Abstract:
A gaming platform comprising a semi-circular table comprising a playing surface an arcuate first side, and an opposing arcuate second side, a plurality of player stations arranged along the arcuate first side, a first visual display device comprising a first display screen and disposed within the table such that the first display screen is flush with the playing surface and such that an image displayed on the first display screen can be seen from each of the plurality of player stations, and a second visual display device comprising a second display screen and disposed within the table such that the second display screen is flush with the playing surface and such that an image displayed on the first display screen can be seen from each of the plurality of player stations.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This Application claims priority from a U.S. Provisional Application having Ser. No. 61/115,418 filed Nov. 17, 2008, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention is directed to a gaming platform which includes a plurality of visual display devices. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Prior art gaming platforms used for card games generally include a dealer station and one or more player stations. Such prior art gaming platforms do not include any visual display devices disposed therein such that a visual display screen is flush with a playing surface. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    A gaming platform is presented. The gaming platform comprises a semi-circular table comprising a playing surface an arcuate first side, and an opposing arcuate second side. A plurality of player stations are arranged along the arcuate first side. 
         [0005]    The gaming platform further includes a first visual display device comprising a first display screen and disposed within the table such that the first display screen is flush with the playing surface and such that an image displayed on the first display screen can be seen from each of the plurality of player stations. The gaming platform further includes a second visual display device comprising a second display screen and disposed within the table such that the second display screen is flush with the playing surface and such that an image displayed on the first display screen can be seen from each of the plurality of player stations. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    The invention will be better understood from a reading of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference designators are used to designate like elements, and in which: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1A  is a top view of a first embodiment of Applicant&#39;s gaming platform; 
           [0008]      FIG. 1B  is a top view of the gaming platform of  FIG. 1A  further showing nine (9) players arranged adjacent a first arcuate side and a dealer located adjacent an opposing second arcuate side; 
           [0009]      FIG. 1C  is a top view of a second embodiment of Applicant&#39;s gaming platform; 
           [0010]      FIG. 1D  is a top view of the gaming platform of  FIG. 2A  further showing nine (9) players arranged adjacent a first arcuate side and a dealer located adjacent an opposing second arcuate side; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating the components of a controller disposed within Applicant&#39;s gaming platform; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a top view of the gaming platform of  FIG. 1A  wherein a first visual display device is displaying an image of a generic (suitless) three card; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the gaming platform of  FIG. 1A  wherein a first visual display device is displaying an image of a generic (suitless) four card; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a top view of the gaming platform of  FIG. 1A  wherein a first visual display device is displaying an image of a generic (suitless) five card; and 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a top view of the gaming platform of  FIG. 1A  wherein a first visual display device is displaying an image of a joker card. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0016]    This invention is described in preferred embodiments in the following description with reference to the Figures, in which like numbers represent the same or similar elements. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
         [0017]    The described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are recited to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 
         [0018]    Referring now to  FIG. 1A , gaming platform  100  comprises playing surface  105 , a visual display device  110  disposed within table  100  such that a visual display screen of device  110  is flush with playing surface  105 , a visual display device  160  disposed within table  100  such that a visual display screen of device  160  is flush with playing surface  105 , card club scanner  130 , money drop  140 , currency scanner  150 , and a plurality of player stations  120 . Each player station is defined by a light emitting device, wherein that light emitting device is disposed within gaming platform  100  such that a top surface of the light emitting device is flush with gaming surface  105 . 
         [0019]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 1A , gaming platform  100  comprises nine light emitting devices, namely light emitting devices  121 ,  122 ,  123 ,  124 ,  125 ,  126 ,  127 ,  128 , and  129 . In certain embodiments, each light emitting device comprises a light emitting diode (“LED”). In certain embodiments, each light emitting device comprises a LED that emits a white color when energized. In certain embodiments, each light emitting device comprises a LED that emits a red color when energized. In certain embodiments, each light emitting device comprises a LED that emits a blue color when energized. In certain embodiments, each light emitting device comprises a plurality of LEDs, wherein each LED can emits one of a plurality of different colors when energized. 
         [0020]      FIG. 1C  illustrates another embodiment of Applicant&#39;s gaming platform  100  comprising a differing gaming surface configuration. The embodiment of  FIG. 1C  comprises the same elements as described hereinabove with reference to the embodiment of  FIG. 1A . 
         [0021]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1B and 1D , each light emitting device defines a different player station. The illustrated embodiments of  FIGS. 1B and 1D  show a total of nine (9) players and one dealer disposed adjacent gaming platform  100 . In other embodiments, Applicant&#39;s gaming platform  100  comprises fewer than nine (9) light emitting devices/player stations. In yet other embodiments, Applicant&#39;s gaming platform  100  comprises more than nine (9) light emitting devices/player stations. 
