US20070021170A1

US20070021170A1 - Electronic gaming device

Info

Publication number: US20070021170A1
Application number: US11/491,399
Authority: US
Inventors: Grant Cooper
Original assignee: Grant Cooper
Current assignee: COOPER DESIGN AND CONCEPTS Inc
Priority date: 2005-07-23
Filing date: 2006-07-21
Publication date: 2007-01-25
Also published as: WO2007014046A8; WO2007014046A2; WO2007014046A3

Abstract

The present invention provides a gaming device that includes a housing, one or more displays, a controller and one or more control buttons. The housing has an upper surface, a lower surface, one or more sidewall(s) and a height. The one or more displays are disposed, encapsulated or positioned within a bore or opening in the upper surface to indicate a timer, a small blind amount, a big blind amount or an ante amount. The controller is incorporated into the housing and connected to the one or more displays. The one or more control buttons are disposed on the upper surface or the continuous sidewall and connected to the controller.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

This patent application is a non-provisional application of U.S. patent application 60/701,563 filed on Jul. 23, 2005 entitled “An Electronic Gaming Device”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of games and gambling accessories and, more particularly, to an electronic gaming device for poker. The present invention is particularly, though not exclusively, useful for a dealer, pit boss, tournament director, player, or host to monitor the time, blind structure, and/or ante structure of a gaming table.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Legalized gambling has become a large industry with billions of dollars waged each year. For example, the game of poker has seen unprecedented popularity in recent years as a result of televised poker tournaments and Internet-based poker sites. Over fifty million people in the United States are estimated to play poker on a regular basis. Many variations of poker exist and most of these variations use a blind structure (forced bets to promote action). Antes and timers may also be used. Many times, in casinos, homes, and/or public venues, gamblers will play for many hours and will desire/must know the relevant information, such as the time played, time left in the round, blind structure, and ante structure.
In order to be fair, the dealers, host, and/or tournament director have to monitor the elapsed time, blinds, and antes. This monitoring must be accomplished while the cards are dealt, chips are collected, chips are paid out and order is otherwise maintained in the gaming area. Due to all these distractions it becomes difficult to accurately monitor the time played, time left in the round, blind structure, and ante structure. Moreover, it becomes quite cumbersome to manage multiple gaming tables.
In response to the above problems, there is a need for a device that can be used to accurately monitor the time played, time left in the round, blind structure, and ante structure. There is also need for a device to monitor more then one gaming table. Finally, there is a need for a device for monitoring the time played, time left in the round, blind structure, and ante structure that can be easily dispensed, retrieved, legible and stored.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a gaming device with the ability to monitor the time played, time left in the round, blind structure and ante structure. The gaming device can be a gaming chip or dealer button with built-in timers, multiple displays, start buttons, stop buttons, adjustable limit buttons, reset buttons, software, connections/connectors to outside computers, wireless capability, electrical components, audible notifications, and batteries. The gaming device can be sized to fit in standard sized storage gaming trays and poker sets in order to facilitate their storage. In addition, this present invention is designed to have the capability to synchronize with similar/same gaming devices, which would be specifically useful in multiple table gaming tournaments. Moreover, the present invention provides an unobtrusive, easy to use device that can be used to accurately track the crucial information needed in managing a game (e.g., the time played, time left in the round, blind structure, ante structure, etc.) and can be easily and inexpensively manufactured.
More specifically, the present invention provides a gaming device that includes a housing, one or more displays, a controller and one or more control buttons. The housing has an upper surface, a lower surface, one or more sidewall(s) and a height. The one or more displays are disposed, encapsulated or positioned within a bore or opening in the upper surface to indicate a timer, a small blind amount, a big blind amount or an ante amount. The controller is incorporated into the housing and connected to the one or more displays. The one or more control buttons are disposed on the upper surface or the continuous sidewall and connected to the controller.
In addition, the present invention provides a gaming device that includes a circular cylindrical body, one or more displays, control buttons, a speaker, a controller and a battery. The circular cylindrical body has a diameter, an upper surface, a lower surface, a continuous sidewall and a height. The one or more displays are disposed, encapsulated or positioned within a bore or opening in the upper surface to indicate a timer, a small blind amount, a big blind amount or an ante amount. The control buttons include an on/off button, a start/pause button, a shift button, an increment button and a decrement button disposed on the upper surface or the continuous sidewall. The speaker is incorporated into the circular cylindrical body. The controller is incorporated into the circular cylindrical body and connected to the one or more displays, the control buttons and the speaker. The battery is incorporated into the circular cylindrical body and connected to the controller and/or the display, the control buttons or speaker.
