodiment.  FIG. 3  is a schematic top view of a game system according to the embodiment.  FIG. 4  is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of a station included in a game system according to the embodiment. 
         [0024]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , on the upper side of a liquid crystal display  10  included in a station  3  of a game system  1  (see  FIG. 2 ) according to the embodiment, ten player face image display sections  76  are arranged. Alphabets of A to J displayed in the player face image display sections  76  correspond to stations  3   a  to  3   j  (see  FIGS. 2 and 3 ) of the game system  1 . In each player face image display section  76 , a face image (hereinafter, also referred to as a face image) of a player using a corresponding station  3  is displayed. For example, in the player face image display section  76  of “A”, a face image of a man currently participating in the game is displayed. Although, in the player face image display sections  76  of “C” to “J”, the same types of face images as displayed in the player face image display section  76  of “A” are displayed, however, in  FIG. 1 , the face images are omitted. In the embodiment, the face image of a player playing the game in a station  3  is not displayed in the player face image display sections  76  of the station. For example,  FIG. 1  shows the liquid crystal display  10  of the station  3   b , and the face image of a player is not displayed in the player face image display section  76  of “B” corresponding to the station  3   b.    
         [0025]    In the game system  1 , faces of players playing a game in the stations  3  are captured by using cameras  16  (see  FIGS. 2  and  4 ) installed to the stations  3  and the acquired images are displayed in the player face image display sections  76  of the liquid crystal display  10  of each station  3 . 
         [0026]    In the embodiment, the images captured by the cameras  16  are motion pictures. As long as a game is played in two or more stations  3 , image capturing operations performed by the cameras  16  installed to the stations  3  in which the game is played are continuously performed. In particular, from a time when coins are inserted into the station  3  to a time when all the coins are paid out or consumed in the station  3 , an image capturing operation performed by the camera  16  installed to the station  3  is performed. The image acquired by the image capturing operation is immediately displayed in the player face image display sections  76  of the liquid crystal display  10 . In addition, when it is a predetermined timing (in the embodiment, in a Hold&#39;em Poker game, when Flop, Turn, or River, to be described later, is displayed), the face image data acquired by the image capturing operation is stored in a RAM  42  (see  FIG. 6 ), to be described later. 
         [0027]    The liquid crystal display  10  serves as a second display unit according to the present invention. 
         [0028]    In an approximate center of the liquid crystal display  10  on the lower side, a special face image display section  77  is arranged. In the special face image display section  77 , the face image of a player who satisfies a predetermined condition (in the embodiment, a condition that a raise is made in Hold&#39;em Poker) in the game is displayed in an enlarged size. In the embodiment, in the special face image display section  77  of the station  3  in which the player satisfying the predetermined condition plays the game, the face image of the player is not displayed. 
         [0029]    In the special face image display section  77 , the face image of a player designated by the player playing the game in the station  3  may be displayed. In the right end of the liquid crystal display  10  on the upper side, a player selection section  78  for selecting a player whose face image is to be displayed is arranged. The player can select a player whose face image is to be displayed by using a touch panel  11  (see  FIG. 4 ) disposed above the liquid crystal display  10 . 
         [0030]    When an operation for selecting a player whose face image is to be displayed is performed, the face image of the selected player is displayed on the special face image display section  77  on the basis of the face image data stored in the RAM  42 . 
         [0031]    Next, the game system  1  according to the embodiment will be described. 
         [0032]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , two main displays  2  are disposed in back-to-back arrangement in the game system  1 . Each main display  2  has a front display  21  on which information on the game (hereinafter, also referred to as game information) and the like are displayed, speakers  22  that are disposed above the front display  21  and output music or effect sounds in accordance with progress of the game, and LEDs  23  that are turned on for providing various visual effects. 
         [0033]    As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , ten stations  3  (in a counter clockwise direction from the lower left end in  FIG. 2 , referred to as a station  3   a , a station  3   b , . . . , a station  3   i , and a station  3   j ) are disposed in the game system  1  so as to surround two main displays  2 . The description of “being disposed to surround a main display” means that a plurality of stations are installed in a range (there may be a discontinued portion) covering larger than 180 degrees to the left and right sides of the main display in which the display screen of the main display can be viewed. When two main displays are arranged in back-to-back arrangement as in the embodiment, a case where the main displays are interposed between pluralities of stations and each plurality of stations is installed in positions in which one of the display screens of the main displays can be viewed is included in the description of “being disposed to surround the main display”. 
         [0034]    According to an embodiment, the number of the stations may be two or more and is not limited to ten. 
         [0035]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , on the inner side of the upper face of the station  3 , a camera  16  used for capturing an image of a player&#39;s face is disposed. 
         [0036]    In front of the camera  16 , a liquid crystal display  10  for displaying an image (see  FIG. 1 ) relating to an operation, the result of a game, or the like is disposed. 
         [0037]    On the upper side of the liquid crystal display  10 , a touch panel  11  for a player to input an operation is disposed. 
         [0038]    In front of the liquid crystal display  10 , an operation button  12  for performing a payout operation and a coin insertion slot  13  for inserting a coin or medal is disposed. 