         [0022]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating certain electronic elements of Applicant&#39;s gaming platform  100 . Referring now to  FIG. 2 , gaming platform  100  comprises controller  200  which comprises a processor  210 , computer readable medium  220  in communication with processor  210  via communication link  225 , a visual display device  240  in communication with processor  210  via communication link  245 , a data input device  250  in communication with processor  210  via communication link  255 , a network interface module  260  in communication with processor  210  via communication link  262  and in communication with computer readable medium  220  via communication link  264 . In certain embodiments, network interface  260  comprises antenna  270 . In certain embodiments, network interface  260  is in communication with one or more servers via one or more wireless networks utilizing an IEEE 802.11g (WLAN) protocol and/or an IEEE 802.15.3 (Bluetooth) protocol. 
         [0023]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 2 , processor  210  is in communication with each of the plurality of light emitting devices  120  via communication link  125 . In certain embodiments, a player may elect certain options to play in an upcoming card game dealt by a dealer standing adjacent gaming platform  100 . When a player informs the dealer of his/her election to participate in a certain option, the dealer can utilize data input device  240  and provide the player&#39;s option selection to processor  210 . In certain embodiments, processor  210  encodes the player&#39;s option selection in database  224 . In certain embodiments, processor causes a light emitting device defining the player station occupied by the selecting player to emit light comprising a certain color. The energized light emitting device signals other players and the dealer that the selecting player has elected to play a card game using a certain option. 
         [0024]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 2 , processor  210  is in communication with club card scanner  130  via communication link  135 . As those skilled in the art will appreciate, many gaming establishments maintain an association of persons, i.e. club members, wherein each club member is issued a card comprising a unique identifier. When a club members joins gaming platform  100 , that club member proffers his/her club card to a dealer at gaming platform  100 , and that dealer positions the player&#39;s club card in near proximity to scanner  130 . Scanner  130  reads certain information from that player&#39;s club card, and provides that information to processor  210 . In certain embodiments, processor  210  then stores that information in a database  224  encoded in computer readable medium  220 . In certain embodiments, processor provides the players club card information to a central server via network interface  260 . 
         [0025]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 2 , processor  210  is in communication with currency scanner  150  via communication link  155 . As those skilled in the art will appreciate, when a player joins gaming platform  100  that player may proffer currency to a dealer. The dealer exchanges the proffered currency for an equivalent value of playing chips. The dealer then drops the proffered currency through currency slot  140 . In certain embodiments, currency slot  140  is interconnected to a local currency collection device. In other embodiments, currency slot  140  is in pneumatic connection with a central currency collection facility. 
         [0026]    In either case, as each piece of currency passes through currency slot  140 , currency scanner  150  scans and obtains an image of that paper currency, and provides that image to processor  210 . In certain embodiments, processor provides the currency image to a central server via network interface  260 . 
         [0027]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 2 , processor  210  is in communication with visual display device  110  via communication link  115 . In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 2 , processor  210  is in communication with visual display device  160  via communication link  165 . In certain embodiments of Applicant&#39;s method utilizing gaming platform  100 , one player participating in an upcoming card game can designated certain cards as “Wild Cards.” Having learned of the designation made by an authorized player, a dealer can provide the player&#39;s designation to processor  210  via data input device  250 . Processor  210  than displays the authorized player&#39;s designation on visual display device  110 . All players participating in the upcoming card game at gaming platform  110  are then placed on notice of the authorized player&#39;s designation. In certain embodiments, processor  210  also displays both the identity of the authorized player, and/or the authorized player&#39;s designation, on visual display device  240  such that the dealer is continuously placed on notice of the authorized player&#39;s identify and/or the authorized player&#39;s designation. 
         [0028]    The following Examples are presented to further illustrate to persons skilled in the art how to make and use the invention. These Examples are not intended as a limitation, however, upon the scope of the invention. 
       Example I 
       [0029]    One embodiment of Applicant&#39;s method utilizing gaming platform  100  comprises a 5 or 7 card poker game played from a standard deck of 52 playing cards. A player on the dealer&#39;s left side is selected as an Authorized Player, such as for example Player  9  ( FIGS. 1B ,  1 D). In certain embodiments, the Authorized Player designation changes with each hand played. As an example, in a next hand played Player  8  is selected as the Authorized Player. 
         [0030]    The Authorized Player may designate 3s, or 4s, or 5s as a wild playing cards. For example and referring to  FIG. 3 , if an Authorized Player designates 3s as wild, then that designation gives Wild Card Status to the 3 of Diamonds, 3 of Hearts, 3 of Clubs, and 3 of Spades. The dealer than provides the Authorized Player&#39;s designation to processor  210  via data input device  250 . Processor  210  then causes visual display device, and also optionally visual display device  240 , to visually display a generic (suitless) three card as shown in  FIG. 3 . All players participating in the upcoming poker game are thereby placed on notice that all 3s are designated Wild Cards. 