The present invention also provides a gaming system that includes one or more gaming devices and a computer. Each gaming device includes a housing, one or more displays, a wireless interface and a controller. The housing has an upper surface, a lower surface, one or more sidewalls and a height. The one or more displays are disposed in the upper surface to indicate a timer, a small blind amount, a big blind amount and an ante amount. The wireless interface is incorporated into the housing. The controller is incorporated into the housing and connected to the one or more displays and the wireless interface. The computer includes a communications interface to send one or more control signals to the gaming device controller(s) via the wireless interface(s).
Moreover, the present invention provides a method for conducting a game by providing a gaming device, setting one or more parameters for the game using control button(s) on the gaming device, and displaying a timer, a small blind amount, a big blind amount and an ante amount on the gaming device based on the one or more parameters. The gaming device includes a housing, one or more displays, one or more control buttons and a controller. The housing has an upper surface, a lower surface, one or more sidewalls and a height. The one or more displays are disposed in the upper surface to indicate a timer, a small blind amount, a big blind amount and an ante amount. The one or more control buttons are disposed on the upper surface or the sidewall(s). The controller is incorporated into the housing and connected to the one or more displays and the one or more control buttons. The method can be implemented using a computer program embodied on a computer readable medium wherein the steps are performed by one or more code segments.
The present invention also provides a method for conducting a game by providing one or more gaming devices, providing a computer having a communications interface, sending one or more control signals to the gaming device controller(s) via the communications interface and the wireless interface(s), and performing one or more functions using the gaming device controller(s) based on the control signal(s). The gaming device includes a housing, one or more displays, a wireless interface and a controller. The housing has an upper surface, a lower surface, one or more sidewalls and a height. The one or more displays are disposed in the upper surface to indicate a timer, a small blind amount, a big blind amount and an ante amount. The wireless interface is incorporated into the housing. The controller is incorporated into the housing and connected to the one or more displays and the wireless interface. The method can be implemented using a computer program embodied on a computer readable medium wherein the steps are performed by one or more code segments.
The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and further advantages of the invention may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a top view of an electronic gaming device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic gaming device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a top view of an electronic gaming device in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an electronic gaming device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a top view of an electronic gaming device in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C are top views of an electronic gaming device in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a flow chart depicting a method of controlling an electronic gaming device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a diagram of an electronic gaming system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and
FIGS. 9A and 9B are flow charts depicting a method of controlling one or more electronic gaming devices remotely in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention and do not delimit the scope of the invention. The discussion herein relates primarily to poker dealer buttons, but it will be understood that the concepts of the present invention are applicable to any gaming device in which it is desirable to display gaming information at a gaming table.
The present invention provides a gaming device with the ability to monitor the time played, time left in the round, blind structure and ante structure. The gaming device can be a gaming chip or dealer button with built-in timers, multiple displays, start buttons, stop buttons, adjustable limit buttons, reset buttons, software, connections/connectors to outside computers, wireless capability, electrical components, audible notifications, and batteries. The gaming device can be sized to fit in standard sized storage gaming trays and poker sets in order to facilitate their storage. In addition, this present invention is designed to have the capability to synchronize with similar/same gaming devices, which would be specifically useful in multiple table gaming tournaments. Moreover, the present invention provides an unobtrusive, easy to use device that can be used to accurately track the crucial information needed in managing a game (e.g., the time played, time left in the round, blind structure, ante structure, etc.) and can be easily and inexpensively manufactured.