         [0039]    In the upper right end of the front side of the station  3 , a bill insertion slot  14  for inserting a bill is disposed. Below the bill insertion slot  14 , a coin payout opening  15  for paying out a player coins or medals corresponding to stored credits in a case where a payout operation is performed is disposed. 
         [0040]    In the game system  1 , Hold&#39;em Poker is performed as a game. 
         [0041]    Here, the Hold&#39;em Poker rule will be described. 
         [0042]    In Hold&#39;em Poker, one set (52 cards) of playing cards excluding Joker is used. 
         [0043]    First, a dealer deals two cards to each player. Each player refers to the cards dealt to him and selects one behavior among betting chips (hereinafter, also abbreviated as “bet”), betting chips of the same amount as the former player (hereinafter, referred to as “call”), raising the bet amount (hereinafter, also referred to as “raise”), and completing a game without placing a bet (hereinafter, also referred to as “fold”). Hereinafter, this selection is called as a bet selection. 
         [0044]    Next, the dealer opens three cards (called “Flop”) from among his holding cards. In the game system  1  according to the embodiment, the Flop is display on the front display  21 , as described below. Here, each player performs a bet selection. 
         [0045]    Next, the dealer opens a fourth card (called “Turn”). Then, each player performs a bet selection. 
         [0046]    Next, the dealer opens a fifth card (called “River”). Then, each player performs a bet selection. 
         [0047]    Next, all the cards (cards dealt first) held by players remaining in the game are open (called Showdown), and each player makes a hand by combining two holding cards and three cards from among five cards of the dealer. All the bet chips are given to a player who has made the strongest hand by comparing the hands of the players. 
         [0048]    When the hands in Hold&#39;em Poker are arranged in the order of their strength, there are royal flush, straight flush, four cards, full house, flush, straight, three cards, two pairs, one pair, and no pair. 
         [0049]    Next, images displayed on the front display  21  and the liquid crystal display  10  during a game will be described. 
         [0050]      FIG. 5  is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the front display. 
         [0051]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , in an approximate center of the front display  21 , a dealer  30  is displayed. 
         [0052]    Below the dealer  30 , a table  31  is displayed. On the table  31 , five card images  32  representing five cards and a chip image  33  representing bet chips are displayed. 
         [0053]    In addition, below the table  31 , game information display sections  35  in which face images and game information of the players are displayed are arranged. Alphabets of A to J displayed in the game information display sections  35  correspond to stations  3   a  to  3   j , and the face image of a player in the corresponding station  3  is continuously displayed in each game information display section  35 . In each game information display section  35 , the game information is displayed. The game information includes the number of bets, which have been placed until now, of each player and information on the bet selection. In addition, when a Showdown process is performed, cards dealt first to the players are displayed in the game information display sections  35  by replacing the face images. 
         [0054]    When there is a station  3  that is not used for the game, game information on a player who has a turn to perform a bet selection is displayed in the game information display section  35  corresponding to the station  3 . 
         [0055]    In the left end of the upper portion of the front display  21 , an enlarged face image displaying section  36  is arranged. In the enlarged face image displaying section  36 , the face image of a player who has a turn to receive a card or make a bet selection is displayed in an enlarged size. 
         [0056]    In the right end of the upper portion of the front display  21 , a pot display section  34  for displaying the total amount of chips currently bet is arranged. 
         [0057]    In the embodiment, although an image displayed on one front display  21  between the front displays  21  of two main displays  2  is configured to be the same as an image displayed on the other front display  21 , it may be configured that different images are displayed on the two front displays in accordance with the progress of a game. 
         [0058]    Although the face images of all the players participating in the game are configured to be continuously displayed on the front display  21  in the embodiment, the method of displaying the face images is not limited thereto. For example, the face images may be configured to be displayed only at a predetermined timing (for example, when a bet selection is made or a card is dealt) or when a predetermined condition (for example, when the amount of the pot exceeds a predetermined amount or a raise of an amount equal to or greater than a predetermined amount is made) is satisfied. In addition, for example, only the face image of a player who has a turn to receive a card or make a bet selection may be configured to be displayed, or only the face image of a player who satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, a player who makes a raise) is satisfied may be configured to be displayed. The position for displaying the face image is not limited to the example shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0059]    Next, the image displayed on the liquid crystal display  10  will be described in detail with reference to  FIG. 1 . 
         [0060]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , on the upper side of the liquid crystal display  10 , ten player face image display sections  76  are arranged. In the player face image display sections  76  of each station  3 , face images of players captured by the cameras  16  installed to stations  3  other than the station  3  are displayed. 
         [0061]    In the left end of the lower portion of the player face image displaying section  76 , two card images  70  representing two cards dealt to the player at the start of the game are shown. 
         [0062]    Below the card images  70 , a bet display section  71  for displaying the current number of bets of the player is arranged. 