         [0031]    In certain embodiments, Applicant&#39;s method includes paying a Bonus to any player holding all four of the designated Wild Cards. Under these embodiments in this Example I, a player holding all four 3s would win the Bonus. In certain embodiments, visual display device  160  visually displays the All Wildcard Bonus Amount. In certain embodiments, the All Wildcard Bonus Amount is Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00). 
         [0032]    As another example and referring to  FIG. 4 , if an Authorized Player designates 4s as wild, then that designation gives Wild Card Status to the 4 of Diamonds, 4 of Hearts, 4 of Clubs, and 4 of Spades. The dealer than provides the Authorized Player&#39;s designation to processor  210  via data input device  250 . Processor  210  then causes visual display device, and also optionally visual display device  240 , to visually display a generic (suitless) four card as shown in  FIG. 4 . All players participating in the upcoming poker game are thereby placed on notice that all 4s are designated Wild Cards. 
         [0033]    In certain embodiments, Applicant&#39;s method includes paying a Bonus to any player holding all four of the designated Wild Cards. Under these embodiments in this Example I, a player holding all four 4s would win the Bonus. In certain embodiments, visual display device  160  visually displays the All Wildcard Bonus Amount. In certain embodiments, the All Wildcard Bonus Amount is Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00). 
         [0034]    As another example and referring to  FIG. 5 , if an Authorized Player designates 5s as wild, then that designation gives Wild Card Status to the 5 of Diamonds, 5 of Hearts, 5 of Clubs, and 5 of Spades. The dealer than provides the Authorized Player&#39;s designation to processor  210  via data input device  250 . Processor  210  then causes visual display device, and also optionally visual display device  240 , to visually display a generic (suitless) five card as shown in  FIG. 4 . All players participating in the upcoming poker game are thereby placed on notice that all 5s are designated Wild Cards. 
         [0035]    In certain embodiments, Applicant&#39;s method includes paying a Bonus to any player holding all four of the designated Wild Cards. Under these embodiments in this Example I, a player holding all four 5s would win the Bonus. In certain embodiments, visual display device  160  visually displays the All Wildcard Bonus Amount. In certain embodiments, the All Wildcard Bonus Amount is Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00). 
         [0036]    As those skilled in the art will appreciate, Wild Cards have the ability to become any card in the deck and could be used to aid a player&#39;s Poker Hand. For example, if a player holds 4 clubs in his Poker Gone Wild Poker hand, the player can use a wild card(s) to make a Poker Gone Wild Flush Hand. The player with the best 5 cards out of a 7 card hand wins. A natural (using no Wild Cards) Royal Straight Flush beats all other hands. Highest Five of a kind beats all other hands except a natural Straight Flush. 
         [0037]    To play five card poker, a minimum of 2 players are needed, and as many as ten (10) players for 5 card poker. To play seven (7) card poker, a minimum 2 players are needed, and up to 22 players for Texas Hold&#39;em Poker using one standard deck of 52 playing cards. In the case of Texas Hold&#39;em using 3s, 4s, or 5s as wild cards a minimum of two (2) players are needed to play with as many as 22 players playing. 
       Example II 
       [0038]    In certain embodiments, a dealer elects to designate two Joker cards as Wild Cards, and uses 54 playing cards with the two Joker Cards included (52 standard playing cards with an additional 2 Jokers for a total of 54 playing cards). In this embodiment the dealer provides to processor  210  using data input device  250  his/her election to use two Joker Cards as Wild Cards. Referring now to  FIG. 6 , processor  210  then causes visual display device  110 , and optionally visual display device  240 , to visually display a Joker Card. The players participating in the next card game dealt are thereby placed on notice that two Joker Cards will be used as Wild cards. 
         [0039]    In certain embodiments, Applicant&#39;s method includes paying a Bonus to any player holding all four of the designated Wild Cards. Under these embodiments in this Example I, a player holding both Joker Cards would win the Bonus. In certain embodiments, visual display device  160  visually displays the All Wildcard Bonus Amount. In certain embodiments, the All Wildcard Bonus Amount is Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00). 
         [0040]    In this Example II, at least 2 players are needed for Five (5) Card Poker with The Jokers as Wild Cards. As many as ten (10) players could participate in five (5) Card Poker with The Jokers as Wild Cards. 
         [0041]    At least two (2) players are needed to play seven (7) card poker with the Jokers as Wild Cards. As many as seven (7) players could participate in seven (7) card poker with The Jokers as Wild Cards. 
         [0042]    In the case of Texas Hold&#39;em with The Jokers as wild cards and a deck of 54 playing cards, a minimum of two (2) players are needed to play with as many as 23 players participating. 
         [0043]    While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and adaptations to those embodiments may occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the following claims.