Referring now to FIG. 1, a top view of an electronic gaming device 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The gaming device 100 includes a housing 102, one or more displays 104, a controller 202 (FIG. 2) and one or more control buttons 106 a, 106 b, 106 c, 106 d and 106 e. Although the housing 102 can be any shape, the preferred shape is a circular cylindrical body similar to the traditional shape of a dealer button. The housing 102 has an upper surface 108, a lower surface, one or more side walls 110 (e.g., a circular cylindrical body will have a continuous sidewall and a diameter) and a height. The one or more displays 104 are disposed, encapsulated or positioned within a bore or opening in the upper surface 108 to indicate a timer 112, a small blind amount 114, a big blind amount 116 and an ante amount 118. As shown, the one or more displays 104 can be configured as single display that displays the timer 112, the small blind amount 114, the big blind amount 116 and the ante amount 118. The one or more control buttons 106 a, 106 b, is 106 c, 106 d and 106 e are disposed on the upper surface 108 or the continuous sidewall 110. The controller 202 (FIG. 2) is incorporated into the housing 102 and is connected to the one or more displays 104 and the one or more, control buttons 106 a, 106 b, 106 c, 106 d and 106 e. The controller 202 (FIG. 2), display(s) 104 and button(s) 106 are electrically connected to one or more batteries 204 (FIG. 2).
The gaming device 100 with the above features may have a diameter and thickness of a standard size gaming device, which may allow it to be stored in a standard size chip tray and/or poker set. In some cases the gaming device 100 may be larger, up to 3 times, than the traditional dealer button. The gaming device 100 can be made of plastic, metal or other suitable material. Incorporated into the body of the gaming device 100 may be timers, multiple displays, start buttons, stop buttons, adjustable limit buttons, reset buttons, software, wireless capability, connections/connectors to outside computers, electrical components, audible notifications, and batteries. The LED or LCD display(s) 104 will be able to count-down and/or count up. Each display 104 is oriented so that it faces upward and each may be flush with the top surface of the housing. If necessary, the display(s) 104 may be activated by pressing a button, artificial intelligence, wireless capability, and/or software. Note that the display(s) 104 and the control button(s) 106 can be integrated into one or more touch screen displays. The gaming device 100 may also include a speaker 206 (FIG. 2) or an alarm/notification unit that transmits through a hole(s) formed in the upper or side surface of the housing 102 that is in close proximity to the speaker 206 (FIG. 2) or alarm/notification unit such that audible sounds produced by the speaker can be heard. The audible sounds may include beeps, tones, audible notifications, audible warnings or audible instructions. The alarm/notification unit may also provide a physical signal (e.g., vibrate).
The gaming device 100 with the built-in timer display 112, blind display 114 and 116, and ante display 118 overcomes the problems/concerns mentioned above because it provides an unobtrusive device that can be used to accurately track the crucial information needed in managing a game, such as, the time played, time left in the round, blind structure, and ante structure. Moreover, the gaming device 100 with the built-in timer display 112, blind display 114 and 116, and ante display 118 of the present invention provides a device that will fit in standard sized gaming storage trays. Finally the gaming device 100 with the built-in timer display 112, blind display 114 and 116, and ante display 118 provides a device that can be manufactured, is easy to use, and is relatively inexpensive.
The one or more control buttons may perform one or more functions, such as an on/off function 106 a, a start function 106 b, a stop function, a reset function, a programming function, a time set function, a pause function 106 b, a blind increment function, an ante increment function, an audible notification selection function, a shift function 106 c, an increment function 106 e, a decrement function 106 d, a change language/currency function, or a combination thereof. For example, one or more control buttons may include an on/off button 106 a, a start/pause button 106 b, a shift button 106 c, an increment button 106 d and a decrement button 106 e incorporated into the housing 102. In operation, pressing the on/off button 106 a activates/deactivates the device 100, and pressing the start/pause button 106 b starts/stops the timer 112. Pressing the shift button 106 c puts the device 100 in a programming mode or activates one or more programmed functions. The shift button 106 c may allow the user to progressively select the timer 112, the small blind amount 114, the big blind amount 116 and the ante amount 118 and modify the values or settings using the decrement button 106 d and/or the increment button 106 e. The gaming device 100 can be preprogrammed with level information for all rounds during the game or tournament.