         [0063]    In an approximate center portion of the liquid crystal display  10  on the lower side, a special face image display section  77  for displaying the face image of a player who satisfies a predetermined condition (in the embodiment, a condition that a raise is made in Hold&#39;em Poker) in the game or the face image of a player designated by the player playing the game in the station  3  is arranged. 
         [0064]    In the right end of the liquid crystal display  10  on the upper side, a player selection section  78  for selecting a player to be displayed in the special player face image display section  77  is arranged. The player can designate the player whose face image is to be displayed by touching a portion on the touch panel  11  corresponding to an alphabet of a station  3  in which the player whose face image is wanted to be displayed plays the game. 
         [0065]    The touch panel  11  serves as an input device according to the present invention. 
         [0066]    Below the player selection section  78 , a bet selection section  72  for selecting a “bet”, a call selection section  73  for selecting a “call”, a raise selection section  74  for selecting a “raise”, and a fold selection section  75  for selecting a “fold” are arranged for the bet selection. The player can perform the bet selection by touching a portion on the touch panel  11  corresponding to a selection section. 
         [0067]    Next, the internal configuration of the game system  1  will be described. 
         [0068]      FIG. 6  is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the game system according to the embodiment. 
         [0069]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , the game system  1  has a main control unit  40 , a plurality of stations  3  connected to the main control unit  40 , and two main displays  2 . 
         [0070]    The main control unit  40  includes a microcomputer  45  basically having a CPU  41 , a RAM  42 , a ROM  43 , a timer  90 , and a bus  44  for data transmission therebetween, as a core component. The main control unit  40  corresponds to a controller according to the present invention. In the ROM  43 , various programs, data tables, and the like for performing processes required for controlling the game system  1  are stored. The RAM  42  temporarily stores various types of data calculated by the CPU  41  and the face image data acquired by image capturing operations of the cameras  16 . The RAM  42  corresponds to a memory according to the present invention. The timer  90  measures a time. 
         [0071]    The CPU  41  is connected to an image processing circuit  47 , a voice circuit  48 , an LED drive circuit  49 , and a communication interface  50  through an I/O interface  46 . 
         [0072]    The front display  21  is connected to the image processing circuit  47 . The speakers  22  are connected to the voice circuit  48 . The LEDs  23  are connected to the LED drive circuit  49 . Ten stations  3  are connected to the communication interface  50 . 
         [0073]    The main control unit  40  also performs operations for outputting an image signal to be displayed on the front display  21  and controlling drive of the speakers  22  and LEDs  23 . 
         [0074]    Next, the internal configuration of the station  3  will be described. 
         [0075]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the station according to the embodiment. 
         [0076]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , the station  3  includes a microcomputer  55  basically having a CPU  51 , a RAM  52 , a ROM  53 , and a bus  54  for data transmission therebetween, as a core component. 
         [0077]    In the ROM  53 , various programs, data tables, and the like required for performing processes of controlling the station  3  are stored. The RAM  52  is a memory for temporarily storing the number of credits currently stored in the station  3  or various types of data calculated by the CPU  51 . 
         [0078]    The CPU  51  is connected to a liquid crystal panel drive circuit  57 , a touch panel drive circuit  58 , a hopper drive circuit  59 , a payout completion signal circuit  60 , a coin insertion detection signal circuit  67 , a bill detection signal circuit  64 , an operation signal circuit  66 , a camera  16 , and a communication interface  61 , through an I/O interface  56 . 
         [0079]    A liquid crystal display  10  is connected to the LCD drive circuit  57 . A touch panel  11  is connected to the touch panel drive circuit  58 . A hopper  62  is connected to the hopper drive circuit  59 . A coin detecting unit  63  is connected to the payout completion signal circuit  60 . A coin insertion detecting unit  68  is connected to the coin insertion detection signal circuit  67 . A bill detecting unit  65  is connected to the bill detection signal circuit  64 . An operation button  12  is connected to the operation signal circuit  66 . 
         [0080]    The hopper  62  is disposed inside the station  3  and pays out coins from the coin payout opening  15  on the basis of a control signal output from the CPU  51 . 
         [0081]    The coin detecting unit  63  is disposed inside the coin payout opening  15 . When detecting payout of a predetermined number of coins from the coin payout opening  15 , the coin detecting unit  63  transmits a signal to the CPU  51 . 
         [0082]    When detecting insertion of a coin into the coin insertion slot  13 , the coin insertion detecting unit  68  detects the amount of the coin and transmits a detection signal indicating the detected amount to the CPU  51 . 
         [0083]    When receiving a bill, the bill detecting unit  65  detects the amount of the bill and transmits a detection signal indicating the detected amount to the CPU  51 . 
         [0084]    The operation button  12  is used for performing a payout operation in a case where payout of coins is determined. 
         [0085]    The camera  16  is used for capturing an image of a face of a player playing a game. In the embodiment, face image data acquired by an image capturing operation of the camera  16  is transmitted to the CPU  41  and the CPU  51 . 
         [0086]    Next, a process performed in the game system  1  will be described. 
         [0087]      FIGS. 8 and 9  are flowcharts showing a game process according to the embodiment. 
         [0088]    First, a process performed in each station  3  will be described. 