Alternatively, the one or more control buttons may include a start button, a stop button and a reset button incorporated into the housing 102. In operation, pressing the start button activates the timer 112, pressing the stop button deactivates the timer 112 and pressing the reset button resets the timer 112. In another example, the one or more control buttons may include a start/stop button and a reset button incorporated into the housing 102. In operation, pressing the start/stop button a first time activates a timer 112, pressing the start/stop button a second time deactivates the timer 112 and pressing the reset button resets the timer 112. Likewise the one or more buttons may include a start/stop/reset button incorporated into the housing 102. In operation, pressing the start/stop/reset button a first time activates a timer 112, pressing the start/stop/button a second time deactivates the timer 112, and pressing the start/stop/button a third time resets the timer 112.
Now referring to FIG. 2, a block diagram of an electronic gaming device 200 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The gaming device 200 includes a controller 202, a battery or other power source 204 and one or more displays 104. The gaming device 200 may also include one or more optional components (indicated by dashed lines), such as a speaker 206, one or more control buttons 106, a wireless interface 208, an input/output interface 210, a recharger interface 212, a power supply controller 214, an RF antenna 216, one or more solar cells 218 or an inertia converter 220. All of these components are integrated or disposed within or on the housing 102. Although the housing 102 can be any shape, the preferred shape is a circular cylindrical body similar to the traditional shape of a dealer button. The controller 202 is connected to the one or more displays 104, the one or more control buttons 106, the wireless interface 208, the input/output interface 210 and the power supply controller 214. The power supply controller 214 is connected to the recharger interface 212, the RF antenna 216, the solar cell(s), the inertia converter 220 and the battery 204. The battery 204 may also be electrically connected to the controller 202, the one or more displays 104, the one or more control buttons 106, the speaker 206, the wireless interface 208, and/or the input/output interface 210.
The speaker 206 generates one or more audible sounds comprising beeps, tones, audible notifications, audible warnings, audible instructions or combinations thereof. The wireless interface 208 may include an RF transceiver, an optical transceiver, an infrared transceiver, a wireless network transceiver or other suitable communications transceiver. The wireless interface 208 receives one or more control signals from an external device, such as a computer, and transmits one or more status signals to the external device. The wireless interface 208 and the input/output interface 210 can be used to program, upgrade, update or fix the gaming device 100. The control signal(s) may include a start signal, a restart signal, a stop signal, a disable local control signal, an enable local control signal, a level change signal, an update signal, a synchronization signal, an end game signal, an alert signal or a combination thereof. The status signal(s) may include an identification signal, a status signal, an acknowledgement signal, a response signal to the control signal(s), an error signal, an all-in signal, a help request signal or a combination thereof. The input/output interface 210 may include one or more electrical contacts, a universal serial bus (USB) port, a firewire port, a smart card interface or other suitable interface to communicably connect the controller 202 to an external device. The power supply controller 214 regulates the recharging of the battery 204 by the recharger interface 212, the solar cell(s) 218 (light energy conversion), the RF antenna 216 (RF energy conversion), the inertia converter 220 (motion energy conversion) or a combination thereof.
Referring now to FIG. 3, a top view of an electronic gaming device 300 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The gaming device 300 includes a circular cylindrical body 302, four displays 304, 306, 308 and 310, a controller (not shown), three control buttons 312 and a speaker 314. The circular cylindrical body 300 has an upper surface, a lower surface, a continuous sidewall, a diameter and a height. The four displays 304, 306, 308 and 310 are disposed, encapsulated or positioned within bores or openings in the upper surface. Display 304 indicates a timer. Display 306 indicates a small blind amount. Display 308 indicates a big blind amount. Display 310 indicates an ante amount. The controller (not shown) is incorporated into the circular cylindrical body 302 and connected to the four displays 304, 306, 308 and 310, the control buttons 312 and the speaker 314. As shown, the control buttons 312 are disposed the continuous sidewall. Note that any suitable number (including zero for a remote controlled gaming device) of control buttons 312 can be used.
Now referring to FIG. 4, a perspective view of an electronic gaming device 400 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. As shown, the control buttons 312 are disposed on the continuous sidewall 402. Note that any suitable number (including zero for a remote controlled gaming device) of control buttons 312 can be used. The one or more displays are not shown in FIG. 4.
Referring now to FIG. 5, a top view of an electronic gaming device 500 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The gaming device 500 includes a circular cylindrical body 502, a display 504, a controller (not shown) and three control buttons 312. The circular cylindrical body 502 has an upper surface, a lower surface, a continuous sidewall, a diameter and a height. The display is disposed, encapsulated or positioned within a bore or opening in the upper surface to indicate a timer 506, a small blind amount 508, a big blind amount 510 and an ante amount 512. The controller (not shown) is incorporated into the circular cylindrical body 502 and connected to the display 504, control buttons 312 and speaker 314. As shown, the control buttons 312 are disposed on the continuous sidewall. Note that any suitable number (including zero for a remote controlled gaming device) of control buttons 312 can be used.
Now referring to FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C, top views of an electronic gaming device 600 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention are shown. The gaming device 600 includes a circular cylindrical body 602, a display 604, a controller (not shown), three control buttons 606 and a speaker 314. The circular cylindrical body 602 has an upper surface, a lower surface, a continuous sidewall, a diameter and a height. The display is disposed, encapsulated or positioned within a bore or opening in the upper surface to indicate a timer 608, a small blind amount 610, a big blind amount 612 or an ante amount 614. In this embodiment, the timer display 608, small blind 610, big blind 612 and ante display 614 are displayed sequentially for a specified period of time. Note that a variable time can be used as the timer gets close to zero. In addition, messages can be displayed to wam of the next blind levels or provide other information to the gamers. The controller (not shown) is incorporated into the housing and connected to the display 604. As shown, the control buttons 606 are disposed on the upper surface. Note that any suitable number (including zero for a remote controlled gaming device) of control buttons 606 can be used.
Referring now to FIG. 7, a flow chart depicting a method 700 of controlling an electronic gaming device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Basically, the method 700 involves providing a gaming device, setting one or more parameters for the game using control button(s) on the gaming device, and displaying a timer, a small blind amount, a big blind amount and an ante amount on the gaming device based on the one or more parameters. The gaming device can be any of the embodiments previously described in reference to FIGS. 1-6. For example, the gaming device is turned on in block 702 and one or more game parameters are set or created in block 704. If a start/restart button is pressed or a similar control signal is received, as determined in decision block 706, the timer is started or restarted in block 708 and the process loops back to await the next instruction or event. If a stop/pause button is pressed or a similar control signal is received, as determined in decision block 710, the timer is stopped or paused in block 712 and the process loops back to await the next instruction or event. If an error is detected, as determined in decision block 710, an error alert or notification (e.g., visual message displayed, audible message or sound(s), error message sent, etc.) is provided in block 716 and the process loops back to await the next instruction or event. If the value of the timer is below a specified value (X), as determined in decision block 718, an alert or notification (e.g., visual message displayed, audible message or sound(s), etc.) is provided in block 720. If the value of the timer is greater than zero, as determined in decision block 722, the process loops back to await the next instruction or event. If, however, the value of the timer is equal to zero, as determined in decision block 722, the blinds and/or ante are incremented in accordance with the one or more game parameters in block 724, the timer is reset in accordance with the one or more game parameters in block 726, the timer is started in block 728 and the process loops back to await the next instruction or event. If an off button is pressed or a similar control signal is received, as determined in decision block 730, the device is turned off in block 732; otherwise, the process loops back to await the next instruction or event. Note that the display is updated periodically or constantly to reflect changes in the timer, the small blind amount, the big blind amount and the ante amount based on the one or more parameters. The method can be implemented using a computer program embodied on a computer readable medium wherein the steps are performed by one or more code segments.
Now referring to FIG. 8, a diagram of an electronic gaming system 800 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The gaming system 800 includes one or more gaming devices 802 a-802 h on various gaming tables (Table 1-Table 8) and a computer 804. The gaming devices 802 a-802 h can be any of the embodiments previously described in reference to FIGS. 1-6 as long as the gaming device 802 a-802 h includes a wireless interface or antenna. The computer 804 includes a communications interface to send one or more control signals to the gaming device controller(s) via the wireless interface(s). The control signals may include a start signal, a restart signal, a stop signal, a disable local control signal, an enable local control signal, a level change signal, an update signal, a synchronization signal, an end game signal, an alert signal or a combination thereof. The gaming device 802 a-802 h can be individually addressable so that one or more status signals can be sent to the computer 804 via the wireless interface. The status signal(s) may include an identification signal, a status signal, an acknowledgement signal, a response signal to the control signal(s), an error signal, an all-in signal, a help request signal or a combination thereof.