         [0089]    In Step S 1  shown in  FIG. 8 , the CPU  51  determines whether a coin is inserted by a player. When it is determined that a coin has not been inserted, the process proceeds back to Step S 1 . On the other hand, when it is determined that a coin has been inserted, the CPU  51  adds credits corresponding to the inserted coin to the credits stored in the RAM  52 , in Step S 2 . 
         [0090]    In Step S 3 , the CPU  51  transmits a coin detection signal to the CPU  41  of the main control unit  40 . 
         [0091]    In Step S 4 , the CPU  51  receives dealing card information, which is information on two cards dealt to the player, from the CPU  41  of the main control unit  40 . The dealing card information includes numbers, alphabets, and marks. 
         [0092]    In Step S 5 , the CPU  51  displays the two cards on the liquid crystal display  10  on the basis of the dealing card information received in Step S 4  (see  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0093]    In Step S 6 , the CPU  51  receives a bet selection. In this step, the player performs the bet selection on the touch panel  11 . 
         [0094]    In Step S 7 , the CPU  51  performs a process for transmitting information (hereinafter, also referred to as selection information) on the bet selection input by the player to the CPU  41  and subtracting credits corresponding to the bet chips from the credits stored in the RAM  52 . The selection information includes information on the number of chips betted by the player. 
         [0095]    When receiving the selection information, the main control unit  40  performs a process for displaying the received selection information in the game information display section  35  of the front display  21 , a process for accumulating and storing credits corresponding to the bet chips in the RAM  42 , a process for recording a face of the player, a process for determining three cards to be Flop and displaying the determined cards on the front display  21 , and a process for transmitting a direction signal for receiving a bet selection to the CPU  51 . 
         [0096]    Next, the CPU  51  receives the direction signal for receiving a bet selection from the CPU  41  (Step S 8 ), receives the bet selection (Step S 9 ), and transmits the selection information to the CPU  41  and subtracts the credits corresponding to the bet chips from the credits stored in the RAM  52  (Step S 10 ). 
         [0097]    When receiving the selection information, the main control unit  40  performs a process for displaying the received selection information in the game information display section  35  of the front display  21 , a process for accumulating and storing credits corresponding to the bet chips in the RAM  42 , a process for recording a face of the player, a process for determining a card to be Turn and displaying the determined card on the front display  21 , and a process for transmitting a direction signal for receiving a bet selection to the CPU  51 . 
         [0098]    Next, the CPU  51  receives the direction signal for receiving a bet selection from the CPU  41  (Step S 11 ), receives a bet selection (Step S 12 ), transmits the selection information to the CPU  41 , and subtracts credits corresponding to the bet chips from the credits stored in the RAM  52  (Step S 13  shown in  FIG. 9 ). 
         [0099]    When receiving the selection information, the main control unit  40  performs a process for displaying the received selection information in the game information display section  35  of the front display  21 , a process for accumulating and storing credits corresponding to the bet chips in the RAM  42 , a process for recording a face of the player, a process for determining a card to be River and displaying the determined card on the front display  21 , and a process for transmitting a direction signal for receiving a bet selection to the CPU  51 . 
         [0100]    Next, the CPU  51  receives the direction signal for receiving a bet selection from the CPU  41  (Step S 14 ), receives bet selection (Step S 15 ), transmits the selection information to the CPU  41 , and subtracts credits corresponding to the bet chips from the credits stored in the RAM  52  (Step S 16 ). 
         [0101]    In Step S 17 , the CPU  51  receives information (hereinafter, also referred to as payout information) on the number of payouts from the CPU  41 . 
         [0102]    In particular, the CPU  51  receives information on the credit amount that has been accumulatively stored in the RAM  42  of the main control unit  40  from the CPU  41 . 
         [0103]    In Step S 18 , the CPU  51  pays out credits on the basis of the payout information received in Step S 17 . 
         [0104]    In particular, the CPU  51  stores the information on the credit amount accumulatively stored in the RAM  42  which has been received from the CPU  41  in the RAM  52 . Then, when the operation button  12  is pressed, the CPU  51  pays out coins corresponding to the number of credits stored in the RAM  52  from the coin payout opening  15 . 
         [0105]    After the process of Step S 18  is performed, the game process is completed. 
         [0106]    Next, a process performed by the main control unit  40  will be described. 
         [0107]    In Step S 101 , the CPU  41  receives a coin detection signal from the CPU  51  of the station  3 . 
         [0108]    In Step S 102 , the CPU  41  determines two cards to be dealt to each player by using random numbers. 
         [0109]    In Step S 103 , the CPU  41  transmits information on the cards determined in Step S 102  to the CPU  51 . 
         [0110]    In Step S 104 , the CPU  41  displays the player&#39;s face image (that is, the face image of a player who has a turn to receive a card) received from the camera  16  of the station  3  that has transmitted the card information in Step S 103  in the enlarged face image displaying section  36  of the front display  21 . 
         [0111]    After the processes of Steps S 103  and S 104  are performed for all the stations  3 , the process proceeds to Step S 105 . 
         [0112]    In Step S 105 , the CPU  41  performs a selection information receiving process. This process will be described later in detail with reference to  FIG. 11 . Then, in Step S 106 , the CPU  41  displays the selection information received in Step S 105  in the game information display section  35  of the front display  21  and accumulates and stores credits corresponding to the bet chips in the RAM  42  on the basis of the received selection information. 
         [0113]    After the processes of Steps S 105  and S 106  are performed for all the stations  3 , the process proceeds to Step S 107 . 
         [0114]    In Step S 107 , the CPU  41  starts recording (capturing) the players&#39; faces. In particular, the CPU  41  starts a process of storing the face image data of players received from the stations  3  in the RAM  42 . The CPU  41  performs a process of Step S 108 , to be described later, when five seconds elapses after the start of the recording operation, and completes the recording operation when five seconds elapses after the completion of the process of Step S 108 . In other words, the recording operation is started five seconds before the process of Step S 108  is performed, and is completed five seconds after the completion of the process of Step S 108 . 
         [0115]    In Step S 108 , the CPU  41  determines three cards by using random numbers and displays the determined cards as Flop on the table  31  of the front display  21 . 
         [0116]    In Step S 109 , the CPU  41  performs a process for transmitting a command for receiving a selection. This process will be described later in detail with reference to  FIG. 10 . 
         [0117]    In Step S 110 , the CPU  41  performs the selection information receiving process. Then, in Step S 111 , the CPU  41  displays the selection information received in Step S 110  in the game information display section  35  of the front display  21  and accumulates and stores credits corresponding to the bet chips in the RAM  42  on the basis of the received selection information. 
         [0118]    After the processes of Steps S 109  to S 111  are performed for all the stations  3 , the process proceeds to Step S 112 . 
         [0119]    In Step S 112 , the CPU  41  starts the operation for recording players&#39; faces. The CPU  41  performs a process of Step S 113 , to be described later, when five seconds elapses after the start of the recording operation, and completes the recording operation when five seconds elapses after the completion of the process of Step S 113 . In other words, the recording operation is started five seconds before the start of the process of Step S 113 , and is completed five seconds after the completion of the process of Step S 113 . When this process is performed, the face image data stored in the RAM  42  in Step S 107  is removed. 
         [0120]    In Step S 113 , the CPU  41  determines one card by using a random number and displays the determined card as Turn on the table  31  of the front display  21 . 
         [0121]    In Step S 114 , the CPU  41  performs a process for transmitting a command for receiving a selection. 
         [0122]    In Step S 115  shown in  FIG. 9 , the CPU  41  performs the selection information receiving process. Then, in Step S 116 , the CPU  41  displays the selection information received in Step S 115  in the game information display section  35  of the front display  21  and accumulates and stores credits corresponding to the bet chips in the RAM  42  on the basis of the received selection information. 
         [0123]    After the processes of Steps S 114  to S 116  are performed for all the stations  3 , the process proceeds to Step S 117 . 
         [0124]    In Step S 117 , the CPU  41  starts the operation for recording players&#39; faces. The CPU  41  performs a process of Step S 118 , to be described later, when five seconds elapses after the start of the recording operation, and completes the recording operation when five seconds elapses after the completion of the process of Step S 118 . In other words, the recording operation is started five seconds before the start of the process of Step S 118 , and is completed five seconds after the completion of the process of Step S 118 . When this process is performed, the face image data stored in the RAM  42  in Step S 112  is removed. 
         [0125]    In Step S 118 , the CPU  41  determines one card by using a random number and displays the determined card as River on the table  31  of the front display  21 . 
         [0126]    In Step S 119 , the CPU  41  performs a process for transmitting a command for receiving a selection. 
         [0127]    Next, in Step S 120 , the CPU  41  performs the selection information receiving process. Then, in Step S 121 , the CPU  41  displays the selection information received in Step S 120  in the game information display section  35  of the front display  21  and accumulates and stores credits corresponding to the bet chips in the RAM  42  on the basis of the received selection information. 
         [0128]    After the processes of Steps S 119  to S 121  are performed for all the stations  3 , the process proceeds to Step S 122 . 
         [0129]    In Step S 122 , the CPU  41  performs a Showdown process. 
         [0130]    In particular, the CPU  41  displays each two cards that have been dealt to a player using each station  3  in the game information display section  35  corresponding to the station  3 . 
         [0131]    In Step S 122 , the CPU  41  compares the hands with one another. 
         [0132]    In particular, first, the CPU  41  determines a strongest hand among hands made by combining two cards dealt to one player and three cards among five cards displayed on the table  31  of the front display  21  as the hand of the player. After the same process as that described above is performed for all the players remaining in the game, the CPU  41  compares the hands of the players to one another and determines a player whose hand is the strongest. 
         [0133]    In Step S 124 , the CPU  41  transmits the payout information to the CPU  51 . 
         [0134]    In particular, the CPU  41  transmits the information on the credit amount accumulatively stored in the RAM  42  to the CPU  51 . 
         [0135]    After the process of Step S 124  is performed, the game process is completed. 
         [0136]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart showing a subroutine for the process for transmitting a command for receiving a selection which is performed by the main control unit in Steps S 109  and S 114  shown in  FIG. 8  and Step S 119  shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0137]    In Step S 201 , the CPU  41  transmits a direction signal for receiving a bet selection to the CPU  51 . 
         [0138]    When receiving the direction signal for receiving a bet selection, the station  3  performs a process of receiving the bet selection and a process of transmitting the input selection information to the CPU  41 . 
         [0139]    In Step S 202 , the CPU  41  displays the player&#39;s face image (that is, the face image of a player who has a turn to perform a bet selection) received from the camera  16  of the station  3  that has transmitted the direction signal for receiving a bet selection in Step S 201  in the enlarged face image displaying section  36  of the front display  21 . 
         [0140]    After the process of Step S 202  is performed, the subroutine is completed. 
         [0141]      FIG. 11  is a flowchart showing a subroutine for the selection information receiving process which is performed by the main control unit in Steps S 105  and S 110  shown in  FIG. 8  and Step S 115  and Step S 120  shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0142]    In Step S 301 , the CPU  41  receives the selection information from the CPU  51 . Then, in Step S 302 , the CPU  41  determines whether the player using the station  3  has made a raise on the basis of the selection information received in Step S 301 . When it is determined that the player using the station  3  has not made a raise, this sub routine is completed. 
         [0143]    On the other hand, when it is determined that the player using the station  3  has made a raise, the CPU  41  transmits the face image data of the player received from the station  3  to the CPUs  51  of stations  3  other than the station  3  in Step S 303 . In the special face image display section  77  of the liquid crystal display  10  of the station that has received the face image data, a face image on the basis of the received face image data is displayed (see  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0144]    In the embodiment, the face image of the player who has made a raise is displayed for five seconds in the special face image display section  77 . When there is a plurality of players who have made raises, the face images of the players are sequentially displayed. 
         [0145]    However, the method of displaying the face image of a player who has made a raise is not limited thereto in the present invention. For example, the face image of a player who has made a raise is displayed until the next bet selection is performed, and the display of the face image of the player may be configured to be stopped in a case where the player does not make a raise in the bet selection. The face image data of the players who have made raises is stored in a memory, and it may be configured that the face images are sequentially displayed on the basis of the stored face image data in a case where there is a plurality of players who have made raises. 
         [0146]    Next, a process of displaying the face image of a player designated by the player playing a game in the station  3  in the liquid crystal display  10  of the station  3  will be described. 
         [0147]      FIG. 12  is a flowchart showing a subroutine for a process of displaying the face image of a designated player which is performed at regular time intervals by the station and the main control unit, independently of the game process shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
         [0148]    This subroutine is executed only when an input for designating a player whose face is to be displayed is performed by the player. 
         [0149]    First, in Step S 401 , the CPU  51  of the station  3  determines whether an input for designating a player whose face image is to be displayed is performed by the player. In this process, the CPU  51  determines whether an alphabet in the player selection section  78  (see  FIG. 1 ) is selected through the touch panel  11 . When it is determined that an input for designating the player whose face image is to be displayed is not performed, the process proceeds back to S 401 . 
         [0150]    On the other hand, when it is determined that an input for designating the player whose face image is to be displayed is performed, the CPU  51  determines the designated player in Step S 402 . In this process, the CPU  51  determines which alphabet has been selected in Step S 401 . 
         [0151]    In Step S 403 , the CPU  51  transmits information on the designated player (hereinafter, referred to as designated player information) to the CPU  41  of the main control unit  40 . 
         [0152]    In Step S 501 , the CPU  41  of the main control unit  40  receives the designated player information from the CPU  51  of the station  3 . 
         [0153]    In Step S 502 , the CPU  41  transmits the face image data received from the station  3  in which the designated player plays a game to the CPU  51 . That is, the CPU  41  transmits the face image data obtained by the 10 seconds recording (refer to Steps S 107  and S 112  shown in  FIG. 8 , and Step S 117  shown in  FIG. 9 ) to the CPU  51 . 
         [0154]    Next, in Step S 404 , the CPU  51  of the station  3  receives the face image data of the designated player from the CPU  41 . 
         [0155]    Next, in Step S 405 , the CPU  51  displays the face image of the designated player on the basis of the face image data received in Step S 404  in the special face image display section  77  of the liquid crystal display  10  of the station  3  for ten seconds. 
         [0156]    In the embodiment, if the face image of a player who has made a raise is already displayed in the special face image display section  77  when an input for designating a player whose face image is to be displayed is performed by a player, the face image of the designated player is displayed preferentially. In addition, if the face image of a designated player is displayed in the special face image display section  77  when a player makes a raise, the face image of the player who has made a raise is displayed preferentially. 
         [0157]    However, according to the present invention, the method of displaying the face image of the designated player and the face image of the player who has made a raise is not limited thereto. 
         [0158]    After the process of Step S 405  is performed, this subroutine is completed. 
         [0159]    As described above, the game system  1  according to the embodiment includes a liquid crystal display  10  (second display unit) and ten stations  3  for players&#39; playing the game each having a camera  16  for capturing an image of the face of a player playing the game. The game system  1  includes a main control unit  40  (controller) programmed to perform the following processes of “(a)” to “(c)”. 
         [0160]    (a) A process of controlling an operation for capturing image of the faces of the players playing the game in the stations  3  having the cameras  16  by using the cameras  16 . 
         [0161]    (b) A process of controlling an operation for displaying images of the players&#39; faces captured by the cameras  16  of the stations  3  in which the game is played on the liquid crystal displays  10  of the stations  3 . 
         [0162]    (c) In a case where a predetermined condition is satisfied in at least one of the stations  3 , a process of displaying a face image of a player in the at least one of the stations  3 , in which the predetermined condition is satisfied, in the liquid crystal displays  10  of the stations  3  in which the game is played in an enlarged size. 
         [0163]    In the embodiment, when a player makes a raise, it is configured that the face image of the player is displayed on the liquid crystal display  10  in an enlarged size. However, a predetermined condition for displaying the face image of the player in an enlarged size in the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it may be configured that the face image of a player is displayed in an enlarged size when the player makes a call or the player makes raises a predetermined number of times or more. Furthermore, it may be configured that the face image of a player is displayed in an enlarged size when the number of bets of the player exceeds a predetermined amount. 
         [0164]    In the embodiment, when a player makes a raise, the face image of the player who has made the raise is configured to be displayed on the liquid crystal displays  10  of stations  3  other than the station  3  in which the player who has made the raise plays the game in an enlarged size. However, the face image of a player who satisfies a predetermined condition may be displayed on the second display unit of the station in which the player plays the game in an enlarged size. 
         [0165]    In the embodiment, although the image capturing operations are continuously performed by the cameras  16 , however, the method of capturing images by the cameras is not limited thereto. For example, the image capturing operations may be performed only at predetermined timings (for example, at a time when a bet selection is made or a card is dealt) or only when a predetermined condition (for example, a condition that the amount of the pot exceeds a predetermined amount or a raise of an amount equal to or larger than a predetermined amount is made) is satisfied. 
         [0166]    In addition, on the liquid crystal display  10  of a station  3 , although the face images of all the players participating in the game in stations  3  other than the station are configured to be displayed in the embodiment, the face images displayed on the second display unit according to the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, only the face image of a player designated by the player using the station and the face image of a player who satisfies a predetermined condition may be configured to be displayed. Furthermore, for example, the face image of a player playing the game in the station may be configured to be displayed. 
         [0167]    In the embodiment, although the face image of a player designated by the player playing the game is displayed on the liquid crystal display  10  of the station  3  to which the selection operation is input, in the present invention, the face image of the selected player may be displayed on second display units of stations other than the station to which the selection operation is input. 
         [0168]    Although the face images are configured to be continuously displayed on the liquid crystal display  10  in the embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the face images may be configured to be displayed only at predetermined timings (for example, at a time when a bet selection is made or a card is dealt) or only when a predetermined condition (for example, a condition that the amount of the pot exceeds a predetermined amount or a raise of an amount equal to or larger than a predetermined amount is made) is satisfied. 
         [0169]    In the present invention, the positions in which the face images are displayed on the second display unit are not limited to those shown in the example of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0170]    In the embodiment, although the face images of the players are configured to be recorded (the face image data is stored in the RAM  42 ) when Flop, Turn, or River is displayed on the front display  21 , timings for storing the face image data acquired by the image capturing operations according to the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the face image data may be configured to be stored in a memory when a bet selection is made or a card is dealt, and the face image data may be configured to be stored in the memory when an input direction is made by the player. Furthermore, for example, the process of storing the face image data in the memory may be configured to be continuously performed. 
         [0171]    Although a case where the game system  1  has two main displays  2  disposed back to back has been described in the embodiment, the game system according to the present invention is not limited thereto. 
         [0172]    Hereinafter, an example of a game system having a configuration other than the configuration of the game system  1  will be described. 
         [0173]      FIG. 13  a perspective view showing the appearance of a game system according to another embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 13 , a game system  100  has one main display, and it is configured that all the players participating in the game play the game while viewing the same main display. 
         [0174]    As described above, the present invention can be applied to a game system having one main display. 
         [0175]    In the above-described embodiment, a case where the game system has a main display as a first display unit and a plurality of the players play the game while viewing the main display has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to a game system without a first display unit. For example, the present invention can be applied to a game system including a plurality of stations each having a camera and a second display unit and the face image of a player designated by the player playing the game in the station is controlled to be displayed on the second display unit. 
         [0176]    Although a case where Hold&#39;em Poker is played as a game has been described in the above-described embodiments, the game performed by the game system is not limited to specific a game as long as a plurality of players can participate in the game. 
         [0177]    As described above with reference to the embodiments, there is provided a game system in which the faces of the players playing the game in the stations are captured by using the cameras installed to the stations, and images of the players&#39; faces which have been captured by the cameras are displayed on the second display units of the stations. 
         [0178]    Thus, since images of other player&#39;s faces are displayed on the second display unit of each station, each player can recognize facial expressions of other players. As a result, each player can set up a strategy on the basis of the facial expressions of other players, and it is possible to increase enjoyment of game tactics. 
         [0179]    In addition, since the images of other players are displayed on each second display unit, each player can have a realistic feeling that the player competes with the players whose face images are displayed. Consequently, it is possible to increase enjoyment of participating in the game. 
         [0180]    Accordingly, it is possible to provide an entertaining feature that has not been provided by using a conventional technology. 
         [0181]    There is also provided a game system in which the faces of the players playing the game in the stations are captured by using the cameras installed to the stations, and images of the players&#39; faces which have been captured by the cameras are displayed on the second display units of the stations. In addition, a face image of a player using a station, in which a predetermined condition (for example, in Hold&#39;em Poker, a raise is made) is satisfied, is displayed on the second display units of the stations in an enlarged size. 
         [0182]    Thus, since images of other player&#39;s faces are displayed on the second display unit of each station, each player can recognize facial expressions of other players. As a result, each player can set up a strategy on the basis of the facial expressions of other players, and it is possible to increase enjoyment of game tactics. 
         [0183]    In addition, since the images of other players are displayed on each second display unit, each player can have a realistic feeling that the player competes with the players whose face images are displayed. Consequently, it is possible to increase enjoyment of participating in the game. 
         [0184]    In addition, since a face image of a player in a station, in which a predetermined condition is satisfied, is displayed on the second display units of the stations in an enlarged size, a strong impression that the player satisfies the predetermined condition on other players can be made. 
         [0185]    Accordingly, it is possible to provide an entertaining feature that has not been provided by using a conventional technology. 
         [0186]    There is also provided a game system in which the faces of the players playing the game in the stations are captured by using the cameras installed to the stations, face image data representing images of the captured image of the players&#39; faces is stored in the memory, and the face image on the basis of the face image data selected by the input from the input device is displayed on the second display unit of a station in which the input operation is performed. 
         [0187]    Thus, since the image of the player&#39;s face is displayed on the second display unit, each player can recognize facial expressions of other players. As a result, a player can set up a strategy on the basis of facial expressions of other players, and it is possible to increase enjoyment of game tactics. 
         [0188]    In addition, since the images of other players are displayed on each second display unit, each player can have a realistic feeling that the player competes with the players whose face images are displayed. Consequently, it is possible to increase enjoyment of participating in the game. 
         [0189]    The face image on the basis of the face image data stored in the memory can be frequently displayed on the second display unit, a player can frequently check the facial expression of a competitive player as is necessary. As a result, the facial expressions of various players at various timings can be checked, and it is possible to set up a precise strategy. 
         [0190]    Accordingly, it is possible to provide an entertaining feature that has not been provided by using a conventional technology. 
         [0191]    There is provided a game system having the above-described new entertaining feature that has not been in the conventional technology, that is, a game system capable of increasing enjoyment of game tactics and enjoyment of participating in the game. 
         [0192]    While the embodiments of the present invention have been described as above, the embodiments are merely detailed examples of the present invention, and therefore the present invention is not particularly limited thereto, and the design of detailed configurations of each means and the like may be changed appropriately. The advantages described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely examples of appropriate advantages that are generated from the present invention, and therefore the advantages of the present invention are not limited thereto. 
         [0193]    In the description of the present invention described above, distinctive features of the present invention have been focused for easy understanding thereof. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the detailed description and may be applied to other embodiments, and the present invention can be applied to various application fields. The terms and expressions used in this specification are not for limiting the interpretation of the present invention but for precisely describing the present invention. It will be understood that those skilled in the art can easily deduce a different configuration, a system, or a method belonging to the concept of the present invention from the concept of the present invention described in this specification. Accordingly, the description of Claims should be considered to include equivalent configurations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The purpose of the abstract is to enable Patent Trademark Office, general public organizations, or a technical person or the like belonging to the technical field of the present invention who is not familiar with patents, legal terms, or professional terms to acquire the technical contents and essence of the present application in an easy manner by performing a simple research. Accordingly, the abstract is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention which should be determined by Claims. In order to sufficiently understand the object and distinctive advantages of the present invention, it is required to fully refer to disclosed documents and the like. 
         [0194]    The above-described detailed description of the present invention includes processes executed by a computer. The purpose of the descriptions and expressions as above is to enable those skilled in the art to efficiently understand the present invention. In this specification, steps used for inducing one result should be understood as processes without self contradiction. In each step, transmission, reception, record, or the like of electric or magnetic signals is performed. In the processes of the steps, although these signals are represented by bits, values, symbols, letters, terms, numbers, or the like, however, it should be considered that those representations are used only for the convenience of descriptions. Although the processes of the steps may have been described as expressions common to human behavior, basically, the processes described in this specification are performed by various apparatuses. In addition, other configurations required to perform the processes in the steps are apparent from the descriptions above.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6