Referring now to FIGS. 9A and 9B, flow charts depicting a method 900 of controlling one or more electronic gaming devices remotely in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention are shown. Basically, the method 900 provides one or more gaming devices, provides a computer having a communications interface, sends one or more control signals to the gaming device controller(s) via the communications interface and the wireless interface(s), and performs one or more functions using the gaming device controller(s) based on the control signal(s). The gaming device can be any of the embodiments previously described in reference to FIGS. 1-6. Note that the display on the gaming devices are updated periodically or constantly to reflect changes in the timer, the small blind amount, the big blind amount and the ante amount based on the one or more parameters. For example, one or more game parameters are set or created in block 902 and level information or other initialization data is sent to the gaming devices in block 904. A status request signal is sent to the gaming devices in block 906 and one or more status response messages are received in block 908. If an error message is received or the gaming devices do not all report ready, as determined in decision block 910, one or more error messages are provided to the operator in block 912 and the process loops back to block 906 where another status request is sent after the operator thinks the error or problem has been corrected. If, however, all the gaming devices report ready, as determined in decision block 910, a ready notification is provided to the operator and or gaming devices in block 914 and a disable local control signal is sent to the gaming devices in block 916. The disable local control signal prevents dealers, participants or other people from tampering with the gaming device during the game. Alternatively, the gaming devices may not have any buttons or controls on them to prevent tampering. If the operator or computer issues a start/restart command, as determined in decision block 918, a start/restart signal is sent to the gaming devices to start or restart the timer in block 920 and the process loops back to await the next instruction or event. If the operator or computer issues a stop/pause command, as determined in decision block 922, a stop/pause signal is sent to the gaming devices to stop or pause the timer in block 924 and the process loops back to await the next instruction or event. If the operator or computer issues a level change command, as determined in decision block 926, a level change signal is sent to the gaming devices to go to the next level in block 928 and the process loops back to await the next instruction or event. The level change information can be preprogrammed in the gaming devices or included in the signal itself.
If an error signal is received from any of the gaming devices, as determined in decision block 930, an error alert or notification (e.g., visual message displayed, audible message or sound(s), etc.) is provided to the operator in block 932 and the process loops back to await the next instruction or event. If an all-in signal is received from any of the gaming devices, as determined in decision block 934, an all-in alert or notification (e.g., visual message displayed, audible message or sound(s), etc.) is provided to the operator in block 936 and the process loops back to await the next instruction or event. If a help signal is received from any of the gaming devices, as determined in decision block 938, a help alert or notification (e.g., visual message displayed, audible message or sound(s), etc.) is provided to the operator in block 940 and the process loops back to await the next instruction or event. If it is time to send a periodic synchronization signal to the gaming devices, as determined in decision block 942, the synchronization signal is sent to the gaming devices in block 944 and the process loops back to await the next instruction or event. If the operator or computer determines that it is time to end the game, as determined in decision block 946, a stop signal is sent to the gaming devices in block 748 and an enable local control signal is sent to the gaming devices in block 950; otherwise, the process loops back to await the next instruction or event. The method can be implemented using a computer program embodied on a computer readable medium wherein the steps are performed by one or more code segments. The computer program can be a portion of a larger software package, or can be a module or plug-in that can be added to an existing program (e.g., tournament management software).
It will be understood by those of skill in the art that information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques (e.g., data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof). Likewise, the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both, depending on the application and functionality. Moreover, the various logical blocks, modules, and circuits described herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor (e.g., microprocessor, conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, state machine or combination of computing devices), a digital signal processor (“DSP”), an application specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), a field programmable gate array (“FPGA”) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. Similarly, steps of a method or process described herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A gaming device comprising:

a housing having an upper surface, a lower surface, one or more sidewalls and a height;

one or more displays disposed in the upper surface to indicate a timer, a small blind amount, a big blind amount and an ante amount;

a controller incorporated into the housing and connected to the one or more displays; and

one or more control buttons disposed on the upper surface or the sidewall(s) and connected to the controller.

2. The gaming device as recited in claim 1, wherein:

the one or more control buttons perform one or more functions comprising an on/off function, a start function, a stop function, a reset function, a programming function, a time set function, a pause function, a blind increment function, an ante increment function, an audible notification selection function, a shift function, an increment function, a decrement function, a change language/currency function or a combination thereof;

the housing comprises a circular cylindrical body having a diameter and the sidewall(s) comprise a continuous sidewall; or

the housing is plastic, metal or a combination thereof

3. The gaming device as recited in claim 1, wherein the one or more control buttons comprise an on/off button, a start/pause button, a shift button, an increment button and a decrement button.

4. The gaming device as recited in claim 1, wherein the one or more displays and the one or more control buttons are integrated into one or more touch screen displays.

5. The gaming device as recited in claim 1, further comprising a battery incorporated into the housing and connected to the controller and/or the one or more displays, wherein the battery is replaceable or rechargeable.

6. The gaming device as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

an input/output interface disposed on the lower surface or the sidewall(s) and connected to the controller;

a wireless interface disposed within the housing and connected to the controller;

a power supply controller disposed within the housing or on the upper surface or on the sidewall(s) and connected to the controller; or

a speaker incorporated into the housing and connected to the controller.

7. The gaming device as recited in claim 6, wherein:

the input/output interface comprises one or more electrical contacts, a universal serial bus (USB) port, a firewire port, a smart card interface; or

the wireless interface comprises an RF transceiver, an optical transceiver, an infrared transceiver, a wireless network transceiver;

the power supply controller regulates the recharging of a battery disposed within the housing using a recharger interface, one or more solar cell(s), a RF antenna, an inertia converter or a combination thereof; or

the speaker generates one or more audible sounds comprising beeps, tones, audible notifications, audible warnings, audible instructions or combinations thereof.

8. The gaming device as recited in claim 6, wherein the wireless interface receives one or more control signals from a computer.

9. The gaming device as recited in claim 8, wherein the control signals, synchronize the timer, set the timer, set the small blind amount, set the big blind amount, set the ante amount, start the timer, stop the timer or program the controller.

10. A gaming device comprising:

a circular cylindrical body having a diameter, an upper surface, a lower surface, a continuous sidewall and a height;

a display disposed in the upper surface to indicate a timer, a small blind amount, a big blind amount and an ante amount;

an on/off button, a start/pause button, a shift button, an increment button and a decrement button disposed on the upper surface or the continuous sidewall;

a speaker incorporated into the circular cylindrical body;

a controller incorporated into the circular cylindrical body and connected to the display, the buttons and the speaker; and

a battery incorporated into the circular cylindrical body and connected to the controller and/or the display, the buttons or speaker.

11. A gaming system comprising:

one or more gaming devices, each gaming device comprising a housing having an upper surface, a lower surface, one or more sidewalls and a height, one or more displays disposed in the upper surface to indicate a timer, a small blind amount, a big blind amount and an ante amount, a wireless interface incorporated into the housing, and a controller incorporated into the housing and connected to the one or more displays and the wireless interface; and

a computer having a communications interface to send one or more control signals to the gaming device controller(s) via the wireless interface(s).

12. The gaming system as recited in claim 11, wherein each gaming device further comprises one or more control buttons disposed on the upper surface or the sidewall(s) and connected to the controller.

13. The gaming system as recited in claim 11, wherein each gaming device is individually addressable and sends one or more status signals to the computer via the wireless interface.

14. The gaming system as recited in claim 13, wherein:

the control signal(s) comprise a start signal, a restart signal, a stop signal, a disable local control signal, an enable local control signal, a level change signal, an update signal, a synchronization signal, an end game signal, an alert signal or a combination thereof; or

the status signal(s) comprise an identification signal, a status signal, an acknowledgement signal, a response signal to the control signal(s), an error signal, an all-in signal, a help request signal or a combination thereof.

15. A method for conducting a game comprising the steps of:

providing a gaming device comprising a housing having an upper surface, a lower surface, one or more sidewalls and a height, one or more displays disposed in the upper surface to indicate a timer, a small blind amount, a big blind amount and an ante amount, one or more control buttons disposed on the upper surface or the sidewall(s), and a controller incorporated into the housing and connected to the one or more displays and the one or more control buttons;

setting one or more parameters for the game using the control button(s); and

displaying the timer, the small blind amount, the big blind amount and the ante amount based on the one or more parameters.

16. A computer program embodied on a computer readable medium for conducting a game comprising:

a code segment for setting one or more parameters for the game in a gaming device using one or more control button(s), wherein the gaming device comprises a housing having an upper surface, a lower surface, one or more sidewalls and a height, one or more displays disposed in the upper surface to indicate a timer, a small blind amount, a big blind amount and an ante amount, the one or more control buttons disposed on the upper surface or the sidewall(s), and a controller incorporated into the housing and connected to the one or more displays and the one or more control buttons; and

a code segment for displaying the timer, the small blind amount, the big blind amount and the ante amount based on the one or more parameters.

17. A method for conducting a game comprising the steps of:

providing one or more gaming devices, each gaming device comprising a housing having an upper surface, a lower surface, one or more sidewalls and a height, one or more displays disposed in the upper surface to indicate a timer, a small blind amount, a big blind amount and an ante amount, a wireless interface incorporated into the housing, and a controller incorporated into the housing and connected to the one or more displays and the wireless interface;

providing a computer having a communications interface;

sending one or more control signals to the gaming device controller(s) via the communications interface and the wireless interface(s); and

performing one or more functions using the gaming device controller(s) based on the control signal(s).

18. The method as recited in claim 17, wherein the one or more functions comprise displaying the timer, the small blind amount, the big blind amount and the ante amount based on the one or more parameters.

19. The method as recited in claim 17, further comprising the step of selecting one or more parameters for the game.

20. The method as recited in claim 17, wherein the step of sending one or more control signals to the gaming device controller(s) via the communications interface and the wireless interface(s) comprises the steps of:

sending an initial level information signal;

sending a disable local control signal;

sending a start/restart signal;

sending a level change signal; and

sending a synchronization signal.

21. The method as recited in claim 17, further comprising the step of receiving one or more status signals from the gaming device controller(s) via the communications interface and the wireless interface(s).

22. The method as recited in claim 21, wherein:

23. A computer program embodied on a computer readable medium for conducting a game comprising:

a code segment for selecting one or more parameters for the game; and

a code segment for sending one or more control signals to one or more gaming devices, each gaming device comprising a housing having an upper surface, a lower surface, one or more sidewalls and a height, one or more displays disposed in the upper surface to indicate a timer, a small blind amount, a big blind amount and an ante amount, a wireless interface incorporated into the housing, and a controller incorporated into the housing and connected to the one or more displays and the wireless interface.

24. The computer program as recited in claim 23, further comprising the step of receiving one or more status signals from the gaming device controller(s) via the communications interface and the wireless interface(s).

25. The computer program as recited in claim 24, wherein: